State of the County Goes Virtual The State of the County is an annual event held by the Sarpy Chamber, but in many ways it was entirely new. For the fi rst time, this event was held virtually over Zoom; a fi rst for any major Sarpy Chamber event. Guests heard from Congressman Don Bacon, State Senator John Arch, and representatives from Sarpy County, Sarpy/Cass Health Department, and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce. While much of the focus was on the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, a sense of clear-eyed optimism emerged as a common thread.
Continued inside on page 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT This last quarter has been unlike
landscape, and get a glimpse of how
any other. We’ve been working
Sarpy County will move on. The next
hard to find new ways to provide
phase of dealing with the pandemic
the business resources and support
will be different for everyone, but I
you’ve come to expect from the
want you know we’ll be there by your
chamber. You’ll learn about some of
side each new step of the way.
those efforts in this issue, read how others have adapted to this new
Karen Gibler
WHAT’S INSIDE
STAYING SOCIAL..................................1
SARPY SOUND-BITES
NEW GENERATION OF LEADERS
Community members share
Leadership Sarpy graduates unveil
their unique perspectives on
the community initiatives they’ve
the impact of COVID-19.
developed to better Sarpy County.
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SOTC HIGHLIGHTS................................5 MAXIMIZE MEMBERSHIP.......................6
402.339.3050 WWW.SARPYCHAMBER.ORG 1243 GOLDEN GATE DRIVE
Sarpy Sound-bites from Sarpy County
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Throughout the 2nd quarter, Sarpy Chamber President, Karen Gibler, interviewed a variety of representatives from different industries and organizations over Zoom. People shared their unique perspectives on how the pandemic has impacted their work and the community. Below are a few sound-bites from these conversations. Visit www. sarpychamber.org/video-library for the full discussions and even more interviews. “For many years our district’s Career Academies Program has given students the opportunity to spend a half or whole day out in the community in places like CHI Midlands Hospital or Henry Doorly Zoo, getting a glimpse of what those careers might be. Our Health Systems Academy has been great, and I know the future interest of the district is to build upon that specifically with biomedicine. Now there’s something that rings pretty important in the environment we’re living in.” -John Erickson, Executive Director of the PapillionLa Vista Schools Foundation discussing their projects that are still moving ahead. "Our activity and recreation departments have had to get really creative and in continuing to engage seniors because we don't want people to be depressed or to feel isolated. We've had 'Hallway Bingo', we're using our in-house channel to show live performances from another area of the community. But really, it's all about the safety." -Jim Janicki, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Hillcrest Health Services, on keeping senior residents engaged while safe during the pandemic.
(Karen Gibler interviews Mariah Gesink with CHI Health)
"We set up a helpline and basically they can call this number, they pay for their goods whether it's groceries or prescriptions, and then a deputy will go pick up those things for them and deliver them in a cruiser and uniform so people don't have to worry about being scammed." -Lieutenant Jacob Betsworth with the Sarpy County Sheriff's Department describing a special helpline established to help people who are especially susceptible to COVID-19. "Our ICUs aren't just empty when COVID-19 isn't happening. We have a lot of different, very sick patients in our ICU because of car accidents, stroke, or heart attacks. Our ICU nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists are saving lives all the time, not just during COVID-19. So, the plan is to prevent overwhelming our system. That's the whole point of social distancing, cancellations, and why it's so important to follow guidelines." -Mariah Gesink, Infection Prevention Specialist with CHI Health on the importance of flattening the curve.
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The New Generation of Leaders At a time where we need leaders now more than ever, the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to congratulate the Leadership Sarpy Class of 2020 on their graduation. Meet the next generation of community leaders and read about the community initiatives they developed as their Legacy Projects. Sarpy County Fair Project Team Members: Jacob Zach (LEO A DALY), Angie Velardi (Fairfield Inn & Suites Papillion), Josh Charvat (Sarpy County Economic Development Corp.), Bruce Yoder (BVH Architecture), Kelly Baulisch (Heartland Family Service), Mike Zadina (CHI Health Midlands) This group partnered with the Sarpy County Fair to develop a special installation for the fairgrounds that works as a gateway and welcome to the grounds and an interactive experience. The current design includes a map of Sarpy County which guests can place magnetic pins on to indicate from where they’re visiting. There is also space for digital presentation’s on Sarpy County’s history and signage for sponsors. La Vista Sports Complex Project Team Members: Dean Wilson (PostNet of Papillion), Amy Waggoner (Great Western Bank), Andy Sajevic (Five Points Bank), Samantha Brunken (Paypal, Inc.), Ryan Strawhecker (Paul J Strawhecker, Inc.)
(Rendering of entryway installation concept for the Sarpy County Fair project)
They worked with the City of La Vista on improvements to the La Vista Sports Complex. They worked to finalize a design for the front landscaping of the Sports Complex while improving and beautifying the area. Their original plans were disrupted by the impact of COVID19 and the group pivoted from focusing on a fundraising effort to a group volunteer event. Once it is safe to hold this event, the group will select a day to plant trees and bushes and clean up existing landscaping. Life Skills Education Project Team Members: Brian Kindley (Associated Staffing Inc.), Geraud Gandemey (Primerica Financial Services), Lisa White (Gateway Mortgage Group), Melissa Glenn (Core Bank), Shawn Hovseth (City of Papillion), Mandy Miser (Asset Strategies)
The New Generation of Leaders This group has developed a six-week after school program for Papillion middle and high schoolers that will teach a range of important life skills that can be overlooked in academic education. Sessions will focus on entrepreneurship, self-defense, mental health, fitness & nutrition, finances & budgets, and auto maintenance. The program will be offered in partnership with Papillion Parks and Recreation. Behavioral Health Resource Guide Project Team Members: Sherry Coon (Centris Federal Credit Union - La Vista), Kate Gatewood (Sarpy County), Matthew Gulsvig (DLR Group), Amanda Priester (CIT Bank) , Todd Santoro (Cleanwash Laundry Systems) This team developed a compact, easy to use field guide for officers and first responders in contact with people in mental health crisis or a crisis related to behavioral health issues. They researched guides from around the country and guidance from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. They have a final draft ready for peer review and are looking to secure funding for printing costs to the guide can be distributed at Crisis Intervention Team training sessions. Gretna & Papillion Projects Team Members: Quinn Cooper (Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce), Jennifer Simmonds (Sarpy County CASA), Philip Niewohner (Olsson), Andrew Thompson (MMC Mechanical Contractors, Inc.), Kristina Boehmer (Pinnacle Bank), Ashley O’Neal (Sign It) This group managed to fit in two projects as a part of their community legacy. They helped the Papillion Community Foundation move into their new location,
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organized and assembled furniture, and cleaned allowing the foundation to get back to their regular work more quickly. They also partnered with the City of Gretna to develop wayfinding signage that will direct visitors to the revitalized historic downtown area of Gretna.
(Gretna wayfinding signage designs.)
Veterans Park Monument Project Team Members: Jose Dimas (Farm Bureau Financial Services), Adam Hoebelheinrich (Project Control), Janel Kaufman (FYRA Engineering), T.J. Matgen (Pay-Less Office Products), Britton DeWeese (Ayars &Ayars, Inc.), Alex Kumm (Charter Title & Escrow) They collaborated with the City of Papillion and the Papillion Community Foundation to serve a planned project that could use additional help. The team helped with monuments honoring four individuals from different branches of the military for the Veterans Park in Papillion. They developed information flyers on the project and created a fundraising campaign to help complete the project. Their project also felt the impact of COVID19 but the funds they had secured prior to the pandemic will go towards this monument project.
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2020 State of the County
She sees this cash flow as putting Nebraska in a better position for the recovery process.
(Senator Arch shared some of the precautions at the State Legislature for the return to session, including the plexiglass barriers between tables pictured here.)
Unemployment Both Congressman Bacon and Senator Arch cited Nebraska’s unemployment number as of the end of April at 8.3%. While it is a significant jump from the pre-pandemic 3%, Arch pointed out that Nebraska was the 3rd lowest in the country. CARES Act and Federal Assistance Congressman Bacon pointed to the Paycheck Protection Plan that was part of the CARES Act as key to keeping unemployment numbers at bay. He believes it kept 80 million people across the country off unemployment. Roberta Pinkerton with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce further broke down the 7.8 billion in Federal CARES Act Funding, stating 68% went to private business loans and grants for programs like Paycheck Protection and Economic Impact Payments. Nebraska ranked high nationwide in PPP in terms of per capita loans, and Pinkerton credited the relationships that local banks had with their communities for a job well done.
COVID-19 in Sarpy County While Economic health was a focus for many speakers, Sarah Schram, MS RD Director of the Sarpy/Cass Health Department shed some light on Sarpy County’s physical health. Schram shared information on cases in Sarpy and Cass counties as of June 17th: There were 941 confirmed cases in Sarpy County and 56 in Cass County. The 25-49 age range had the highest number of cases at 47.3%. 61% of cases were considered Close Contact, meaning it was acquired from an individual who has been within 6 feet for greater than 15 minutes. Schram discussed the expansion of testing and strategies to reduce transmission including staying home when ill, practicing social distancing, hand hygiene, and cloth face coverings when you can’t practice social distance. Sarpy County Looking Ahead Don Kelly, Sarpy County Commissioner Chairman acknowledged the pandemic’s wide impact, but did not see it affecting construction in the county. Kelly looks forward to unveiling details about many projects that are currently in-process. He believes that Sarpy County will weather current events without much impact fiscally. He sees county projects like road improvements, the new jail facility, and the new sewer system as drivers of recovery.
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Insight into Making your Membership Work for You! Maximize Your Membership In Person We’re all continuing to adapt to entirely new situations, and now for some, that means planning a safe and responsible return to business. You will see the return of some of our annual events like the Annual Golf Tournament on July 30th, as well as new virtual events like The State of Education on July 28th. This event will give a special platform for representatives from our education system, which is both a foundation to our community and highly impacted by COVID-19. Communication on this topic is integral as it affects so many in Sarpy County and the surrounding area. Stay updated on Sarpy Chamber events by visiting www.sarpychamber.org/events. If you need any help or guidance for your business during these challenging times, please reach out to one of your memberships specialists. Contact Brian White at grow@sarpychamber.org or Quinn Cooper at membership@sarpychamber.org
Maximize Your Membership In Print Now is the time to move your message by reserving your Sarpy Chamber Magazine ad space! It’s time to get back to promoting your business and you can do it across Sarpy County and Omaha in Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce’s 2020-2021 Magazine & Member Directory. This publication is mailed to every business in Sarpy County as well as every Sarpy Chamber member outside of Sarpy County. It is also distributed year-roud through Welcome Bags to new businesses and Relocation Packets to new residents. Reach out at marketing@sarpychamber.org to learn more. Visit www.sarpychamber.org/publications to view the current Magazine & Member Directory.
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SARPY CHAMBER STAFF Karen Gibler President Annisa Visty Vice President
Karen Gibler Celeste Pille
Marketing Manager Brian White
OUR MEMBERS PUT THE HEART IN SARPY!
Groups & Engagement Manager Quinn Cooper Membership Manager
“Five or six years ago, Sarpy Chamber established their own foundation to help with the econoimc development in Sarpy County. They do a tremendous job of making new roads for small businesses to large businesses and they’ve always been so impactful in that area. There’s also that need of community development and that’s what the Sarpy County Chamber Foundation can do for those individual, small businesses.”
Gery Whalen Administrative Assistant Kelly Whitaker Lacie Vacanti Jim Masters
-Tonee Gay, Executive Director of Midlands Community Foundation
Leadership Sarpy Facilitator
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