Strictly Business January 2020

LINCOLN • JANUARY 2020 TM

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

Standing on the Cutting Edge of Technology •WINTER PET CARE • NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS • BUSINESS PLANNING • SUPPORTING NONPROFITS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • JOHNSON CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE • ENGINEERED CONTROLS • GRAMERCY HILL • EMRIS INTERNATIONAL • THE KINDLER HOTEL

Brynna Luke

Allison Santana

Nancy Paasch

Crystal Collins

Marcus Malcom

Chris Neemann

Coldwell Banker, NHS Real Estate

Oak Electric, Inc.

Krueger Development

Wireless World

Sandhills Global

Neemann & Sons, Inc.

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Z.A.A. Inc. LINCOLN, NE PERMIT 1328

Kingery Construction 50,000 sq sq ft ft manufacturing project forfor Kingery Construction Co. Co. isisexcited excitedto tohighlight highlightthe therecently recentlycompleted, completed, 50,000 manufacturing project General Dynamics OTS. A superior team was pulled together for this Design-Build manufacturing addition.

From General Dynamics - OTS. A superior team was pulled together for this Design-Build manufacturing addition. From concept to to finish, toto serve their customer well into thethe future. concept finish, the the team team provided providedthe theideal idealspace spacefor forGeneral GeneralDynamics-OTS Dynamics-OTS serve their customer well into future.

General Dynamics Dynamics Ordnance General Ordnanceand andTactical Tactical System facility in Lincoln designs and System facility in Lincoln designs and manufactures a variety of mission-critical manufactures a variety of mission-critical products for U.S Department of Defense products for U.S Department of Defense applications. General Dynamics-OTS kicked off applications. General Dynamics-OTS kicked off an effort in late 2018 to add 50,000 sq ft space an effort in late 2018 to add 50,000 sq ft space to its existing facilities to accommodate the to its existing facilities the ever-evolving needs oftotheaccommodate defense market. ever-evolving needs of the defense market.

Essential requirements for the project included Essential requirements the projectan included compliance with budget for expectations, open compliance with budget expectations, open design to facilitate optimized productionanflows, design to facilitate optimized flows, and completion of the project production by the middle of and completion December 2019.of the project by the middle of December 2019.

Kingery Construction Co. coordinated all Kingery Co. coordinated all aspects ofConstruction design and construction, completing aspects of design and and construction, completing the project within time budget. Our team the projectchallenges within timeincluding and budget.

Our team overcame a one-month overcame challenges including aand one-month delay for existing soil conditions frequent delay for existing conditions frequent rain events duringsoil foundation andand flatwork rain events foundation andtoflatwork tasks.

Fromduring the original proposal final design, tasks. the original proposal to final KingeryFrom was able to modify the building to design, better accommodate General Dynamics-OTS’s needs Kingery was able to modify the building to better without undue costs. project includesneeds accommodate GeneralThe Dynamics-OTS’s manufacturing, office and conference spaces without undue costs. The project includes along with a break area, locker and restrooms. manufacturing, office and conference spaces along a break area,architectural locker and restrooms.

Daviswith Design provided and structural services for thearchitectural General DynamicsDavis Design provided and OTS project.

The design from the structural services for thestems General Dynamicscharacteristic onstems site through the OTS project. materials The design from the use of brick and metal panels, characteristic materials on siteintertwined through thein a cost-effective approach to the aesthetic feelinofa use of brick and metal panels, intertwined the original building.

An entry vestibule provides cost-effective approach to the aesthetic feel of a convenient and easily of the original building.

Andistinguishable entry vestibulepoint provides entry.

Natural daylight is harvested with the use a convenient and easily distinguishable point of of high-bay windows onisthe south façade bringing entry.

Natural daylight harvested with the use in filtered light onto the manufacturing floor. The of high-bay windows on the south façade bringing in filtered light onto the manufacturing floor. The

south southfaçade façadeisisaccented accentedbybycomplementing complementing colors stemming from the windows to create a colors stemming from the windows to create a pattern and rhythm to humanize the scale of pattern and rhythm to humanize the scale of the proposed addition as well as invigorate the the proposed addition as well as invigorate the façade with business-centric branding. façade with business-centric branding.

Behlen Building Systems offered the best Behlen Building Systems offered the best product for the manufacturing space needed. product for the manufacturing space needed.

For the proposal, a traditional metal building For the proposal, a traditional metal building solution that incorporated purlins with a single solution incorporated with acooler single bay of barthat joists to span overpurlins an existing bay of bar joists to span over an existing cooler freezer. During design, all bays were changed freezer.

During design, all bays were changed from roof purlins to bar joists enabling the from roof to barand joists enabling space to bepurlins more open functional forthe the space to be more open and functional the machinery and production lines. The endfor result machinery and production lines.

The end is a cost-effective solution that meets Generalresult is a cost-effective solution that meets General Dynamics-OTS’s needs.

Dynamics-OTS’s needs.

Commonwealth Electric Company of Commonwealth Company the Midwest was aElectric proud team memberofof theGeneral Midwest was a proud South team member the Dynamics-OTS Building of the General Dynamics-OTS South Building Expansion project, assisting with design on the Expansion assisting with design front end andproject, throughout the duration of thison the project.

CECM facilitated the andthis front end and throughout thefurnishing duration of installation of a 3000A service, future 3000A project. CECM facilitated thewith furnishing and service expansion capabilities, 3-Bus installation of a 3000A service, with Duct futureruns 3000A toservice feed future equipment, lighting,3-Bus convenience expansion capabilities, Duct runs power, complete voice-data systemconvenience and a to feeda future equipment, lighting, complete fire alarm system throughout power, a complete voice-data systemthe andnew a addition and surrounding site. complete fire alarm system throughout the new and surrounding site. provided Haddition and S Plumbing and Heating design assistance and construction for the H and S Plumbing and Heating provided plumbing, piping and HVAC systems design assistance and constructionfor forthe the project.

Rooftop air conditioning units DX plumbing, piping and HVAC systemswith for the cooling and natural gas heating were installed project. Rooftop air conditioning units with DX tocooling maintain temperature humidity the and natural gasand heating werewithin installed warehouse portion of the addition.

Split system to maintain temperature and humidity within the air handling units were added to condition the warehouse portion of the addition. Split system air handling units were added to condition the

newnew office andand break room areas.

A unique office break room areas.

A unique Siphonic Roof Drainage System provides Siphonic Roof Drainage System provides maximum use of overhead space, allowing the maximum use of overhead space, allowing the roof drain piping to run flat and avoid interfering roof drain piping to run flat and avoid interfering with other piping, electrical, and structural with other piping, electrical, and structural building members. High-pressure nitrogen, building members. High-pressure nitrogen, compressed air, chilled water, and natural gas compressed air,installed chilled water, andfuture natural gas systems were also to serve systems were also installed to serve future manufacturing needs. manufacturing needs.

Stephens and Smith began foundations with Stephens Smithand began foundations with supervisor Joeand Homolka his crew seamlessly supervisor Joe Homolka and his crew seamlessly installing footings and walls through very difficult installing footings Flatwork and wallsincluded throughpouring very difficult weather conditions. weather conditions.

Flatwork included pouring roughly 50,000 square feet of concrete flooring roughly 50,000 square feet of concrete and 15,000 square feet of outside paving. flooring and 15,000 square feetsaid of outside paving.

Supervisor Stacie Jensen the early access Stacie Jensen saidenabled the earlyhisaccess andSupervisor minimal underground utilities andtominimal utilities enabled crew completeunderground their job without facing many his of to delays. complete their thecrew typical “We putjob thewithout floors infacing beforemany the of thewent typical “We put theoffloors in before steel up,delays. so we could do all it at one time. the soyou we could all offirst.” it at one time.

It’ssteel reallywent nice up, when can getdothere It’s really nice when you can get there first.”

KINGERY KINGERY CONSTRUCTION CO.

CONSTRUCTION CO.

201 N.N.46th 402.465.4400 F: 402.465.4529 | www.kccobuilders.com 201 46thSt. St.Lincoln, Lincoln, NE NE 68503 68503 ||P:P:402.465.4400 | F:| 402.465.4529 | www.kccobuilders.com 201 N. 46th St. Lincoln, NE 68503 | P: 402.465.4400 | F: 402.465.4529 | www.kccobuilders.com

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JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

PAIGE ZUTAVERN - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Hold Your Customer’s Attention Through Print Media In recent years, there has been a growing trend per the study, while print readers spent an average of about a half-hour among publications of dropping print and going a week with the magazine.” completely digital. The New York Observer, A well-loved magazine became just another tab on the computer, just Glamour, Seventeen...what do these publications another email in the inbox—overnight!—and all this because they all have in common? In an effort to cut costs, decided to sacrifice their tangible print magazine. Kassel predicts that they ended up cutting the majority of their print more publications will follow the lead of Seventeen and NME. He sees operations and, therefore, cut a very important reduction in the time spent with real, quality news as one of the great by-product of print: their readers. dangers of quitting print. “Something may be lost in the process of As David Pilcher, author of Freeport Press, wrote switching from paper to just pixels,” he warns. in an article cleverly titled, So, what is a business to do in this increasinglyThis Engagement’s Over – digital world knowing that print still matters? At “Consumers are getting really How Some Publishers Broke Up With their Readers, Strictly Business, we not only believe in the power of he addressed research that revealed that, while good at ignoring, blocking, print, we live it! With our magazine being mailed a post-print existence may be less costly, it’s more even reporting digital content. to over 15,000 businesses in Omaha and more constrained. This is because the content that was than 10,000 businesses in Lincoln each month, And even when they are formerly able to be opened and enjoyed got we have a strong physical presence in the local engaged, it’s not the kind of stripped away when it became another thing to marketplace. This is because we know the impact scroll through on an online timeline or feed. deep, focused attention that print has. There is just something about holding a “Quality attention, the data shows, is the one tangible magazine in your hands. It carries more brands need to grow...” thing social metrics can’t get you,” David writes. creditability with it, and it has a longer lasting “Creating content for the ‘like’ or the ‘share’ could impression. be backfiring. Consumers are getting really good at ignoring, blocking, We also understand the importance of having a digital, online presence, even reporting digital content. And even when they are engaged, it’s which is exactly what we provide for our clients each month when their not the kind of deep, focused attention that brands need to grow, and news goes live on our website. We are #PrintProudDigitalSmart, and we consumers need to gain a deeper understanding of the issues.” are committed to helping our clients become #PrintProudDigitalSmart In his article, to help remind us of the importance of print media and as well. Partnering with Strictly Business means getting the best of the drastic and devastating impact of going strictly digital, David both worlds. referenced some of the findings from Matthew Kassel with Mediaiate, If you haven’t joined us in our movement to connect real people and the top U.S. website covering the intersection of media and politics with local businesses through our print and digital platforms, we invite you to original reporting and bi-partisan commentary. Kassel cites a study that contact us today! Our team is passionate about sharing your story and followed NME, a popular British music magazine also known as New promoting your business and the people who make up your business. We Musical Express. After NME discontinued the print version of its magazine, also love to hear about how connections have formed after someone the amount of time NME’s readers spent reading the magazine dropped reads an article in one of our Strictly Business issues. Those connections 72% in a single year. are exactly why we do what we do!

“That amounts to a loss of 307 million minutes of engagement compared with the last year that NME was in print, when readers spent 424 million Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT minutes with the publication,” Kassel says. “Online readers of NME only in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media. spend an average of about three minutes a month with the publication, Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 26 Personnel

34 Nonprofit 50 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 20 Star City Six 49 56 58 60 62

Johnson Chiropractic & Acupuncture Engineered Controls Gramercy Hill Emris International The Kindler Hotel

FEATURE STORIES 63 Winter Pet Care

65 New Year’s Resolutions 68 Business Planning 73 Supporting Nonprofits 2 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro 61 Kubert Appraisal

COLUMNS 53 Friends4Lunch

55 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 57 Downtown Lincoln Association 59 Lincoln Independent Business Association Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2020 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

we look to serve more businesses like yours with our superior service.

[Date] ABOUT THE COVER

Our business services include: [Full Name]

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

ALLO COMMUNICATIONS Fiber Voice: Reliable, crystal-clear phone connections and a full rang LINCOLN • JANUARY

2020 TM

[Street]

[City State, Zip] on the Cutting Edge of Technology Standing of offerings, including our robust Hosted PBX system, easy-to-use ph

“We Mean Business” from the management coffee shop to the largeportal, corporations,and we provide the technology calling. conference Standing on the Cutting that works for your business starting with phones, internet, and TV. ALLO’s all fiber network delivers Edge of Techno logy the cutting edge technology your business needs.

We stand by our core values: local, honest, hassle [Date] free, and providers of exceptional customer service.

Fiber Data: Amazingly-fast 100% fiber network to increase productiv [Date] Sixteen years ago, our company was founded to bring the most modern network possible to plus leading service Metro Ethernet, and WAN [Full across Name] people the Midwest. Since that our time, we’ve grown to cloud provide faster, friendlier connectivity, service to Fort Morgan and Breckenridge, CO,Name], and nine Nebraska communities: Alliance, Bridgeport, Gering, [Full Name] [Street] Dear [Recipient’s First connecting you to various locations around the world.

Hastings, Imperial, Lincoln, North Platte, Ogallala, and Scottsbluff.

[Street] [CityisState, Zip] ALLO pleased to have served Nebraska businesses for 15 amazing years, and we look Throughout every customer experience, we employ a team of experts dedicated to bringing our [City State, Zip] forward to our services in thepossible. fiber future. customers thegrowing most courteous, efficient,and andpartnerships effective installation WhenWe our provide customersunparalleled •WINTER PET CARE • NEW YEAR’S RESOLU TIONS • BUSINESS PLANNING • SUPPORTING NONPR OFITS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • JOHNSON CHIROP RACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE • ENGINEERED CONTR OLS • GRAMERCY HILL • EMRIS INTERNATIONA • THE KINDLER HOTEL L

Brynna Luke

Coldwell Banker, NHS Real Estate

Crystal Collins

Oak Electric, Inc.

Allison Santana

Krueger Development

Marcus Malcom

Wireless World

Nancy Paasch

Sandhills Global

Chris Neemann

Neemann & Sons, Inc.

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Z.A.A. Inc. LINCOLN, NE PERMIT 1328

Fiber TV: Our all-fiber signal delivers the best picture quality availabl 110 contributed to the economic development of communities businesses. channels basedand ontheir your business needs.

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Now is the perfect time to join the ALLO family plus customizable TV packages allowing asyou choose over Fort Morgan to Lincoln. By expanding the fiber network across the Midwest, we have improved the quality of life for thousands of people and we look to serve more businesses like yours with our superior service.

Pictured on the cover (L-R): Tim Hahn, Tim Brusnahan, Mike Grubbs, Kathy Carstenson, Tony Thrash, Todd Francisco, Scott Clark, Tony Our business services include: Tichota, Tadd Vanschoiack, and Ryan Hutzel.

We’ve been leading businesses into the future for 15 years, and we’d love to sha To receive a free ALLO Bu management portal, and conference calling.

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The fiber optic core is made of glass which allows data to flow in its natural form, light.

The ALLO is pleased to have served at Nebraska businesses for fiber 15 amazing years, and we look forward to give growing our services and partnerships in the future.

We provide orus with visit us atunparalleled AlloFiber.com/15Years. beauty of nature is thatus whenaleftcall alone, it can[XXX.XXX.XXXX] exceed our expectations and amaze its efficiency.

Data flows much faster Fiber Voice: Reliable, crystal-clear phone connections and a full range Dear [Recipient’s First Name], of offerings, including our robust Hosted system,and easy-to-use phone Dear [Recipient’s First Name], WHAT IS FIBER? fiber-fast services can do PBX for yourand business.

ALLO is pleased to have served Nebraska businesses foryou 15 amazing years, we look

forward toFiber growing our services and partnerships in the fiber future. provide unparalleled speeds through Fiber voice, and TV, along with a friendly, local We customer service team Amazingly-fast 100% fiber network tofrom increase productivity, and farther by lightData: without the peskydata, interruptions copper cabling receives electrical interference. speeds Fiber voice, data, and TV, along with a friendly, local customer service team ready tothrough help you every step of the way.

Now is the perfect time to join the ALLO family as plus our leading cloud service connectivity, Metro Ethernet, and WAN ready to help you every step of the way.

Now is the perfect time to join the ALLO family as we look to serve more businesses like yours with our superior service. connecting you to various locations around the world.

OUR we lookBUSINESS to serve moreSERVICES businesses like yours with our superior service.

Fiber TV: Our all-fiber signalphone delivers the best quality available, Fiber Voice: Reliable, crystal-clear connections and picture a full range of offerings for all businesses Our business services include: including standard analog lines, SIP, PRI’s, Hosted PBX system, easy-to-use phone management plus customizable TV packages allowing you to choose from over 110 Our business services include: portal, conference calling.

Fiberand Voice: Reliable, crystal-clear phone connections and a full range channels based on your business needs.

Fiber Voice: Reliable, phone PBX connections and a full range of offerings, includingcrystal-clear our robust Hosted system, easy-to-use phone Fiber Data: Amazingly-fast 100% fiber network to increase productivity, plus our leading cloud Kathy Carstensen We’ve been leading businesses into the future for 15 years, and we’d love to phone share what our of offerings, including our robust Hosted PBX system, easy-to-use management portal, and conference calling. service connectivity, Internet, Metro Ethernet, and WAN connecting you to various locations around fiber-fastthe services for you your business. management portal, andand conference calling.To receive a free ALLO Business quote, world. can do ALLO Business Sales Director Fiber Amazingly-fast 100% network to increase productivity, give us a call at Data: [XXX.XXX.XXXX] or visit usfiber at AlloFiber.com/15Years.

Fiber Data: Amazingly-fast 100% fiber network toavailable, increase productivity, Fiber Our all-fiber signal service delivers the best picture quality plus customizable TV plusTV: our leading cloud connectivity, Metro Ethernet, and WAN packages allowing you to choose from over 110 channels based on your business needs. plus our leading cloud service connectivity, Metro Ethernet, and WAN connecting you to various locations around the world.

Sincerely, ALLO looks to meet even more business needs with the addition of a direct connection to Amazon Web Services connecting (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.you to various locations around the world.

Fiber TV: Our all-fiber signal delivers the best picture quality available, Fiber TV: Our all-fiber signal delivers the best picture quality plus customizable TV packages allowing you to choose from available, over 110 Kathy Carstensen plus customizable packages channels based onTV your businessallowing needs. you to choose from over 110 ALLO Business Sales Director channels based on your business needs.

We’ve been leading businesses into the future for 15 years, and we’d love to share what our We’ve been leading businesses into the future for 15 years, and we’d to share what our fiber-fast services can do for you and your business.

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To receive a free ALLO Business quote, give us a call at [XXX.XXX.XXXX] or visit at AlloFiber.com/15Years. give us a call at [XXX.XXX.XXXX] or visit us at AlloFiber.com/15Years.

Sincerely,

Kathy Carstensen

Kathy Carstensen

Visit AlloFiber.com/Business or call 402.480.6685 for a quote today!

Sincerely, PRODUCTION TEAM: Sincerely, Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Editor/Writer Annie Carbutt – Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Kathy Carstensen Art Director Katherine Crawford – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Kathy Carstensen Kathy Carstensen Kathy Carstensen ALLO Business Sales Director

SALES TEAM: Sales Director ALLO Business President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

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JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business

3

BUSINESS NEWS HBAL to Present the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Certified Piedmontese Beef

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is set to feature approximately 250 exhibitors in their annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show. Exhibitors include new home builders, home remodelers, financing and banking services, landscaping, flooring and window suppliers, and more. The three day event will take place in Pavilions 1 and 4 at the Lancaster Event Center the weekend of February 7–9. The Lincoln Home Show is the perfect “one-stop shop” to start your home building or remodeling project.

In addition to the Home Show, HBAL also promotes home building and remodeling through its annual Spring and Fall Parade of Homes and the Tour of Remodeled Homes. HBAL has also made a dedication to give back to Lincoln. They have given over $200,000 to the Lincoln community, one-third of which supports scholarships for students entering a residential construction field. Applications for the scholarships are still open.

For more information about the Home Builders Association of Lincoln and potential scholarships, call (402) 423-4225 or go online to hbal. org/builders-home-garden-show where you can also find a directory of exhibitors and a schedule of events for the show.

The Woodlands at Hillcrest Management Ranked Top Among Senior Living Communities

Bold taste and tenderness with fewer calories, less fat, and more protein per ounce than beef from other breeds.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

The Woodlands at Hillcrest’s management company, Life Care Services, was recently honored with a #1 ranking among U.S. senior living communities in the J.D. Power 2019 Study in the area of customer satisfaction. Life Care Services achieved the highest score in all seven study factors: resident services and activities, community staff, food and beverage, new resident orientation, resident cost, community and grounds, and resident apartment unit. This resulted in a score of 843 on a 1,000-point scale, a full 49 index points above the second-highest performing senior living organization.

The J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Senior Living Study surveyed 3,021 residents, family members, and friends of residents living in independent living, assisted living, or memory care communities across the country. The study examined industry-level performance metrics of senior living providers and highlights the best practices that are critical to customer satisfaction, advocacy, and loyalty. The Woodlands at Hillcrest is proud to serve more than 85 residents and is made up of 80 team members.

Life Care Services, an LCS Company, is committed to providing the resources for communities to deliver an exceptional resident experience driven by innovation, signature programs, and quality services. They have expertise in the management of both Life Plan Communities and rental communities and the experience required to boost community financial performance, increase occupancy, and develop new lifestyle and health initiatives to meet consumer expectations and help communities thrive.

For more information, visit lifecareservices-seniorliving.com.

The Woodlands at Hillcrest is located in east Lincoln, next to Hillcrest Country Club. With 65 assisted living and 24 memory care apartments, residents enjoy a lifestyle that works to maintain their independence as long as possible. To learn more, contact Barb Tyler at (402) 261-0261 / tylerbarb@woodlandsathillcrest.com. Visit woodlandsathillcrest.com for leasing information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS The Kindler Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting The Kindler Hotel and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce joined together on October 24 to celebrate the grand opening of the newly-renovated downtown luxury boutique hotel at 216 N. 11th St. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with raffle drawings for an overnight stay in the hotel as well as a drawing for a gift certificate to Boitano’s Lounge.

The Kindler staff offered guest tours of their luxury guest rooms, and attendees enjoyed live music and a sampling of hors d’ oeuvres which included duck pot stickers with a citrus sesame glaze and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts with toasted coconut and bourbon sugar. Attendees were also offered two of Boitano’s crafted cocktails, the Frisky Husk’R and Honey Bourbon Cooler, as well as featured wines and beer. A brief address was given by owner Nick Castaneda to the approximately 150 people in attendance.

The Kindler Hotel, Lincoln’s first luxury boutique hotel, proudly offers an unmatc hed and distinctively memorable guest experience through their comfortable designer hotel rooms and sophisticated Boitano’s Lounge. To reserve a room and begin planning the ultimate getaway, visit thekindlerhotel.com or call (402) 261-7800.

Front Door Realty Group of Nebraska Home Sales Joins Coldwell Banker Franchise Russ Meyer, team lead for the Front Door Realty Group of Nebraska Home Sales, is excited to announce that Nebraska Home Sales, locally owned and operated for the last 16 years, is joining forces with Coldwell Banker, the country’s oldest real estate brokerage.

The purc hase of a Coldwell Banker franchise, which has a 113-year history, will provide national backing for Front Door Realty’s Nebraska Home Sales local agents as well as global exposure for their listed properties. Front Door Realty Group Nebraska Home Sales will now be known as Coldwell Banker, NHS Real Estate, and will continue to be locally owned and operated.

Front Door Realty Group will continue to provide high quality service as a team within the Coldwell Banker brokerage. Front Door Realty Group is grounded in local real estate knowledge, expertise, and integrity. Their agents can assist you with existing and new construction homes, multi-family housing, investment properties, and commercial real estate.

With offices in Lincoln, Omaha, and York, Coldwell Banker Realtors, NHS Real Estate, are positioned to help you with your residential and commercial real estate needs in most of eastern Nebraska. If you are looking to make a move, buying or selling property, or know someone who is considering a move contact Russ Meyer, Associate Broker, REALTOR ®, at (402) 310-8262 / rmeyer@cb-nhs.com. Go online to www.coldwellbanker. com/Coldwell-Banker-NHS-Real-Estate-49311c/Russ-Meyer7471489a for current available listings. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air Congratulates PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska As a member contractor of the Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Auxiliary of Nebraska, Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air would like to extend their congratulations to the Auxiliary for receiving first and second place for the Robert Cox Humanitarian Awa r d s . T h e s e a wa r d s w e r e presented at the PHCC Association’s National Convention, which was held October 2–4 in Indianapolis.

In addition, Barbara Kreifel with PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska received the two top individual Auxiliary awards: The Larry Dore Member of the Year Award and the 3D Copper Platter Award.

These awards recognize a member’s outstanding contribution to the PHCC Association, the plumbing-heating-cooling industry, and the community.

Biggerstaff supports the work PHCC does for the industry, and their employees are active members in the Auxiliary. In fact, Dusty Thoms with Biggerstaff has served as vice president on the 2018-19 executive board of the PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska.

The Auxiliary is involved with a variety of local volunteer and community outreach events. They supplied gift cards and welcome baskets to veterans staying in the OVER House, bought Christmas gifts for children at Jacob’s Well, created Easter Baskets for children receiving services at Friendship Home, and made summer fun baskets for the Student Parent program at a local high school. In addition, they collected tools, literature and promotional merchandise for thank you bags distributed at the annual Nebraska Skills USA contest. Auxiliary members also teamed up with Southeast Community College to launch the school’s first-ever plumbing program. Students enrolled will be able to receive one year’s worth of credit towards an apprentice license in just two semesters.

The PHCC Association is a national organization with more than 220 state and local chapters. Together, they represent 3,500+ open and union shop contractors and more than 70,000 technicians working in every market sector. To find out more about the PHCC Association, visit phccweb.org or go to phccne.org for information about PHCC Auxiliary of Nebraska.

Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air has been serving Lincoln for over 60 years. Their success relies on their reputation for reliability, professionalism, and providing top quality care in a timely manner. To learn more, visit www.biggerstaffs.com or call (402) 466-8118.

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BUSINESS NEWS Berry Law Honored with National Award for Dedication to Employing Veterans

Chamber Welcomes Urban Air Adventure Park to Lincoln Community

Berry Law was presented with the HIREVets Platinum Medallion by the United States Department of Labor at an awards banquet in Washington D.C. on November 6. The award is the highest federal honor a company can receive for hiring and employing veterans. Berry Law is one of only three companies in Nebraska to ever win the Platinum Medallion and is the first law firm in America to receive the award.

Urban Air Adventure Par k moved into Lincoln at 2840 S. 70th St. in the Spring of 2018.

As a way to get more involved in the local business community, Urban Air joined the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. To celebrate the new partnership, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on October 3. Other local business representatives came out to support and take in the new 30,000-square-foot adventure park.

Berry Law is committed to assembling the best team possible, and they believe hiring veterans is instrumental to building and maintaining a culture of excellence. They have observed that veterans bring important experience and understanding to the practice as well as discipline and a willingness to learn. They encourage all businesses to prioritize the hiring of veterans.

Urban Air Lincoln is kid-friendly and fun for the whole family.

It is equipped with an indoor Sky Rider, wall-to-wall trampoline arenas, a rope course, climbing walls, a warrior course, ProZone performance trampolines, dodgeball, and more. For younger children, Urban Air regularly hosts Jumperoos, times when the entire park is open for ages five and under to jump, bounce, or crawl in a safe environment. Urban Air hosts award-winning birthday parties, sure to create lifelong memories for all that attend! It creates a whole family experience with a cafe serving delicious fan-favorite foods.

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With over 250 years of legal experience, Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Originally focused on criminal defense work, the firm has expanded to offer a full suite of legal services. Learn more at jsberrylaw.com.

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To learn more about Urban Air Adventure Park’s events, prices, and attractions, visit their website at urbanairtrampolinepark. com/ locations/nebraska/lincoln. You can also call (402) 2810896 to speak to a helpful staff member directly!

Zipline Brewing Names New Exclusive Beer for Lincoln Chamber’s 150-Year Anniversary The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (LCOC) is turning 150 in 2020, and to celebrate, Zipline Brewing Co. in Lincoln has created an exclusive new beer called “The One-Fifty.”

An easy-drinking lager, the beer will debut at all Lincoln’s Zipline locations on Friday, February 7.

There will also be commemorative pint glasses and coasters to celebrate the occasion. In addition to Zipline locations, “The One-Fifty” will also be available at various Lincoln Chamber members’ places of business.

Zipline Brewing Company crafts high quality artisan ales and lagers. Zipline was born from the founders’ innate sense of adventure and their desire to connect with the thrill-seeking spirit in all craft beer fans. For more information, visit ziplinebrewing.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@ZiplineBrewing).

Founded originally in 1870 as the Lincoln Board of Trade, the Lincoln Chamber has also been called the Lincoln Commercial Club and the Union Commercial Club of Lincoln before committing to the name the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in 1920. The LCOC is Lincoln’s leading business organization. They represent over 1,700 member businesses by providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in the Lincoln community. To learn more about the Lincoln Chamber and how they can help your business, visit lcoc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Arnie’s Pet Food Now Offering Vital Essentials Raw Bar

Guiderock Commercial Realty Represents Urban Farmhouse Room in New Lease

Arnie’s Pet Food now carries the Vital Essentials (VE) Raw Bar, a wide selection of nutritious freeze-dried snacks for your canine companion.

Vital Essentials freeze-dried treats are made with only fresh, whole, single-sourced USDA animal proteins and are loaded with the essential nutrition that dogs instinctively crave.

Natural and pure, these raw treats contain no additives.

Vital Essentials Raw Bar freeze-dried treats give your dog an added boost of vitamins, protein, and stimulation, while helping keep teeth strong and healthy providing a delicious between-meal snack. Arnie’s VE Raw Bar features a smorgasbord of premium freeze-dried snack selections, including chicken necks, duck necks, turkey necks, pig ears, salmon skins, cod skins, Bully Sticks, Moo Sticks, duck heads, pig snouts, duck hearts, and Bully Twists.

Vital Essentials is a family-owned company, located in Green Bay, WI, producing high-quality raw, frozen, and freeze-dried pet food, snacks, and treats using only locally-sourced USDA inspected animal proteins proudly made and packaged in the heartland of the U.S. Arnie’s Pet Food Store is committed to providing your pets with the highest quality pet foods and treats sourced and produced in the U.S. Stop by their store, located in the Alamo Plaza at 5601 S. 56th St., STE 7, to learn more about Vital Essentials Raw Bars and see what Arnie’s Pet Food Store has to offer. Learn more online at www.arniespetfoods.com.

Cathy Kottwitz of Guiderock Commercial Realty represented The Urban Farmhouse Room LLC in leasing 3900 Yankee Hill Rd., STE 127. The Urban Farmhouse Room is a mid-size event space opening in March and operated by Corinna and Shane Moser. The space, which can be rented by the hour, will have a modern farmhouse design where customers can bring in their own food or caterer.

The Urban Farmhouse Room will accommodate corporate and social events for 50 to 65 people. “We first became interested in opening this type of business after attending events in the Kansas City area,” Corinna said. “With the growth the Lincoln area, we felt there was a need for this option locally.”

“The Urban Farmhouse Room will be a unique venue for people looking to host corporate and social events,” Cathy said. “Being a part of Corinna and Shane’s journey to opening and hearing their excitement is priceless.”

Guiderock Commercial Realty is a Lincoln-based commercial real estate firm providing services for business owners and investors.

For more information, visit www.guiderockrealty.com or contact Cathy Kottwitz at (402) 421-7474 / cathy@guiderockrealty.com.

Goodcents Launches New Meal Offerings and On-the-Go Service Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs recently launched their new Goodcents To Go meals which provide fresh, new pick-up and delivery meal options available at all local Goodcents restaurants. The new service features new menu items like Grilled Alaskan Salmon, Classic Pot Roast, SouthernStyle Meatloaf, and more—all prepared daily at the restaurant!

Goodcents To Go provides a convenient option for pick up, online ordering, and/or delivery of real meals when you’re in a hurry. Of course, the sandwich classics are also available for on-the-go service.

Meals are made fresh every morning at all five Goodcents locations in Lincoln and can be purchased one meal at a time or through convenient plans of five meals for $30 using the online code WEEKLYMEALS. Available meals include chicken alfredo, grilled Alaskan salmon on whipped potatoes with a blend of roasted vegetables, pasta and meatballs, Southern-style barbecue meatloaf with whipped potatoes and green beans, chicken pesto tortellini, classic lasagna with ground beef and Italian sausage, and grilled chicken breast with steamed garden vegetables.

Local owners of PILLAR Restaurant Group, Jeff Barclay and Scott Ritter, opened their first Goodcents restaurant at 4333 S. 70th St. in Lincoln shortly after graduating college. Today, they own five Goodcents locations. They also co-own Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Piedmont Bistro by Venue, and Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina by Venue.

To learn more about all the PILLAR Restaurant Group concepts, go online www.prgnebraska.com. Connect with Goodcents on Facebook (@lincolngoodcents), Twitter (@lincolngoodcents), and Snapchat (GoodcentsSubs). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Experience Luxury.

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The Kindler Hotel and Boitano’s Lounge 216 N 11th, Lincoln, NE 68512 | 402-261-7800 #MeetMeAtBoitanos

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BUSINESS NEWS Center Sphere Announces Network-Wide Coffee & Connections on January 16 Center Sphere hosts events each month that are open to both members and guests in order to give non-members a chance to learn more about this amazing network. This month’s public event is Coffee & Connections on January 16, 8:30–10 a.m., hosted by Cody Schaaf, Nebraska Realty, Pine Crest Homes, Richland Homes, 7930 Maxine Dr. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 30 chapters. For more information, visit www.centersphere.com or contact Area Director Cheryl Hansen at (402) 416-5700 cherylhansen@ centersphere.com.

34th Annual Chocolate Lovers Fantasy Announced for February 7 On Friday, February 7, the Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation will host their 34th annual Chocolate Lovers Fantasy fundraising event at the Graduate Lincoln from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The event brings professional and local chefs together with chocolate connoisseurs to raise money for the Historic Haymarket District. There will be food vendors, coffee by The Mill, and libations mixed in to balance the tasting! Jazz music will be provided by B & The Boppers and a silent auction will be featured.

Chocolate Lovers Fantasy event tickets are only $35 each and can be purchased at the door; at any of the following Haymarket businesses: Burlington Antiques, From Nebraska Gift Shop, Ten Thousand Villages, KD Designs, and The Mill; or online at www.lincolnhaymarket.org. Contact (402) 435-7496 / info@lincolnhaymarket.org with any questions.

Apartment Association of Nebraska to Hold Beer Tasting Fundraiser To celebrate their newly-elected 2020 Board of Directors and to raise money for future legislative action, the Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) will be hosting a Beer Tasting Fundraiser from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 13. The event will be run by world-renowned beer connoisseur Russ Webb. Tickets are $35 and include your tasting of craft beers, a full beer of your choice, non-alcoholic beverages, and appetizers.

The AAN plans to use the funds raised by the beer tasting for legislative action on the local, state, and federal level that is beneficial to the multi-housing industry and free enterprise. The AAN actively advocates for high professional standards and sound business methods among its members for the best interest of the industry and the public. Two bills they are currently watching are LB275, which would allow landowners to remove abandoned vehicles off private property, and LB874, which provides positive changes to the Community Development Law. To purchase tickets to the Apartment Association of Nebraska’s Beer Tasting Fundraiser or to find out more about the legislative actions the AAN plans to make, go online to aaneb.org or call (402) 333-5331.

AAN is located at 15418 Weir St., STE 250. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Eastmont Celebrates Grand Opening of Presentation Center

Nebraska Repertory Theatre Presents “A Thousand Words”

On October 23, Eastmont celebrated the grand opening of their new Presentation Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The celebration and open house was well attended by Chamber members and members of the Eastmont Foundation Board, Trustees Council, Resident Council, and other resident representatives.

The Presentation Center is a sales and event space that includes a demo kitchen, interior finish samples, and a scale model of the renovations and expansion plans for Eastmont’s O Street Campus, which were announced earlier this year. With the goal of creating a sustainable community for the residents of today and in the future, the $50-million redevelopment project will add indoor and outdoor amenities and expand the campus featuring 43 new apartment homes and a connection between the existing towers.

Eastmont is a premier senior lifestyle community that provides first class-services and amenities while offering a full continuum of care.

They provide independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, memory support, and end-of-life care all on one campus. Eastmont residents are given peace-of-mind knowing they have access to higher levels of care at a predictable cost if their needs change over time. For more information, feel free to visit their website at eastmontliving.com or call (402) 489-6591.

Nebraska Repertory Theatre presents the powerful and innovative world premiere of A Thousand Words on February 12–15 and 18–22 at 7:30 p.m. and February 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Join Nebraska Rep on an incredible and deeply-revealing journey that explores the power of a photograph to capture a moment in time. There are no actors in this groundbreaking production— only real people with meaningful photos and stories that you’ll have to experience firsthand to believe. This powerful premiere takes place at the Temple Building, located off of 12th and R St. on the edge of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus. Tickets are $39 for general admission, $19.50 for Students/OLLI, available at the Lied Center Ticket Office (301 N. 12th St.).

Over the years, the Nebraska Repertory Theatre has developed and taken the theater in bold, new directions that expand the theatre’s reach and serve the community in exciting new ways.

After a national search, current Artistic Director Andy Park was hired, beginning his tenure in January 2017. In September 2017, the Nebraska Rep relaunched as a year-round regional professional Equity theatre company. Learn more online at nebraskarep.org or contact the ticket office at (402) 472-4747 / (800) 432-3231 / info@nebraskarep.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS Shirts101 Gives Back to the Community Through Holiday Charity Drives Shirts101™ recently spread some love and goodwill through holiday charity efforts while also strengthening their connection as a team. For the 2019 holiday season, Shirts101 ran a company-wide charity drive to assist People’s City Mission with food, water, and warm clothing items. The drive was such an enjoyable success, they also ran a kids’ socks and underwear drive for VisionarYouth. The Shirts101 team makes efforts throughout the year to support numerous charities and nonprofits, especially around the holidays. They are passionate about giving back to the community and pooling their resources to help those in need.

Shirts101 has been providing quality customized apparel and promotional products for over 25 years. Founded in 1994, Shirts101 began specializing in custom apparel produced in a small space in the back of a friends’ business on O Street. From there, the family-owned business has grown to become a nationwide provider of printed and embroidered apparel, promotional products, fulfillment services, e-commerce solutions, and brand development. Their experienced artists and production staff, coupled with the best customer service in the business, has made their process “Fast, Easy, and Simple.”

Go to Shirts101.com and see how Shirts101™ is so much more than just shirts. Contact (402) 441-5555 / info@shirts101.com with any questions.

402.735.0999 www.visitingangels.com/lincoln

Omaha Fashion Week Prepares for Spring Showcase February 23–29 Join Omaha Fashion Week for another exciting season of fashion and glamour, taking place February 23–29 at the Omaha Design Center. Each evening features the Omaha Fashion Week PreParty with live entertainment and shopping in the Pop-Up Shop Market, as well as the Omaha Fashion Week Red Carpet Experience.

Plus, all VIP guests will have access to the Village Pointe Aesthetic Surgery | Dreams Medspa VIP Lounge, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from the Absolut VIP Bar. It all leads up to the main event—a packed showcase on the Allure Med Spa Runway to Beauty. The show schedule for the Spring season is as follows: • Sunday, February 23: The Aisle Premier Bridal Showcase • Tuesday, February 25: Metropolitan Community College Student Night • Wednesday, February 26: UNL Student Showcase • Thursday, February 27: Methodist Cancer Survivor Show • Friday, February 28: ARISE Emerging Designer Showcase • Saturday, February 29: EVOLVE Featured Designer Showcase Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s fourth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region! Omaha Fashion Week is a glamorous red carpet event for a good cause, showcasing the work of 65+ designers each year on the runway. It nurtures the youngest of fashion designers by providing mentoring, education opportunities, and a professional platform to showcase their work.

On the inside, Omaha Fashion Week is a talent incubator that seamlessly connects designers, stylists, photographers, artists, and models through nurturing platforms and engaging opportunities. On the outside, it is the Midwest’s premier fashion event, spotlighting fashion innovations and celebrating creative excellence. Visit www.omahafashionweek.com to learn more about the designers and to snag your tickets. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Women in Sales & Business to Host Monthly Luncheon on January 15

First National Bank Sending “Cookies from Home” to Overseas Service Members

The Women in Sales and Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 15, at The Venue in the NE/Lancaster Rooms at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr. from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. At this month’s luncheon, WISB members will be contemplating what their dreams, goals, and desires are for 2020 and the coming decade. Cost is $16 which includes lunch (cost is $10 if you only attend the meeting).

Speaker Alysha Findley will lead the group in a “visioneering” exercise to help clear up what members really want while also discussing the differences between being “goal conscious” and “growth conscious.” Alysha Findley is an educator by nature with over a decade of experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, and meditation. She is the founder/creator of Be.Mind.Body.Shift. She also runs her own health and wellness business as a consultant with Arbonne International.

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer business women in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an intimate group. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join the group! Learn more or register for the upcoming meetings online at wisblincoln. org / wisblincoln.ning.com.

First National Bank of Omaha is proud to salute all military service members who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. To show the bank’s support and appreciation for their honorable service and patriotism, First National Bank of Omaha invited the public to nominate service members to receive cookies to ring in the New Year. As a result of this effort, First National employee volunteers will package cookies that will be delivered in late January to service members serving overseas. Each Cookies from Home care package will also include candy and notes of thanks, many of these written by students in the community. This is the fourth year for First National Bank of Omaha’s Cookies from Home program. Last year, the bank sent over 36,000 cookies to service members.

The Cookies from Home program gives First National Bank of Omaha the opportunity to make an impact in the community while sharing the joy of the holidays with service members overseas. It’s also a way for employees to get involved, from helping package the cookies to making nominations themselves.

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas. Learn more online at www.fnbo.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Ebbeka Design Co. Adds Google Search Engine Optimization to Services To better serve the needs of their clients, Ebbeka Design Co. has added SEO and keyword planning to its services. Adding SEO services boosts Ebbeka’s already robust services and takes the complexity of SEO off of clients’ hands. Understanding Google’s search algorithm is like navigating an ever-changing maze of information. As important as it is for a business to rank in Google, this information simply can’t be ignored. Ebbeka’s simple and straightforward approach to keyword strategy has already shown dramatic results in boosting Google rankings for clients who are utilizing this service.

Founded in 2001, Ebbeka Design Co. is a full-service digital, print, and advertising agency. The Ebbeka team is dedicated to creating amazing work and building strong, lasting relationships with their clients. Ebbeka takes on any challenge and brings impactful results.

If you’d like to boost your business’s online presence and achieve better Google search rankings, Ebbeka Design Co. can help! For a complementary SEO evaluation, please contact Amy Ebbeka at amy@ebbekadesign.com or call (402) 441-4649.

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CBD American Shaman to Participate in Lincoln Women’s Expo January 18–19 CBD American Shaman has announced that they will be participating in the Lincoln Women’s Expo January 18–19 at the Lancaster Event Center.

CBD American Shaman will offer free samples and education at their booth, where they will also hold a drawing for free product.

The Women’s Expo will be a great time for women to gather with their mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, cousins, friends, and co-workers. CBD American Shaman invites attendees to visit them at their booth to learn more about the benefits their high-quality CBD products provide.

Featuring all Nebraska local craft beer on tap!

The Lincoln Women’s Expo brings women together to share ideas, stories, and experiences. Women can network, explore new products and offerings, shop, enjoy educational opportunities, receive free health screenings, and just enjoy a day away from the usual noise and cares to focus on wellness and community for women in Lincoln.

CBD (cannabidiol) hemp oil interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system, which is the system that regulates the body’s normal homeostasis. With advancements in science and technology, the processing and refinement of industrial hemp has improved.

Therefore, CBD can now be extracted with little to no THC present through an entirely organic process.

CBD American Shaman has three locations in Lincoln to serve the community’s needs. Each location offers free sampling every day. Their team is all about educating people about the body’s endocannabinoid system and how CBD products can manage physical and emotional stress. To learn more about their US Hemp Authority Certified products, go online to www.cbdoflincoln.com or contact Lance Schroeder at (531) 500-3672 / lincolnamshaman@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

FROM OUR FARM, TO YOUR TABLE 4800 Holdrege Street, Suite 100 | Lincoln, NE 68504 402.480.7399 | HFCrave.com HFCrave

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BUSINESS NEWS Cobalt Credit Union Celebrates New Downtown Branch with Ribbon Cutting

Graduate Hotel Lincoln

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Cobalt Credit Union and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce joined together on Friday, October 25 to celebrate Cobalt’s new facility at 1625 N St. in downtown Lincoln. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony along with refreshments, cookies, games, and more.

Cobalt Credit Union is locally owned by its members and recognized for its community involvement. Motivated by member service rather than profit, Cobalt’s focus is on providing safety, soundness, and convenience to its members. Cobalt Credit Union is a financial partner for life, helping members with better banking, financial planning, home buying, investing, education, retirement planning, commercial banking services, and more.

Anyone can join based on Cobalt’s field of membership; they currently serve over 110,000 members and have branch locations throughout Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.cobaltcu.com.

Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

Construction Begins on Fallbrook Rowhouses Designed by Peace Studio Architects Construction recently began for a new community of rowhouses designed by Peace Studio Architects, with construction wor k being conducted by Blake Builders. The unfinished rowhouses are located in the Fallbrook neighborhood, near the town center. Construction of the rowhouses is expected to take approximately one year. Units are being sold by Dede Mau and Holly Buss of Woods Brothers Realty.

Each style of rowhouse will feature a different size and design.

Outside units will have side facing windows and a deck. The interior rowhouses will have an actual outdoor courtyard with inside-only access, making them especially unique. Select units will feature juliette balconies. The houses will hold an average of three to four bedrooms with a potential for five in some of the larger units. The rowhouses are designed to combine ease, comfort, functionality, and beauty with the convenience of a premium location.

As one of the largest and most ambitious projects of its kind, Fallbrook is a 700-acre residential and commercial community coupling modern convenience with traditional neighborhood appeal.

Fallbrook’s bustling town center is surrounded by residences, local businesses, schools, parks, and a medical plaza. Fallbrook offers residents the charm and sanctuary of a close-knit community with the ease and accessibility of an in-town address. To learn more, visit fallbrookusa.com.

Peace Studio Architects specializes in commercial design, residential custom home design and remodel, hospitality, and healthcare and commercial kitchens. Many of their homes can be seen in the Fallbrook development, Village Gardens, and around town. “Because Design Matters” is a very important motto for the firm. They believe design matters in various aspects of architecture, ranging from the built environment to making the community better. They also believe it makes economic sense to invest in well-designed spaces. Learn more about Peace Studio Architects at www.peacestudioarch.com, on Facebook or Instagram, Linkedin, or contact Samantha Peace at sam@peacestudioarch.com / (402) 217-1831. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS BBB Study Reveals Rental Fraud Among Home and Vacation Property Listings An in-depth investigative study by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) found that fraud is widespread in the online rental home and vacation rental market, with 43% of online shoppers encountering a fake listing and more than five million consumers losing money to such scams.

The investigative study, Is That Rental Listing Real?

A BBB Study of Rental Scams Involving Apartments, Houses and Vacation Properties, released by the BBB in December noted that 85% of those encountering fake rental listings do not fall for them. However, these figures suggest that the volume of rental scams lurking on the internet is staggering.

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According to the study, rental scams can take several forms, but perhaps most commonly, fraudsters simply copy the photo and description of a property, post it online with their own contact information, and try to get a deposit and first month’s rent from the victim. The fraudster may communicate only by email or text message and may claim to be out of the country and unavailable to show the property. Once the victim sends money, the fraudster disappears.

COMING SOON

To read the Better Business Bureau’s full study on rental scams, go to bbb.org/scamstudies.

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Nebraska Restaurant Association to Host Fundraising Event for National Competition The Nebraska Restaurant Association will host their first annual Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska on January 12 from 4–6 p.m. at the Timber Wood Fire Bistro, 8702 Pacific St. Future Culinary ProStars is a new fundraising event for ProStart, a program of the Nebraska Restaurant Association’s Hospitality Education Foundation.

This is a fun and interactive event through which ProStart student teams will be paired with celebrated local chefs to prepare and serve small plate tastings. Attendees will have an opportunity to sample the dishes while networking with industry professionals and meeting rising Culinary ProStars of the future. Poultry, beef, seafood, pork, and vegetarian small plates will be served for all to enjoy. Evening activities will include a silent auction, gift card pulls, Artesian Christopher Elbow Chocolates, cash bar, and more! Cost for attendance is $60 per person.

Money raised at “Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska” supports the mission of the Nebraska Restaurant Association to represent, educate, and promote the hospitality industry across the state. The proceeds from the “Future Culinary ProStars of Nebraska” small plate tasting fundraiser will defray travel, preparation, and participation expenses for Nebraska teams that will compete in the 2020 National ProStart Invitational on May 8–10 in Washington, D.C. The Nebraska Restaurant Association hopes to establish Nebraska as “the food state” at the competition.

The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity, and excellence in and of its membership. The association is dedicated to serving Nebraska’s restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion, and the highest quality member benefits. Learn more at nebraska-dining.org or find them on Facebook (@NebraskaRestaurantAssociation). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS 48 Bowl Raises Over $3K for People’s City Mission through Mission PossiBowl 48 Bowl, Inc. (dba Parkway Lanes and Hollywood Bowl) recently announced that the Mission PossiBowl bowling promotion which ran from April 1 to October 31 was able to raise $3,207 for the People’s City Mission. The Mission PossiBowl open bowling promotion offered customers the opportunity to purchase two games of open bowling and shoe rental every Sunday for a discounted price of $8 per person with $1 for every purchase being donated to People’s City Mission.

“We’re pleased to be able to engage the greater Lincoln community in a promotion that allows them to come together and have fun with family and friends through bowling and know that part of their purchase goes to support a valuable community asset like the People’s City Mission,” said Marketing and Program Director Jennifer Davis-Korn.

The promotion was a hit with staff and customers alike and will return again in the spring of 2020.

Hollywood Bowl and Parkway Lanes are locally-owned and were established in Lincoln in 1956 and 1959, respectively. Both locations have enjoyed decades of great bowling and are proud to host some of the original leagues of Lincoln. Find out more about 48 Bowl, Inc. by visiting 48bowl.com.

BNI Celebrates 35th Anniversary BNI® will celebrate 35 years of service and excellence on January 10. The BNI Heartland Chapter is proud to be a part of the global business networking organization that has fostered thousands of lasting professional relationships. To celebrate, BNI Heartland will be hosting award ceremonies in Lincoln, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Omaha for International Networking Week during the first week of February.

BNI was founded by Ivan Misner on January 10, 1985, and has grown to an international organization with over 265,000 members worldwide in over 9,000 chapters. BNI Heartland is proud to celebrate their 24th anniversary as a chapter this year. Since its inception, BNI Heartland’s members have passed over $350 million of business in Nebraska, with the economic multiplier conservatively estimating the total impact to business owners to be over $1.5 billion.

BNI® is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 250,000 members in 70+ countries. Their members generate word-of-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2018 alone, BNI members generated over $15 billion (USD) in revenue for member businesses. Learn more about BNI Heartland and their celebratory recognition events by visiting their website at bniheartland.com. Tickets to awards ceremony are $10 for both members and nonmembers. To see specific dates, times, and locations for each chapter’s award ceremony, visit bniheartland.com/en-US/events. For more information, email info@bniheartland.com or call (402) 880-6311.

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City Bank & Trust Co. invited the community of Lincoln and surrounding areas to celebrate the grand opening of its new Lincoln branch located at 4225 Lucile Dr. on November 12. Local elected officials, chamber members, and business leaders joined City Bank leadership and board members to celebrate the grand opening of the new branch with a catered luncheon and a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

“We are proud to debut this new branch that offers unique, modern, and simplified banking,” said Mike Ulrich, chief financial officer of City Bank.

“This new location provides a warm and inviting atmosphere that offers our continued commitment to the individuals, families, and businesses that makeup southeast Lincoln.”

To support the expansion, new board of directors and bank leadership has been added to the current team and includes: Breck Collingsworth, board member; Matthew Maude, board member; Mike Ulrich, CFO; Aaron Bell, senior vice president; and Jason Peters, senior vice president.

“The new Lincoln branch continues our geographic repositioning in the marketplace and furthers our planned expansion,” said Breck Collingsworth. “City Bank has been part of the growth and development of the Nebraska banking community since 1910, and we look forward to further developing new banking relationships for decades to come.”

To learn more, contact the City Bank & Trust Co. team at (402) 4741030. City Bank & Trust Co., member FDIC, is an equal housing lender and equal opportunity employer. More information can be found online at www.citybankandtrust.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS EventLNK Announces January Meeting on Transforming Event Space January’s EventLNK meeting will be held on Thursday, January 23, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Turbine Flats, 2124 Y St. This fun and free-toattend meeting will focus on everything you need to know about taking your event space to the next level.

EventLNK sponsor, Elite Events Rental, will discuss tips on transforming your event space to make it perfect for your needs.

Attendees will also hear from Turbine Flats about their unique space available for rental. From business meetings to social events, Turbine Flats has a space that fits! Complimentary appetizers and beer samples will also be provided by Granite City throughout the event as well.

EventLNK brings together Lincoln’s event professionals by providing education and resources to enhance and support professional growth. To register for the January EventLNK meeting, visit www. eventlnk.org/meetings. Visit their website for more information or email Jill Mlinar at info@eventlnk.org.

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National Association of Women in Construction to Host Block Kids Event The Greater Omaha Chapter #116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will hold its annual Block Kids event on January 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Metropolitan Community College, South Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave. in the Industrial Training Center Building (ITC) Conference Center 120.

The award-winning program, provided

by NEF – NAWIC Education Foundation, is held by NAWIC chapters across the country to introduce children to the construction industry in an effort to create awareness and promote curiosity about careers in the construction industry. This free event is limited to 100 children in grades K-6. Each child is provided with 100 interlocking blocks, a small rock, string, foil, and a poster board.

They are then given a maximum of one hour to use these materials and their imaginations to design and build a project that is in some way related to the construction industry.

Once the projects are completed, judges will interview participants and ask questions such as Why did you choose to build this project?

What do you like about it? Is there anything you would change? and How will it be used? Projects are scored on oral presentation, use of materials, enthusiasm, attention to detail, creativity, and reason for participation. Winning local projects will advance to a regional competition with the chance to advance to nationals.

The National Association of Women in Construction is an international organization of women working in and around the construction industry. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the industry through education, networking, and leadership opportunities.

The Midwest Region has over 730 members. To learn more about the Block Kids event, please visit www.nawicomaha.com or reach out to NAWIC media contact Nanci Borg (402) 671-9435 / nborg@ ur.com to schedule an interview with Block Kids Committee Chair Claire Andreesen or Chapter President Veronica Anderson. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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AR Solutions Founder Aaron Newell Honored Among Top 50 Receivables Professionals The award recognizes the excellent standard AR Solutions has set in the accounts receivable industry.

On November 19, AR Solutions Founder and CEO Aaron Newell was honored as one of the top 50 Receivables Professionals at the CollectTech19 expo awards ceremony held at the Worthington Renaissance and TopGolf hotel in Fort Worth, TX. Newell and the team at AR Solutions are proud to offer top service and solutions to their clients.

At AR Solutions, the goal is to: • Build relationships • Learn the client’s business • Build a customized solution that works Each situation is unique and should be treated as such!

All Asset Recovery Specialists are American Collection Association (ACA) certified, and AR Solutions is licensed, bonded, and insured. The company is widely recognized for its professional handling of accounts as well as a success rate of collecting on average 2.5 times the national average for clients.

AR Solutions offers competitive fees that are contingent upon collection, and you can trust that your client accounts will be handled with the highest quality service and utmost dignity so you can focus your time and energy on running your business.

We exist to provide the most professional, ethical, and innovative collection solutions for our clients.

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Carriers Offering Healthy Living Programs for 2020

Ringing in the New Year often leads people to focus on new goals. Health, physical fitness, and eating well are the most common New Year’s Resolutions. Did you know that your insurance company may have a program to help you reach those goals? Let’s look at some of the healthy living programs that carriers are offering in 2020.

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue365® offers you exclusive access to savings on select products such as activity tracking devices, fitness center memberships, athletic footwear, and other products and services to support a healthy lifestyle. Members are able to get discounts on weight management, health eating, and meal delivery programs from Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, and Sun Basket, as well as discounts on hearing, vision, and dental products and services.

United HealthCare has a program called “Motion” that is centered on three activity thresholds: Frequency, Intensity and Tenacity. You can receive an activity tracker that monitors your activity and displays your progress towards the goals. By meeting the three daily walking goals each day, money is rewarded to help pay your out of pocket expenses. You could earn up to $1,095 per year.

Medica’s program is called “Healthy Living”. Healthy Living provides resources and tools to help you improve your health—plus a community of others to support you along the way. There are personalized online programs for your mind, body, and habits to support you in the gym and beyond. Every time you log in to their app and work on your health, you’ll earn reward points. You can redeem those points for discounts at local businesses.

Bright Health’s Rewards Program offers members a Rewards Visa® card that is loaded with cash when you take advantage of opportunities to improve your health and wellness; activities such as selecting a primary care physician, getting a flu shot, and taking a health survey. Every member on the policy can earn the rewards.

In addition, Bright provides four days of meals delivered to your house after each hospital stay and up to four rides to doctor appointments within 25 miles.

National General is offering a “Vitality Wellness” program. The program is to help employees focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Vitality Check—A confidential biometric screening that helps guide employees to action. Employees will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for completing their Vitality Check. Employees have access to their Rewards mall where they can redeem their Vitality bucks for a variety of fitness devices and gift cards.

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Coldwell Banker, NHS Real Estate is a locallyowned, full-service real estate company that is based in Lincoln. Brynna Luke is a REALTOR® and associate broker with Coldwell Banker, NHS Real Estate.

Tell us a little about your business. - When life throws a curve ball and demands a change in residence, I help people with their real estate transaction. I like to be a helping hand where possible, provide a smile on a really bad day, and be an alternative to the internet when my clients have a question or two (or 10). I always tell new clients that 90% of my job is answering questions so ask away!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Not stressing about things I simply have no control over is tough; whether it is the housing market, interest rates, liens, storms and repairs—the list is endless. I’ve learned to expect the unexpected, play a whole lot by ear, and just roll with it day to day. With many parties involved in a transaction, each carrying a certain level of responsibility, we just need to trust each other to get the job done.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to Jeremy for 19 years and we have one kid in college, two in high school, and a playful kindergartner to round us out. We love Marvel movies, going on walks, throwing a frisbee around, and just hanging out quietly with each other.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I just sit on my porch and think about nothing at all—it’s wonderful.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My mom was a costumer for our local theater, so I learned to sew during my sixth grade summer. I volunteered eight hours a day, six days a week in the costume shop. I had my own clothing line for six years, and I am currently the seamstress for the Lincoln Irish Dancers. Plus, I am a freelance seamstress on the side and sew everything from home décor to wedding gowns.

Who inspires you? - My kids. They are each so different. I’ve learned quite a bit from each one of them. My oldest son has taught me to dream and to be confident; my daughter has taught me to be humble and courageous; my youngest son has taught me to be productive; and my littlest has taught me to relax and just play.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I like to tell myself that life is too short to do the same thing every single day.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “The Call” by Regina Spektor. It’s about hoping, dreaming, living, remembering, and never giving up. My kids know to play it at my funeral.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - An artist, waking up every day with a yearning to create and then sell my creations at my own brick and mortar shop and traveling shows.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Crohns and Colitis Foundation. My daughter has a GI disease, which is relentless, so I contacted the Foundation. I have since been introduced to the many treatments, research studies, and support groups available in our area, and I look forward to helping them with their events for 2020.

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If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 853-4172 (call/text); Website: www.coldwellbanker.com; Facebook: @brynnalukerealtor, #wheredoesyourdreamlive. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

ALLISON

Allison Santana

KRUEGER DEVELOPMENT Krueger Development acquires, develops, leases, and sells commercial properties in Lincoln. Allison Santana is the commercial property manager at Krueger Development.

Tell us a little about your business. - We work closely with our tenants to fulfill their objectives, from design to construction. I believe that our clients trust us with their projects because of our meticulous attention to detail, local knowledge, and generations of experience.

Krueger Development also offers residential properties throughout south Lincoln. Our apartment homes are very clean, trendy, and spacious. They include walk-in closets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, ceiling fans, high-energy efficient washers and dryers, and underground heated parking. We build from the ground up, offering quality apartments homes, restaurants, gyms, and offices that are built on the pillars of integrity and honesty. I am really excited about our new development, The Woodlands Enterprise Center, at approximately 84th and Yankee Hill. We are set to start commercial construction to sell and lease this month. I was born a Lincolnite, and it is really exciting for me to see the city grow at a steady pace. It gives me a great deal of pride to be a part of such an amazing company that seeks to expand and improve our city.

How did you get started in the business? - My career experience and skills have grown from my childhood. I have always had a passion for people and children in particular. I was labeled a baby hog as a young girl and rightfully so as I was always coddling kids.

I eventually went on to manage a childcare center and was then promoted to director. I spent 10 years in childcare management and then, one day in 2015, I got offered a position as a property manager. I took the opportunity and ever since I have been helping people find the right place to call home. I spent time after high school, studying abroad in Spain. I have a degree in human services from Southeast Community College. I speak Spanish and enjoy connecting with people from different cultures and communities.

Tell us a little about your family. - I met my husband Azuri Santana in his homeland, the Dominican Republic, on a mission trip in 2004.

We have been happily married for nine years and have four beautiful daughters together. Their ages range from three months to eight years old. Aside from folding laundry, doing dishes, reading bedtime stories, and braiding hair, Azuri and I enjoy doing home remodel projects together.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Take my girls to the pool. They love to swim. We have a lot of fun splashing around in the water. I also enjoy riding bikes and taking a nice walk. I’m an outdoors person and take preference to the warmer climate.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t spend more money than you make.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “The River” by Garth Brooks.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A private investigator. I always thought it would be fun to search for clues and solve crimes. It would be rewarding to bring justice and closure for individuals and their families.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - I love to eat at El Toro.

I think they have the best Mexican food in the city. The horchata is amazing there!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- Phone: (402) 423-7377; Email: asantana@kruegerdevelopment. com; Website: www.kruegerdevelopment.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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STAR CITY SIX

NANCY

Nancy Paasch

SANDHILLS GLOBAL Sandhills Global is an international information processing company that focuses on serving the farm equipment, construction equipment, truck and trailer, and aviation industries. Nancy Paasch is chief administration officer for Sandhills Global.

Tell us a little about your business. - At Sandhills Global, we strive to connect buyers and sellers across these industries with a wide array of publications, websites, and hosted cloud-based services. As our chief administration officer, I oversee our HR and administration functions across all of our offices here in the U.S. and internationally. I work closely with all areas of Sandhills to help support growth and success of the company.

How did you get started in the business? - I started at Sandhills after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in a human resources role. They took a chance on me as a fresh graduate, and I’m starting my 14th year at Sandhills this year.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my husband Bill for eight years. He’s a TractorHouse sales representative for Sandhills.

He also enjoys farming on the weekends. We have three children—two sons who are in first grade and preschool at North American Martyrs School, and a one-year-old daughter.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My favorite thing to do on a day off is to spend it with my family and visit my family in South Dakota.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I learned to play piano by ear.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - If you can’t do great things, do small things in a great way.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Reliable.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To predict the future.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Sandhills encourages employees to be involved in a variety of local nonprofit organizations. They do a dollar-for-dollar matching donation program this time of year to many local organizations like Kicks for Kids, Catholic Social Services, and more. They match one dollar for each dollar any employee donates to the organizations, which is incredible. An organization that I personally volunteer with is Junior Achievement. I believe their mission to help educate students in financial literacy, money management, and work readiness is crucial for the future. Volunteering in the classroom is something I find personally rewarding as you can see the direct impact with the students. It’s something I look forward to every year.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - With little ones at home, our favorite books are The Very Hungry Caterpillar or Goodnight Moon. I enjoy reading books that were made into movies or TV shows. The Time Travelers Wife was one of my favorites.

What is your favorite TV show? - I just finished the new season of The Crown—it was great!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - It’s hard to pick one with so many great options around town. Schilling Bridge in Fallbrook and The Oven would be at the top!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- Phone: (402) 479-2181; Email: human-resources@sandhills.com; Website: www.sandhills.com. Sandhills Global always has open jobs listed at www.sandhills.jobs as well! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

CRYSTAL

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Crystal Collins

OAK ELECTRIC, INC. Oak Electric, Inc. is a locally-owned and operated, full-service electrical contractor.

Crystal Collins is the owner and president of Oak Electric.

Tell us a little about your business. - Oak Electric is a 100% woman owned and operated company. We have a fantastic team of individuals who care about precision and craftsmanship and who can represent Oak Electric’s core values while providing a wide range of services to both residential and commercial customers.

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How did you get started in the business? - My husband Matt has been an electrician since the day we met, and I have always been impressed by his vast array of knowledge. With his talent and my background in business administration, we decided to open Oak Electric.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Staffing shortages. The electrical industry, among other trades, are facing a staffing crisis. With a flourishing economy and shortage of tradesmen, it makes it difficult to respond in a timely fashion with our customers.

We, as a society, need to encourage the next generation to consider a career in the trades.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- They say that a referral is the best compliment, and it truly is. Having a customer share our name or call us back for continued service is very rewarding.

Tell us a little about your family. - Matt and I are blessed with two boys, ages 13 and 19. Our youngest is an eighth grader at Scott Middle School, and our oldest is on campus enjoying his freshman year at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Who inspires you? - I am inspired by my 19-year-old son Grant. He is majoring in special education. He has so much patience when working with special needs children, and he embraces all the differences. To see him in action inspires me to love more and critique less.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The day I resigned from my corporate job with a corner office. Starting your own company can be scary, liberating, and exciting at the same time.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - We all live in such a fast-paced, connected world. I am so grateful for a day off when I can be with my family and dis-engage, preferably at the lake.

Thanking the People of Lincoln You helped us collect gifts for local seniors this holiday season.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - When I was a little girl, I was told that I can do and be anything I want if I put my mind to it and work hard.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Genuine.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). One of our boys was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when he was only four years old. Since that day, our lives were forever changed. For many years, we participated in fundraisers and, for the past two years, Oak Electric has been a corporate sponsor.

Want to get involved for 2020?

What is your favorite movie? - I don’t necessarily have a favorite movie, but I really enjoy going to the movie theater.

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If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 440-5969 (call/text); Email: oakelectriccompany@gmail. com; Website: www.oakelectriccompany.com.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

Marcus Malcom

WIRELESS WORLD Wireless World is a Verizon Premium Retailer serving the Lincoln area and beyond. Marcus Malcom is the district manager for Wireless World in Nebraska.

Tell us a little about your business. - Being a Verizon Premium Retailer means that we sell Verizon products and service, but we are privately owned. Wireless World is based out of Sioux Falls, SD and we have 46 locations throughout Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

How did you get started in the business? - I started in the wireless industry while I was going to college at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. I started part-time and moved to full-time after graduating. I then moved to Omaha to start with another Verizon Premium Retailer.

I worked with them for four years and have now been with Wireless World for almost five years.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Having tough conversations with employees. I’m better than I was when I first started in management, but I still don’t enjoy write-ups or things like that.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? In my first four years with Wireless World, I was lucky enough to have a team that performed at such an excellent level that the company awarded us with trips each of those years. I was also grateful to have the owners trust me enough to open five other Wireless World locations in addition to the three we had open when I started.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Khara and I moved to Lincoln over five years ago. She has been in education throughout her professional career. We have two children: Paige and Jace. I am from Iowa originally, but Khara is a Nebraska girl from Crete.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- My dad was the high school basketball coach during my sophomore season in high school. I started to find myself that year and played in front of upper classmen. When the season ended, my dad was let go. I could have moved to a different school but stayed to prove to everyone why I played the year before.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to get a round or two of golf in.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He volunteered his time coaching youth and worked his tail off. Now, he is super successful in the ag industry, and I look up to what he has accomplished.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Do not take life too seriously, you will never get out of it alive.”

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Wireless World works with the Food Bank of Lincoln. I also volunteered to coach my daughter’s second grade volleyball and basketball teams this year.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - In our company, our owners actually pay us to read books and grow and develop. Two books I enjoyed reading this year were High Performance Habits by Brendon Burchard and The Weekly Coaching Conversation

by Brian Souza.

What is your favorite movie? - Top Gun. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Michael Jordan.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 858-9958; Email: mmalcom@wirelessworld.com; Website: wirelessworld.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

CHRIS

Chris Neemann

NEEMANN & SONS, INC. Neemann & Sons, Inc. has been a familyowned roofing, gutter, and siding business in Lincoln since 1981. Chris Neemann is the owner of Neemann & Sons, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - At Neemann & Sons, we strive to provide our customers with a family-friendly service using high-quality products. We offer a wide range of services, including roofing, siding, seamless gutters, aluminum soffit and fascia, replacement windows, blown-in insulation, gutter cleaning, and other repairs. Over a year ago, we acquired Sprague Roofing and JL Exteriors. This has allowed us to offer commercial roofing and expand our siding division.

How did you get started in the business? - My husband Terry and I started Terry Neemann Roofing in 1981 as a part-time job to earn some extra income. Terry did the roofing and sometimes I helped him with the cleanup. I also did the books for the business. We both worked full-time jobs for many years while working the roofing business on the side. We enjoyed getting to know our customers over the years and have formed many friendships through our business. We are fortunate to have our three sons working the business with us as well.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Making the decision to quit our full-time jobs with great benefits to pursue Neemann & Sons full time.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Starting our business from nothing and working to build it to the great company it is today.

Tell us a little about your family. - Terry and I have been married for 41 years, and our three wonderful sons have given us 10 awesome grandchildren.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Going to watch our grandchildren’s sporting events and cheerleading or dance competitions.

I also love to go to concerts.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up in a small town in Nebraska, and I was the only one in my class for a few years.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “A liar is always a liar even when they tell the truth.”

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Time in a Bottle” by Jim Croce.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To cure cancer and Alzheimer’s.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would like to be a musician.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We sponsor Lincoln Youth Football and other youth sports. We like to give back to the children of our great community.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

What is your favorite TV show? - American Idol.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Cher.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone (402) 423-4853; Email: Info@neemannandsons.com; Website: www.neemannandsons.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Rustic, Urban Charm IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

From event setup to a full-service bar, the Talon Room will meet all of your event needs to go above and beyond.

Let us execute the event of your dreams.

Call Matt today to book your event!

402-641-0943 ∙ www.TalonRoom.com ∙ 230 N. 12th St. #1 Lincoln, NE

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PERSONNEL NEWS Husker Rehab Recognizes Dr. Michelle Spicka for Becoming a Birth Healing Specialist

Kingery Construction Welcomes Chuck Brinley as VP of Business Development

Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness would like to congratulate Michelle Spicka, DPT for completing the coursework to become a Birth Healing Specialist through the Institute for Birth Healing. Michelle has been at Husker Rehab since 2006. In addition to treating neurologic and orthopedic patients, she specializes in pelvic physical therapy.

As a part of the certification process to become a Birth Healing Specialist, Michelle completed courses on holistic treatment of the pregnant and postpartum body, which included lots of hands-on skills, anatomy review, understanding pelvic mechanics for birth, and knowledge of the pregnant body for birth and the postpartum body for recovery. She learned how to work with the emotional, energetic, and physical aspects of the body for a more complete healing of issues.

Up to 80% of women will have lingering issues after the birth of their child, but many will not seek treatment. Low back pain, incontinence, pelvic pain, constipation, diastasis recti, and abdominal pain are all symptoms of musculoskeletal dysfunction that a pelvic physical therapist can treat. Husker Rehab believes that all women deserve to rehab their pelvic floor and abdominal muscles after pregnancy and birth!

Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness, located at 4911 N. 26th St., STE 100, offers physical therapy and wellness services that are designed thoughtfully to support your goals with a customized program that’s just right for you. Learn more online at www.huskerrehab.com or call (402) 477-3110.

Chuck Brinley joined Kingery Construction Co. as the vice president of business development in November 2019.

Chuck came to Kingery Construction after most recently working at Silverhawk Aviation, and he has held various sales leadership roles in the medical device industry over the previous 20 years. Chuck is committed to understanding the specific needs of client-partners and providing solutions. Having called on individuals of high net worth, partnered with C-Suite leadership, and established relationships with all involved parties at various levels, Chuck is experienced in asking questions to help clients attain their goals. Chuck enjoys spending time with his bride of nearly 25 years as they charter a course through parenthood with their two children (and three dogs). He likes to serves others in various capacities and believes that “good people doing the right things will get great results.” Chuck looks forward to creating deep, longstanding relationships with those who are interested in building for their future!

Kingery Construction is a large commercial contractor that has been in business for 95 years, providing services for educational entities, hospitals, religious, commercial, government, industrial, and private projects. The company has developed relationships with owners and architects that date back decades and continues to be proud of their ongoing relationships and projects.

For more information about Kingery Construction Co., please call (402) 465-4400, email marketing@kccobuilders.com, or visit www. kccobuilders.com.

Southeast Nebraska

Electrical Conference Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 Noon-4 p.m.

Milford Campus $39 Professionals $19 Students

This conference is for industry professionals as well as those interested in a career in electrical technology. Hear from experts working in the field and education partnering to provide the best in electrical technology education. This conference is brought to you by Southeast Community College Continuing Education and SCC’s Electromechanical Technology program.

To register as a student or professional, call the SCC Continuing Education Office at 402-437-2700.

To register your company as a sponsor and reserve a small table space, call 402-323-5549.

Lunch included! southeast.edu/Continuing 26

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PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska Press Association Hires Executive Brooke Zimmerman Joins Lincoln Chamber Director Dennis DeRossett of Commerce as Director of Marketing Dennis DeRossett, an associate with Grimes, McGovern & Associates, has been appointed as the executive director of the Nebraska Press Association (NPA), effective as of January 1. The current NPA staff will remain in place under DeRossett’s leadership.

DeRossett was publisher of the Beatrice Daily Sun from 1990-96 and has served as a publisher for newspapers in Ohio, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Illinois. He was on the NPA board of directors during his tenure at Beatrice and was a part of the search committee to hire thenincoming NPA executive director, Allen Beermann.

DeRossett served as president and CEO of the Illinois Press Association (IPA) from 2010-17. In addition, he concurrently held the position of chief operating officer of the National Newspaper Association. After he resigned from the IPA, he began providing consulting services to community newspapers and press associations.

Since 1873, the Nebraska Press Association continually strives to protect the freedom of the press, and assist the goals of its members, friends, and partners, including newspapers, advertising agencies, and individuals across the state of Nebraska. To learn more, go to www.nebpress.com or call (402) 476-2851.

Friedman Law Offices Welcomes Meaghan Geraghty to Firm Friedman Law Offices, PC LLO, recently welcomed Meaghan A. Geraghty, JD, to the firm. Ms. Geraghty recently moved back to the area from practicing law in Bozeman, MT. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Political Science, cum laude, from Bowling Green State University. Upon graduation, she was awarded a U.S. Fulbright Fellowship to Hong Kong. Following her return, she worked as a case manager for the mental health community. This experience prompted her to become a registered nurse, graduating from Kent State University, after which she worked for several years with a diverse population of patients.

Ms. Geraghty’s passion for advocacy led her to obtain her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law. While at Nebraska Law, she was a member of the trial team, was chosen as a member of the Order of the Barristers, and was awarded the Pat Gies Memorial Award and Clinical Legal Educators Outstanding Clinical Student Award.

She also received CALI awards for public health law and Civil Clinic.

Ms. Geraghty maintains her nursing license and is a member of the American Nurses Association, the American Association for Justice, and Nebraska Association of Trial Attorneys. Her practice focuses on medical malpractice and negligence, personal injury, birth injury, wrongful death, nursing home abuse, civil rights litigation, and catastrophic injuries.

Friedman Law Offices, PC LLO, was established in 1962 with the objective of providing injured Nebraskans with personalized representation, whether their cases be straightforward or complex. Friedman Law has earned respect and distinction as one of the largest and most successful firms in Nebraska with an AV rating, the highest available from Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating process. Friedman Law’s excellent attorneys advocate for Nebraskans with a focus on their clients’ best interests and needs. To learn more, visit www.friedmanlaw.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, recently announced the hire of Brooke Zimmerman as director of marketing and communications. In this role, Brooke will work with the communications team on the planning, development, and completion of the organization’s communication strategies, materials, and programming.

Graduate of the University of Nebraska– Lincoln, Brooke brings over 15 years of marketing and communications experience to the Lincoln Chamber. Prior to joining the Lincoln Chamber team, she worked in BKD’s Nebraska practice as marketing and business development manager.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce serves as Lincoln’s lead business organization, championing the innovative, bustling business community.

To learn more, visit lcoc.com. You can contact Brooke at (402) 437-7835 / bzimmerman@lcoc.com to welcome her to the Chamber!

HoriSun Hospice Promotes Kelli Klopfenstein, Molly Turek, and Deb Maguire HoriSun Hospice, Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Kelli Klopfenstein, RN, BSN, MSN to director of clinical services; Molly Turek, RN to clinical manager; and Deb Maguire, LPN to quality assurance manager.

Kelli has worked for HoriSun Hospice for over three years and previously worked as a nurse manager at Bryan Medical Center West Intensive Care. In her role as director of clinical services, Kelli is responsible for coordinating the care and services for each hospice patient Kelli Klopfenstein and their family, as well as supporting the hospice interdisciplinary team.

Molly has worked in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and in hospice for 13 years at the Monarch Hospice House and previously with HoriSun Hospice as clinical manager. In her role, Molly will work to enhance the overall hospice program and patient care through staff development and oversight.

Deb obtained her Assisted Living Administrator’s License in 1999 and has worked in the assisted living field for the Molly Turek past several years. Her passion is to help give caregivers the knowledge they need to care for the elderly and dementia patients with dignity and grace. In her new role, Deb will lead and direct HoriSun’s regulatory and compliance programs and also ensure an effective system of staff communication.

The mission of HoriSun Hospice, Inc. is to deliver the highest level of holistic hospice care with honor and respect for patients and their families. HoriSun Hospice provides help, hope, and comfort to those facing a lifeDeb Maguire limiting illness. Their qualified interdisciplinary team of health care professionals and trained volunteers have ensured that each individual receives the unique quality of care that they deserve. Learn more by calling (402) 484-6444 or visit www.horisunhospice.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach Announces New Board Leadership in 2020

Luxury Landscape Welcomes Brandon Gallardo to Work Family

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is excited to announce the Board of Directors and Officers for 2020.

Luxury Landscape is happy to welcome Brandon Gallardo to its family! Brandon is a native of Lincoln. While at work, Brandon completes an array of tasks, from planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and mulching to building paver patios and retaining walls. Brandon also contributes creativity and vision to landscape designs. He is extremely motivated to wake up and come to work because of the unique individuals he has the opportunity to work with every day. He loves helping customers bring functionality and aesthetic to a project, and seeing a finished project is always very satisfying. Brandon feels his paycheck is just an added bonus to all the great benefits of working for Luxury Landscape.

Brandon says his favorite things about landscaping is working outside with living organisms, seeing a job all the way through from start to finish, and the crew he gets to work with!

When Brandon is not busy sharing his happy personality with Luxury Landscape, he enjoys reading, yoga, disc golf, camping, and traveling.

Luxury Landscape is a full-service landscape company in Lincoln. They offer design and consultation work, complete installation of landscaping projects, and that tedious landscape maintenance like pulling weeds, trimming shrubbery, mulching, and so much more. Their goal is to help you turn your outdoor space into your own oasis! Please join Luxury Landscape in giving Brandon a warm welcome by calling (402) 4309430 / (402) 640-6034 or learn more about their services online at www.luxurylandscape-llc.com.

The Executive Committee is President of the Board – Natasha Plooster, chief operating officer at Bridgepoint Investment Banking; Immediate Past President – Dave Smith, technology manager at Allstate Life and Retirement; President Elect – Alynn Sampson, youth and family programming director at Food Bank of Lincoln; Treasurer – Kiley Wiechman, accountant at HBE Becker Meyer Love LLP. Directors are Brad Crain, CPA, Union Bank & Trust; Rick Costello, vice president at Strategic Customers, SAP America; Reina Day, realtor, RE/MAX Concepts; Eric Dinger, president at Powderhook; Greg Ernst, senior vice president at UBS Financial; Greg Frayser, attorney at Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather, LLP; Ameeta Martin, MD, pediatric cardiologist at Lincoln Pediatric Cardiology Clinic with The Physician Network, Catholic Health Initiatives; Tim McEwen, CFP, RBC Wealth Management; Brad Meyer, CEO at Bluestem Health; Josh Midgett, president at Integrated Life Choices; Lincoln Zehr, CEO, Hampton Enterprises Inc. “We are grateful for the commitment of these community leaders and their willingness to serve on behalf of the working poor and homeless,” said Susanne Blue, executive director.

Learn more about Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach at www.mtko.org.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Ironhide Construction Brings Sean Milligan onto Team as General Laborer

Your One Stop Resource For Home Buying & Selling

Ironhide Construction, Inc. is happy to welcome Sean Milligan to their team as a general laborer.

Sean is originally from Bow, NH where he grew up in a family of 13 children.

Sean attended Wyoming Catholic College and now has a wife and a four-month-old daughter at home.

While Sean’s previous experience was in woodworking, he has shown exceptional skill and an ability to learn quickly about the ins and outs of working in steel construction. He is considering going back to school to become an engineer in the future, but for now he enjoys learning everything concerning his current position.

JOE COURTNEY

402-304-1583

301 S 70th St., Suite 200 | Lincoln, NE 68510

Ironhide Construction specializes in construction management, design-build, pre-construction consulting, and structural steel. They build warehouses, manufacturing facilities, clubhouses, athletic complexes, fitness facilities, office spaces, and more. They are a Nebraska-based company with a national client base known across the nation for their reputation of creating quality buildings with genuine service and reasonable prices.

To learn more about Ironhide Construction, Inc., visit their website at ironhideconstruction.com.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Names 2020 Board of Directors The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM), which represents more than 600 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, has announced four new members to its 2020 board of directors.

because design matters

First-term board members elected to serve are: • Victoria Grasso, Cooper Foundation • Osuman Issaka, The Simple Foundation • Rob Trebilcock, Bank of the West • Cammy Watkins, Inclusive Communities Returning board members include: • Anne Herman, AVA Insights • John Jeanetta, Heartland Family Service • Ralph Kellogg, Nebraska Appleseed, secretary • Emiliano Lerda, Paul G. Smith Associates • John Levy, Omaha Community Foundation • Jerry O’Doherty, Seim Johnson • Carolina Padilla, Intercultural Senior Center • Kerri Peterson, The Sherwood Foundation, treasurer • Bryan Schneider, D.A. Davidson • Jaymes Sime, MICAH House, president-elect • Jennifer Skala, Nebraska Children and Families Foundation • Michelle Zych, Women’s Fund of Omaha, president Michelle Zych will serve as the board’s president, beginning in January. Jaymes Sime was named president-elect. Ralph Kellogg will serve as secretary and Kerri Peterson will serve as treasurer.

For more information on the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands and its programs, visit www.nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Sebastian’s Table | GlynOaks Photo by: Sam Peace

Commercial • Residential • Master Planning • Interiors Hospitality • Healthcare • Commercial Kitchens

peacestudioarch.com 402.217.1831 sam@peacestudioarch.com

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PERSONNEL NEWS CHAD Hires Shonda Shirley as New Director West Gate Bank Welcomes Matt Melichar of Community Engagement as Mortgage Loan Officer CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) is pleased to announce the hiring of Shonda Shirley as its new director of community engagement. Shirley comes to CHAD after collaborating with Michelle Grossman, CHAD president and CEO, during Shirley’s tenure as a fundraising director with United Way of the Midlands. Additionally, her numerous years in pharmaceutical sales sparked her passion for helping to ensure Nebraskans have improved access to health care, treatment, programs, and services. This is also when she realized her love of chemistry, and she has tutored high school students in 12 school districts throughout Omaha. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two-year-old Havanese pup.

“Shonda is a great addition to our team,” said Grossman. “We are excited to work with her to raise additional funds for our 21 member health charities and strengthen our partnerships with United Ways across the state.”

CHAD is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Since its inception, CHAD has raised $58,159,054 for charities who are supporting those in need in the community. For more information on the organization’s achievements for 2019, visit www.chadnebraska.org/annual-report.

West Gate Bank® is pleased to welcome Matt Melichar as a new mortgage loan officer.

A native of Lincoln, Melichar graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Prior to joining West Gate Bank, Melichar was a real estate agent with HOME Real Estate and worked at IBM (formerly Kenexa). As a mortgage loan officer, he will work directly with clients to recommend the best mortgage products for their needs, build customized solutions for brokers and clients purchasing or refinancing a home, and assist clients with the mortgage origination process from start to finish.

In his spare time, Melichar volunteers with several community organizations, including Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, Food Bank of Lincoln, and CEDARS. Matt Melichar is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Rd. and can be reached at (402) 323-8900 or mmelichar@ westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. Visit westgate.bank for more information.

Why is “wash” pronounced “wash” but “cash” pronounced “cash?”

We don’t know that. But we do know you can save a lot of cash with our unlimited wash plans. What do you think about that?

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PERSONNEL NEWS McGill Restoration Promotes Berke, BuolFerg, Phelps, and Lilienthal McGill Restoration is excited to announce the promotions of four employees to new roles in the company: Blake Berke to integrator/ CFO; Matt Buol-Ferg to vice president, estimation and project management; Stefanie Phelps to vice president, administration and human resources; and Nathan Lilienthal to estimator/project manager.

Blake has worked for McGill as a dedicated and responsible employee since 2015.

Blake’s strong work ethic and efficiency with the Traction Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) made him an obvious choice for the role of integrator/CFO. Matt was promoted to vice president, estimation and project management while readjusting the Traction EOS; his capability with the system has proven a great asset to the company. Matt will continue to oversee the estimators/project managers on a daily basis along with serving on the executive team to contribute to the traction model. Matt has been with McGill since 2016.

Stefanie has worked with McGill since 2018.

She will now oversee human resources, administration, and accounting through her new role as vice president of administration and human resources. Stefanie will also sit on the executive team to better serve the needs of McGill’s workforce.

Nathan has been promoted to estimator/ project manager. Nate has been with McGill since 2010. When he began, Nate worked summers in the field and warehouse where he quickly climbed the ranks to shop manager and now to estimator/project manager.

McGill Restoration is very committed to investing in the development and training of their employees. They work hard to keep their employees busy year-round and try hard not to be a seasonal construction company. If you are interested in starting a career in the construction industry at a company that offers competitive benefit and compensation package, please apply on the McGill Restoration website at www. mcgillrestoration.com or contact the Lincoln office at (402) 438-4110.

Blake Berke

Showcase your brand while saying thank you Matt Buol-Ferg 268 S 68th Street Place #322 | 402.540.3077 adoele@flickerpromotions.com | www.flickerpromotions.com

SP Group Welcomes Chris Robinett to Team

Stefanie Phelps

Nathan Lilienthal

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

SP Group, P.C. is excited to announce that Chris Robinett, CPA, has joined their team. Chris earned his Bachelor of Science degree in both Finance and Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

With over 30 years of experience in public accounting, including 22 years for a local firm and, most recently, having his own firm for nine years, Chris brings extensive experience in both business and individual tax planning and preparation. He enjoys working with small business owners to minimize tax liability through utilization of tax laws, entity selection, and retirement plans.

Chris believes the foundation for developing and maintaining a plan for success is achieved by nurturing client relationships. As a former small business owner, Chris values the importance of building longterm relationships with his clients, fostering a partnership vital to sustaining growth, and developing plans for client financial success.

Growing up on a farm near Franklin where most of his family still resides, Chris enjoys visiting family and appreciates the quiet of the country. His work ethic stems from his time on the family farm, as long days on the farm translated easily into long days during tax season. Outside of work, Chris enjoys watching Nebraska football and volleyball.

SP Group, P.C. is confident that Chris will be an asset to both their company and clients. They understand the accountant-client relationship requires good communication and invite you to visit their website at www.spgrouppc.com, or follow SP Group on Facebook (@SPGroup,P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC), or reach out to Chris at the office, (402) 420-7758, to start a conversation about tax strategies today.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Lincoln Homeless Coalition Recognizes Fresh Nebraska Community Foundation Brings on Start’s Meg Damme for Human Services Work Liz Petrzilka as Database Specialist Meg Damme, program coordinator for Fresh Start, was recently named Human Services Individual of 2019 by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition. Meg has worked at Fresh Start since 2005 where she has taken on a variety of responsibilities throughout her tenure. In her current position of program coordinator, she wears so many hats she could start a store. Her responsibilities include program management and development, mentoring and coaching staff, direct service as needed, and more.

Meg continually seeks training and professional development for herself and others. With a limited education budget at Fresh Start, she often sacrifices opportunities for herself so that others can take advantage and benefit. Meg has a passion for helping others that is evident in her work. In addition to working at Fresh Start, Meg serves on the Governor’s Joint committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the EFSP Board, and the Family and Consumer Advisory Board. She has also volunteered for many projects that serve victims of domestic violence.

Meg is known as someone who is kind and compassionate and never ceases to see the good in people. Her authenticity and passion make her someone people can turn to without fear of judgement. Fresh Start would not run as efficiently nor be the program it is without Meg. Fresh Start is a nonprofit transitional housing and goal-oriented program designed to support women who are working diligently to improve their lives. To learn more, visit www.freshstarthome.org, call (402) 475-7777, or find Fresh Start on Facebook (@FreshStartHomeLincoln).

Nebraska Community Foundation is excited to welcome Liz Petrzilka to their talented team of professionals as a database specialist.

A Saunders County native, Petrzilka moved to Lincoln to attend college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. An internship at the University of Nebraska Foundation marked the beginning of Petrzilka’s career in the nonprofit sector honing her skills in donor prospect research, data integrity, and information management. Petrzilka then spent several years with the Tabitha Foundation where she implemented strategies for database management, donor relations, gift processing, and prospect research.

At Nebraska Community Foundation, Liz’s primary role as database specialist will be developing an expansive donor database that furthers the work of 235 affiliated funds serving 258 Nebraska communities.

Petrzilka says she is excited to learn more about Nebraska and all the amazing things happening in communities throughout the state.

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. In the last five years, 44,476 contributions have been made to NCF and its affiliated funds.

Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $355.3 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

Management Approach:

Self-Performed Work:

Construction Type:

Construction Management Design-Build Pre-Construction Consulting

Pre-Engineered Metal Building Erection Structural Steel Erection Structural Restoration

Tenant Improvement Services Turnkey / Ground Up Additions & Alterations

3301 S 7th St, Ste C, Lincoln, NE 68502 | 402.420.4961 | www.ironhideconstruction.com

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PERSONNEL NEWS Jennifer Galdamez Named Director of Nursing at Legacy Retirement Communities Legacy Retirement Communities is pleased to announce the recent hiring of Jennifer Galdamez as the director of nursing for Legacy Estates, located at 7200 Van Dorn St. Galdamez is a graduate of Southeast Community College. She grew up in El Salvador and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband and son. Her strong family values align perfectly with the Legacy’s mission and values. She is a valuable asset to the residents and their families at Legacy Estates. In her free time, Galdamez and her family love to go on road trips to visit relatives and also enjoy visiting Nebraska’s small towns to explore their hidden gems.

Legacy Retirement Communities provides Lincoln with award-winning elegance and superior care. From independent living to assisted living and memory care, Legacy Retirement Communities offers a worldclass experience for its residents and employees. Learn more at www. legacyretirement.com or call (402) 436-3000.

Strictly Business Welcomes Rebecca Boyd and Megan Keyser as Sales Interns Strictly Business is thrilled to announce the recent addition of Rebecca Boyd and Megan Keyser as sales interns. Both women currently attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and have come on board to help with business development efforts for the magazine in Lincoln and Omaha. They will be attending networking events and calling on leads, and they have already started to meet with local businesspeople to tell them about the benefits of partnering with Strictly Business.

Rebecca is working to complete two different Rebecca Boyd courses of study, advertising/public relations and psychology. She has held many different jobs across various industries including working as a maintenance tech for the State of Nebraska. Rebecca is passionate about making personal connections and developing genuine relationships with current and potential clients. She is excited to be a part of such a fun, hardworking, and dynamic team of powerful women.

Throughout her years of schooling and work experience, Megan has developed Megan Keyser a love for visual design, journalism, and entrepreneurialism. She enjoys learning, sharing stories, and documenting the world around her through photography and videography. Most recently, she spent her summer as a professional services recruiter with Aerotek where she plans to work full-time when she graduates in the spring. In addition to her role as a sales intern for Strictly Business, Megan works for Plains Equipment Group, a John Deere distribution company, managing their marketing and social media pages.

Join Strictly Business in welcoming Rebecca and Megan to the team and offering them encouragement as they gain valuable experience for their future career paths! Rebecca can be reached at (308) 765-9110 / rebecca@strictlybusinessomaha.com and Megan can be reached at (402) 214-2369 / megan@strictlybusinessomaha.com. To learn more about advertising in Strictly Business, go online to strictlybusinessomaha. com or call the office at (402) 466-3330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Ample Food & Sturdy Drink!

• 50 Irish Whiskeys • 20 Beers on Tap • Open Daily at 11am Check out our menu!

From Shepherd’s Pie to Bangers & Mash, we have a variety of Irish cuisine.

Kitchen open daily until 10 pm

151 N. 8th St. Ste 140 (In the Haymarket)

402-477-0021 • www.McKinneysPubLincoln.com

Union Bank & Trust Announces Promotions and Transitions within Company Union Bank & Trust recently announced a number of promotions and transitions within its organization.

Matt Clare has been promoted to assistant vice president of commercial lending, where he will be responsible for working with existing and prospective commercial clients to help them achieve short- and long-term financial goals by assisting with various credit and depository banking needs.

Tyler Hunt has been promoted to assistant vice president of private banking, where he will manage a portfolio of high-net-worth clients and serve as the single point of contact for all their banking needs, including retail lending, commercial lending, and business development, as well as personal banking.

Jon Hawthorne has been promoted to assistant vice president of Union Equipment Finance, where he will be responsible for business development and relationship management with current and prospective Union Equipment Finance customers.

Miranda Soulliere has been promoted to assistant vice president of customer service, where she will support 15 Lincoln branches, ensuring employees are appreciated, goals are being met, and customers are satisfied. She will focus on leadership, manager development, and overall employee satisfaction, with an emphasis on fostering UBT’s culture.

Mariana Garcia will be shifting from managing the Crete branch to working in Lincoln as an assistant vice president of mortgage loan officers. She will be responsible for the origination of residential mortgage loans intended for sale on the secondary market in Lincoln, Crete, and surrounding communities.

Tyler Rains has been promoted to assistant vice president of residential real estate and construction, where he will work closely with both homeowners and builders to originate, underwrite, and manage residential construction loans from start to completion, including nontraditional loans such as land purchases and condo financing.

Carrie Weiler has been promoted to vice president of treasury management in Omaha, where she will be responsible for growing the bank’s commercial deposit balances and delivering integrated treasury management solutions to clients across various industries.

Beth Wheeler has joined the bank as tax officer, bringing seven years of experience to her role of managing the day-to-day activities of all tax functions within the wealth management division.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately-owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $4.2 billion and trust assets of $21.7 billion as of June 30, 2019. To learn more, visit ubt.com.

JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 33

NONPROFIT NEWS NCBB Calls for Community Participation in National Blood Donor Month

HopeSpoke Extended Day Treatment Program Expands to Serve More Children

E v e r y J a n u a r y, N e b r a s k a Community Blood Bank (NCBB) celebrates National Blood Donor Month. This is a time to recognize the life-saving contributions of blood donors. It’s also the perfect time for new donors to get involved and make a New Year’s Resolution to help save lives in 2020! NCBB invites members of the community to participate in blood donations during the month of January to give life-saving service to the community during a time when donations are typically low.

Thanks to support from the Community Health Endowment of Lincoln and the Medica Foundation, HopeSpoke will be expanding their Extended Day Treatment Program in order to serve up to 24 children in the program at one time.

One in three people will need blood during their lifetime, whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker. In order to keep up with the continuous demand, NCBB needs more than 1,000 donors every week to cover the needs of local hospitals and clinics.

Hosting a blood drive is a great way to get your organization involved in the life-saving mission in the community; smaller groups can also give blood together by having a Donor Day at one of NCBB’s four donor centers. These events are simple to arrange and help ensure a stable community blood supply during the winter months, which are challenging for blood collection.

Resolve to be a lifesaver this year—get involved by hosting a blood drive at your organization or having a Donor Day with NCBB. Contact them at 1-(877) 486-9414 or visit ncbb.org to get started today.

HopeSpoke’s Extended Day Treatment Program has a strength-based approach and is designed for children ages five to 11 with serious emotional and/or behavioral challenges who are at risk for out-ofhome placement or hospitalization. The program operates Monday through Friday, typically for four hours a day. The length of service is tailored to the child but typically ranges from four to six months.

Children in Extended Day Treatment learn to develop genuine relationships with others, strengthen their coping and emotional regulation skills, and improve overall community functioning.

Treatment options are based on needs and input from the child and family. Services focus on concerns underlying the presenting challenges, often stemming from trauma or attachment disruptions.

At HopeSpoke, they understand the importance of early intervention and treatment of emotional, physical, and/or environmental trauma.

The idea is not only to help people engage in healthier behaviors, but to help them heal from the pain, restoring hope for a better tomorrow. To find out more about this program and other services, call (402) 475-7666 or go to www.hopespoke.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Kids’ Chance of Nebraska to Host Annual Bowling Fundraiser on January 20 Mark your calendars because on Monday, January 20, Kids’ Chance of Nebraska will host their annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Fundraiser at The MARK in Elkhorn, 20902 Cumberland Dr. Social hour will begin at 5 p.m. and there will be two bowling sessions, raffle prizes, costume contest, and fun team photos! The cost of a four-person team is $150, which includes bowling, shoes, and eight drink tickets.

The money raised at the event will go towards supporting Kids’ Chance’s mission of providing scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death. When a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages.

However, workers’ compensation does not take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker. Often families who have suffered such a tragedy are forced to care for the injured individual and do not have the funding to send their children to college.

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska hopes to raise awareness on this topic and, as a result, give kids a chance. If you are interested in registering to take part in the bowling fundraiser or would like to make a free-will donation, go online to www.kidschanceofne.org.

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Sponsorships Sought for SCIP’s Hop, SCIP, Jump, and Run Event School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) is currently seeking sponsors and booth holders for its annual fundraiser, Hop, SCIP, Jump, and RUN. This year’s event will take place on May 29 at Antelope Park. Proceeds will benefit SCIP, a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP).

Participants will enjoy food trucks, music, and booths offering a variety of activities for both children and adults. Children and adults of all ages can register to participate in a one-mile Fun Run, with prizes for the top three finishers. All attendees will be eligible for other prize drawings by visiting a minimum number of booths.

Sponsorships available for the event include Finish Line, Hydration Station, Half Mile, and Booth Holder. Sponsorships help defray the costs of the event so that the proceeds can be used by SCIP to provide needed resources to schools and families throughout the state of Nebraska.

School Community Intervention & Prevention is a program designed to bring together families, schools, and the community to support student behavioral and emotional health. SCIP’s mission is to provide an effective prevention and early intervention process for youth with behavioral health concerns, so they may achieve healthy, productive lives. SCIP works with schools by providing tools and resources to address behavioral and emotional health issues that impact children, adolescents and their families. Through this event, SCIP hopes to encourage lifelong health and wellness, physically and mentally, of youth and beyond. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact (402) 327-6851. Learn more about LMEP programs such as SCIP by visiting www.lmep.com.

School Community Intervention & Prevention is supported in whole or part by Grant #2B08T1010034 under the SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Nebraska Division of Behavioral Health and monies passed through by Region 4 and Region V to prevention providers ($135,170 or 53%) and $121,933 or 47% from non-governmental entities.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Friendship Home Unveils New Logo and Tagline with Special Meaning Fr i e n d s h i p H o m e, a l o c a l nonprofit serving Lincoln for over 40 years, has recently unveiled a new logo and tagline. The colors clear blue and the warm yellow of a sunlit mor ning were chosen to symbolize new beginnings and freedom from violence. The blue sun symbolizes the world and people from all cultures. In addition, Friendship Home’s new functional tagline is “Empowering freedom from domestic violence.”

Friendship Home is Lincoln’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups, and mental health counseling. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302. Learn more about Friendship Home online at friendshiphome.org.

Angels Among Us Partners with Fusion Medical for Family Christmas Event Fusion Medical Staffing hosted a family holiday event for Angels Among Us’ pediatric cancer families on December 11. The night consisted of crafts, a photo booth, getting gifts for all members of the family courtesy of Fusion Medical Staffing employees, and of course Santa! Over 20 families attended from near and far, and for the families that could not attend the event, Fusion Medical Staffing partnered with J. Skinner Baking and created family holiday packages that the whole family could enjoy, whether at home or in the hospital.

“The staff at both Fusion and J. Skinner were incredible to work with and you could tell they were so passionate and excited about giving back and loving on our cancer families,” said Aly Theilen. “The holidays can be a tough time when you have a sick child, and this was an incredible way that these two businesses could help bring a smile to their faces during the holiday season.”

“These two businesses really focus on giving back to their community, and we couldn’t provide both financial and emotional support to the over 120 families we served in 2019 without partners like Fusion and Skinner. We’re grateful for these invaluable partnerships,” says Susie Nelson, executive director of Angels Among Us. Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for financial support. In 2019, Angels Among Us provided financial support to over 120 families, giving over $440,000 helping with mortgages, rent, and other expenses.

For more information or to get involved contact, Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Cancer Foundation Presents Mardi Gras Gala February 21 The Heartland Cancer Foundation (HCF) will host their annual Mardi Gras Gala on Friday, February 21 at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel, 333 S. 13th St. The gala will begin at 6 p.m. and conclude at 11 p.m. Attendees will enjoy a live/silent auction, ballroom dinner, dueling pianos, special guests, and other themed activities while supporting local cancer patients. Tickets and sponsorships are currently available at Eventbrite.

HCF uses money raised from the gala and events like it to help cover the costs of housing payments, car payments, medical supplies, medical expenses, medication, and gasoline for eligible cancer patients. With 26% of cancer patients never recovering due to medical costs, HCF has taken it upon themselves to ensure no one falls behind while undergoing treatment because they struggle to afford basic necessities. They work to lighten the burden of financial stress in cancer patients in the community.

To learn more about Heartland Cancer Foundation, visit their website at heartlandcancerfoundation.org. You can also contact them via phone at (402) 261-9974.

Community Action Honored by Homeless Coalition for Human Services Efforts

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Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties received the 2019 Human Services Agency Award by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition on November 22, 2019. This annual recognition event honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in addressing homelessness in Lincoln.

This year, Community Action was recognized for its work to prevent and end homelessness in Lincoln. An active participant within Lincoln’s Coordinated Entry System, Community Action recognizes that access to safe and stable housing is fundamental to a person’s ability to reach economic stability. In 2019, Community Action provided over 32,000 services to 5,839 individuals within its homelessness prevention programming.

Michelle Martinez, Director of Community Services at Community Action, accepted the honor on behalf of the agency. In her acceptance, Martinez emphasized the importance of partnership when it comes to addressing homelessness in Lincoln.

“We recognize that preventing and ending homelessness is not a goal one person, or even one agency, can accomplish alone,” she said. “It is through these partnerships, these collective contributions of all our agencies within the homeless coalition, that we can accomplish our goals.”

In addition to being honored as an agency, three Community Action employees received recognition at the event. Jim Danaher received the 2019 Individual Award for his work within Project Connect Lincoln, and both Sarah Fentress and Michelle Martinez received certificates of recognition.

In 2019, Community Action served over 20,000 individuals. To learn more about Community Action and its work to address homelessness in Lincoln, visit communityactionatwork.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS CBMC Lincoln Announces Lunch and Learn Dates for February and March CBMC Lincoln will conduct free Lunch and Learn events on February 18 in Omaha at 1065 N. 115th St., STE 100 and on March 3 in Lincoln at 5625 O St. Each Lunch and Learn event will go from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and they are designed for men to learn about Peer Advisory Groups. At these luncheons, CBMC leaders demonstrate, explain, and enable attendees to experience the CBMC Peer Advisory Group process.

A peer advisory group consists of 8–12 men who are business owners, senior leaders, and professionals. The purpose of these groups is to provide Godly counsel, mutual support, accountability, and insights and solutions to business and life challenges. The foundation is based on biblical and sound business principles that enable individuals to grow in their personal, professional, and spiritual life.

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CBMC Lincoln is a ministry to business and professional men, encouraging them toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. To learn more, call (402) 204-1997 or connect on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne). A brief video that illustrates a typical CBMC peer advisory group can be viewed on the website at Lincoln.cbmc.com. To inquire specifically about Lunch and Learn events in Lincoln, contact Ed Nix at (402) 730-8797. Dan Hazuka is the contact person for Omaha Lunch and Learns, and he can be reached at (402) 598-4177.

Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship Presents the Harvest Club The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF of Nebraska) is asking anyone who is interested in supporting their mission of bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to children in the community to join the Harvest Club.

“In Luke 10:2, Jesus commands his disciples, after commissioning them for ministry and sending them out, to beseech the Lord of the Harvest to send out more laborers for His harvest. It’s interesting to note that Jesus knew there were not enough laborers. He commanded his disciples to beseech the Father for more laborers so there would be an even larger number of laborers for a larger harvest of souls. For CEF, these represent the precious children, especially those abused and neglected. Our plan is to take Christ at His Word and, in obedience, pray earnestly and challenge every believer to pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest for more laborers, especially for CEF ministry in Nebraska,” said Jonathan Musgrave, CEF of Nebraska State Director.

By joining the Harvest Club, you can give $10.02 each month to financially support this ministry. In addition, Harvest Club members are encouraged to set their alarm for 10:02 (a.m. or p.m.) to earnestly pray for laborers serving through CEF of Nebraska each day. By your support of $10.02 per month, two children will be effectively evangelized and discipled throughout the year.

The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages 5–12. To learn more and join the club, go online to www.cefnebraska.org/ harvestclub. Further questions can be directed to (402) 484-7877 / office@cefnebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Friends and Flowers Upcoming Classes

Get out of the cold and into spring. Come design Spring Flowers with friends!

Gary gives you great design tips and you’ll make a spring arrangement you can take home with you. What better way to brighten your winter blues.

Call and reserve your spot today. $50.00 per person.

Tuesday, January 14 6:30 pm

Tuesday, January 21 6:30 pm

Call and reserve early as classes fill up quickly!

Custom bachelorette parties and business team building events available upon request. Call or email Gary.

402-421-2613 burtontyrrells@gmail.com btflowers.com

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So, this month in Strictly Business we’re not promoting, just advocating. In the season of giving we have been blessed to help the People’s City Mission with pies for Thanksgiving and were able to help a family with needed vehicle repairs.

What we all need to think about is how impactful we can be for someone else. As my father always taught me, expect nothing in return. We were given $400 to help someone in need, and through the power of social media we were shocked by so many that are in difficult situations in their lives that truly need help. We were flooded with emails and direct messages nominating individuals, and most all of them brought tears to my eyes. WE all have, in our skilled trades and even outside them, have the ability to change someone’s fortune, brighten their day/week/month.

We helped a family and she was literally in tears when she picked up her vehicle and we matched the $400 donation! That type of feeling never ever gets old.

Make a difference in someone’s life, YOU have that ability and so do we. Life is truly about making an impact, not making an income.

Happy New Year!!

A1 Automotive 1117 L Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 477-4660 A1AutoLincoln.com 40

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NONPROFIT NEWS

STOP BEING COLD IN YOUR OWN HOME

American Heart Association Counts Down to 2020 Lincoln Heart Ball The American Heart Association’s Lincoln Heart Ball, their annual blacktie event, will be Saturday, March 7.

The ball will take place at the Embassy Suites-Lincoln (1040 P St.). The event will start at 5:30 p.m. and include dinner and an exciting live auction.

Themed “Dancing with the Docs,” the event celebrates the energy, passion, and commitment of donors, healthcare providers, community leaders, sponsors, volunteers, and survivors to raise funds for lifesaving research and education. Funds raised during the event support the fight against cardiovascular diseases—the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States each year.

“The Ball would not be possible without our volunteer leadership and sponsors that raise important funds to support the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission,” said Lincoln Heart Ball senior director, Brianna Georgeson.

The 2020 Lincoln Heart Ball is chaired by Dr. Matthew Johnson of Bryan Heart and Mrs. KaCey Johnson.

To learn more about supporting the 2020 Lincoln Heart Ball, the public is encouraged to contact Brianna Georgeson at Brianna.

Georgeson@heart.org or visit the website at www.heart.org/ lincolnheartball.

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The Center For People in Need Provides Thousands with Food for Thanksgiving On November 23–25, the Center for People in Need hosted a three-day Thanksgiving food distribution event that provided food to 1,390 families (4,433 individuals) for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Because of the Center’s generosity, nearly 4,500 people were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with fresh, healthy food. Traditional holiday fare such as mashed potatoes, cranberries, and canned vegetables along with fresh produce including apples, onions, and potatoes were given to 1,390 families.

“We had a new family join us for the Thanksgiving distribution this year,” said Ashton Juarez-Bundy, the Center’s volunteer and event coordinator. “The dad had an unexpected medical procedure that prevented him from working, the kids didn’t have winter coats, and the mom was visibly stressed, trying to figure out how to feed her family,” she said. “I nearly cried. Being able to provide them with coats and a grocery cart full of food warmed my heart. It’s why we do what we do.”

Steve Sheridan, the Center’s deputy director, said events like the Thanksgiving food distribution wouldn’t exist without outside help.

“We could not host an event like this and help so many people without the generous support of the community—both in donations and volunteers,” Sheridan said. “We are truly thankful.”

The Center for People in Need is dedicated to its mission of providing services to low-income people and helping them to meet their basic needs and achieve economic independence. The organization addresses basic needs, including food, emergency services, language skills, educational opportunities, and employment skills. For more information, call (402) 476-4357 or visit cfpin.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS TeamMates of Lincoln Partners with Costco Wholesale #1285 for December Donations Although Costco has only been in Lincoln since 2017, Costco Wholesale #1285 and its general manager, Clay Bradshaw, have quickly befriended TeamMates of Lincoln. Following its goal to “support the communities where our employees and members live and work,” Costco has helped TeamMates of Lincoln with donations of surplus cookies and pastries on several occasions, most notably, for two of its December Toys for Tots Distribution events.

TeamMates received a record number of Toys for Tots applications in 2019, doubling the number of families that applied in 2018, serving a total of 552 children.

“Costco has been an amazing partner,” TeamMates Coordinator Jim Bennett said. “Their commitment to be present in their communities, and Clay’s “How can we help?” attitude, has been invaluable.”

Bradshaw’s store is the first and only Costco in Lincoln, so he and his team have been eager to find ways to become a part of the community. “Obviously, as a company and personally, we love to do what we can,” he said.

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To learn more about Costco and its mission to serve the communities they populate, visit costco.com/sustainability-introduction.html.

For more information on TeamMates of Lincoln and to find out how to make a difference in the life of a child, visit LincolnTeamMates.org.

Goodwill Calls for Technology Donations for National Technology Day Every year, National Tec hnology Day recognizes past technological achievements and looks forward to the future of technology.

Celebrate by donating electronics of any brand and any condition to Goodwill’s Electronics Drive on January 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 4555 Vine St. in Lincoln. Through partnering with Dell and participating in the Dell Reconnect Program, Goodwill gives used electronics the power to create jobs.

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Revenue from donations help to support Goodwill’s important mission of putting people to work. Donated items will either be resold, refurbished, or recycled. If the item should be recycled, it will go through Dell’s recycling process.

Systems will be broken down into individual parts and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Even the smallest donations have the ability to make a large impact. In 2018, Goodwill Industries serving southeast Nebraska diverted 158,055 pounds of electronics from the local landfill.

Technology wasn’t made for landfills; it was made to change people’s lives. Donated equipment has value—sometimes as a whole system, sometimes as parts, and sometimes as raw materials such as metals, plastics, and glass. Donors can request a receipt for tax purposes while helping to protect the environment and benefit the community all at the same time.

To learn more on how to donate to help with Goodwill’s National Technology Day efforts, visit lincolngoodwill.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Angels Theatre to Host Auditions for “Neon Vista Barre and Grill” January 25–26 A n ge l s T h e a t r e C o m p a ny will host auditions for Neon Vista Barre and Grill by local Playwright D. Chapelle on Saturday, January 25, from 3:45 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, January 26, from 12:45 to 5 p.m. at The Foundry, 215 N. 14th St. Neon Vista Barre and Grill explores the fact that everyone needs a place to be, a place to rest, a place to regroup and regenerate over a cold drink, a hot cup of good coffee, and a bite to eat. The Neon Vista Barre and Grill is such a place. During the course of a day, the resident bartender presides over a diverse group of people seeking resolutions and reprieve from their existence. The life of the bar holds laughter balanced with a measure of anguish.

Angels Theatre Company creates engaging theatre to promote artistic growth, foster community relationships, and raise social awareness. Angels’ foundation is built on nurturing and celebrating theatre artists while engaging the community in quality live theatre. They are committed to improving quality of life in the community by providing opportunities for artistic growth. To learn more about auditions or the history of the Angels Theatre Company, visit angelscompany.org.

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HBAL Celebrates 30th Santa Cop Project

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During the 2019 holiday season, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) organized their 30th annual Santa Project, completing 70 builder bloc k sets on November 9. HBAL donated the builder blocks to the Lincoln Police Department along with $1,000 to purchase additional toys. All of the items were distributed to children the officers have encountered while on the job who needed a little extra cheer during the holiday season. The project began in 1988 with 60 rocking horses which HBAL built and donated to the Lincoln Police Department to distribute to local children. In 30 years, HBAL members have made over 2,100 wonderful toys for the Santa Cop program.

In addition to the Santa Cop Project, HBAL donated $5,000 to the Lincoln Police Union Memorial Fund as part of the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s Giving Day. This money will be used to construct a memorial located outside the Lancaster County Courthouse to honor fallen law enforcement officers.

The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs.

Since 2010, the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation has distributed over $200,000 through their community projects and scholarship program.

Learn more about the Home Builders Association of Lincoln online at hbal.org or contact (402) 423-4225. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Nebraska Safety Council Announces Hybrid Online Teen Driver Education Opportunities The Nebraska Safety Council will now be offering a new hybrid learning experience for Teen Driver Education courses in 2020, in addition to the traditional classroom courses.

The winter course starts February 1 and the Spring course starts March 7. Students are encouraged to register early. Both courses will take place at the Nebraska Safety Council, 3270 Folkways Blvd. Detailed dates and times are available online.

An additional Spring driver education course will be held March 9–12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Southwest High School.

Students can opt to complete classroom lessons through a flexible, online How To Drive curriculum. This is the only available course that meets both the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) and Driving School Association of the Americas (DSAA) National Standards for both content and delivery. They will still engage with instructors in person for behind-the-wheel driving experience.

The Nebraska Safety Council’s mission is to provide education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. For information, visit www.nesafetycouncil.org. Contact Lisa Henning at (402) 483-2511 ext. 109 / lhenning@nesafetycouncil.org with any questions.

Wear Yellow Nebraska Calls for Sponsors for 18th Annual Bike Ride and Fun Run We a r Ye l l ow N eb ra s k a recently announced that they are seeking sponsors for the 2020 Bike Ride and Fun Run. Wear Yellow Nebraska hosts the region’s largest one-day bike ride and fun run each May. The year 2020 is the 18th annual fundraising event that supports Nebraska’s cancer survivor community with needed transportation services.

Organizing the ride and run begins months in advance of the event, and procuring sponsors is the same. Board member Craig Kelley leads the sponsorship drive on behalf of Wear Yellow Nebraska. Beginning with a kick-off event in January, calls are made to previous sponsors. Last year the David Spence Cancer Fund provided a dollar-for-dollar sponsor match which allowed for greater leverage for local companies.

Sponsors appreciate and enjoy the benefits of supporting the organization’s mission through a fun active-lifestyle event. Aligning their business with a completely volunteer-driven organization and quality event creates brand exposure and provides unique marketing and community relations opportunities.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offered cancer survivors support in ways that weren’t being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances.

To learn more about Wear Yellow Nebraska and becoming a sponsor, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact (402) 965-1699 / wearyellownebraska@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS CEDARS Offers Safe Sleep for Infants Seminar On Tuesday, January 14, CEDARS will be holding a seminar teaching parents about Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome (SUIDS) in their seminar titled Safe With You: Safe Sleep for Infants and Abusive Head Trauma.

The seminar will start at 10 a.m. and is expected to last two hours. It will take place at CEDARS Northbridge location, 1533 N. 27th St. The seminar will teach safe infant sleep practices and the harmful effects of shaking a baby. It will also touch on other forms of abusive head trauma in infants. The class is open to the community. Cost is $10 for individuals not associated with CEDARS. To register for CEDARS’ seminar, contact Jana McDonald at (402) 2017482 or jmcdonald@cedarskids.org.

Tabitha Offers Support Groups and Hospice Volunteer Training Throughout January Tabitha, Nebraska’s industryleading senior care provider, offers support groups and individual hospice volunteer training throughout January in Lincoln. The following grief and support groups are open to anyone in the community experiencing loss or needing support: • “Loss of a Loved One Drop-in Grief Group,” held every Monday, 10–11:30 a.m., at the Front Porch Coffee Shop, 5925 Adams St. • “Loss of a Loved One Drop-in Grief Group,” held every Wednesday, 1:30–3 p.m., at The Harbor Coffeehouse, 1265 S. Cotner Blvd.

• “Men’s Drop-in Grief Group,” held every other Friday, January 3, 17, and 31, 1:30–3 p.m., at Hy-Vee deli, 7151 Stacy Ln. Tabitha has also teamed up with the Alzheimer’s Association to host a free caregiving and dementia drop-in support group the first Monday of each month, 7–8 p.m., at Tabitha LifeQuest Conference Room, 4720 Randolph St. Trained facilitators provide a safe place for caregivers, family, and friends of those with dementia to exchange caregiving challenges and concerns, identify solutions and coping mechanisms, and learn about community resources. For questions, please contact Jordan Schoenefeld, Tabitha memory care engagement coordinator, at (402) 484-9418.

In addition, join Tabitha and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln for an eight-week Memory Workshop starting Wednesday, January 29, 10–11:30 a.m. at 203A Barkley Memorial Center, 4075 East Campus Loop South. The interactive course is designed to teach adults strategies to keep their memories sharp as they age. Cost is $80 (for participant and guest). Seats are limited; register online at cehs.unl.edu/secd/ memory-clinic. For questions, please contact Abbe Davis, M.S., CCC-SLP, Tabitha speech-language pathologist, at (402) 416-2936 or Abbe.

Davis@Tabitha.org.

Tabitha also offers individual hospice volunteer training throughout Lancaster County. Hospice volunteering is a rewarding opportunity that provides companionship, pet therapy, bereavement support, respite care, light housekeeping, and office and clerical support while providing comfort and joy to Tabitha clients and families. For questions or to learn more about hospice volunteering, contact Rae Dixon, Tabitha hospice volunteer coordinator, at (402) 486-8577 or email Rae.Dixon@ Tabitha.org.

Serving friends and neighbors for over 130 years and encompassing 28 Nebraska counties, Tabitha offers results-driven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at Tabitha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Creative Design Solutions for all yourDesign home remodeling needs Creative Solutions for all www.lincolncabinet.com your home remodeling needs

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Let’s Start 2020 With Resolutions to Protect You and Your Family!

Your family and your home should be a top priority for 2020! You can start with these 8 resolutions for your heating and cooling equipment!

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Change your air filter regularly Schedule preventative maintenance Invest in a smart thermostat Test and improve your indoor air quality Increase ventilation Add zone systems if you have uncomfortable areas Upgrade your heating and cooling equipment Plan ahead by scheduling regular checks of your system

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

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NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Community Foundation Grants Over $1M, Provides 10% Match on Donations Thanks to the foresight of generous donors, Lincoln Comm unity Foundation ( LC F ) m a d e g ra n t s i n November of nearly $1.1 million for 156 nonprofit organizations.

These grants came from designated funds created by donors to support their favorite nonprofits and houses of worship.

These endowed funds provide annual financial support to the organizations specified by the donors, helping the community and the nonprofits grow and thrive forever.

In addition, LCF provided a 10% match on donations to a new or existing endowment of $10,000. A 10% match was also made available for donations made through new donor advised funds thanks to a gift from Bill and Marilyn Cintani.

Established in 1955, the Lincoln Community Foundation strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The foundation currently manages $140 million in assets and has distributed more than $130 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more, go online to www.lcf.org or call (402) 474-2345.

Bright Lights Announces Adult Night Fundraising Event February 29 Before summer comes, Bright Lights will host a time for the adults to “be a kid again” at their Night Lights fundraising event on Saturday, February 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Turbine Flats. Tickets go on sale January 10. This events gives adults an evening to experience fun, hands-on classes similar to what students enjoy eac h summer. The funds raised support the Bright Lights program, which provides K–8th grade students with engaging, content-rich classes that build both academic and critical thinking skills.

Just like students do at Bright Lights, Night Lights attendees select the class that interests them the most. They can choose from: • Ice, Ice, Baby: Cupcake Decorating with Wine Pairing • This Little Piggy Went to Billy’s: Cooking with Nebraska Pork • Abstract Artist: Acrylic Painting • Pour Me: A Whiskey Tasting There’s also a Study Hall available for anyone wanting to just enjoy the evening socializing.

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BUILD YOUR FUTURE ON OUR EXPERTISE. NAI FMA Realty is built on more than 50 years of commitment to the industry and our community.

We’ve been an advisor to business owners, developers and investors of all sizes seeking to build their commercial real estate assets in Lincoln and the Midwest.

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Tickets are $50 each and include heavy appetizers, desserts, and choice of one class. Tickets and full descriptions of each class can be found online (bit.ly/NightLights20). Space in each class is limited!

Bright Lights is a nonprofit that takes learning beyond the classroom by providing youth with unique hands-on learning opporuntities since 1987. Each summner, Bright Lights services more than 1,000 students through their half-day classes and fullday camps. Need-based scholarships are awarded each year.

For more information on the Bright Lights program, please visit BrightLights.org or call (402) 420-1115. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Reducing pain while improving function Johnson Chiropractic serves the community by providing healthcare services to help their patients relieve pain and sickness and to improve and enhance the quality of life.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Pain Relief Fast!

“We feel that an effective treatment plan not only helps someone feel better in the short term but also helps make lasting physical changes to improve long term outcomes and to reduce the risk of symptoms returning.” - Dr. Jeff Johnson, DC, DABCA Dr. Johnson is celebrating 30 years of service in Lincoln in 2020. Dr. Johnson grew up in Lincoln and Fremont, attended and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and graduated Logan College of Chiropractic in 1989.

Dr. Jeff Johnson, DC, DABCA

Dr. Johnson is Board Certified in Chiropractic Acupuncture, the highest level of distinction recognized in the Chiropractic profession in the practice of Acupuncture. He recently served a two-year term as the President of Nebraska Chiropractic Physicians Association in 2017-2019 and was awarded Chiropractor of the Year for 2019.

“Even though I graduated from Chiropractic College 30 years ago, I have never stopped learning. Continuing education and using cutting-edge technology allows the best services for our patients. The foundations of chiropractic and acupuncture may be centuries old, but there are always new developments in technology to assist in getting the best results for our patients.” - Dr. Johnson Some of the services offered at Johnson Chiropractic include: • Chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulation is proven to be the fastest and most effective way to treat pinched nerves. Neck pain and or numbness and tingling in the arm or low back pain with sciatic nerve pain are two of the conditions where chiropractic adjustments are clearly the best answer. Chiropractic treatment is an integral part of having and living with a healthy spine.

• Needle acupuncture can be used for a variety of health conditions but is the best way to treat muscle tension, knots, and trigger points and provides the fastest way to pain relief. Muscle, tendon, and ligament problems all respond quickly to needle treatment. Acupuncture is also very effective for anxiety and stress management, headaches, and to improve digestion.

• Cold laser therapy has been proven to be extremely effective for weakness related to nerve irritation and provides quick improvement for carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff problems, and many other conditions. Laser stimulation can improve strength in real time and is great for low back, hip, and pelvic conditions.

Knee on Trac The Knee on Trac device provides gentle distraction of the knee joint to relieve pain and pressure and offers a nonsurgical option for chronic knee pain. This is a newer technology, similar in design to spinal decompression, but is specific for knee pain. The distraction of the joint helps to improve range of motion, hydration of the joint, and improves stability of the knee.

Johnson Chiropractic welcomes new patients to their office, and they provide the best treatment options for many conditions. Give them call if you would like to know more about what they can do to help you feel better longer!

“I was pleased with how painless, quick, and easy it was to do the Knee on Trac device at Johnson Chiropractic. When I showed up for my appointment, they got me right in and right out. To do both knees, it took about 15 minutes. It was actually a nice time for me to sit, relax, and even check my emails while the device stretched my knees. As someone who experiences minor pain when squatting, whether from working out or gardening, I’ve felt more ease in carrying out these activities since working with Dr. Johnson and his friendly staff.”

- Paige Zutavern, president/founder of Strictly Business

(402) 464-0444 | 5251 R St., Suite 4 | www.drjkj.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HEALTH NEWS 9Round Fitness Supports Health Resolutions Through Reduced Registration Price

HFMA Announces State of the Senior Care Industry Summit

9Round Fitness recently announced that they will be offering a 2020 New Year’s special with a registration and gear fee of only $20.20 instead of the usual $199 in order to support people in their health resolutions for a new year.

The lowered price will remain in effect for the month of January to give people the opportunity to kick start progress toward a healthier lifestyle.

The idea for the promotion is fueled by the experience the team at 9Round has in working with patrons to meet their health goals. They have witnessed that many people need an incentive to take the first step toward something new, and 9Round hopes this promotion will give people a little extra nudge toward living healthier, more active lives. 9Round encourages any who are doubtful about starting a new exercise routine to try their workouts. 9Round facilitates fun kickboxing fitness training through 30-minute full-body circuit workouts. At 9Round, there are always trainers available to take you through the workout. They work with members of all fitness levels and make sure you’re performing exercises safely and correctly.

9Round Fitness has two facilities in Lincoln located at 2800 N. 83rd St., STE C and 5609 S. 27th St., STE A. To learn more about 9Round and their fitness philosophy, visit www.9round. com or contact Owner Todd Vettel at (402) 817-7349 / todd. vettel@9round.com.

The Nebraska Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) will be holding a Senior Care Industry Summit to address industry issues in operations, reimbursement, and care coordination. The summit will take place on January 30–31, 2020 at the Embassy Suites La Vista Hotel and Conference Center. Registration will take place from 7 to 8 a.m. that Thursday, and the agenda concludes at noon on Friday.

HFMA’s Senior Care Industry Summit is designed to offer numerous education and networking opportunities. On Thursday, attendees will hear from various industry specialists presenting on a range of topics, from USDA senior housing financing to senior housing trends, demographics, construction, and rent rates. On Friday, Heath Bobby with the Nebraska Health Care Association will present on the future of senior care, followed by a Nebraska Legislative Update and a Nebraska Medicaid panel discussion.

Attendees earn contact hours for the educational sessions. Participants should consult their reporting jurisdictions concerning acceptance of individual courses. All HFMA educational programs earn points towards HFMA certification and certification maintenance requirements.

Attendees can also earn CPE credits toward Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy CPA license renewal credit.

The Nebraska Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association is dedicated to providing educational opportunities to not only its members but all industry personnel. Their enthusiastic team of volunteers have been working hard to put on this event. To reserve your spot, visit hfmaregion8.org or email contactus@nehfma.org.

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HEALTH NEWS Lincoln Pharmacy Joins Chamber of Commerce, Celebrates with Ribbon Cutting Lincoln Pharmacy, Lincoln’s newest independent pharmacy, marked their opening and joining of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce with an open house and ribboncutting ceremony on October 14.

This local pharmacy is located at 3300 A St., STE 100. The open house gave community members a chance to see what Lincoln Phramacy is all about. Attendees enjoyed getting to know the friendly and welcoming staff. They also had water bottles, pens, and other free merchandise available to those who stopped by.

Lincoln Pharmacy provides free prescription delivery to the city of Lincoln, bubble packaging, and Medication Management Therapy. They’re committed to helping Lincoln meet all of its pharmaceutical needs. Being an independent pharmacy, Lincoln Pharmacy wants to dedicate their time and energy into customer service and excellent work. They have the freedom to serve their community and patients without being required to fit parameters and meet sales quotas. They accept all major insurance agencies, Medicare, and Medicaid.

If you would like more information or want to transfer your prescription to Lincoln Pharmacy, feel free to call them at (402) 817-7978. You can also visit their website at stores.healthmart.com/lincolnrx/stores.aspx.

Lincoln Running Co. Presents YMCA Marathon Training Class Beginning January 9, Lincoln Running Co. Manager Ann Ringlein will be conducting a class at the YMCA to teach participants how to run a full or half marathon. Participants will be able to run with people at their fitness level, whatever that may be. The YMCA will provide a personal training schedule and individual help. Cost of participation is $100 for YMCA members and $150 for non-members. The class will meet three times a week and run until May 2. Meeting times are 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, 6 p.m. on Thursdays, and 7 a.m. on Fridays.

With over 35 years of competitive running experience, Ringlein is excited to lead the class and help less-experienced runners find their stride. In addition to connecting with experienced runners, class participants will have the opportunity to hear from professional speakers every Thursday night, join Monday evening yoga sessions, and participate in weekly group cycling classes. The YMCA also provides injury prevention and strength training education to all participants.

The YMCA believes in strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. A complete schedule of the marathon training class is available on their website ymcalincoln.org. If you have any questions, please contact Karla Hudson at (402) 434-9238 or khudson@ymcalincoln.org.

Lincoln Running Co. has been locally owned and operated by the same family since 1976. Their team is committed to helping people in Lincoln find the right shoes and gear to be fit and active, whether that’s by running, walking, or just moving in general! For more information about Lincoln Running Co., or to congratulate them on this accomplishment, give them a call at (402) 474-4557, email them at lincolnrunning@windstream.net, visit lincrunningcompany.com, or stop by their location at 1213 Q St. in downtown Lincoln. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Wishing you a healthy and prosperous new year!

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FRIENDS4LUNCH Last Month — The Chocolate Season We had so much fun at our December Friends4Lunch event at The Chocolate Season, Lincoln’s newest artisan coffee shop, food vendor, and chocolaterie. It was truly a delightful experience! Officially serving customers out of their newly-remodeled storefront in Williamsburg Village, The Chocolate Season offers a seasonal “nosh n’ nibbles” menu, drinks crafted in-house, and international chocolates. Our group enjoyed their delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and soup. Their staff was even nice enough to come around with samples of treats such as peppermint chocolate bark! Everything was very tasty and attractive.

A few of us couldn’t help but purchase a few sweets for the road to share with family and friends.

Thank you to everyone who joined us last month, especially those who dressed up and showed their holiday spirit!

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This Month — Villa Amore Our Strictly Business team would like to invite you to our upcoming Friends4Lunch event at Villa Amore, 5353 N. 27th St., on Tuesday, January 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Villa Amore is a family-run Italian eatery and wine bar. The restaurant has been serving the same great food under the guidance of Chef Florim, Chef Goni, and Chef Rifa. Between the three of them, they have over 40 years of Italian cuisine experience. Villa Amore offers a wide range of amazing pairings across the meticulously placed menu items. Specializing in pairings of wine and entrees, Villa Amore is a destination for a night you won’t forget! They even offer catering and carry-out dishes for large or small gatherings.

Villa Amore has a variety of options on their lunch menu, with pricing in the $9–$12 range. Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Call (402) 476-5300 to make your own reservation, or go to villaamorelincoln. com to check out their menu ahead of time!

RSVP for this event is requested. Please email editor@strictlybusinessomaha or call the Strictly Business office at (402) 466-3330. You can also find the event on our Facebook page (@strictlybusinessmagazine).

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APPLICATIONS - NEW CONSTRUCTION ONLY Residential | Multi-Family | Commercial Friends4Lunch is one of our continued monthly networking events held at one of our favorite local restaurants. The tradition was established in the hopes of offering a casual way to make valuable connections with friends and strangers alike in the area over lunch while supporting our clients and enjoying their amazing cuisine. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Chamber Celebrates 150 Years in 2020

As you look around Lincoln, our growth can be seen everywhere. We’ve come a long way from the small village we were founded on, and thanks to our committed businesses and community members, Lincoln continues to thrive with abundant opportunities and development.

While times have certainly changed since the Lincoln Chamber came into existence in 1870 as the Lincoln Board of Trade, tasked with bringing railroad service to our young city, the mission of our organization to promote the commercial development of Lincoln has not changed in 150 years.

We’ve enjoyed our nearly 150 years as an organization serving Lincoln, and in 2020 we’ll officially hit the big 1-5-0 and celebrate our sesquicentennial with a few special events throughout the year.

We will kick off our celebration at our Annual Lunch on Wednesday, February 5 at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Annual Lunch highlights the accomplishments of our organization and city in the past year and features a nationally known keynote speaker.

It is my pleasure to announce that our keynote speaker will be Margaret Hoover, a popular television host, political strategist, and commentator who has appeared in numerous television programs, written publications and other media. She is currently the host of the PBS talk show Firing Line with Margaret Hoover and a regular contributor to CNN. With an election year approaching in 2020, it will be interesting to hear what Margaret has to say about the current political climate and how programs like Firing Line fit into the current media landscape.

This event sells out quickly, so early registration is encouraged – sign up today! With additional anniversary surprises in the works, you won’t want to miss out on February 5. It will be a chance to celebrate while looking ahead to the future.

The Lincoln Chamber has taken on many different forms over the years, starting as the Lincoln Board of Trade, the Lincoln Commercial Club, Union Commercial Club and others before becoming the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in 1920. Although the names have changed over the years, the job of promoting Lincoln’s continued commercial development has been a consistent, driving force in Lincoln’s economic vitality and measured growth across many areas.

The work we do is made possible by the people of Lincoln, who work hard and cultivate a quality of life desired by many across the country.

As a result, numerous opportunities exist for Lincoln businesses. It is truly remarkable to reflect on the story of our city, which began with the common goal of building upon previous successes to increase the visibility of Lincoln.

I want to personally thank each one of the Chamber’s 1,700+ members for their continued support throughout the years. 2019 was filled with growth and prosperity and 2020 will be no different, as we not only mark an important milestone for the Lincoln Chamber, but also for our members and their businesses.

T h a n k yo u fo r yo u r commitment to the Chamber and to Lincoln as we set out on the next 150 years.

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The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, please contact Jaime Henning at jaimehenning@lcoc.com.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Engineered Controls Offering HVAC, Building Automation, and Security Training Because it is not always possible to get away for training, Engineered Controls offers affordable, customized classroom or on-site technical training for building owners, building managers, system operators, and technicians. Our cost-effective training programs are designed for anyone who needs a working knowledge of environmental and building automation systems.

Every organization understands the value of having a skilled workforce.

Effective product training increases employee effectiveness, enhances employee skills, decreases employee turnover, and improves your company’s bottom line.

Training Options to Meet Your Needs In association with Control Depot, our building technology distribution partner, Engineered Controls can offer our valued customers local product and systems training for a variety of hardware and software products.

One of Control Depot University’s newest training opportunities is their HVAC Control Systems Basics course. This 12-week course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of key building technology concepts on HVAC fundamentals, commercial heating/cooling systems, HVAC equipment, indoor air quality (IAQ), security, video and access control systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and user interfaces.

Once an individual has successfully completed the HVAC Control Systems introductory course, additional advanced classes are available in BAS networks and web-based controls, Energy Audits, BAS interoperability, and advanced technologies.

To help with understanding the control technologies associated with the HVAC control industry, Control Depot has added a state-of-the-art training facility to their Omaha office. Training courses are available in-house or on-site for control contacting partners, mechanical service providers, and end-users.

Our cost-effective training programs are designed for anyone who needs a working knowledge of building controls, BAS, security, and parking systems. These include but are not limited to: • • • • •

Building Owners Building Managers Engineers Operators Maintenance Tech’s

In our 21 years of operation, Engineered Controls has achieved a reputation as the premier service provider in our industry by developing a solid reputation for creating innovative building management and energy performance solutions. Our portfolio includes corporate, education, government, healthcare, hotel and housing, industrial, parking structures, recreation and entertainment, religious, technology, and green building projects.

When you choose Engineered Controls, you can be confident you are receiving dependable service from highly-trained industry experts, who will respond promptly, work diligently, and who are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome.

With offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Engineered Controls employs over 90 people throughout Nebraska and Iowa and our employees collectively represent over 825 years of industry experience. When combined with our hands-on experience, this ensures that our clients receive the most cost-effective and professional service possible.

To learn more about our Custom Training offerings or to speak with one of our experts today, please submit an online inquiry on our website or contact your local Engineered Controls office today!

Our goal is to maximize the potential of every student by delivering comprehensive instruction in an interactive learning environment.

Additional training can be purchased through our service department to refresh your current knowledge and update you with new features that become available in future versions of system software and hardware.

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Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

(402) 434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org

Petals to Platinum Making Wedding Dreams a Reality

When Lindsey Raridon comes across glassware she loves, she’s already thinking of a beautiful table setting she might put together for a bride—who doesn’t know she’s getting married yet. In the wedding design business, you’re always three steps ahead.

That’s why at Petals to Platinum, Raridon’s new wedding rental showroom in the Haymarket, you won’t find the centerpieces you saw at your cousin’s wedding...and your friend’s...and your friend’s friend’s.

“We source our inventory from everywhere,” Raridon said. “I look at trends, and I also look at what brides are asking for. But you have to be careful, because it takes six months to a year for a wedding to be planned. By the time brides are coming to you with what is all over Pinterest, that’s already been out for a year. I try to go after what I really love.”

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Before the showroom, Petals to Platinum had operated out of a private studio in Lincoln for five years as an appointment-only floral design service. Throughout those years, the business began to curate an inventory of vases, flatware, centerpieces, and other hard goods to have on hand for their full-service weddings—that is, weddings where Raridon and her small team planned and executed every design detail.

Petals to Platinum established themselves as a unique wedding design company for brides looking for an eclectic mix of modern and vintage pieces. Last fall, Raridon and her husband realized they were storing a lot of inventory—and because the business was taking on bigger weddings in lesser quantities, a lot of it was sitting, unused, most of the year. It was time to launch a second company for rentals. Petals to Platinum Rentals launched in January 2019 only online and through Instagram.

CONTACT US TODAY! 402.476.8614 www.rayslawn.com

“But then we kind of found out that people really wanted to go somewhere to see and touch the rentals,” Raridon said. “So we realized quickly that we needed a showroom.”

A Thousand Words

A space in the Haymarket Sawmill Building at 440 N. 8th St. opened up and, within two weeks, Raridon decided it was the spot.

No appointment is necessary to peruse the event rentals at the Petals to Platinum showroom. You’ll find shelves of flatware and vases, fabric swatches, and even a whole section dedicated to putting together the perfect gift basket for bridesmaids, groomsmen, or your guests.

A Powerful and Innovative World Premiere

“I understand not everybody has the budget to spend on a full-service wedding with us,” Raridon said. “I still want everyone who rents from us to have a beautiful wedding. So the rental side gives us the opportunity to help people find their perfect centerpieces, or ceremony bouquets, or other a la carte rentals without having the full-service wedding. I really try to have a lot of packages so that brides can really figure out something that works for them.”

The showroom has also provided rentals for other events, too, like corporate get-togethers, baby showers, birthday parties, and even Thanksgiving dinners.

“I love people, I love brides,” Raridon said. “I love planning—I know this is going to sound cheesy—but it’s the biggest day of their lives. It’s just so fun to be a part of such a big day for so many people.”

Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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Feb. 12-23

Temple Bldg. 12th & R

nebraskarep.org 402.472.4747

Professionals in Residence at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Discover the difference with

Gramercy Hill Give us a brief synopsis of what your company does.

Our community provides seniors affordable independent and assisted living options as well as short term respite stays.

How long have you been in Lincoln?

We opened in 1985.

Who are the owners/important executives?

Gramercy Hill is owned and operated by a publicly traded corporation, Capital Senior Living which is based in Dallas, TX. It is one of the nation’s largest operators of residential communities offering affordable housing for senior adults.

What do you think makes you different from other communities similar to yours?

We are well established in the community with a solid history of providing healthcare benefits to seniors. Gramercy Hill is an affordable option for seniors looking for a variety of apartments styles. We have large, newly remodeled apartments with all updated amenities. Our homelike atmosphere is appealing to our diverse population.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln?

The college town atmosphere is appealing to our Husker fans, as the majority of our residents are from the Lincoln area.

Residents enjoy taking field trips to local restaurants, theatres, and shopping centers.

COAHP, East Lincoln Business Association, and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.

What is your business philosophy or mission statement?

Our goal is to enrich the lives of our residents by providing an environment that is physically, spiritually, and emotionally enhancing.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years?

There have been a lot of changes in our industry in the past few years. Senior apartments are becoming attractive to a broader audience seeking an active lifestyle in their retirement years.

More options are available for seniors at the different stages of life. Considering the aging population of baby boomers, our industry will be in an uphill climb over the next several years.

What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced?

Knowing that the industry is growing is adding more competition to an already saturated landscape.

What was the biggest turning point in your business?

Converting from an all independent community to now include assisted living as well as short-term respite care.

What kind of community organizations/groups is your business involved with?

Nebraska Assisted Living Association, Nebraska Department of health and Human Services, Aging Partners,

6800 A Street | (402) 483-1010 gramercyhill.com | @GramercyHillNE 58

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

LIBA NEW MEMBERS

New Year’s Resolutions

CS Accounting

Each year, we hear a lot of talk of making a “resolution.” Many times, we talk about a diet, joining a gym, starting an exercise program, or something along those lines.

This year, I offer an idea which is a bit out of the ordinary for 2020...think more on a plan of personal growth. Let me give you some background before we dig into this idea.

CS Accounting offers more than just the basics of accounting, they are a resource to help you grow your business. Owned and led by Clinton Hlavaty, CS Accounting assists with setting and attaining goals and ensuring your business is positioned to handle growth without falling into financial pitfalls that can plague small businesses. They have helped numerous businesses by handling their public accounting needs, whether it’s the rigorous demands of manufacturing accounting and keeping track of every fine detail for upper management or agricultural accounting where it is vital to keep track of the costs of seeds, chemicals, and manage the Nebraska gasoline tax as well as sales and use taxes. The team at CS Accounting also has experience in Government accounting from working with the state of Nebraska, including all relevant CFRs, as well as managing finances as the treasurer for a small town outside Lincoln handling all of their payables and receivables. No matter your industry, CS Accounting can help you grow. To learn more, visit www.csaccountinglincoln.com or call (402) 840-2990.

A few years ago, I made a decision to invest in myself, something which I had not done in quite some time.

I needed to help grow myself professionally. Over the years, ever since I can remember, I have always loved reading books about business and leadership. Don Clifton was one of my early favorites. I also recall reading the work of Lee Iacoca, who is best known for the development of Ford Mustang and Pinto cars, book for a book report project in high school. (I am guessing I am a part of the less than one percent who would ever actually read his book for a school project.)

Over time, many books on the topics of business and leadership have caught my eye. I have boxes and boxes of these books.

Finally, a few years ago, I invested in myself to go through the international training with John C. Maxwell, one of my all-time favorite writers on leadership. It was a heavy investment in myself, something I had never done before. This is when I heard one of the best pieces of advice I’d ever received, something that has really stuck with me: “You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.” – John C. Maxwell Looking back, it was one of the greatest investments of time and resources for me personally and professionally. My take away from that program is to always find ways to invest in myself and to help myself grow. So, my challenge to myself each year is to determine how I will invest in my personal growth. Sometimes this includes attending a conference, signing up for a webinar, investing in some good books to read, etc. Over the past few years, this has been a tremendous help to me in developing myself professionally and becoming a better leader.

The New Year’s Resolution to consider this year is to develop a plan for personal growth. There are so many ways to grow both professionally or personally. On the professional side, maybe it means you invest an hour each week (for me, I try to schedule the time) to read a book, listen to a podcast, write in a journal, or you sign up to attend a conference or convention to help you in areas where you want to grow.

Personally, I try to look at things from a different perspective instead of just having a weight loss goal to lose a certain number of pounds.

I am working on a goal of better meal planning and preparation. I have found if I prepare the meals and menus for the week, it becomes easier for me to follow the plan. Also on the health side, instead of saying, “I’m going to join a gym,” maybe you think more about, I am going to ride my bike a certain number of times each week or finding and taking an exercise class a certain number of times each week.

Investing in ourselves can sometimes be hard. This year, I hope you will find a way to invest in your personal growth and make the 2020 “New Year’s Resolution” something you can achieve and enjoy the journey while doing. Wishing you all the best as you pursue your 2020 personal growth plan!

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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Kelpie Security After years in the cybersecurity industry, member-manager of Kelpie Security, Jeff Kiple, saw first-hand the need for more robust risk mitigation and prevention services in small and medium businesses. Cyberattacks can leave small businesses crippled with no chance of recovery, and almost always, the attacks come with no warning. Armed with years of technical training and hands-on experience in the cybersecurity space, Kelpie Security knows how to prevent attacks before they happen. Services offered by Kelpie Security include vulnerability checking, disaster recovery plan, cloud backup/data mitigation, staff security training, and cyberserucity policy creation for small- to medium-sized businesses. They also offer individual/family security consulting with software instillation, data protection, physical security upgrades, children privacy restrictions, and risk mitigation education.

To learn more about Kelpie Security, call (402) 979-9930 or go online to www.kelpiesecurity.com.

Murray Roofing Murray Roofing of Lincoln is a family owned and operated residential and commercial roofing company. They are proud to be your neighbors. They believe in doing the job right the first time. The project managers and crew at Murray are held to the highest industry standards, and they don’t send unknown subcontractors to your home or business. From start to finish, you’ll be working with highly-skilled team members trained by Murray Roofing. They use only the highest quality materials and, as a result, have some of the industry’s best warranties. In addition to their comprehensive 10year workmanship warranty, Murray offers lifetime warranties on some roofing systems. For more than a decade, Murray Roofing has built a reputation of honesty and integrity. They proudly serve the Lincoln community and beyond with superior craftsmanship at a fair price. Learn more at www.murrayroofingllc.com or contact the team by calling (402) 802-7021.

JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 59

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Luxury Lifestyle Products Elevating the Human Experience Through Naturally-Based Health and Wellness Products EMRIS International is committed to cutting-edge products and transparency. Maybe people may not know that the founders of EMRIS are from Lincoln/Firth, Nebraska. Founding partner, Jennifer Amend, is not only thrilled to have the opportunity to offer life-changing products to people in the Lincoln community who struggle with health and wellness, but also to introduce the power of social commerce done the right way. EMRIS is so much than a company—it’s a movement.

Jennifer is proud to be a part of EMRIS because it is revolutionizing an industry that has often had the reputation of being a “pyramid scheme”. People are becoming brand ambassadors for EMRIS because they want to be a part of a family-focused, purpose-driven, hardworking team that cares more about building a legacy that will be appreciated for generations to come than cashing a paycheck. Jennifer knows what it feels like to want to have more income, impact, and the influence to make the world a better place; that is why she believes in EMRIS. What makes EMRIS products so special?

Synergy — EMRIS ensures that their Synergy line of hempderived CBD products are of the highest quality by testing the products multiple times for purity and potency, and then they have independent 3rd-party lab tests done as well. Broad spectrum hemp extract oil is the perfect product for CBD newbies and veterans alike! Unlike CBD-isolate products that only offer CBD by itself, EMRIS’s broad spectrum proprietary blend is rich in powerful terpenes and cannabinoids from American-grown hemp plants to help you experience the entourage effect and the true power of hemp extract oil, but without the THC.

Vitality Plus — EMRIS offers a premium herbal complex with Vitality Plus, designed for maximum energy! Incorporating nature’s finest ingredients such as turmeric root, celery seed powder, basil leaves, cinnamon bark powder, and many more, Vitality Plus gives your health the boost it needs with this daily supplement renowned for its wellness properties: • Immune boosting • Anti-inflammatory • Antioxidant rich • Supports healthy blood sugar • Aids in digestion • Fights anxiety and stress • Promotes total well-being VIDA — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one in 10 adults get the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables each day, leaving many lacking critical nutrients. VIDA by EMRIS has more than two dozen organic fruits, vegetables, and super greens in each tablet, and they are 100 % certified organic.

Renew — By combining a powerful blend of ingredients, Renew by EMRIS is designed to cleanse your system of harmful toxins, reduce bloating, and attack those pesky problem areas, allowing you to shed the weight you want quickly and easily. Studies have shown that the ingredients in Renew can be very effective in reducing belly fat and can lead to weight loss by boosting metabolism and suppressing appetite, among other benefits.

EMRIS also offers anti-aging skin products such as eye serums, Vitamin C cream, exfoliators and cleansers, face masks, and more. In addition, EMRIS has products for your furry family members! Pawsible by EMRIS is a powerful proprietary hemp extract that comes in a delicious bacon flavor your pet will love. It is 100mg of CBD per bottle and has 0% THC.

“A huge thank you to all of the people in Nebraska who have welcomed EMRIS and have shared testimony after testimony about how EMRIS products have impacted their lives or the life of a loved one!” - Jennifer Amend

(402) 430-2724 | EmrisInternational.com/JenniferAmend 60

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ASK THE EXPERT: KUBERT APPRAISAL (531) 500-0890 www.kubertappraisal.com

by Thomas W. Kubert, MAI, CCIM Kubert Appraisal Group

A Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Firm

Watching Your Local Tax Bill in 2020 Welcome to the new year! The holidays are over and it’s time to get ready for tax season. Specifically, it’s time to review the property tax data related to your local property tax bill.

The local County Assessor estimates the actual value of your property as of January 1 of each year. For property owners, the best place to start the review process is to actively monitor your current assessment data.

There are many reasons you may disagree with your assessed value, and the most common is that you believe the assessed value exceeds the actual value of your property on January 1 of that year.

If you disagree with the current estimate of the actual value of our property, here is a general summary of the property assessment appeal process in the State of Nebraska and specifically Lancaster County.

• Local Informal Appeal – Preliminary values are established by the local County Assessor by January 15 each year and you have until February 1 to contact the Assessor’s office to meet informally to discuss the assessed value. Meeting with the Assessor’s office staff is an opportunity to review the objective data related to your assessment as well and to ask questions about the methodology used to value your property. This is also a great time to request a site visit if that helps get the objective data correct. Good news, this process is free to participate.

• Local Formal Appeal – Formal assessed values are issued by the local County Assessor on June 1 each year and you have until June 30 to file the appropriate paperwork with the County Clerk in order to request the County Board of Equalization review your assessment data and consider your arguments for a different value. In some counties, the County Board sits as the Board of Equalization. In most major counties, the Board of Equalization will appoint a Referee to hear each case and make recommendations to the Board of Equalization. Meeting with the Referee is an informal discussion related to the value of the property as of January 1 of the tax year being protested.

These meetings generally take place between late June and late July each year. In all cases, the Board of Equalization makes a final decision by August 10. Good news, this process is free to participate.

• State Formal Appeal – Once the local Board of Equalization takes final action on the value appeal, the protestant is notified of their decision. If the protestant is still not satisfied, the next step in the appeal process is to file an appeal with the Nebraska Tax Equalization Commission with a deadline of approximately 30 days after final action by the local Board of Equalization.

The hearing at the State level is generally more formal and you may need professional guidance. Some filing fees will apply.

Now offering property tax and litigation support appraisal services.

Thomas W. Kubert Owner

6001 S. 58th Street, Suite F | Lincoln, NE 68516 Inquiries? (531) 500-0890 (Lincoln Office) | KubertAppraisal.com

Age is an

honor.

Throughout life, he’s always known just what to do. And he still does.

Age doesn’t take away our wisdom.

It enhances it. Age doesn’t take away our dignity. It intensifies it.

We are the sum of all of our years of experience. Age is an honor.

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We take great pride in every deck we do no matter Customer how big or small, and we truly believe that no job is Satisfaction complete until you are fully satisfied.

We know choosing to build or replace your deck is a big decision, one that we don’t take lightly. We will meet with you and go over your project at no cost and NO PRESSURE! Our main focuses are accountability, quality, and customer service. We will work with you every step of the way to get you the best outdoor space you could want! Call today to set up your estimate!

We live in a great community where our property taxes fund our schools and community services. Like many, I’m willing to pay my fair share of the bill, but I don’t want to pay more than necessary. It’s time for all of us to pay close attention and appeal if necessary.

If you have any appraisal questions you would like discussed in future articles, please email tkubert@kubertappraisal.com.

Happy New Year! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Let’s Discuss Your Project Today!

402.601.5091 • Decksunlmtd@gmail.com DecksUnlimitedNE.com • 117 Harwood Ct, Lincoln JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business 61

HOTEL EXPOSÉ

Downtown Lincoln recently upped its hospitality game with the addition of The Kindler Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel unlike anything else in the area. Our team decided to book a stay for a night and experience The Kindler ourselves.

The first thing to note is that The Kindler is not a large hotel. It’s grand in its essence, but it doesn’t have 100+ plus rooms to cater to. This is why it’s referred to as a “boutique” hotel—there is novelty in its size, design, and character. The best part about staying at a boutique hotel is the personal service the staff is able to provide.

As a guest at The Kindler, you don’t feel like just another room key, and you don’t have to compete for the attention of the guest service representatives who are taking care of you throughout your stay.

We felt like The Kindler staff was able to predict our needs before we even thought to ask. For example, prior to our stay, they inquired about our itinerary for the night.

Since they knew when we wanted to get drinks and appetizers before hitting the town, they made sure there was an open spot for us in their Boitano’s Lounge. Then, they were more than happy to organize drop-off and pick-up times for our group in their luxury limo shuttle, making sure we got to and from our destination safely and in style. In the morning, the valet had already brought our vehicles down so we didn’t have to stand around and wait. The thoughtful management staff at The Kindler even put champagne, chocolates, and a handwritten welcome note in our suite! These personal touches made us feel like royalty, and they really make a lasting impression.

A Luxury Boutique Hotel Experience in Downtown Lincoln

If you stay at The Kindler Hotel, make sure you chat with their staff ahead of time to let them know what your plans are for the evening. They proved to us that they are willing and able to create a customized experience for each of their guests, pulling out all the stops to be as accommodating as possible.

Located one block south of UNL and the Lied Center, The Kindler Hotel features a modern design that is elegant and cozy. There is quite a contrast between the design elements in the guest suites versus those in the rest of the hotel. The front lobby, lounge area, and even hallways embrace a romantic ambiance with darker tones, warm lighting, and rich accent pieces. The rooms, on the other hand, are bright and open—kind of like a blank canvas that you get to make your own for a night or two! We liked how the rooms felt so spacious and clean, and we were impressed with the amenities. There were robes and slippers, a huge bathtub and shower, heated bathroom floors, personal coffee maker, refrigerator, stocked bar, and the beds were amazing, complete with soft, breathable Egyptian cotton sheets.

In the morning, if you feel like treating yourself to some room service, The Kindler has delicious French press coffee and a few good breakfast items. The oatmeal was tasty and the breakfast sandwiches were made with fresh, yummy croissants.

The Kindler Hotel’s on-site bar, Boitano’s Lounge, can be enjoyed by guests and locals alike who are looking for classic craft cocktails and a few substantial appetizers to nibble on while they are in downtown Lincoln. It’s a great place for a nice dinner date, to grab a drink before seeing a play at the Lied Center, or even to end the evening with a little nightcap!

We were very pleased with the variety of specialty cocktail options on the menu. The Kindler released their seasonal winter drink menu in November. It features delicious hot cocktails such as the Buena Vista Irish Coffee and Cho-Cocoa-Nut. Both of these are perfect for this time of year, and they’ll definitely warm you up, if you know what we mean. Some of the other signature house-crafted cocktails that our group really liked were the Frisky Husk’R and the Honey Bourbon Cooler. These are both must-try beverages.

The dinner menu has something for everyone, including flatbreads that can all be made gluten-free and a generous charcuterie platter that would pair well with anything from The Kindler’s extensive wine list. They have charred brussel sprouts, hummus with pickled vegetables, an Italian chicken sandwich, beef sliders, and much more. Our favorite item by far was the Beef Short Rib Flatbread...highly recommend!

If you’re looking for well-made drinks and food that is light but filling, all to enjoy in an elegant setting, The Kindler Hotel’s Boitano’s Lounge is your place.

402-261-7800 | 216 N 11th Street | Lincoln, NE 68508 62

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Exclusively at Arnie’s Pet Food Store

Select from a variety of single source protein freeze dried dog treats Alamo Plaza / 56th & HWY 2 Lincoln, NE 68516

arniespetfoods.com

Winter Pet Care As winter sets in, we automatically change our habits out of necessity, bundling up in sweaters and thick socks and turning up the heat. Our pets may not be able to communicate it to us, but they have many of the same needs to adjust for cold conditions as we do. They depend on us to take necessary steps to protect and care for them.

Exposure to the cold can cause chapped paws and dry, flaky skin for pets, which also causes itching. Going out into the cold and coming back inside repeatedly can exacerbate dry skin due to rising and dropping temperatures and the evaporation of moisture on the skin. Simple acts like towel-drying your pet when going inside can make a great difference in helping your pet stay comfortable and healthy. Also bathing your pet a little less frequently during cold months can help their skin to dry out less.

If you plan to be outside with your pet on a cold day for an extended period of time, take a towel with you to wipe down your pet’s coat and paws from time to time to prevent ice from forming.

Also consider allowing your pet’s hair to grow a little longer during the winter months to provide extra warmth, like a natural sweater.

Something else to remember is that it requires energy to stay warm, so keep this in mind as you feed your pet each day. Giving your pet a little more food than usual can help them store just enough extra fat to help protect them from the cold.

To get more ideas on how to care for pets in cold conditions, we spoke to pet lovers and experts in the community who shared helpful information on providing premium care for pets during the winter months.

Dian Quist, manager of Kenl Inn, shared her knowledge on caring for dry winter skin for pets.

Dian Quist Kenl Inn

“Dogs and cats get dry skin in the winter months just like we do,” she said. “We offer medicated shampoo and conditioner which soothes dry skin and moisturizes the coat.

The microbubble is a gentle and shampoo-

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free bathing option for pets with sensitive or dry skin. We offer a paw treatment to help with cracked or dry pads. We also sell nose balm to soothe and prevent dryness.

Keeping hair trimmed is also important. Some people want to keep their pet’s hair longer during the winter. Remember that longer hair requires more maintenance. Frequent appointments are necessary to prevent matting and keep the face and feet neat and tidy.

Sweaters and jackets can cause matting in armpits and around the neck, so focus on brushing those areas after walks. It’s the season to snuggle on the couch with your pet and you’ll be much happier if they’ve been freshly groomed! Last of all, remember regular nail trims, as short nails provide better traction in slick weather. With use of our Kenl Inn mobile app, your sixth of five nail trims is free!”

Kenl Inn offers great activities and services to help restless dogs during the winter.

“Surprisingly, our nature hikes are very popular during the winter months,” Dian said. “After all, it is a beautiful trail and the dogs enjoy the crisp air and smells. We do nature hikes rain or shine, ice or snow, so we watch the dogs’ feet and general physical condition, making sure they are not getting too cold. Some owners will bring their paw booties and sweaters for the hikes.

Our play groups are also popular all year round. Most dogs are active enough to keep warm themselves and our play groups have the luxury of coming inside when the temperature is too severe. Again, booties and sweaters help keep the dogs warm in the winter (we actually have a ‘closet’ of sweaters that we can put on a dog if needed) and we provide careful watch of the dogs so they are not getting too cold or snow/ice isn’t collecting in their foot pads.”

Dian recommends training your dog during the winter months to provide activity and stimulation at a time when your dog might otherwise be cooped up inside.

“The winter months can be the perfect time to train your dog,” she said. “Sometimes our dogs get ‘cabin fever,’ and spending time training your dog can help relieve some of those unwanted disasters that happen when dogs have to think up activities on their own.”

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to keep warm. Follow these tips and your pet will have a fun-filled, safe winter. Just keep in mind that if it’s too cold for you outside, it’s probably too cold for your pets as well.”

We’ll Treat Your Pet

Like Family!

Last of all, we spoke to Patricia Kramer with of Sacred Leaf Lincoln about products they offer to soothe and care for pets during a cold and stressful season.

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“As the days get colder and the hours get shorter, our stress levels rise with the need to fit everything into shorter days.

Celebrating this winter can certainly be fun, but it can also come with stress for everyone—even our pets!” she said. “Our cats and dogs can feel overwhelmed, just like humans can. Luckily, you can help calm your furry friends with CBD.

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402-488-8190 • www.Kenl-Inn.com 10241 E. Old Cheney Rd. Lincoln, NE Mon-Sat: 7a-8p Sun: 10a-8p

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• Chronic Pain Social 5800 Anxiety Hidcote Drive, Suite 102 • •Lincoln, Arthritis NE • (531) 500-4634 Public Speaking sacredleaflincoln.com • SacredLeafLincoln@gmail.com • Rheumatoid Arthritis Depression • Fibromyalgia Stress • Lupus Dave Titterington, owner of Arnie’s Pet Sleeplessness • Crohn’s/IBS Food Store, offered great insight and General Anxiety advice on •PMS winter pet care:

Patricia Kramer Sacred Leaf Lincoln

During the winter months, one important thing for dog and cat owners to keep in mind is that noises, crowds of people, leaving pets alone while you are away traveling, or a change of schedule can throw your pet for a loop. They don’t necessarily understand what is happening when they see commotion. They can feel anxious when a crowd of people suddenly invades their routine. CBD can help calm them naturally when you have a crowd of people in your home. If your pet appears to have high stress and high anxiety, giving them CBD might do the trick.”

Because not all CBD is created equally and not all products are safe for pets, Patricia offered helpful information for owners who are choosing CBD products for their pets.

“Please remember that dogs cannot consume all of the same ingredients as humans,” she said. “Dogs may not react well to certain chemicals or dyes. When shopping for CBD pet products, Marijuana Business Magazine writes, ‘Any grain-based fillers, or sweeteners of any kind, are red flags – neither appears in an animal’s natural diet. And take a careful look at any peanut butter.

Dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a common ingredient in dog treats, but an artificial sweetener found in some peanut butters, xylitol, is highly toxic in dogs and must be avoided.’

“Winter in the Great Plains brings Call Levi Cornwell plenty of snow and some of the coldest If you try CBD dog treats, please remember to NEVER feed your for Moretemperatures Information in the United States,” Dave dog a treat that contains xylitol! Do not make your own dog treats “We add layers of clothing under with marijuana flower. Always purchase from reputable sellers.

(531)said.

500-4634

heavy jackets and put on gloves and caps.

But what about our canine companions?

That fur, undercoat, and exposed paws SacredLeafLincoln@gmail.com only provide protection against the cold, Dave Titterington www.SacredLeafLincoln.com not against freezing temperatures.

Arnie’s Pet Food Patty Store Kramer, Owner Know your dog’s cold weather limits. Take shorter5800 walks.

Limit outdoor time for your dog. Wipe their paws Hidcote Drive, Suite 102 • Lincoln, NE after outdoor activity. Keep them leashed as cold weather inhibits their sense of smell to find their way home. Make sure your pet’s tags on their collar are up to date. Avoid frozen ponds and creeks as they can be dangerous. Keep pets indoors in cold weather or provide adequate shelter, bedding, and water if your dog is kept outdoors. Do not leave pets in a car. Keep antifreeze away from dogs, as it’s highly toxic. Increase your pet’s food consumption in winter or provide a higher protein diet, preferably meat based.

Visit us on Facebook@LincolnCBD

Indoors, provide a warm place for your dog. Cold air does not support moisture and is hard on our skin as well as our pets’.

Arnie’s Pet Food Store offers Ultra Oil with Omega 3, 6, and 9 to eliminate your dog’s dry, flaky skin and reduce itching. Samples of Ultra Oil are available at Arnie’s. Within a week, you will notice the difference in their skin and their smooth shiny coat. Ultra Oil is a good daily supplement that dogs love added to their food, and it provides many nutritional and health benefits.

And finally, be sure to check under the hood of your car before starting. Cats will climb up in the engine compartment of a vehicle

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If you have a cat, try CBD oil for them instead of treats marketed for dogs. Giving CBD oil to cats is generally regarded as safe, but please follow the instructions from your veterinarian and read the steps on the product you purchase to ensure you are giving your cat the proper dosage. Many scientists have documented that the marijuana plant can be toxic for cats, so never feed them flower or an edible that has been baked with cannabis flower mixed into the batter. Do not make your own CBD cat treats. Instead, stick to CBD oil for your feline friend. Always ask your veterinarian for their opinion before giving CBD products to your pet.

If you are interested in giving safe CBD products to your furry friend, Sacred Leaf Lincoln offers pet tincture and pet treats for four different areas you might be treating. The most popular option for pets during the winter season is our pet tincture because we feel it can help ease their anxiety.”

Providing adequate care to pets during the winter requires extra thought and attention. Remember the cold weather is often as hard on your pet as it is on you. Pets may not be able to communicate all of their needs, but they trust us to take care of them, and we are responsible for their additional needs during the winter months. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the great resources available for winter pet care in Lincoln. Your beloved pet will thank you for it later! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

New Year’s Resolutions

IT’S ABOUT

TIME

30 minute full-body workout NO CLASS TIMES! New workout each day A trainer is always included

Setting Goals That Stick

As a new year unfolds, it is natural to look forward and envision the successes we hope to have. At Strictly Business, we are believers in the power of clear and compelling goals. Here are some tools we have found that can make this your best year yet!

Clearly Define Your Goal and Start Today Do not make the mistake of waiting to act on a goal. Make your goal clear and measurable, including setting a deadline. You are much more likely to achieve success if you know you want to lose 10 pounds by April 1 through tri-weekly morning runs than if you merely say your goal is to lose weight.

Tim Messina, gym manager at 9Round Fitness, shared his thoughts on the importance of creating a specific plan to master your goals.

“My biggest piece of advice is to have a plan in place!” he said. “Many people set New Year’s resolutions that are outcome-based, such as I want to lose 15 lbs. What often gets forgotten is how exactly you plan on achieving that outcome. Setting detailed process-based goals (e.g. “I will exercise after work three times per week for 30 minutes.”) will help you Tim Messina stay on the path toward self-improvement. The 9Round Fitness more specific and realistic you are with your goals, the more likely you are to find success.

Write your plan down and put it somewhere you can see it every day, such as the bathroom mirror. Master the processes and the outcome will take care of itself.”

Tim and the rest of the team at 9Round Fitness know how challenging it can be for people to overcome longstanding habits of inactivity, both physically and mentally. They have intentionally designed their workouts to combat these challenges and optimize success.

“At 9Round Fitness, we provide solutions to many common obstacles that people find in establishing healthy habits,” Tim said. “In this day and age, people work longer hours than ever, and time is a precious commodity. Our workout is only 30-minutes long, and because of our circuit-style we also don’t have class times. That means we’re on YOUR schedule! Another roadblock is boredom or staleness, and we combat that by switching up the workout every day. Finally, some are hesitant to attack their fitness goals simply because they don’t know where to start. At 9Round, there are always trainers available to take you through the workout. We work with members of all fitness levels and make sure you’re performing exercises safely. Finally, we provide that extra motivation and energy needed to make fitness a part of your identity.”

Working with energetic and driven professionals like the staff at 9Round Fitness is a sure way to help anyone carry out a plan to achieve new goals.

Write Down Your Goals and Keep them Visible Did you know you are 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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it down than if you do not? That’s a huge increase in the probability of success for such a small effort! Whether you tape something on a kitchen cabinet, keep a vision board on the wall in your office, or have a bright pink stinky note that you always move to the next page in your planner, you need to be seeing and reviewing your goals on a daily basis. Out of sight, out of mind they always say. We have learned the opposite is true as well.

Lashasta Messinger with Elite Home Cleaning Services understands the power of defining your goals and writing them down.

She shared her thoughts on achieving success in your resolutions.

“To set realistic and obtainable goals, set goals that are not only important to you, but focus on making positive life changes,” she said. “Make sure to take the time to write your goals down, how you plan to achieve them, as well as a deadline. It’s important to hold yourself accountable. When setting Lashasta Messinger goals, never have the mindset of ‘the bigger, Elite Home Cleaning the better,’ and keep to small and achievable Services goals.”

Lashasta believes in leveraging the resources of experts who can look to tasks that, though important, may draw you away from your goals and the things you most want to spend your time doing.

“In today’s society, we are constantly on the go between work, school, and sports games. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done that we would like to. This causes things to start piling up and we end up spending the majority of our weekend catching up on laundry, shopping, and cleaning. This steals from the opportunity to do more of the things we really enjoy, like spending time with our families, going to the gym, or even just relaxing with a good book,” she said. “This is where Elite Home Cleaning Services comes in. We are a full cleaning service that also specializes in helping our clients become 66 Strictly Business JANUARY 2020

organized and clutter free. Organizational skills are a great habit to have and also help to reduce or eliminate any unnecessary stress.”

Getting help with certain tasks and responsibilities can free your time and energy so you can continue moving toward the prize on the horizon.

Set Goals That Benefit You in Multiple Areas Something that many people don’t think about when setting goals is the impact a single goal could potentially have on multiple areas of your life.

Many performance coaches recommend simultaneously working toward goals in a variety of areas such as social/relationships, intellectual, spiritual, physical, financial, etc. because it’s important to be balanced and healthy in all areas of life if you want to maintain the momentum and energy to keep moving forward. If this thought overwhelms you, consider that many times a single goal will affect many, if not all, of these areas in a positive way.

Ann Ringlein with Lincoln Running Co. shared her experience of watching people achieve benefits in many areas of life through adopting a single healthy habit: “Many people don’t realize they are embarking on a life-changing journey when they decide to start biking or running,” she said. “A person who has been sick or low in energy for years could suddenly be brimming with health and vitality after a short time of consistent effort. What’s more, bringing these practices into your life will do more than Ann Ringlein just improve your health and increase your Lincoln Running Co. energy. The mental health benefits of exercise (especially exercise outdoors!) are real. Many people also experience a surge of motivation to take up other positive habits when their health improves through good exercise. Your life will thank you for the effort!

Lincoln Running Co. provides products and services to help you in all your running and biking endeavors, including great shoes for any person and any type of workout; training classes, many through the downtown YMCA (Beginning January 9, we are offering a class that meets three times a week at the YMCA. Attendees will learn from speakers who will guide runners through all they need to do to complete the upcoming Lincoln Marathon/Half Marathon); and advice! We are all passionate runners and bikers at Lincoln Running Co., and we want everyone to succeed.

We offer as much or as little advice as you need.”

The staff at Lincoln Running Co. are enthusiastic about their area of expertise, especially because they understand how beneficial it can be to a person’s life!

Express Life Chiropractic is another company that understands that sometimes it’s necessary to focus on a single, specific area of need in order to become unblocked you so you are able to work toward success in multiple areas of life. This is never more true than when someone is struggling with back pain or alignment issues. A simple adjustment can bring a sense of balance to your body, and consequently, your life, so you are ready to conquer whatever comes your way!

Express Life Chiropractic specializes in neurologically-based chiropractic corrective care for the entire family: pediatrics, prenatal, and athletes. Drs. Troy and Ashley Hayes have improved the lives of many through their neurologically-based corrective care.

The mission of Express Life is to help the community achieve optimal health naturally, express life, and restore hope through principled chiropractic care as well as encouraging everyone to embrace their non-interfered, God-given, true health potential. They know the power a little chiropractic care can have in bringing people’s lives back to a good place and freeing up energy for achieving greater levels of success and wellness.

Find an Accountability Partner If you have already set clear goals in essential areas of your life and you’re still struggling to achieve success, it may be time to enlist the help of an accountability partner. Jeff Madsen with Right Foot Forward Fitness shared his thoughts #PrintProudDigitalSmart

on boosting your chances of success with the help of an accountability partner.

“You often hear that creating specific, measurable goals and setting deadlines is the key to success,” he said. “That’s half the battle...maybe more, but don’t forget about having an accountability partner. This could be a personal trainer, a friend, or a spouse. You need to give someone permission to help you reach your short-term goals and speak into your life. Making others aware of your plans and purposely introducing an accountability Jeff Madsen Right Foot Forward Fitness element into your goal-setting will pull you through the hard times and let you reap the benefits of being consistent. Set yourself up for success ahead of time and you won’t be full of regret next year!

Also remember that people oftentimes throw themselves into their goals in a way that isn’t sustainable. Can you exercise reliably for two days per week and sustain that over the weeks and months? If so, that’s far better than exercising three or more days per week for the first month and then stopping for the rest of the year. Remember, small hinges swing large doors! At Right Foot Forward Fitness we help people to set up effective and safe exercise programs coupled with advice and accountability on their dietary choices. We advise people to have really big long-term goals coupled with realistic and achievable short-term goals. It gives people a chance to score a win and build some momentum. The same habits that help you lose that first ten pounds will keep helping you as you eventually lose the next 40 lbs.”

If you’ve set fitness goals for yourself and you don’t already have people in your life who can be your accountability partners in this area, we recommend connecting with Capital City Fitness & Performance.

They are the only Training for Warriors (TFW) affiliate in Lincoln. What separates the TFW system from other training programs is its culture.

Although TFW encompasses signature warm-ups, speed training, strength training, endurance training, flexibility work, and nutrition, the most important component of the system is its enjoyable, motivational approach, and family environment.

Regardless of your current fitness level, TFW can help you. The fun and exciting workouts of the TFW system are designed to help you develop the muscular strength, endurance, and the mental fortitude needed to take on life’s challenges and reach your fitness goals. It’s all a part of their philosophy of “Bringing out the Warrior Within.” The TFW system really works because you’re provided with a community of warmth, tools, and support so you don’t have to face your challenges all alone.

Make Your Goals Compelling No matter how perfect your plan for success or encouraging your support group, if your goals aren’t compelling and meaningful to you, chances are you will not get very far in achieving them. Jeff Johnson with Johnson Chiropractic & Acupuncture shared with us why he thinks it is so important to set goals that matter.

“If you want to make a positive change in your life, work on something you really care about. You will need this incentive to keep you moving forward through Jeff Johnson challenging moments in achieving your Johnson Chiropractic goal. Adapt your efforts to fit your & Acupucnture personal preferences. If you have an exercise goal and you hate running on the treadmill, then don’t!

Go kickboxing or take a hike. Also, be realistic—plan to exercise two or three times a week instead of setting yourself up for failure by expecting a daily workout. Little changes over time are always better than unrealistic goals that are unachievable.

For people who don’t know where to start, consulting a professional is always a good idea. Find someone who can guide you toward your goal, especially if you have a disability or extra needs. At Johnson #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Chiropractic, we have specialized training and stretching exercises proven to help even those with great physical limitations. We can help you get out of pain and feeling better so you can get back to a place where you feel ready to exercise on your own again. We can tailor a plan to fit your needs.”

Celebrate Your Victories, Big or Small Celebrating success is an important part of maintaining motivation to move forward. Consider celebrating your successes by purchasing equipment for a new sport or exercise program. Play It Again Sports specializes in new and used fitness equipment and sporting goods. The concept allows customers to sell or trade in slightly used items for cash or other desired equipment. Play It Again Sports is all about recycling quality equipment. Their goal is to keep kids and adults in sporting activities or focused on fitness without breaking the bank.

Another great way to celebrate progress in achieving your goals is with the healing gift of massage. Erin McLenon with 5 Elements Massage believes that massage therapy is much more than just a luxury indulgence.

“Massage therapy is an investment in your full creative expression, productivity, passion, and sustained good health,” said Erin. “A massage can help with depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, stress, insomnia, and many other issues we deal with daily. Therapeutic touch can change your world in many positive ways Erin McLenon if utilized regularly. I encourage everyone to 5 Elements Massage give regular massages a try. Invest in yourself and try even just one massage a month for three to four months. Watch it change your life!”

As you set clear goals and celebrate your successes, remember that there are skilled and caring professionals right here in Lincoln who can help you stay strong in your New Year’s Resolutions!

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67

Business Planning Now that the holidays are over, many of us feel the need to take a deep breath and let it out as we pause and reflect on the year behind us while also looking to the year ahead. The beginning of a new year is a great time to create a vision for the coming days and to get clear about goals for your business. Business owners would benefit from taking the time to map out a plan for the future before the year gets away, even if it seems difficult to invest the time. You can save time for yourself and your employees down the road by getting your year started with purpose and focus. So what is a business to do in planning for the future?

As you sketch out your plan, consider the broader vision questions, such as What do I want my business to be known for? How do I want people to talk about my business when it comes up in conversation? Reconnecting with your original intention for starting the business in the first place is also helpful in realigning goals. As you do so, remember to consider what sets your business apart from all others. If you sense this distinction hasn’t yet taken hold in the public mind, use this knowledge as a springboard for your goals moving forward. Though it can be uncomfortable for a

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business owner to consider areas of weakness in the business, the reality is that no business is perfect. What sets apart an excellent business from a mediocre one is the courage and willingness to be real about areas that need improvement and to then move forward with purpose and clarity in addressing those weaknesses and turning them into strengths.

After you’ve spent some time considering the big picture questions, it’s time to get down to the brass tacks of running your business and improving your processes, spending, advertising, etc. While every business is unique and has varying needs, good practice is good practice, and certain tools and habits are beneficial no matter what a business’s specialty is.

We talked with local experts to get some tips about areas in which businesses can benefit from planning as well as an understanding of the services these experts offer to help you in setting goals for 2020.

Perfect Your Business Processes and Operations One way that any business can bump efficiency and success to the next level is by refining the business’s processes and operations. Jethro Hopkins, co-founder of No Coast Business Advisors, offered advice to business owners on this topic: “The most important item is getting your processes in order. Everyone working in a business should know how it runs whether or not the manager is present. If processes and expectations are clear and in place, goals will naturally fall into place as well,” he said. “One Jethro Hopkins goal that every business owner would do well No Coast Business to define is creating an exit strategy for the Advisors day the business owner plans to hand off the reins to someone else, and a plan for owner loss. It should be simple for someone else to step in and see how everything works.

Unfortunately, many people don’t think about this ahead of time.

Businesses with no exit plans in place get a lot less money and pay more in taxes. These businesses only end up taking home about 78% of the sale price on average. For businesses worth more than $5 million, the statistics look very different. This is because eight out of 10 of these business owners have an exit plan in place ahead of time. Consequently, they end up taking home an average of 110% of the sale value for their businesses, which also tend to sell more quickly and with less of a headache.

At No Coast Business Advisors, we help get your processes and operations in order and create a clear exit strategy so you can easily pass the torch to someone else and become part of the percentage that takes home the value of your business or more when you sell, and as painlessly as possible.”

Create an Exit Strategy and Keep the End in Sight Whether or not you’re nearing retirement, creating an exit strategy isn’t only a good idea, it’s highly-advisable. If a business owner spends large amounts of time and resources building and growing a business, it is only natural to want a return on the business once it is time to retire.

Having an exit strategy can make this possible. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Lutz Consulting and M&A Shareholder, Bill Kenedy, gave us more insight into the importance of business owners looking toward the future of selling a business.

“Be forward-thinking. Spend some time gaining knowledge of what drives the value of your business and how you can improve the business’s transferability,” he said. “Lutz M&A can assist business owners in understanding the best long-term business transition options for them, including the value of their business, given the desired transition structure.

Bill Kenedy Lutz Too often, business owners focus only on short term goals without giving proper attention to their eventual exit from their business. A successful business transition typically requires several years of planning. We see business owners with misconceptions about the value of their business and the difficulty of selling their business, whether it is to family, employees, partners, or outside third parties.

We advise business owners against procrastinating on exit planning and believe it should be a high priority for every business owner due to the fact the value of their business is typically the majority of their net worth.”

Bill and the rest of the team at Lutz are willing and ready to help anyone create an exit plan and ensure top return on their business investments.

“The time is here! Baby boomer business owners are beginning to reach the point where they need to exit their businesses. We have seen a significant increase in business owners contacting us for assistance with developing transition plans.”

Refine Your Budget and Financial Plans No matter the industry, one thing every business has in common is the need to budget.

Especially at the outset of a new year, it is important to define your budget so that it aligns with your primary business goals. We spoke to Mark Nave with SP Group, P.C. about tips on budgeting for success.

“At this time of year when business owners are busy setting goals for 2020, it is important that the goals they set are specific and relevant goals that are key to the success of their business,” he said. “I believe one of the most Mark Nave important tools for setting and attaining those SP Group, P.C. goals each year is preparing and setting a budget for your business. Many business owners often overlook this important planning tool, but it can be a guide to improving and growing your business while also helping quantify any other specific goals.”

Mark outlined some of the reasons budgeting is so important for businesses.

“Budget planning can be an important tool for any business,” he said.

“Some of the benefits a budget can provide include: • Accounting for growth in your business and determining the appropriate staffing to fulfill expected growth and customer needs.

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to talk to. Bethany partners with business owners and their team members, including their CPA and/or lawyer, to ensure that the business entity is structured in the most taxefficient way.

“It’s important for me to find out from my clients what is important to them and what their goals and desires are for their business,” said Bethany. “Through an established fivestep process, we partner together to find out where the business owner is at today, where they see themselves in five, 10, 15+ years, Bethany Arnold and how they plan to get there, especially if Edward Jones they have big growth plans.

Here at Edward Jones, we will sit down with you and find out what’s important to you in order to help you reach your goals, whether it be cash flow, taking advantage of the gifts and opportunities the government has to offer you for being a business owner, or simply being a sounding board for you,” explained Bethany. “We want to help you achieve those goals, watch you grow, and celebrate when you succeed!”

Bethany understands how vital financial planning is for businesses.

“I often see people who don’t have a plan,” Bethany shared. “They have great ideas and great products, but no plan. It’s important to know that you will hit hurdles and there will be days you don’t want to move forward, but if you have a plan and stick with it, you will prosper.”

Clinton Hlavaty with CS Accounting offered advice on devising a plan to reach goals for your business: “It’s really important to have Clinton Hlavaty goals,” he said. “If you don’t have an aim, CS Accounting

you can’t hit it. I recommend using the SMART method to devise goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

At CS Accounting, we are all about sitting down with our clients to learn more about their work and their desires so we can come up with a plan together. It’s all about the relationship! While we certainly believe in making money and having a clear plan to maximize income, we understand that it all starts and ends with good relationships. We really listen to our clients and establish trust, and then we create a plan together to help them succeed.

We offer bookkeeping services and bring our knowledge of new tax laws so our clients can focus on their business instead of trying to keep up with changing policies. We also advise clients to work with us in coming up with multiple scenarios for the future, because the future is unknown.

2020 is an election year, and none of us knows what that will bring. We can help you do your due diligence so you are prepared for whatever comes. It is important to have a reserve in place for unexpected situations and emergencies. If you feel overwhelmed with the thought of making these plans, let us help!”

In addition to bookkeeping services, CS Accounting offers individual tax return preparation, accounting, and consulting. Whatever they do, they do it with a smile, and their clients can’t help but smile in return for the excellent services they receive.

“I love to help my clients get organized,” Clinton said. “It’s always a good idea to hold onto receipts for accountability. CS Accounting can help you keep track of your expenses so you can see where your money is really going and stay in-check with your budget.”

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Bethany A Arnold, Financial Advisor 8135 S. 15th St., Suite B | Lincoln, NE (402) 421-7418

Simplifying real estate for your business

233 S. 13th St., Suite 1100 | Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 421-7474 | cathy@guiderockrealty.com

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM

FIFTH ANNUAL

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING CONFERENCE

MEET BUYERS THE

everything they do because they are a payment processor committed to doing the right thing. Clearent is tenacious when it comes to the pursuit of making things better so their clients can be their most profitable. Humble innovators, the Clearent team built their payment technology – Horizon™ Processing Engine, Quest™ Payment Gateway and Compass® Reporting Tool – from the ground up. They are passionate about providing the kind of service that people don’t really expect anymore. They love to show their clients that different is better while helping them save money.

If your struggle with credit card processing fees is more for large-ticket items, CurrencyPay with Sandhills Global has an innovative new solution.

CurrencyPay helps you unlock your business potential as the first payment platform designed for buying and selling large-ticket items. With CurrencyPay’s services, you can optimize large-ticket transactions with ease through multiple payment options so your customers always have a way to pay for larger purchases. In addition to traditional payment methods such as credit, debit, and ACH, CurrencyPay allows you to offer your customers flexible financing at the point of sales. There are no long-term commitments with CurrencyPay—you can process payments on your terms so you can focus on growing your business.

Finally, CurrencyPay provides exclusive inventory finance programs for you, allowing you to take advantage of a custom-tailored experience, including 0% interest for 90 days and more. CurrencyPay also offers exclusive benefits for LIBA members, like free processing and fee rebates.

Select a Location That Aligns with Your Business Goals As you formulate your plan for your business, you may find that your current location does not serve you in achieving your most important business goals. As they say, location, location, location is so key for the success of any business, though finding that perfect location can be a challenge.

The best location is, obviously, one that minimizes expenses and maximizes income. An ideal location is conveniently placed and easy to find, with adequate parking. Also important are maintenance factors—is the building old and constantly in need of repairs and upgrades? Is the building newer with great features and amenities yet outlandishly expensive? Does the location draw the right population for your services and help you achieve your business goals? Such questions can plague and overwhelm an already busy business owner. Fortunately there are experts who help business owners solve these problems every day.

Cathy Kottwitz with Guiderock Commercial Realty shared her experience of helping business owners find a location that can help the business grow and prosper.

“I primarily work with business owners who are looking to open a new location or move their existing business,” she said. “I help clients select a site that aligns with their current needs and future goals, whether that’s finding a flexible space, upgrading to a better location, or moving from a leased space to one the business owns.

Cathy Kottwitz Guiderock Commercial One of the most common issues I see is not Realty having enough time to find a location. I typically recommend getting some general ideas for locations and costs about a year in advance of when a business needs to be up and running in a new location and planning to start actively looking six months in advance. This allows time to assess options, negotiate terms, and remodel a space if needed. That may seem like a long lead time, but it goes by quickly and is necessary to get the right place on the best terms.”

When looking into available commercial space, John Linscott with Greenleaf Properties suggests that one of the most important services a real estate agent can provide a client is representing the tenant’s John Linscott interests during lease negotiations.

Greenleaf Properties

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General Services Administration (GSA) Army Corps of Engineers-Omaha Dist.

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ptac.unomaha.edu/MeettheBuyers This procurement technical assistance center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Defense Logistics Agency

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JANUARY 2020 Strictly Business

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“Because of the intricacies of leasing a space, you certainly have to understand what you are getting into,” John cautioned. “A commercial real estate agent will represent the tenant and help them with site selection and lease negotiation.”

Real estate agents can help locate the best options available on the market, and by comparing properties, they can ensure they are being leased at a fair market rate.

“One of the most important things is the details of the lease concerning maintenance and repairs,” John informed us. “This is the kind of thing, unless you deal with leases all the time, you might not pay attention to. For example, you may not realize when you sign up that you are responsible for equipment replacement, which can be a $5,000 to $6,000 bill.”

Greenleaf Properties is a team-driven commercial real estate firm assisting clients throughout Nebraska by offering a full cycle of services and forward-thinking strategies. Greenleaf provides professional services in the areas of brokerage sales and leasing, asset and property management, facility maintenance, and land development. They are a great resource for anyone seeking the perfect new location for a business.

If the kind of change you’re looking for is one that gives you an established office away from home but does not lock you into the responsibility of paying for and maintaining an entire facility or building, Michael Holroyd with Holroyd Investment Properties (HIP Realty) has experience assisting clients who aren’t necessarily looking for a traditional office space but desire something that is more flexible and suited to the modern business scene.

“There’s been a shift away from working at Michael Holroyd home or in coffee shops to designated spaces Holroyd Investment to conduct business that promote creativity and Properties the exchange of ideas with others, which has also been shown to increase productivity,” Michael said. “As a result, there are more ‘middle of the road’ options for office space that fall between the two extremes of working from home or having a standalone place of business and singlehandedly shouldering all of the costs that come along with it.

HIP OffiCenters can assist any new or established business by not only leasing them office space but helping with all of the other services that come along with it as a package deal that provides significant value for our clients.

At HIP OffiCenters, we staff a professional receptionist in a comfortable lobby to greet all of our tenants’ customers. We professionally answer incoming phone calls for our tenants, which allows them to focus on taking care of their existing clients and building their businesses. Perception is important, and we strive to help you make every experience for every customer the best that it can be. The Executive Office Suites are easy to find and offer free parking next to the building. Our large, spacious offices give the professional atmosphere our clients are looking for,

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with a host of amenities that further enhance the experience for both tenants and their clients.”

Improve Your Marketing Approach In laying out an updated business plan, weak points may become apparent in your current business strategy. Perhaps you will find that your business has not received the recognition and positioning in the industry that you desire. While investing in marketing and advertising may seem costly and unnecessary to some, smart business owners recognize that marketing is key to positioning a business at the top of its industry. One important aspect of marketing is keeping up with trends and changing policies, especially when a business owner is looking to contract with government agencies.

Taylor Law, Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) Consultant with Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) offered insight and advice for businesses looking to land top-paying contracts with the government.

“When dealing with government contracting, it takes time to market and build those relationships, especially when the sales cycle is much longer in B2G lines,” he said. “With the PTAC program at NBDC, we offer significant value with helping businesses understand and Taylor Law navigate the complexities of selling to the Nebraska Business government, whether it is to a federal, state, Development Center or local agency. Our services help businesses register in the right places to be able to do business with the government.

We also help businesses get certifications that may help them be more competitive. On top of these services, we help businesses put together their marketing materials that are specific to government contracting, like their capability statement or their Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) profile.

There are a few misconceptions that are common. The first one is that once you register in the correct places or are certified for one of the set-aside designations like HUBZone, the 8(a) business development program, or as a woman-owned small business, that contracts are just going to fall into your lap. The government market is no different from any other sales process in that the government also wants to do business with who they know and who they trust. A business needs to put in the work to actively market themselves to agencies and to build those relationships. This will also help you in the end as you may start to hear about opportunities while they are in the planning stage or before it hits beta.sam.gov as a solicitation. The more time you have to work on a proposal, the more likely it is to be successful.

The second misconception is for a business owner to think that, for example, because they do not sell guns, ammunition, or missiles that the Department of Defense is not going to want to talk to them. The Department of Defense buys much more than just weapons, and with a budget of over $600 billion, they are one of the largest customers in the world. They do construction projects, they need computers and janitorial services. Just about anything else you can think of that a person uses in their day-to-day life, the Department of Defense needs as well.

One service we offer that I feel makes the largest impact with businesses, especially if they are new to government contracting, is the market research piece. The ability to gain an understanding of which agencies buy what you are selling, which businesses are winning contracts, and which contract vehicles are being used to procure what you sell is paramount. This information is vital to understanding and formulating a sales strategy. It allows businesses to understand there may be more agencies that buy what you sell than you realize and helps you to become the business they choose to turn to for services.”

Business planning for the future, whether it’s planning for the next year or for the next five years, is a great way to get a laser-like focus on where you are and where you’re going. A plan can help you identify what expert services you may be missing that can take your business to the next level. We look forward to seeing your business soar and hope 2020 is your most successful year yet! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Supporting

Nonprofits At Strictly Business, we think it is so important to support local nonprofits!

Charitable groups and their staff, along with volunteers and donors, provide essential services and resources all across our state. These organizations also create jobs in our community, allowing many people to fulfill their greater purpose by doing what they love while touching lives and truly making a difference.

As businesspeople, we are invested in the efforts of our local nonprofits because they allow us to cultivate an environment of support and relationship building. One of the keys to engaging local communities is to understand the issues that affect them the most, and nonprofit leaders often understand better than anyone the needs of the community they’re in and the best ways to meet them. When our nonprofits receive enough support to lift them up to the decision-making infrastructure here in Lincoln, they can catalyze positive growth and opportunity. Oftentimes, their reach extends beyond city limits to make an impact at the state, national, and/or global level.

In a community that understands the importance of giving back and places a lot of value in it, you’ll also find it to be a big part of corporate culture here in small and large businesses alike.

There are many reasons why a business should make charitable giving a part of their corporate structure. Not only does it result in tax deductions and good publicity, it increases networking opportunities! If you sponsor a fundraising event and show your support by attending as well, you open the door to meet many other people from around the community who either also support the organization or have been touched by the organization’s efforts.

It doesn’t require a huge corporation with an expendable budget to make a difference. Monetary donations aren’t the only form of giving.

There are a variety of ways to support the valuable work that our nonprofits are doing everyday throughout the year, such as hosting a donation drive, volunteering time and skills, participating in special events, helping to raise awareness, and so on. Ultimately, supporting a nonprofit that aligns with the values of you business will generate positivity around your brand.

Since our local nonprofits do their part to help everyone in our community lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives, we want to do our part to bring awareness to their efforts. We do this through our Supporting Nonprofit feature and sharing their exciting news with all our readers throughout the year. We encourage our readers to flag the names, logos, and mission statements of the nonprofits highlighted in this feature. Keep them in mind when considering ways to give to back, whether it’s through your business, referral/tips group, membership-based association, or it’s something you choose to do on your own time.

As consumers, we need to be conscious of our purchasing decisions, staying informed and choosing to do business with companies that make an effort to support nonprofits in the community. This is something we can all do. Leveraging resources to further reinforce the mission of a chairity that you are passionate about has a ripple effect, as does setting an example, participating in events, and getting others involved.

Thank you to all the following nonprofit organizations for all the amazing work you do here in the Lincoln area! Together, we can continue to make Lincoln the best place to live, work, and play.

Angels Theatre Company creates engaging theatre to promote artistic growth, foster community relationships, and raise social awareness. Angels Theatre Company nurtures and celebrates theatre artists while engaging our community in quality live theatre. Angels Theatre Company is committed to community engagement and improving the quality of life in our community by providing opportunities for artistic growth. By celebrating the work of the playwright and theatre literature through exposure, development, and production. By educating, training, and supporting theatre artists in the community. By honoring diversity in our artistic explorations.

By drawing focus to the work of women theatre artists whenever possible. To learn more, visit www.angelscompany.org or contact (562) 686-9247 / AngelsTheatreCo@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

For over 20 years, Domesti-PUPS has been supporting people in our local, regional, and national communities through the assistance of animals. From therapy dogs in the classroom motivating children to pet therapy visitations in nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living centers, Domesti-PUPS pet therapy teams bring a bit of brightness through their furry encounters. The organization’s service dog teams provide increased independence when paired with a disabled partner. These highly-skilled canines can turn on lights, provide balance and mobility, retrieve dropped items, bring a bottle of water from a refrigerator, respond to medical emergencies such as a seizure or a diabetic high or low, and open doors both literally and figuratively.

Some even provide life-saving measures for their disabled partners.

Learn more online at www.domesti-pups.org.

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Aiding Angels is a local, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing FREE, professional housecleaning to the cancer heroes in our community during one of the most stressful times of their lives. A clean home and environment contributes to the welfare and recovery of patients.

Brenda Schwery, local business owner of Maid To Please, has provided free home cleaning services for years through another foundation where women with cancer are the only recipients. In response to an overwhelming number of requests from not only women, but also men and children, Brenda founded Aiding Angels. Now, the void is filled and the much-needed help is extended to everyone— men, women, and children regardless of financial status—going through cancer treatment or hospice due to cancer.

For more information on Aiding Angels, please visit www. aidingangels.com or contact Brenda at (402) 434-2472.

Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose.

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted nearly 450 families with $1.9 million in support.

There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www.myangelsamongus.org.

“Poverty limits opportunity. We don’t.” Since 1965, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties has been removing barriers for individuals living in poverty so that they have the opportunity to thrive.

Their four impact areas are Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial/Family Well-being, and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. A few programs and services offered include: Early Head Start and Head Start, which provide comprehensive, dual-generation early childhood education services to 421 babies, toddlers, preschoolers, pregnant women, and their families; Weatherization, focused on increasing the energy of homes; rent, utility, and security deposit assistance; matched savings opportunities for youth and adults; financial education and coaching; and free, nutritious evening meals at their soup kitchen, The Gathering Place. Last year, Community Action provided over 112,000 poverty-fighting services to over 20,000 children and adults. Their mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. To connect, call (402) 471-4515 or visit communityactionatworkorg.presencehost.net.

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The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from two of our nation’s top killers, heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).

Powered by millions of volunteers nationwide, the Association’s goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of Americans by 20% by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Lincoln like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, that startling statistic can change.

For more information, visit www.heart.org/lincoln.

The Center for People in Need offers services and training so low-income people can satisfy their basic needs and achieve economic independence. They help members of our community obtain adequate food and household necessities, like diapers, through weekly distributions. The Center also provides training and education through their Tackling Recidivism and Developing Employability (TRADE) and People Obtaining Prosperity (POP) programs. Refugees and immigrants can learn English and basic American laws and culture through the Center’s English Language Learning (ELL) courses.

Anyone in need will find an open and welcoming environment at the Center for People in Need. For more information, visit cfpin.org or call (402) 476-4357.

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit, faith based organization located in the heart of Lincoln just off O Street. Every month, over 400 young women in our community come to the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need our love and support. Many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center offers complete information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. The Pregnancy Center also provides confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting classes and character-based relationship education in schools all at no cost to our clients or taxpayers.

Call the Pregnancy Center at (402) 483-4247 or visit www. pregnancycenterpartners.org for more information.

Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care, and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health and substance use counseling services for adults and children through Stepping Stones, and the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP). To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, go online to www.lmep. com or call (402) 483-4581. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Lincoln’s foundation, Lincoln Comm unity Foundation (LCF), wor ks with donors who all share a fondness for this community and want it to be successful forever. The mission of LCF is to provide leadership and resources to help build a great city. Their role as an organization is to help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals, support nonprofit organizations that improve our quality of life, and foster community collaboration to address challenges and opportunities.

Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by matching community needs with the passions of their donors. They serve as a faithful steward for many types of philanthropic gifts and help donors create lasting legacies of giving. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to $140 million.

Find out more online at www.lcf.org or by calling (402) 474-2345.

HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services.

The struggle is real. Mental health issues and trauma are hard for anyone to overcome, especially if you’re a kid. When things feel hopeless, HopeSpoke helps families find confidence.

HopeSpoke plays an invaluable role in providing children, youth, adults, and entire families with the skills to feel empowered and be successful—helping them heal, be courageous, and find strength to live well.

With a 70-year history and positive presence, HopeSpoke continues to reach out with expert care to make our community a better place full of happy, hopeful, healthy families. Services include Crisis & Residential, Extended Day Treatment Program, Outpatient Services, School Programs, and more.

For more information about HopeSpoke’s programs or to make a donation, please go to www.hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska (DSAF) recognizes that every person with Down syndrome is an individual who has a unique purpose and set of abilities.

Since 1995, DSAF has provided a positive vision for the future for individuals with Down syndrome and those who share in their lives, through networking, advocacy, and support, including: • Parents First Call—Offers support and empathy to new parents upon receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

• Medical Outreach—Provides training and accurate information regarding Down syndrome to local medical offices.

• Age-Based ‘Stars’ Enrichment Groups—enable members to participate in fun, inclusive activities with family and friends.

• Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk—Creates a heartwarming allages experience for families, friends, and supporters of individuals with Down syndrome. The annual walk is DSAF’s biggest awareness and fundraising event!

DSAF is more than just an association, it is a place of belonging and hope. Get involved. Visit dsafnebraska.org or call (402) 421-1338 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Since 1983, Make-A-Wish ® Nebraska has helped grant over 2,750 wishes for children across Nebraska.

A wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a critical illness. This one belief guides Make-A-Wish in everything they do.

It is the founding principle of their vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Wishes are more than just a gift or singular event in time. Wishes impact everyone involved—wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals, and communities. The impact varies. For wish kids, just the act of making their wish come true can give them the courage to comply with their medical treatments. Parents might finally feel like they can be optimistic, and others might realize all they have to offer the world through volunteer work or philanthropy.

To learn more about Make-A-Wish® Nebraska and how you can get involved, please visit Nebraska.wish.org or call (402) 475-9474.

With a dedicated and united front of staff and volunteers who help the homeless and near homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible, the vision of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to defeat hunger and homelessness and restore hope! Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot is an inviting hunger relief and outreach center for those in need. Annually, Matt Talbot provides more than 110,000 nutritious meals to the hungry in Lincoln and nearly 40,000 outreach and homeless prevention services to the working poor and homeless such as housing, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, life skills classes, diversion, nutrition counseling, and help with obtaining vital identification documents. Most importantly, Matt Talbot provides beyond basic needs to embolden people to have hope. Matt Talbot has maintained a 4-star Charity Navigator ranking for six consecutive years, received the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award for the nonprofit sector in 2013, and was recently recognized for transparency with a Gold Seal on their GuideStarNonprofit Profile.

Contact Susanne Blue, CMSW, executive director of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, at (402) 477-4116 / susanne.blue@mtko.org, or learn more online at www.mtko.org.

It might be cold out, but Bright Lights is looking ahead to summer! Bright Lights serves elementary and middle school students by providing energized, engaging, and fun summer learning opportunities. Their half-day classes and full-day camps allow students to learn and create, master new skills, and build new relationships. Curriculums are STEAM-based and class topics include science, technology, math, art, literature, and music. The goal of Bright Lights is to promote the habit of life-long learning while having fun and making friends.

The program weeks for Summer 2020 are June 1–5, June 8–12, June 15–19, June 22–26, and July 6–10.

Bright Lights will release their 2020 class schedule in late February/ early March. Students/parents should look through the approximately 100 half-day and full-day camp choices, choose what interests them and then register for it on the Bright Lights website starting March 21. Before Care and Lunch Care is available at some class locations. Need-based scholarships are available to qualifying students and an international experience is also available for middle school students.

Find out more about Bright Lights and these summer opportunities at BrightLights.org or call (402) 420-1115.

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N eb r a s k a C o m m u n i t y Blood Bank (NCBB) has b e e n s a v i n g l i ve s i n Nebraska since 1968 as an independent nonprofit. NCBB relies on the Lincoln community to donate blood and help ensure a stable supply for Nebraska’s major healthcare systems. Nearly all blood donated with NCBB is transfused to patients in Nebraska hospitals — and every two seconds, someone needs blood. By giving blood, having a blood drive, or gathering a group to donate blood together for a Donor Day, you and your business can join NCBB’s life-saving mission and help cancer patients, accident victims, and many more patients in need.

Operating four donor centers and conducting dozens of community blood drives each month, NCBB also provides comprehensive testing and expert technical services as a national leader in transfusion medicine. Learn more about how your organization can get involved at 1-(877) 486-9414 or NCBB.org. Please, give where the heart is.

Not all children are lucky enough to have lives free of abuse or neglect. Some become involved in the juvenile court system through no fault of their own.

Court Appointed Special Advocates or CASA for Lancaster County, a local notfor-profit organization, recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, truant, or ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. CASA volunteers gather information while getting to know the children and report their findings directly to the judge. They provide a voice for children in court, expedite permanency, and ensure that children have safe permanent homes.

To donate, volunteer, or for more information, please contact CASA for Lancaster County at (402) 474-5161 or www.casa4lancaster.org.

Fresh Start has given a “fresh start” to 1,700 women who were striving to live a better life. With Fresh Start, women 19 years and older who are experiencing homelessness for any reason have the opportunity to live in a safe, supportive environment for up to a year, affording them more time to focus on their long-term goals, address barriers, and enact change. Fresh Start offers a safe, structured, alcohol- and drug-free environment for women invested in attaining economic stability. Fresh Start provides basic needs, case management, 24-hour support, computer access, and transportation.

Donation Needs: Paper goods, cleaning supplies, and gas cards.

Monetary donations are also welcome. A small amount of money can provide great service to women in need: • $8 provides a bus pass for one woman for a month • $25 provides a welcome basket for a woman • $50 affords one night of shelter and support services • $250 supports one week of groceries & supplies for the entire shelter Volunteer Needs: Receptionist/donation receiver on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook: @FreshStartHomeLincoln; Twitter: @FreshStartLNK). To donate or volunteer, contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@ FreshStartHome.org.

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As Nebraska’s industry-leading and award-winning senior care expert, Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully and age gratefully.

Nonprofit Tabitha serves over 2,000 friends and neighbors daily across 28 counties offering resultsdriven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, compassionate hospice care, and Tabitha Meals on Wheels in Lincoln. For all senior care needs, Tabitha is the answer.

Tabitha welcomes civic-minded individuals to donate their time, talent, and treasure to help provide support to seniors. Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of local veterans, teachers, public servants, and community leaders who need a helping hand. Connect with Tabitha by calling (402) 486-8520 or go online to Tabitha.org.

The People’s City Mission is Lincoln’s only homeless shelter.

Started in 1907, the Mission has helped over a million people over the last 100 plus years.

The Mission is much more than an emergency shelter. It feeds men, women, and children three times a day; helps individuals and families find permanent housing; and works with guests to reintegrate back into the workforce. The Help Center gives away free donated housewares, food, and clothing. Daily, the 2.51 shuttle delivers over 100 sack lunches to homeless on the streets.

The Mission is growing in its needs, helping over 30,000 individuals every year. It relies on the public to for nearly all of the funds that come in. Like Pastor Tom always says, “If we all give a little, we can change a lot!” For more information, please visit People’s City Mission online at pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303.

Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every corner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 258 Nebraska communities.

In the last five years, 44,476 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $355.3 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown. org or call (402) 323-7330.

For 86 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused house hold items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.

Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of willing workers employed and community resources maximized.

For more information about Goodwill and its role in the Lincoln community, visit www.lincolngoodwill.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Established in 1992, The Mediation Center fills a unique and important niche in our community. With staff possessing expertise in conflict resolution and consensus building strategies, along with the commitment of nearly 100 extensively trained mediators, over the years thousands of mediations have benefited thousands of individuals. The Center operates on a sliding fee scale and is dedicated to providing anyone in our community access to professional mediation services regardless of their ability to pay.

Mediation is a non-adversarial process for resolving disputes guided by a neutral third party mediator. The Mediation Center is proud of the quality and breadth of their programming and works relentlessly towards achieving a future for our community where mediation is the first option considered to resolve conflict and preserve relationships.

Call The Mediation Center at (402) 441-5740 or go to the website at themediationcenter.org for more information or to request services.

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. They provide support to everyone impacted by cancer, but they can’t do it alone. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization and critical to its success at every level. The Society offer a variety of ways to invest your time and talents. They have a role for you, the more people who join in their mission, the more lives they can save. If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, visit cancer.org/ volunteer or call (800) 227-2345.

CHAD (Combined Health Agencies Drive) is a local, donordesignation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities since 1972. Through workplace partnerships, the organization promotes charitable giving, employee engagement and wellness, and connects people with health causes they care about.

Formerly Community Health Charities of Nebraska, CHAD is proud to partner with United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County during the annual United Way/CHAD campaign.

Donors who give so generously every year ensure the 21-member charity is funded on a consistent basis, and 100% of donor-designated dollars go directly to full-member charities. Valuable donations help Nebraskans in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our communities; and supporting advocacy and medical research.

Lincoln office: 215 Centennial Mall South, STE 509.

Connect: (402) 614-8500 | www.chadnebraska.org | on social media @CHADNebraska

The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation was founded by Blake and Kathy Collingsworth after their personal tragedy of losing their son, Josh, due to accidental drowning. Out of this tragedy has come a worldwide foundation whose sole mission is to educate children and adults about water safety and drowning prevention. The local nonprofit foundation is recognized nationally and internationally for the Josh the Otter Water Safety Awareness Program and Float 4 Life.

“Josh the Baby Otter” was designed to help children comprehend and remember to stay away from water unless accompanied by an adult.

Thousands of copies have been distributed globally. With ongoing support, they will continue to incorporate the Josh the Otter Program in every educational curriculum in the United States and beyond.

Float 4 Life was designed to teach and promote infant and toddler water safety training across the nation. Our Float 4 Life program which incorporates water training and water safety education also serves as the National Training Facility to instructors from all over the United States.

To view more information, please go to www.joshuamemorial.org.

We a r Ye l l ow N eb r a s k a provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has directed more than $150,000 dollars in providing more than 9,300 cab rides to cancer patients in need.

The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing.

Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont—help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been helping people find businesses and charities they can trust. People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites.

Where can you go to find trusted information?

Last year, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on nearly 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free on the BBB’s website. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge.

The Better Business Bureau offers its services by creating a community of trustworthy businesses through accreditation, setting standards for trust, encouraging and supporting ethical business practices, celebrating community role models, and denouncing substandard marketplace behavior. Learn more by going to www.bbb.org or calling (402) 391-7612.

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“Stop. Think. How can I help?”

That is just one message that participants will learn when t a k i n g p a r t i n R E S P E C T ’s interactive educational theatre programs that stage conversations about healthy relationships. RESPECT offers programs for youth in pre-K through 12th grade as well as for adults on a wide range of social-emotional topics including bullying, mental health, drug and alcohol abuse, peer pressure, child abuse, dating violence, and internet safety. It’s no wonder that RESPECT has been used as a successful tool in schools and organizations for more than 500,000 participants over the past 20 years. One-hour programs start at $395. Scholarships are available to reduce the cost for schools/organizations in need.

Learn more at www.respect2all.org, or contact the team at info@ respect2all.org / (402) 965-1425.

CEDARS has been a vital part of the community for over 70 years. What started as a grassroots effort to help kids in crisis has grown into a dynamic and dedicated team of over 200 professionals and a network of loving foster parents serving over 2,000 kids and families each year.

Thanks to community support, CEDARS is there for children and youth who are unable to live at home, for families in need of resources, support and education, and for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

CEDARS is accredited through the Council on Accreditation and the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is a United Way partner, a four star charity with Charity Navigator, a top-rated charity with the American Institute of Philanthropy, and a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity.

Today, CEDARS will serve nearly 800 children and youth. To learn more, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise. At present, there is no cure. JDRF works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, JDRF’s mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising.

2020 Events: • JDRF Promise Gala – April 4 • JDRF One Walk, Kearney – April 19 • JDRF TypeOneNation Summit in Omaha – April 25 • JDRF One Walk, Lincoln – September 20 Programs: • Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies • Get Pumped – Support group for ages 4–18 and their families • Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities • Outreach – Resources & events for individuals and families • Pancreas Optional – Adult type 1 networking group • Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraska or call (402) 484-8300.

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Do you question your “why” regarding life, business, and work? Do you want to develop more authentic relationships?

Would you like others’ help in your struggles with major challenges? If you answered yes to any of these questions, CBMC Lincoln is for you. CBMC is a ministry to professional businessmen, encouraging them toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others.

CBMC encourages you in connecting closely with Christ and with others who are growing and discovering how to represent Christ in life and work. CBMC offers 1-1 mentoring, challenging growth groups, leadership development, networking, and events throughout the year. They serve business owners and leaders through Peer Advisory Groups, geared to equip members to lead lives and businesses which honor Christ and serve the community.

To learn how CBMC Lincoln can serve you, please contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997 or visit lincoln.cbmc.com.

Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008. “We serve and strengthen more than 600 nonprofits of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said.

NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management.

The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org or call (402) 557-5800.

“It’s about what’s good for kids,” says TeamMates of Lincoln Coordinator Jim Bennett. “TeamMates’ work centers around youth, and as our mission says, we aim to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.”

TeamMates of Lincoln, the flagship chapter of the regional mentoring program co-founded by Tom and Nancy Osborne in 1991, supports approximately 1,500 mentors matched with students in grades 3–12.

Mentors meet one-to-one with mentees once a week at their student’s school. Matches often play games, shoot hoops, read or journal together, or complete community service or craft projects. The most important aspect of the meeting is building a meaningful relationship.

“Mentors are not parents or peers, but caring adult friends who don’t have to be perfect or know all the answers,“ says mentor support specialist, Stacey Blizek. “TeamMates are cheerleaders, sounding boards, and developers.”

The need for TeamMates mentors is great, with 789 students on Lincoln’s waiting list. If you would like to experience the power of mentoring, please call the TeamMates office at (402) 436-1990 or go online to LincolnTeamMates.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Junior Achievement of Lincoln is building a successful future for our community, one classroom at a time! This school year, more than 31,000 students in over 100 schools all across Lincoln and Greater Nebraska will be impacted by our messages of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business ethics delivered by a community role model. Together, let’s inspire this generation to be better prepared for success than any generation in history. Let’s prepare them to take on their destiny with passion and confidence. Let’s equip them to run businesses, lead nations, make discoveries, and change our world. But most of all, let’s give them hope to see what’s possible.

For more information on how to invest in Junior Achievement of Lincoln or to learn more about becoming a classroom volunteer (it only takes five hours a year!), contact Rachel Murray at rmurray@jalincoln.org or (402) 467-1010, Ext. 109.

The mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line.

Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and wellbeing program is customized for their needs and size.

Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies.

The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more.

The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF of Nebraska) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 250 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages 5–12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Clubs (GNC) are after school clubs during the school year that primarily meet in local public schools. During the summer, their 5-Day Clubs go where the children are—neighborhoods, homes, and parks.

Anyone who is interested in supporting the CEF of Nebraska can join the Harvest Club. In light of the gospel of Luke (chapter 10, verse 2), the Harvest Club is an opportunity to give $10.02 each month to financially support this ministry. In addition, Harvest Club members are encouraged to set their alarm for 10:02 (a.m. or p.m.) to earnestly pray for laborers serving through CEF of Nebraska each day.

CEF of Nebraska (cefnebraska.org) brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org or call (402) 484-7877. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Branched Oak Observatory is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area.

Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunity for young and old alike. The Observatory has a 30-student classroom, visitors center, and two buildings dedicated for viewing the night sky. Whether viewing the sun, the moon, or deep space star clusters and nebula, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers—amateur and professional astronomers alike—help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.” They hold monthly events called “Star Parties” that are FREE and fun for the whole family.

Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@ BranchedOakObservatory). If you would like more information, please email Matt Anderson at matthew@branchedoakobservatory. com or call (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization.

You probably know that when a worker is injured on the job, workers’ compensation pays the medical expenses and lost wages. What you may not know is that workers’ compensation does not take into account the costs of post-secondary education for children of the injured worker. Often, families who have suffered such a tragedy are forced to care for the injured individual and do not have the funding to send their children to college.

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska’s mission is to provide scholarships to children whose parents have suffered a workplace injury or death.

They want to do what their name suggests: Give the kids a chance.

One way they accomplish this is through their annual Kids’ Chance Bowling Fundraiser. This year’s event will be held this month on Monday, January 20 at The MARK in Elkhorn.

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Eligible students and families are encouraged to go to kidschanceofne. org for information, no matter the age of the children. If you are interested in making a donation, go to www.kidschanceofne.org/ make-a-donation.

This is Friendship Home’s 41st year of helping victims of domestic violence find physical and emotional safety. Their new tagline is “Empowering f r e e d o m f ro m d o m e s t i c violence.” In addition, the colors of their new logo symbolizes new beginnings.

Friendship Home offers emergency shelter in a communal shelter setting, apartments for families, and transitional living for families who need more time to rebuild their lives. Their advocates work closely with families and empower them to become survivors through safety planning, referrals to resources, support groups, and mental health counseling. Here to be a hand to hold and an ear to bend, Friendship Home is a true friend—empowering everyone who comes through their doors to achieve safety, independence, and freedom from violence.

At Friendship Home, there is always a need for gift cards for gas and groceries, financial donations, and volunteer support to help with special events. For more information, visit www.friendshiphome.org or call (402) 434-0167.

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C i t y I m p a c t e m p ow e r s under-resourced communities through wholistic youth, family, and neighborhood development. They mentor, teach, and empower under-resourced youth, cultivating leaders who affect lasting change.

Through core values of grit, empowerment, initiative, excellence, community, and radical candor, City Impact encourages transformation from the inside out.

Needs: Monthly mentors, weekly reading tutors during the school year, weekly faith program volunteers, sponsors or donations for kids’ store, and monthly program supporters.

For more information about City Impact, contact Lisa Guill at (402) 477-8080 / lguill@cityimpact.org or visit www.cityimpact.org.

Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.

Heartland Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit organization created with one belief: People with cancer should not fall behind because they struggle to afford their expenses. Their purpose is to encourage cancer patients, help them overcome financial burdens, and give them compassion so they can thrive.

Many people who come to Heartland Cancer Foundation can’t get to their cancer treatment appointments because they have no way to buy gas. Many people can’t buy the medications and supplies they need to ease side effects. Some lose their cars, some lose their jobs, and some lose their homes. This is what motivates the Foundation to make an impact.

Heartland Cancer Foundation provides compassionate assistance so patients can heal with confidence and get back to living a bright future. Support the Foundation in 2020 with a corporate sponsorship or through committed monthly giving. More information is available at HeartlandCancerFoundation.org or contact Heidi Moyer at heidimoyerhcf@gmail.com / (402) 261-9974.

Camp Sonshine offers summer camp programs and facility rentals.

Camp Sonshine is a nonprofit, faithbased summer camp and conference center with two locations: Camp Sonshine located just minutes south of Lincoln, 13440 S. 25th St., Roca, and Camp Solaris located near Firth, NE at 2349 State Hwy Spur 34B. The summer camp programs strive to provide a unique environment for families to experience the love of God through innovative programs, fun activities, and genuine relationships with committed and loving, Christian role models. Since it’s first year in 2007 with 98 campers, its summer day and overnight camp programs have grown to serve over 2,300 campers during the summer.

Camp Sonshine’s programs don’t stop at the end of summer. Over 3,000 users visit Camp Sonshine two locations to rent facilities for group gatherings, team building activities, youth retreats and other events. In addition, Camp Solaris is the home of Nebraska’s first aerial park.

For more information about Camp Sonshine’s programs and facilities, go to www.CampSonshineMemories.org. Contact Adrianna Tarin, Camp Sonshine communications director, at (402) 423-8746 with any questions.

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Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln has helped families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership since 1988. Its priority is to work with future homebuyers who would otherwise not be able to achieve homeownership through a traditional mortgage loan. By increasing the number of homeowners throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County, Habitat Lincoln is building neighborhoods and strengthening the community. Habitat Lincoln has partnered with more than 170 local families through the construction of new single-family homes, as well as simple and critical repair projects.

Habitat Lincoln serves families whose income is up to 50% of median for the Lincoln area, with the average AMI being less than 40% over the past ten years. It partners with first-time homebuyers. Many Habitat families are immigrants or refugees, and all are living in substandard housing—whether it be dilapidated, overcrowded, or cost-burdened.

Learn more at lincolnhabitat.org or call (402) 477-9184.

Since 1994, the Mourning Hope Grief Center has companioned grieving children, teens, young adults, and families when someone significant in their lives has died. Mourning Hope provides support groups, community education, grief resources, and referrals.

At Mourning Hope, youth have the opportunity to participate in peer-based grief support groups with kids their own age who have experienced similar loss. Children and teens are taught healthy coping skills for dealing with the death of a loved one. They are given the freedom to grieve in their own way and at their own pace.

Ultimately, they learn that while grief is terribly hard work, hope and healing are possible, and no one ever has to grieve alone.

Mourning Hope’s services are available at absolutely no cost to participants. Receiving no government funding or insurance reimbursement, Mourning Hope relies solely on private donations from individuals, businesses, service clubs, and foundations. Learn more online at mourninghope.org or call (402) 488-8989.

At Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha (RMHC), they focus on keeping things as ordinary, unperturbed, and boring as possible. Why? The families they serve are regular folks facing unfamiliar situations as their kids have been diagnosed with medical issues that are sometimes rare, sometimes chronic, and sometimes both; and they’re often hundreds of miles from home. The last thing they need is more stress, which is why the team at RMHC works extra hard to make sure each family’s new normal is as normal as can be. In other words, RMHC takes extraordinary measures to create ordinary times.

With 40 rooms and more than 14,600 lodging nights annually, RMHC establishes normalcy by providing all of the basic essentials of a home such as warm beds, family rooms, and meals. They also provide educational and artistic programs for all members of the family. Additionally, the environment includes a built-in support system where families are able to connect with each other forming an interdependent network of resources and collaboration. RMHC is so much more than a House, consider them the made-to-order, oneof-a-kind, double Home with everything. Ronald McDonald House Charities is located at 620 S. 38th Ave. For more information, please call (402) 346-9377 or visit www.RMHCOmaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart