A County of Collaborations Incredible things can happen when a community values collaboration. Working together in a meaningful way creates space for engagement, innovation, and resources that would otherwise be beyond the scope of an individual. Given Sarpy County’s pace of growth, it should be no surprise that this brand of thinking permeates organizations dedicated to the county’s economic development. Continued inside on page 2
FROM THE PRESIDENT A strong theme always seems
at strength that comes in numbers
to emerge when we put this
and the ways we can work together
publication together. We start out
to achieve goals that seem to be out
with content that just reflects what
of reach when working alone. I hope
we’ve been up to at the chamber,
this issue helps you set the tone for a
but without fail, a common thread
new year and new decade!
ties it together. This issue turned into the power of partnerships. We look
Karen Gibler
WHAT’S INSIDE
HOW SARPY WORKS............................1
WINNING TOGETHER
LEVEL UP
An impressive roster of nominees
The Sarpy Chamber introduces
leads to an unprecedented
new partner levels and
night of joint wins
opportunities
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UPCOMING EVENTS............................4 CELEBRATING THE SEASON.................8 THE 20 MINUTE MEETING YOU NEED...9
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Sarpy County’s economy employs 91.9k people. Take a look at the jobs and industries employing Sarpy County.
most common jobs
most specialized jobs Compared to other counties, Sarpy County has an unusually high number of residents working in Computer & Mathematical Occupations (1.66 times higher than expected), Business & Financial Operations Occupations (1.32 times), and Education, Training, & Library Occupations (1.16 times).
self employment most common industries The most common industries in Sarpy County, by number of employees, are Health Care & Social Assistance (12,984 people), Retail Trade (10,354 people), and Educational Services (9,294 people).
most specialized industries Per the most recent economic data from the Census Bureau, Sarpy County is 9.9% Self Employed *Statistical information has been pulled from recent Census Bureau data compiled by the Small Business Association, DataUSA, and TownCharts.
Compared to other counties, Sarpy County, has an unusually high number of Management of Companies & Enterprises (1.83 times higher than expected), Finance & Insurance (1.7 times), and Public Administration (1.37 times) industries.
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Collaborations Continued
and see what we have to offer.” Ahlers looks forward to working the Sarpy Chamber as a partner in expanding their networking power even further with joint events in the future. Osborn also sees this potential with building relationships through the chamber. “People like working with and referring businesses they know and trust. The better relationships we can create, the stronger our community is as a whole.”
(Promotional materials created by the Springfield Business Association)
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Ahlers mentioned potential cross-promotion while explaining the benefits of a connected county. “I’ve spoken with Laura in Springfield about doing some joint events where we tie the different Sarpy County destinations together,” she said, “Connecting Sarpy County cities in one big community is a plus for everyone. When we connect as a county it makes a stronger pull for people to come here
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The Springfield Business Association and the Papillion Downtown Business Association have a lot in common. Both were organized to promote and preserve commerce in their respective areas, develop business-to-business networking among their members, and foster a sense of community. Both organizations also have leaders who value outside partnerships. For Laura Osborn, president of the Springfield Business Association, and Kim Ahlers, president of the Downtown Papillion Business Association, partnering with other organizations builds vital awareness. “We have so many businesses here people don’t know about, and I think it even surprises our local community what is offered,” said Osborn, “The more we can help promote each other and foster growth, we can all prosper.”
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Collaboration is imperative for Andrew Rainbolt, Executive Director at Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation. “With five growing cities sharing the smallest county in the state we all have to work together to grow and improve Sarpy County,” he explained, citing the new sewer agency as the perfect example of the kind of collaboration the county needs. Looking ahead, he would like to see the SCEDC and the Sarpy Chamber work together on opportunities for redevelopment projects and creating places and spaces that help attract a diverse and talented workforce. Sarpy Chamber president, Karen Gibler, shares this vision for working together with common goals. “Effective economic development doesn’t happen in a silo,” said Gibler. She expressed her desire to see the Sarpy Chamber continue its mission to create space for meeting points between the businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and people across the cities of Sarpy County. “We want to facilitate the sharing of information, goals, tools, and priorities.” Through collaboration, organizations can complement each other, specialize in different areas, and build networks to achieve goals beyond a single organization. The Sarpy Chamber, SCEDC, SBA, and PDBA are eager to benefit their communities with these huge benefits.
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Ribbon Cuttings SIMPLY BLISS MED SPA AND WELLNESS
The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is always thrilled to celebrate a business’ opening, new location, remodel, anniversary, 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. 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. Pro Care October 2nd Omaha Beautiful Soul Spa October 3rd Omaha Jimbo’s Diner/La Vista Keno October 15th La Vista Simply Bliss Med Spa & Wellness October 17th Omaha PostNet October 23rd Papillion
Springfield Artworks November 6th Springfield Complete Family Treatment Services November 8th Omaha Papillion Orthodontics November 12th Papillion Skyndeep Total Skincare/MD My DOC November 15th Papillion Bella & Co November 19th La Vista The Meriwether November 20th La Vista C41 Photography December 3rd Omaha Revelation Health & Wellness December 4th Papillion Red Berry Innovations, Inc. December 12th Springfield
Vermeer High Plains October 25th Omaha
Farmers Insurance - Adam Stoskopf Insurance Agency, INC December 18th Papillion
Mercury Contractors, Inc. October 30th Omaha
APD Locksmith, LLC December 19th Bellevue
Chamber Group Events Ambassador Quarterly Date: Wednesday, January 8th Time: 9:00-10:00am Location: SCCC Office Leadership Sarpy Alumni Event Date: Thursday, January 9th Time: 4:00-6:00pm Location: DLR Group Legislative Coffee Dates: January 17th, Time: 7:30-9:00am Location: Hillcrest Grand Lodge Modern Professional Business Tour Date: Thursday, February 6th Time: 4:00-6:00pm Location: PayPal
Legislative Coffee Date: Friday, February 7th Time: 7:30-9:00am Location: Tiburon Golf Club Ambassador Blaster Date: Wednesday, February 12th Time: 3:00-5:00pm Location: Real Deals on Home Decor Legislative Coffee Date: Monday, March 16th Time: 7:30-9:00am Location: CHI Health Midlands Ambassador Blaster Date: Wednesday, March 11th Time: 3:00-5:00pm Location: Springfield Drug & Soda Fountain Legislative Coffee Date: Friday, April 17th Time: 7:30-9:00am Location: La Vista Library
Special Events Executive Dialogue Open House Date: Wednesday, January 22nd Time: 8:30-9:30am Location: SCCC Office Luncheon Series: 21 Most Common Marketing Mistakes Date: Wednesday, January 29th Time: 11:30-1:00pm Location: SCCC Office Bowling for Bucks Fundraiser Date: Friday, January 31st Time: 7:00-9:30pm Location: Papio Bowl T.I.P.S. Open House Date: Wednesday, February 12th Time: 8:30-9:30am Location: Hillcrest Grand Lodge Grand Giveaway Date: Thursday April 2nd Location: A View on State
Meet the Staff: Brian White
Brian White is the Groups & Engagement Manager at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys helping members get the most out of their membership and likes working with a business community made up of diverse industries and sizes. He’s a 24-year veteran of the United States Air Force and is the owner of ISE Healthcare Advisors. Through the Sarpy Chamber he has also worked with Blueprint Nebraska, an initiative looking to develop a strategic plan for economic prosperity in Nebraska. He spends his time outside of work with friends and family, following sports and getting creative with cocktails.
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Annual Awards: Winning Together Sarpy County’s business and nonprofit leaders gathered on October 8th at Embassy Suites La Vista to attend Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Celebration. The Sarpy Chamber recognized outstanding members of the Sarpy County business community and celebrated another year of significant growth. An outstanding roster of nominees lead to an unprecedented evening of tied winners. Awards were given in six categories and to a special honoree for Chamber Excellence. Midwest Medical Billing was named New or Emerging Business of the Year. Founder Jeanne Horseman took a home business and built it to 3 offices with 12 account mangers serving over 80 medical providers nationwide. They cover medical practices such as mental health, physical therapy, audiology, occupational speech therapy, pain management, physical medicine and much more. Moving Veterans Forward and Midlands Community Foundation tied for Nonprofit of the Year. Moving Veterans Forward is an outstanding organization that moves not only homeless veterans but their families as well. They give them an apartment courtesy of Victory apartments, kitchen appliances, electronics, sofas, beds, desks, games, food for a month and so much more. The Midlands Community Foundation has given over $8.5 million in grants to many local organizations since 1994. They also give out scholarships to students to help with the many expenses that come with higher education. Foundations such as this enable thriving communities all throughout Sarpy and Cass County. Adams & Sullivan P.C., LLO took the title of Business of the Year 1-24 Employees. They pride themselves on delivering effective and cost-efficient options for buying real estate or even starting a business. Since 1951 they have been helping many people all over Douglas and Sarpy county with their legal expertise.
They practice in areas such as family law, insurance defense, criminal defense, and workers’ compensation. PayPal was recognized as Business of the Year 25-plus Employees. In 2018, their employees completed over 20,000 volunteer hours supporting 475 causes. Their team awarded nine Omaha non-profits $65,000 in grant funds, with 20% of funds supporting financial inclusion programs. Their contributions also support young people in the community through grants to Youth Emergency Services and local schools. The award for Elected Official of the Year was shared between the mayors of Sarpy County: Papillion Mayor David Black, Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike, La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig, Springfield Mayor Robert Roseland, and Gretna Mayor Jim Timmerman. The shared win reflected their collaborative spirit for the county’s growth in organizations like the United Cities of Sarpy County and the Sarpy Wastewater Agency. The votes for Business Leader of the Year also resulted in a tie, honoring Ron Hernandez of Moving Veterans Forward and Travis Castle
1st row: Ron Hernandez (Moving Veterans Forward), Ashley O’Neal (SignIt), Angie Velardi (Fairfield Inn & Suites Papillion), Jeanne Horseman (Midwest Medical Billing) 2nd row: Karen Gibler (Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce), Travis Castle (American Family Insurance Castle & Associates), Tonee Gay (Midlands Community Foundation), Steve Wallace (PayPal), Pat Sullivan (Adams & Sullivan, P.C., LLO)
Annual Awards 2019
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with American Family Insurance Castle & Associates.
Additionally, nine Chamber Excellence honorees were recognized for their support of the chamber: Lacey & Associates, Laura VanderWal, Geraud Gandemey, PenFed Credit Union, Angie Velardi, Ashley O’Neal, Soaring Wings Vineyard, Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, and Midlands Community Foundation. Midlands Community Foundation was further honored with the Chamber Excellence Award. Karen Gibler, Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce President, closed out the night by detailing chamber accomplishments like the robust growth of TIPS groups and a record number of business partners. She also spoke about the chamber’s unique position to look towards the future. “We had set a 3-year goal and accomplished all that was on our list early,” said Gibler, “I look forward to finalizing the next 5-year goals and spending more time in each of the communities of Sarpy County.”
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Leveling Up Partners for 2020 Regardless of size or location, Chambers of Commerce are tasked with making a positive impact on their communities. Sarpy County’s status as the fastest growing county in Nebraska makes this challenge exciting for the Sarpy Chamber. The support of our Partners makes this challenge possible for the Sarpy Chamber. Partners are an integral part of the growth and sustainability of the Sarpy Chamber and our community. Their commitment strengthens our work with local city, county, and state organizations for successful growth while maintaining a ‘Work Here, Live Here’ community.
changes being rolled out in the 2020 Partner Program. Partners will enjoy new marketing spots, an enhanced event presence and expanded discount rates. Exciting new signage opportunities will bring big changes to the Sarpy Chamber’s offices, inside and out!
The enormity of their support makes it especially thrilling to announce a complete revamp of the Partner Program for 2020. The program has expanded from four to five different levels allowing more participation across the variety of business sizes in our membership.
Gibler went on to thank the 2019 Partners. “I’m so proud of the work we did with our 2019 Partners. We added new educational opportunities, we’ve been able to expand resources to our membership with more fulltime staff, and we wouldn’t be in the position of creating a new 2020 Partner Program without our 2019 Partners.”
Entirely new names for each level have also been created to better reflect the important role of each partner: Cornerstone Partners, Premier Partners, Champion Partners, Elite Partners, and Visionary Partners. The addition of new benefits rounds out all the
“I’ve been so pleased with the response to the new program, said Sarpy Chamber president, Karen Gibler. “We’ve already exceeded last year’s partner levels so I’m happy to see these changes are resonating with our members. We want this program to truly reflect how much we value their support.”
She looks forward to announcing the list of 2020 Sarpy Chamber Partners soon.
Sweater Weather in Sarpy County Seasonal style was on display at the Sarpy Chamber’s Holiday Open House on December 11th. The halls were decked to welcome over 160 people. Many guests broke out their most festive sweaters, making the event extra merry and very bright! Guests enjoyed delicious food and drinks thanks to the donations from several generous chamber members: The Amazing Pizza Machine, Cold Stone Creamery, Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q, Hy-Vee - Papillion, Patricia’s Catering & Cocktails Soaring Wings Vineyard The Holiday Open House is the last major event in 2019 for the Sarpy Chamber. It was the perfect opportunity to end not only the year, but the decade, by celebrating and making fun memories with the chamber’s members, board, and volunteers.
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Insight into Making your Membership Work for You! Maximize Your Membership In Person Book the Most Impactful 20 Minute Appointment of Your Work Week! When we KNOW your business we can GROW your business! Make us your best advocate by scheduling a meeting with Membership Specialists, Brian White or Quinn Cooper, today. One-on-One Meetings help us: -Know and support your business goals -Anticipate your needs -Take action on your feedback and insight One-on-One Meetings help you:
Maximize Your Membership Online New Banner Spaces and Pricing in 2020 We are excited to announce new pricing and a new advertising space on our website’s homepage! There will now be two Banner Ad spots. Large Banner Space - $300 for 30 days Small Banner Space - $75 for 30 days The graphic below indicates the available Banner Ad spaces. Contact marketing@sarpychamber.org to learn more about Banner Ad space availability.
-Understand your full member benefits -Connect to the best partners and resources -Get seen and heard Email Brian at grow@sarpychamber.org or Quinn at membership@sarpychamber.org
Large Banner Ad
Small Banner Ad
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SARPY CHAMBER STAFF Karen Gibler President Annisa Visty Vice President Celeste Pille Marketing Manager Brian White Groups & Engagement Manager Quinn Cooper Membership Manager Gery Whalen Administrative Assistant Anastasia Flynn Event Support Jim Masters Leadership Sarpy Facilitator
OUR MEMBERS PUT THE HEART IN SARPY! The Sarpy Chamber serves as a KEY business partner to us and plays a role in our company’s success annually. The Chamber’s team is extremely organized, efficient, and forward thinking, allowing Sarpy County businesses and business owners to utilize them as a key component to their marketing and professional growth initiatives. It is easy to re-invest in the Chamber each year because the value that they add to our business simply out-weighs the cost. -Travis Castle, American Family Insurance-Castle & Associates
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402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 7775 OLSON DRIVE