Strictly Business Lincoln - December 2021 by Strictly Business - Lincoln & Omaha, Nebraska

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LINCOLN • DECEMBER 2021 TM

Trust is in Our Name.

• ENERGY EFFICIENCY • SENIOR LIVING • WINTER DRIVING • HOLIDAY WRAP-UP • MENTAL HEALTH CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • FARRIS ENGINEERING • BATS TO RATS • SIGN PRO • NEEMANN & SONS

RONDA ARMSTRONG

DEBORAH WYRRICK

GORDON SMITH

KEN RICHARDS

MANDY BRUMMELS

TOMMY WINN

Center Sphere

Red Clover Market

Brokers Insurance Agency LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox

Lobbly

Tomahawks Axe Throwing

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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Knowing When and When Not to Leave Online Reviews Something that has been top-of-mind for me careless people in the world who go around leaving bad reviews for lately is the phenomenon of online reviews. businesses they’ve never even worked with. I’ve also heard horror stories I’ll get into why, but first, let’s briefly look at of competitors or disgruntled past employees leaving bad reviews or the history of online reviews. It is not a new people making up accounts on a company’s review page as a way of practice by any means, but it has evolved personal vengeance against someone at the company. Just to hammer into quite a double-edged sword over the home how damaging this can be to a company, the latest data says years. Before 1999, most online reviews were that about 94% of people have let a negative review convince them to limited to merchant and product reviews on avoid a business (www.qualtrics.com). This is why I encourage everyone sites like eBay. The only business reviews you to take the overall ranking score with a grain of salt. If you’re going to could find were on Better Business Bureau. In make purchasing decisions off of reviews, make sure you’re thorough the early 2000s, we start to see review sites about it. Also, it’s important to look at the company’s responses to the pop up or existing companies add online reviews reviews they get, especially the negative ones. This to their large directory of businesses, such as will shed a lot of light on the situation. Today, we are still seeing Yellowpages. In 2002, Google Reviews was I could go on about this topic because there are a lot the impact of online reviews created and, in 2004, Yelp was founded. This more really interesting statistics around reviews that undoubtedly changed the game for businesses, increase. Not only does feedback are beneficial for both the business and consumer and it wasn’t even until 2009 when businesses from previous customers have to be aware of, but I’ll wrap up by encouraging were allowed to publicly respond to reviews. a psychological affect on us, you to take the time to leave genuine positive Today, we are still seeing the impact of online but online search rankings are reviews for your favorite local businesses. On the reviews increase. Not only does feedback from flip side, if you do have a negative experience at directly affected as well. previous customers have a psychological affect a local business, don’t forget where we are. This is on us, but online search rankings are directly Lincoln. We know each other here. Reach out to the affected as well. According to BIA/Kelsey and ConStat, nearly all owner of the business personally with your complaint, giving them the consumers (97%) use online media to shop locally, so businesses can’t opportunity to make it right and change your opinion before you put ignore these stats. Did you know that Google has created something a giant stain on their online image. Just think about how resilient a lot called a “Google Local Pack”, which are the top three local business of local businesses had to be to get through COVID. Have some grace listings that appear in response to a Google search for products or and be a part of building the local economy back up, not tearing it services provided by businesses in your area? Unlike organic search down. It’s good to hold businesses accountable and the option to leave results, which are taken from Google’s index of websites, the listings an online review does create that accountability, but it should be a last in the Local Pack originate from the Google My Business directory. resort. On that note, if you enjoy reading Strictly Business or advertising The second most important factor for Local Pack rankings, at 33%, with us, please give us a positive review! If there is something you’d like are reviews. This knowledge is power—smart business owners will to see us improve on, give me a call. prioritize asking their clients for an online review after delivering a I hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas! Make time for praise positive experience to them—but it is also a little scary. and gratitude this month. It is truly my favorite time of the year because Something that happened to Strictly Business recently is we got a it’s a time of making joyful memories with friends and family, and it’s a 1-Star review from a bot-looking user that no one on our team was time to praise God for all the blessings he has given us. After all, Jesus familiar with. They didn’t leave a comment, just the ranking. This took our is the reason for the season! overall ranking from a 5 to a 4.5. That is insane! There are bored and Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

36 Nonprofit 47 Health

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance

SPOTLIGHTS 35 Lincoln Corporate Games

COLUMNS 20 Star City Six

FEATURE STORIES 59 Energy Efficiency

Strictly Business Magazine

50 52 54 56

Farris Engineering Bats to Rats Sign Pro Neemann & Sons

62 Senior Living 70 Winter Driving 74 Holiday Wrap-Up 78 Mental Health 2 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

51 53 55 57

Strictly Business Upcoming Events Lincoln Independent Business Association Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association

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.

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www.citybankandtrust.com

ABOUT THE COVER

Backing Nebraska. Trust in our name. LINCOLN

-BUSINES STRICTLY

• DECEMB

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In 1910, City Bank & Trust Co. was established in Crete, NE. With the opening of their banking facility at 2929 Pine Lake Rd., the 940 P St., and their newest location at 4225 Lucile Dr., City Bank brought their commitment of personalized and convenient banking to the Lincoln community.

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is in Trust

At City Bank, they recognize the importance of personal relationships and that is reflected in everything they do. While they are small enough to give you the personal attention you deserve, they can handle all your banking needs, free personal checking, online banking, and commercial loans, to helping you purchase that first new home!

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Brokers

What is the biggest advantage of partnering with City Bank? They make it simple. Their experienced team of bankers and loan officers will work closely with you to help you understand what you need to succeed and make the right decisions—without complications, giving you the run-around, or tasking you with excessive paperwork.

“I’ve been banking with City Bank for over two years. I like the staﬀ, ELS BRU MM MA NDY rati on Spa

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early a.m. service, easy check cashing, great communication, and prompt action.” - Tammy G.

azine iness Mag tly Bus NE 68505 oln, Inc./Stric Z.A.A. 57397 Linc PO BOX

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

Back row (L-R): Aaron Bell – Senior VP, Dennis “Barney” Bornschlegl – VP/Mortgage Lending, Jeremy Schaffer - VP, Mike Ulrich - CFO/Chief Lending Officer, Dave Kilgore - VP, Sawyer Collingsworth Credit Analyst. Front row (L-R): Karen Hooper - VP, Carol Sims -VP, Ashley Egan - Branch Manager, Susan Chrastil - COO, Terry Kurtenbach - VP, Denny Soukup - Credit Analyst, Cynthia Chavarria - AVP. Not pictured: Jason Peters - Senior VP, Shawn Lang - Senior VP/Mortgage Lending, Justin Kozisek - VP, Paul Schelstraete - President.

LENDING Personal Lending — Mortgage Loans, Construction Loans / Bridge Loans, Home Equity Loans, Auto Loans, Personal Loans Commercial Lending — Real Estate Loans, Lines of Credit, SBA Loans, Term & Equipment Loans Agricultural Lending — Real Estate Loans, Operating Lines of Credit, Equipment Loans, Livestock Loans

Pine Lake Branch - (402) 420-2002 East Branch - (402) 413-5800 Downtown Branch - (402) 474-1030

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Brent Baum – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Ofﬁce@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

BUSINESS BANKING Accounts — Business Checking, Business Savings, Business Money Market, CDs Online Services — Bill Pay, eStatements, Remote Deposit, Mobile Banking Services — Merchant Services, ACH & Payroll Services, Debit/ATM Cards, Positive Pay / Check Reconciliation, Merchant Card Processing, Remote Deposit Capture, Quickbooks, Fraud Protection

PERSONAL BANKING Accounts — Checking, Savings, Money Market, CDs, IRAs, Health Savings Account, Loans Online Services — Bill Pay, eStatements, Mobile Banking, Mobile Deposit, Zelle Services — Debit/ATM Cards, Overdraft Protection, Quickbooks, Safe Deposit Boxes, Rates, Switch Kit, Fraud Protection

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Brent

Devyn

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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Charm Boutique & Bar Expands into Lincoln Acton Academy Announces Plans to Expand Ahead of Fall Enrollment in January Market with New Shopping Concept Charm Boutique & Bar has brought a new way of shopping into Lincoln’s Telegraph District. When you visit Charm, you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by ordering a drink from their full bar and browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more. The concept was developed by Lindsey Tederman in her hometown of Gothenburg, NE, where she opened up Charm’s first location. After seeing Charm’s success, she decided to open up a second location in Lincoln in July. Lindsey and the Charm team invite you to shop with them for the holidays – and enjoy a drink while you’re at it! Charm Boutique & Bar is a new shopping concept developed by Owner Lindsey Tederman, where you can “sip ‘n’ shop” by browsing their selection of clothes, accessories, shoes, and more with a drink from their full bar. They also feature a revolving drink menu that changes when they feel like stirring things up! Charm is open Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and they are located in the Telegraph District at 200 S 21st St. Unit A114. Online shoppers can visit charmchix.com. They also offer private shopping parties! For more information or to set up a date for a private shopping party, contact Lindsey at charm@charmchix.com / (308) 529-2361.

With fall enrollment just around the corner, Acton Academy Lincoln has announced plans to add an additional classroom and expand enrollment from PK-8 to PK-12. Enrollment and auditions for the fall 2022 term are set to open on January 24, 2022. Acton Academy holds daily tours of their 25,000 square foot facility for prospective students and parents. Spaces will be limited for the fall 2022 term, so the addition of a new classroom will allow the Academy to provide additional seats for next year’s students. Acton Academy provides a modern approach to education, equipping kids for the 21st Century using a blend of Montessori elements, Socratic questioning, and learner-driven education, allowing students to discover and develop their God-given passions and unique callings in their lives. Students will have the opportunity to learn through quests and apprenticeships and develop mastery of reading, writing, and arithmetic by utilizing the latest technology and self-paced learning. Founded by Zach and Heidi Harsin, Acton Academy Lincoln serves families who want the best possible independent learning experience for their children by steering away from a one-sizefits-all, grade-specific school system. They believe in self-directed, peer-to-peer, learner-driven communities built by young heroes to deliver transformational learning at a cost parents can afford. Acton Academy is located at 8400 Cody Dr. For more information, visit actonacademylincoln.com, email hello@actonacademylincoln, or call (402) 858-5151.

Healthy Foods, including organics and local meats Supplements of the highest quality Aromatherapy and Body Care

Individual Customer Service, Now Offering Curbside Service! Come in today and shop your Local Natural Health Store where customer service and fair pricing are the order of the day! 5500 Old Cheney Rd

Monday-Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday 8am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-6pm

red-clover-market.business.site | 402-421-2460

4 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln Airport Wraps Up 2021 Movie Series Which Welcomed over 3.4K People This year, Lincoln Airport (LNK) welcomed over 3,400 people to come out to be a part of their movie series, enjoying a free night out with friends and family to watch movies on the side of their old WWII hangar. The series included popular movies like Top Gun, Up, Remember the Titans, and Hocus Pocus for Halloween. Local food trucks offered treats to enjoy during the movies, which attracted many children and families throughout the summer and fall months. LNK thanks all those who came out to participate in the fun this past year and looks forward to their 2022 movie line up. The Lincoln Airport is owned and operated by The Lincoln Airport Authority, a public/military airport located five miles northwest of Lincoln that delivers more than $1.3 billion per year in value to the economy. LNK is a customer service, Nebraska-nice airport that connects the Lincoln community to the rest of the world. Check LNK every time you fly. For more information about flights and services, visit lincolnairport.com or call (402) 458-2480.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! LHRMA 2022 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AVAILABLE $125 gives you access to: • Professional networking • Monthly in-person and virtual programs • Scholarship programs • Community advertising • And more!

Additional details available at lincolnhr.org

Dammi Dammi Dammi Dammi is devoted to bringing modern Mediterranean cuisine to the beautiful city of Lincoln, Nebraska.

We are located on the southeast corner of 13th and P Streets in downtown Lincoln, close to the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, University of Nebraska Campus, and the Lincoln Children’s Museum.

128 N 13th Street Featuring sous vide chicken, beef, and lamb, and Suite 144 Lincoln, NE 68508 our steamed salmon — nothing deep fried.

AOI Highlights Herman Miller OE1 Workspace Collection AOI is excited to present Her man Miller’s latest furniture collection, OE1. OE1 is designed precisely for uncer tainty in the workplace and is available now for ordering. The new line is colorful, modular, and adaptable. Instead of being prescriptive, with interlocking pieces that are architected to convince people to work one way, just about everything in OE1 is made to move. Optimized Essentials for Agility – OE1 is a collection of optimized, essential pieces for a new era in the workplace. It’s designed to help people experiment with space, discover what works in the moment, and change rapidly for the future. Increase Agility at Every Level – OE1 enables agility – for organizations, teams, and individuals – by creating flexible, fluid environments that adapt to evolving goals and personal preferences. Integrate Instantly / Rethink Real Estate – Whether you’re using individual pieces or the entire collection, OE1 is designed to seamlessly fit into floorplans, amplifying and optimizing your existing spaces – or creating totally new ones. Scale up, scale down, fine-tune. Transform underutilized areas into agile, hardworking workspaces.

contactus@dammidammi.com • (402) 266-6115

Kingery Construction Co. has built a variety of projects for educational, medical and religious spaces as well as commercial, governmental, industrial and private owners. We are honored to have constructed several iconic landmarks and developed relationships with owners and architects that span decades. Kingery Construction Co. has the expertise to manage any project. We have successfully completed projects of Design/Bid/Build, Design/ Build, Construction Manager at Risk and Construction Manager as Agent methods, Tenant Improvements and Commercial Remodels. Below are a couple of our recent projects. Robinson Elementary

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Find the Right Fit – Options for every work environment – and every aesthetic. OE1’s light, minimalist design comes in a wide variety of configurations and colors, helping organizations find their own perfect blend of purpose, performance, and expression. AOI offers solutions for the built environment through their construction, furniture, and pre-manufactured construction groups. To learn more, visit aoicorp.com, or contact Penny Johnston at (402) 476-0055 / pjohnston@aoicorp.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

2 01 N 4 6 T H S T . L I N C O L N , N E 6 8 5 0 3 P: 402.465.4400 | F: 402.465.4529 KCCOBUILDERS.COM

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS ESC Purchases Wittrock Sandblasting & Painting, Inc.

UNICO Named 2021 Best Practices Agency for the Twelfth Time

ESC, a division of Empire Netting & Fence, has expanded their supply and custom fabrication operations through the purchase of Wittroc k Sandblasting & Painting, Inc. in Waverly. Wittroc k Sandblasting & Painting, Inc. has been owned and operated by Mike Wittrock since 1981. Mike is ready to pass the torch to Empire Owner Matt Warner as he transitions into retirement, though he will continue to serve as a consultant to successfully embed sandblasting and painting as new services provided by Empire. Wittrock is known for their attention to detail, deadline, and budget. They have worked on everything from vintage Porsche frames to ABL pressure tanks for the Star Wars missile defense system. Empire is thrilled to continue to build on Wittrock’s high reputation for offering outstanding service. Based in Waverly, Empire Netting & Fence is a locally owned and operated business that does work all across the United States and beyond. They are proud members of the American Fence Association and specialize in residential fencing, commercial and industrial fencing, windscreens, netting, shade sails, as well as national and global contracting projects. With their easy-to-use online estimating tool, they can give you an idea of what your project might cost in a matter of minutes. For more information, visit www.empire-fence. com or call (402) 682-7658.

UNICO Group retains its Best Practices status, once again becoming a part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States for the twelfth time. This status comes by participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) Best Practices Study group. The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices. Since 1993, the Big “I” and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, have joined forces to study the country’s leading agencies. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence. Over 1,000 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study in 2019, but only 262 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-45 top-performing agencies in one of six agency size categories. UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Nebraska. They offer a consultative and relational approach to their customized solutions for clients all around the nation. For more information, call (402) 434-7200 or visit unicogroup.com.

6 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS Stauffer’s Pies and More Available at New Bakery Sasquatch American Baked Goodness Sasquatch American Baked Goodness recently opened their doors in the location formerly occupied by The Donut Hole, located at 5600 S 48th St., STE 112. The bakery shares their owners with Stauffer’s Cafe, and is located just a few doors down from the restaurant. Sasquatch was created to give the Stauffer’s baking crew a bigger and better work space, something much needed in recent years as demand for their pies grew. Along with that, Sasquatch also bakes and supplies the amazing cookies you enjoy at any of the Honest Abe’s Burgers locations. A variety of pies and cookies are available for guests to purchase throughout the day. Both can also be custom ordered along with cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, dinner rolls, and several breads that are made in-house. Sasquatch shares the same hours as Stauffer’s, open Monday – Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Sasquatch Bakery and Stauffer’s Cafe are a part of GroundUP Restaurants. Twenty-five years young and going strong, Stauffer’s Cafe offers a wide variety of classic Americana dishes. After a great meal, enjoy a slice of your favorite pie or stop in at Sasquatch and bring home a whole pie for you and your family. To place an order, call Sasquatch at (531) 254-5600 or Stauffer’s at (402) 423-2206.

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Ribbon “Chopping” Held to Celebrate Lincoln Location of Craft Axe Throwing On November 4, Craft Axe Throwing, located at 1821 N St., celebrated the grand opening of their Lincoln location with a ribbon cutting and “chopping” in partnership with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA). Manager Joseph Rempe did the honors, using the classic giant scissors for the Chamber’s ribbon and an actual axe for LIBA’s! This serves as Craft Axe’s second location in Nebraska, with the first being in Omaha and other locations residing in Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Since opening over a year ago, a big goal of Craft Axe Lincoln has been partnering and collaborating with other local businesses and organizations. The sport of axe throwing is quickly becoming the preferred choice for any event and celebration. Score points by throwing axes at a giant dart board-like target. The closer you get to the bullseye, the more points are earned. The team at Craft Axe Throwing wants to make your next outing one to remember. They conduct casual and competitive throwing events for social, corporate, and league groups. They’ve hosted many bachelor/ bachelorette parties, networking events, birthday parties, and more. All of their events are staffed with trained instructors, helping groups nail the bullseye. Craft Axe Throwing also supplies a stocked bar and a wide array of TV’s for fellow sports fans to multitask! For more information, visit their website at www.craftaxethrowing.com/us/ne/ lincoln or call (402) 802-9696 to make a reservation for your group. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Come experience our natural, proactive approach to medicine. Dr. Todd Roberts, M.D. and his Team offer membership-based integrative healthcare services that are proactive and personalized. Our philosophy is based on building a healthy lifestyle that prevents chronic disease rather that simply treating symptoms after they occur. See how we’re evolving health.

Let natural therapies evolve your health. 7160 S. 29th St., Suite 7, Lincoln, NE, 68516 acesototalhealth.com wecare@acescototalhealth.com 402-817-4117

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Don’t Panic Labs Relocates to Larson Building, Celebrates with Ribbon Cutting

New Mediterranean Restaurant, Dammi Dammi Opens in Downtown Lincoln

Don’t Panic Labs celebrated their relocation to the Larson Building at 1317 Q St., STE 150 with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber on November 10. Operations officially began at the new location on October 4. Don’t Panic Labs has been located in Lincoln Haymarket for over a decade, but their desire to improve how they serve their partners and better meet the team’s needs caused them to search for a new place to call home. The new location moves Don’t Panic Labs closer to the University of NebraskaLincoln and students in the Computer Science & Engineering programs. Plus, the company’s growth continues to surpass projections. “We’ve been in the Haymarket since 2010, back when the tech presence was essentially us, Hudl, and MacPractice. And we’ve witnessed a lot of growth since then,” said Doug Durham, CEO and co-founder of Don’t Panic Labs. “We learned quite a bit over the past year about how we can work with our partners more efficiently. Lincoln is our home, and we’re dedicated to the downtown area. We’re excited for the flexibility and opportunities this new location provides our partners and our team.” Don’t Panic Labs is a software development and engineering company built from the ground up to accelerate software product development for startup companies but now works with organizations of all sizes. Their software engineering processes ensure that products will adapt to change while reducing risk. Visit www.dontpaniclabs.com or contact (402) 875-5573 / contact@dontpaniclabs.com to learn more.

Father-son duo Pat and Andy Lane brought Mediterranean cuisine to downtown Lincoln with the opening of Dammi Dammi on July 26. Dammi Dammi, which is Italian for “give me give me,” is located at 13th and P St., and is open 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Saturday. Dammi Dammi’s menu includes breakfast, protein bowls, salads, a soup of the day, and vegan and gluten-free options. They also feature a gelato menu, which rotates through 109 flavors created by Pat, ranging from lime basil and dutch chocolate habanero to black licorice and chai tea. Dammi Dammi is popular for their selection of proteins, which includes steamed citrus salmon and lean cuts of chicken, beef, and lamb, which are seasoned with bold Mediterranean flavors and cooked using contemporary sous vide techniques. “The Mediterranean diet is high in protein, but it’s not excluding flavor in order to get there,” said Andy. Dammi Dammi is devoted to bringing modern Mediterranean cuisine to the community. Their menu features something for everyone – whether you are a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan; gluten- or dairysensitive; or just a Mediterranean newbie wanting to try something new, they’ve got something perfect for you! Visit them at 128 N 13th St. STE 144. For more information, visit dammidammi.com or contact them at (402) 266-6115 / contactus@dammidammi.com.

Happy Holidays from Oak Electric!

402-440-5969 | www.oak www.oakelectriccompany.com 8 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS Kinetic Announces Fundraising to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Kinetic is providing continued support for finding a cure for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases, committing to donate up to $100,000 to support the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. Through December 31, for every new residential customer activation, Kinetic will donate $5, up to $75,000, to benefit St. Jude as part of their Kinetic 4 Kids program. Additionally, in recognition of business customers who contribute generously to their communities, Kinetic will donate another $25,000 to St. Jude. Because of generous supporters, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since the hospital opened over 50 years ago. To learn more, visit stjude.org. Kinetic by Windstream is a business unit of Windstream Holdings, a privately held Fortune® 1000 communications and software company. Kinetic provides premium broadband, entertainment, and security services through an enhanced fiber network to consumers and businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. The company also offers managed communications services, including SD-WAN and UCaaS, and highcapacity bandwidth and transport services to businesses across the U.S. Additional information about the business and fundraising is available at GoKinetic.com. Follow them on Twitter at @GoKineticHome.

AMA Lincoln Announces National Speakers for December and January Events The Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) is set to host two national speakers as part of their hybrid Signature Speaker series, which highlights industry speakers from across the state and country. On Thursday, December 9, the Chicago-based founder of How to Podcast and 10-year-plus music journalist Amanda Roscoe Mayo will help attendees learn how they can use podcasts to get new clients, build relationships, and grow their business. On Thursday, January 13, AMA Lincoln will be hosting an all-virtual event with David Bernardino, chief client officer and head of research and planning at Ammunition, an Atlanta-based advertising agency. David will discuss how more seasoned marketers can navigate career transitions and pivot midway through their careers. To register for tickets to see these national speakers, visit amalincoln.com/events. AMA Lincoln serves as the resource for local marketers to learn, grow, and connect through opportunities that promote education and marketing excellence. They offer programming and education for marketing veterans to recent college graduates that make up a valuable community of marketing professionals that broaden horizons and connect others to world-class research and information. For more information, visit amalincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Call one of our independent agents to review your insurance: - Cari Stone - Al Ali - Nicole Bartzatt - Jon Wood

Ken Richards / Owner

brokersinsurancene.com | 402-420-5353 | 3325 A St., Lincoln, NE 68510

Want to do money better? There’s a podcast for that. Have you listened to UBT’s MoneyBetter podcast yet? Tune in for authentic conversations with community members, bank experts, local business owners, and nonprofits about how to do money better by making financial decisions that are right for you. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or visit ubt.com/moneybetter

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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

Commercial & Industrial Remodeling Tenant Improvements New Construction Services Additions Office Remodels 402-858-5155 | info@brownbrothers1.com 10 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS Rock ‘n’ Joe Partners with Butterﬂy Bakery to Provide New Line of Gluten-Free Pastries Rock ‘n’ Joe has added to their menu! The popular coffee bar hotspot, known for its laid-back vibe, recently came out with a new line of gluten-free pastries from Butterfly Bakery, a local Lincoln business, to provide more pastry options to those with gluten intolerance or a more selective diet. You can now order a gluten free apple pecan, white chocolate raspberry, or white chocolate pumpkin scone, as well as a gluten free blueberry muffin.

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for kids 3 - 5 yrs old 9 am - 12:30 pm |Follows LPS Calendar

Participating in Step up to Quality Nebraska, Creative Curriculum, and ASQ – 3 assessments. Call us today!

8310 Wendell Way (402) 483-4769 Hrs: Mon. - Fri., 6:30 am - 6:00 pm WorldOfKnowledge@neb.rr.com

Rock ‘n’ Joe Coffee Bar is all about creative excellence. Their premium coffee is masterfully blended, and their food lineup and live music on the weekends are musts. Stop by Rock ‘n’ Joe, 5025 Lindberg St., and try out their coffee alongside one of their delicious sandwiches and side of kettle chips! Learn more at rocknjoe.com, on Facebook (@RockNJoeLincoln), or by calling (531) 500-4684.

BEFORE

4th Annual Lincoln Corporate Games Results Announced The 4th annual Lincoln Corporate Games concluded Saturday with bowling, the last of 10 sports pitting company vs company, at Sun Valley Lanes. TELCOR claimed the 2021 title belt as the overall points champion among 27 companies. Companies were divided into four divisions based on number of employees. Division champs include: Lincoln Airport Authority (Div. I), UNICO (Div. II), TELCOR (Div. III) and Duncan Aviation (Division IV). Other companies earning top-three plaques include: Div. I – Ironhide Construction (2nd), Frontier Bank (3rd); Div. II – Nebraska Hematology-Oncology (2nd), Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (3rd); Div. III – Sampson Construction (2nd), Hudl (3rd) and Div. IV – Nelnet (2nd) and NEBCO (3rd). The final leaderboard can be viewed at: LincolnCorporateGames.com/Leaderboard. The Games began on September 7 with the non-competitive virtual fun run. Other sports included: Bowling, Cornhole, Cycling, Fitness Class, Fitness Walk, Golf Scramble, Pickleball, Trivia Challenge and Volleyball. Other participating companies included: Apple Roofing, Empire Netting & Fence, Berry Law, Electronic Contracting Company, Pinnacle Bank, Talent Plus, Stonebrook Exterior, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Assurity, Scheels, Ameritas, NRC Health, Lincoln Electric System, Sandhills Global, and Southeast Community College. Nebraska Lottery is the presenting partner of the Lincoln Corporate Games. Other partners include: Sampson Construction, Leadership Resources, Yankee Hill Brick, Great Plains Trails Network, Alivation Health, and Allo Communications. The Lincoln Corporate Games is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Cornhusker State Games, Pumpkin Run, Omaha Corporate Games, and the WellPower Movement. Platinum Partners include Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, and Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NCF Publicizes Nebraska Transfer of Wealth Study Findings Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) announced the findings of their 2021 Nebraska Transfer of Wealth Study, documenting more than $100 billion in Nebraska wealth passing from one generation to another over the next 10 years. Over 50 years, the figure swells to $950 billion. The 2021 study is the third in as many decades and will be a vital tool in inspiring Greater Nebraskans to think about their communities in bigger terms. Scenarios are driven by assumptions about the future, based on historical trends, census data, increasing agricultural land values, household income, and other key indicators. There is always a transfer from generation to generation, as parents pass away and leave their estate to their children. But if the heirs no longer live where they grew up, those critical resources leave as well. Importantly, many Nebraska counties are approaching or are already in the midst of their peak transfer years. The Transfer of Wealth Study illustrates the real urgency to act now. The unveiling of the study findings also marks the beginning of NCF’s Five to Thrive campaign, which urges Nebraskans to consider gifting 5% of their estate to their hometown. Just 5% would amount to more than $5 billion in the next decade—and $47.5 billion over the next half-century. A detailed, interactive map on the Nebraska Community Foundation’s website, www.fivetothrivene.org, breaks down the potential transfer amounts by county and includes information on confirmed planned gifts, total endowed assets, community success stories, and more. A toolkit will help NCF affiliated funds make the most of this auspicious moment. DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS SCORE Lincoln to Hold Small Business Workshop on December 11

National Association of Women in Construction Enjoys a Busy Fall

SCORE Lincoln, the local chapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, will be offering a workshop titled “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” on December 11 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Turbine Flats at 2124 Y St., The Resonator. The workshop covers different topics essential for any small business to start and to grow. Topics include business plans, practical accounting, financing your business, legal structures, traditional and online marketing, insurance needs, and tax considerations. All sessions are taught by an expert in the related field, so come get your questions answered by a pro. The full day only costs $49 and includes a boxed lunch. The workshop is offered in cooperation with the Small Business Administration and the SCORE Lincoln Chapter. Visit www.lincoln.score.org to register today. SCORE Lincoln is a nonprofit organization and partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided education and mentorship to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Some of the services offered by SCORE include mentoring, webinars and courses on demand, a library of online resources, and various local events. For more information about SCORE or upcoming workshops and events, visit www.lincoln.score.org or call (402) 437-2409.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has kept busy with numerous activities taking place this fall from October through December. In October, NAWIC’s member companies Paynecrest Electric hosted and Edward’s Stone sponsored the chapter’s Pumpkins and Power Tools event. NAWIC members enjoyed learning about power tool safety while carving pumpkins using drill bits and power tools. In November, several NAWIC members marched in Bellevue’s Veterans Day Parade, and later in the month the Chapter installed its 20212022 Board of Directors. In their upcoming December meeting, members will participate in Catholic Charities adopt-a-family where they will come together to wrap dozens of donated gifts for four families. 2022 promises to be an exciting year for NAWIC as the chapter’s leadership has several activities planned. National Association of Women in Construction Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has over 60 members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. They host a variety of events that serve the community, provide scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade apprenticeship program, host educational Lunchand-Learns for members, and more. For more information, visit nawicomaha.com or contact nawicomaha@gmail.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Making YOUR Realty Dreams

Brokers Insurance Agency Collects Children’s Toys for Local Organizations The staff at Brokers Insurance Agency are feeling the spirit of the giving season, so to prepare for the holidays, they are collecting toys for children to be donated as Christmas gifts. They have set a goal of collecting 10 toys each, all of which will be donated to local organizations Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army. The agency as a whole has set a goal to collect 100 toys in total. For those interested in helping Brokers Agency reach this goal, kids toys can be dropped off at their office, located at 3325 ‘A’ St. by Friday, December 17. This is a great time to be generous and give back to our community! Brokers Insurance Agency is a full service insurance agency specializing in helping individuals and business owners protect their assets and employees with the proper insurance planning. They pride themselves in providing the best service in the industry. They have a full staff with many years of combined experience to help with any industry questions or concerns you may have. To learn more, please call one of their agents today at (402) 420-5353 or visit their website at www.brokersinsuranceNE.com.

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TFLC Announces CenterPointe as 2021 #GASOLNK Tobacco-Free Champion To b a c c o F r e e L a n c a s t e r County (TFLC) is proud to announce CenterPointe as the TFLC 2021 #GASOLNK #GASOLancasterCoNe To b a c c o - F r e e B u s i n e s s C h a m p i o n . C e n t e r Po i n t e deeply values the health and well-being of not only their employees, but also the individuals they serve. All of CenterPointe’s sites are tobaccofree, creating a safe environment that is trigger-free for any visitor. Employees are supported in their tobacco quit attempts with an internal “blog” where employees can openly discuss their experiences with quitting and ask questions about the quitting process, are encouraged to utilize their health insurance plan that provides low-cost medication support, and attend nicotine cessation counseling. Recognizing that addressing nicotine addiction in their programming supports the recovery of the individuals they serve, they now offer group nicotine cessation counseling that is also available at no cost for the public. Businesses that have strong tobacco-free policies, which include cessation support for their employees, are one of the best ways to reduce tobacco use in the community. Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. If you are ready to quit tobacco, call 1-(800) QUIT-NOW for free confidential help getting started. For more information about implementing or improving a tobacco-free policy at your business, contact Sophia Yelkin at (402) 441-4108 or syelkin@lincoln.ne.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Kingery Construction Teams up with North Star Students to Build Food Pantries

LPED’s LaunchLNK Grant Program to Accept Applications for 2022 Starting December 1

Kingery Construction teamed up with students and staff of the Boys and Girls Club of Lincoln/Lancaster County at North Star High School to build four Little Free Pantries to be installed in neighborhoods around Lincoln this fall.

LaunchLNK, a grant program by the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED), will begin accepting applications for 2022 beginning Wednesday, December 1 and continuing through Friday, December 31. If you’re a startup who wants to build and grow your company in Lincoln, you may be eligible for a spot in this innovative catalyst program. LaunchLNK helps early stage startups get established and grow in our community. They provide qualifying startups with a $25,000 grant, connections to potential sources of additional capital and mentors, and introductions to local corporations who may become early customers or partners. Qualifying startups must locate their headquarters in Lincoln for at least one year. With this level of support and the unique advantages that Lincoln offers, startup founders have a greater chance of transforming their young businesses into thriving companies. Learn more about LaunchLNK at launch-lnk.lpages.co/launchlnk. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development is the city’s lead agency for new job development. The Partnership engages primary employers by looking for opportunities for growth as well as opportunities for new business start-ups and new business attractions. The Partnership is established by a contract between the Lincoln Chamber Economic Development Corporation and the City of Lincoln and has well over 100 private-sector partners. To learn more, visit www.selectlincoln.org.

On October 26 at Kingery’s shop, 24 North Star Students spent the afternoon learning about careers in the construction industry and had the opportunity to engage in hands-on education by building and painting the food pantries. This interactive event produced four finished pantries that will be filled with food to help out struggling families. This opportunity also opened the door for students’ questions about construction career opportunities. Millard Lumber assisted in the project by donating a portion of the needed lumber and supplies. Kingery Construction looks forward to getting the pantries installed and collecting donations to fill them with goods in the coming months. Kingery Construction was founded in 1924 by William and Everett Kingery. Over the past 97 years, the company has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects for educational entities, hospitals, churches, commercial, governmental, industrial, and private works. They have developed meaningful relationships with owners and architects that stretch back decades. To stay up to date on Kingery Construction’s projects, visit their Facebook page (@kccobuilders) or website kccobuilders.com.

14 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS

Where JOY leads and LEARNING follows

SCORE Lincoln Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Ribbon Cutting SCORE Lincoln invited members of the community to come out and celebrate over 50 years of helping small businesses in Lincoln. A ribbon cutting was held in partnership with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on October 21. With the pandemic taking a toll on many small businesses and communities throughout the nation, SCORE Lincoln was thrilled to celebrate this milestone. They continue to have provided a number of free remote mentoring services and have started holding their signature Gene Knap, SCORE Area workshop, “What’s Involved In Starting Director; Kalika Kirk, SCORE a Small Business” every other month. Like other small businesses, SCORE Client; Diane Siefkes, SCORE volunteer; Nawaf Hasan, Lincoln was effected by the pandemic SCORE Volunteer; Pauline Stark, and is looking for volunteers who want SCORE Assistant Director. to impact the life of a small business owner in our community. SCORE Lincoln is a chapter of SCORE, a national nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of the nation’s small businesses. The Lincoln chapter provides free and confidential business advice counseling tailored to meet the needs of your small business. They also offer workshops for both start-up and in-business entrepreneurs. For more information, visit their Facebook page (@SCORELincoln) or website Lincoln.score.org.

Home Builders Association of Lincoln Holds Awards Ceremony and Election of Officers Postponed from January 2021, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) was pleased to host their Awards Ceremony and Election of Officers and Directors on November 9. Multiple members were rewarded and recognized by HBAL for their exceptional work: Development Services Center Employee of the Year – Tim Thompson; Herm Hemple Award for Most New Members Recruited – Mike Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc.; Ervin E. Peterson Award for Highest Member Retention – Denny Van Horn, Van Horn Custom Homes; HBAL Associate of the Year – Shawn Stranathan, Nebraska Building Products; President’s Awards – Laure Husmann, Jennie Korth, and Michaela Schwarten, HBAL. The ceremony also highlighted HBAL’s new officers for the 2022 year: President – Fred Hoppe, The Hoppe Law Firm; President Elect – Lori Wellman, Lincoln Cabinet; 1st Vice President – Beau Daffer, BIC Custom Homes, LLC; 2nd Vice President – Perry Haralson, Cornhusker Bank; Secretary – Ryan Trausch, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank; Treasurer – Bob Bryant, Bryant, Katt & Associates, P.C.; Immediate Past President – Matt Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc.; Builder Directors – Kenny German, Destiny Homes, LLC; Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs; Sam Swartz, True North Custom Homes, Inc.; Associate Directors – Megan Dreyer, CS Kitchen & Bath Studio; Matt Firestone, Concrete Craft of Lincoln; Dave Lakin, VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design. The Home Builders Association of Lincoln is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication, and civic participation. For more information, visit hbal.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Yield Champions to Hold Conklin’s Pro Ag 1 Krueger Development’s New Tenant, Ash & Training Program Ash Co., Joins Yankee Hill Business Center Yield Champions, an agriculture brand by Heartland International, is inviting you to learn to grow profits and enhance yields by attending Conklin’s Pro Ag 1 Training Program. This two-day intensive brings together ag industry experts from throughout the country to help producers understand soil science and basic microbiology and chemistry in order to take their farming operations to the next level. Pro Ag Training curriculum will share key insights on Conklin’s soil and tissue testing systems, advanced nitrogen knowledge, biostimulants and seed treatments, Conklin’s AgroVantage System products and technologies, and much more. Join Yield Champions for one or both of the events in Nebraska this December: • December 6-7: South Sioux City, NE • December 13-14: Kearney, NE Yield Champions has had the privilege of working with some of the best crop producers in America for over 40 years. Their goal is to equip farmers to better understand the challenges of the changing agricultural production industry. Through their educational programs, they believe they can help farmers of all sizes boost their yields, build their soils, and create a better environment while increasing their bottom line. They teach innovative approaches to soil science, fertility, and farming practices using cutting edge technologies, softer chemistry, and best farming practices. For more information about Yield Champions and upcoming training programs, visit 300BushelCorn.com or call Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727.

16 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

Clothing store Ash & Ash Co. has moved their south location to Krueger Development’s Yankee Hill Business Center. They can now be found at 7501 S 15th St., STE C-D, just a block south of Southwest High School on the east side. Ash & Ash Co. officially opened at the new location on November 1, and they invite you to come shop with them from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Ash & Ash Co. is proud to offer everything from the latest styles to classics you can’t live without, all at an affordable price. Their purpose is to help women of all ages and sizes to find unique pieces that they feel comfortable and confident in. They have an assortment of styles to compliment every lady’s wants and needs. Ash & Ash Co. is here to help you find looks that make you feel comfortable while looking your absolute best! For more information about Ash & Ash Co., visit www.ashandashco.com, or contact Ashley Fehlman at ashandashco@ gmail.com / (402) 613-2091. For more than 30 years, the family-owned and operated Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s commercial and residential marketplace by developing communities, retail centers, and multifamily residences. For more information about available commercial spaces, contact Krueger Commercial Property Manager Allison Santana at (402) 423-7377 / asantana@kruegerdevelopment.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS True North Technologies Welcomes 100th Client, Improves Online Presence True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based marketing firm founded by Renee Sobotka, recently reached a milestone of earning 100 clients! They are excited to continue to serve dozens of others across many industries. Lincoln’s tight-knit community always inspires and encourages the best from its residents. Since its inception in 2019, True North Technologies has had one goal in mind: vastly improve the digital presence of local businesses. One local business owner needed a new website. True North stepped up to design and publish it, as well as execute strategies which increased its web traffic by over 33%. Now, the business ranks on page one of search results and receives more than 60 tracked monthly phone calls from their digital presence alone. Another was dissatisfied with their old, impersonal website. With the goal of showing real client success stories, they approached True North. Their new website is both functional and eye-catching, prompting the client to say, “It made me emotional…I’ve never seen a website like it!” True North Technologies makes marketing easy with website and mobile app development, search engine optimization (SEO), branding, Taponit, content writing, text message marketing, and social media management. Learn more online at go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

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Lincoln YPG Announces Second Annual Young Lincoln Leader Award Winners Lincoln Young Professionals Group (YPG) is proud to announce the seven recipients of the 2021 Young Lincoln Leader Awards (YLLA), honoring the outstanding contributions to the Lincoln community. The award ceremony was held on September 30 at Pinnacle Bank Arena during YP Week, an annual celebration of young professionals in Lincoln. Individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 were nominated for a YLLA in six categories and organizations were nominated in one category to comprise this year’s list of seven winners. The 2021 YLLA honorees are: • Young Professional of the Year – Yohance Christie, City of Lincoln • Young Citizen of the Year – Amanda N. Barker, Beehive Industries • Young Entrepreneur of the Year – Alicia Reisinger, Wax Buffalo • Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year – Laura Uridil, Leadership Lincoln Emerging • Leader of the Year – Aakriti Agrawal, Ameritas & Girls Code • Lincoln Next Generation Workplace – Hausmann Construction • Diversity and Inclusive Excellence – Dr. Amanda Irions, Doane An external nominating committee of seven leaders in business, nonprofits, and public service assembled to evaluate and select the finalists and winners in the seven categories. The nominating committee consists of Adelle Burke (City of Lincoln-Mayors Office), Liz Ring Carlson (Ameritas), Eric Mooss (Bryan Health), Brian Ardinger (Nelnet), Clover Fredrick (Clover Fredrick), Jasmine Kingsley (HUDL & Past YP of the Year Award Winner), and Kayla Meyer (Lincoln Chamber of Commerce/Lincoln Young Professionals Group). The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. With more than 2,000 members, the Lincoln Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the country. To learn more or join, visit LincolnYPG.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS JetSplash’s Haunted Tunnel Raises Over $10K for Lincoln Nonprofits

WISB Monthly Meeting Set for December 8 at Venue Restaurant & Lounge

In October, JetSplash Car Wash presented their annual Haunted Tunnel and raised over $10,000 in donations for four local nonprofits: Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, People’s City Mission Lincoln, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln, and Lincoln Police Union’s Santa Cop. Over the span of four nights, their drive-thru haunted car wash left families with a few screams, a few scared-laughs, some goodies, and a super clean car at the end. For a $15 donation, attendees received their $20 car wash, complete with a hand-prep, hand-dry, bug-free guarantee, underbody spray, rain repellent, hot wax, rim cleaner, tire shine, total body protectant, and mud blasters. Even during a nonstop rainstorm the first night of the event, 49 cars still made it out to enjoy the experience and raise some money for charity. In total, approximately 690 cars visited the Haunted Tunnel, and $2,701.25 was donated to each of the four nonprofits. JetSplash has been helping Lincoln shine since 2003 with speedy, spotless car washes. They utilize the latest, energy-efficient equipment and only use products that are eco-friendly and 100% biodegradable. JetSplash takes pride in their community and strives to give back through donations and fundraising opportunities. For more information, visit jetsplash.com.

The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting is set to be held on Wednesday, December 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The meeting will take place at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster/Nebraska room at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. They will start off with their regular business meeting, which will then be followed by networking activities and their annual Holiday Celebration. The cost for in person attendance is $16 for members with lunch included, or $10 without lunch. The meeting is FREE for first-time guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. To register, visit the WISB Facebook page (@wisblincoln). Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen in Lincoln the opportunity to network in an all-female setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. WISB is dedicated to promoting growth through accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join. For more information, contact Program Chair Megan Gibbs at (402) 488-4564 or visit wisblincoln.org.

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There are very important considerations to month keep in mind as you evaluate your current First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. with installation cost of $149; after health plan to make a decision on your 2022 introductory period, rental is $23/mo. health plan. They include the following: Shop and compare at Understanding the impact being made by ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com addition of new insurance companies— Open Enrollment looks A LOT different TEMS WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS this year. Nebraska has gone from having only one insurance TE company available just a few years ago, to having four companies in 2022. In addition, the number of benefit plans and networks that each company is offering has EXPLODED. Throughout the state of Nebraska, there is a minimum of 70 plans available in each county. 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 How are you going to know which of the 70 plans is the right choice for you and your family? Your ComPro agent is here to educate and guide you through this process. Here’s a summary of the companies and networks available in Nebraska in 2022: Medica—Medica Insure is available throughout the state, Medica with CHI is available in counties with CHI affiliated hospitals, and Elevate by Medica is available in the Omaha metro. Bright HealthCare—Statewide is available throughout the state, and NHN|BHC is available in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. AmBetter—Nebraska Total Care is available throughout the state. Oscar—Available throughout the state. Making sure that your doctor is in-network—As the new companies have come to Nebraska, one of their biggest challenges is adding Nebraska doctors and hospitals to their networks of providers. The networks are not yet complete in some circumstances and some doctors choose not to participate in every network. It is extremely important to carefully research whether your doctor is an in-network provider with each plan that you are considering. This is another important way that your ComPro agent can assist you. Learning about how premium tax credits have changed—The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) calculations have radically changed for 2022. Most people are seeing a significant decrease in the PTC which results in a much higher premium for you to pay. A couple in their late 50s living in Waverly, NE with a household income of $45,000 were eligible for a PTC of $2,530 in 2021. With no change in income, the PTC for 2022 is now only $1,964. When these types of changes occur, your ComPro agent will research all the plans to find the best fit for you. Our ComPro Team is here to help you! Call (402) 488-5100 to make an appointment. We look forward to helping you find the right 2022 health plan.

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STAR CITY SIX

RONDA Ronda Armstrong CENTER SPHERE

Meet Ronda Armstrong, area director of Lincoln Center Sphere. Tell us a little about your business. - Center Sphere provides a network of local support for businesses through trusted, proven, and profitable relationship building. Our vision is to be a catalyst for growth for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits within their communities. We are committed to authenticity, consistency, and innovation as we deliver the best possible experience to our members and those they serve. Center Sphere isn’t about us, it is about our members. How did you get started in the business? - I have been a member of Center Sphere for the last five years when I worked at the American Cancer Society and as owners of the restaurant Cowboy Chicken. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I had a very successful career with the American Cancer Society as a community manager for 16 years. My volunteers and I were able to raise nearly a million dollars over that time. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband and I have a blended family of five children, all adult children except Sam who is a senior at Southwest. Joe and I have been married for six years and enjoy traveling and winery visits. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I reconnected with my now husband after he lost his wife to cancer. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with friends and family, winery visits, and Husker sporting events. My husband and I love to travel and experience new places. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a country girl at heart. I was raised in Elmwood, NE on a small farm. I showed 4-H calves and did all that is country growing up. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Less junk, more journey.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Loyal. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey. Which talent would you most like to have? - To be able to sing and play music. I have a talented family, but the gene skipped me. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The American Cancer Society because I know so many people who we have lost to the disease, are surviving, or are battling right now. What is your favorite movie? - Dirty Dancing. What is your favorite TV show? - Friends. What is your favorite local restaurant? - MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Bess Streeter Aldrich. She is from my home town.

20 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 450-8611; rondaarmstrong@centersphere.com; www.centersphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

DEBORAH Deborah Wyrrick

RED CLOVER MARKET Meet Deborah Wyrrick, the president of Red Clover Market. Tell us a little about your business. - Red Clover Market is a full-service health food store offering natural and organic foods, supplements, skin care, aromatherapy, and more. How did you get started in the business? - I was a regular shopper at a health food store in Tulsa, OK where I’m from. I eventually got a job there and stayed with them for 27 years. I was mentored by the owner, a business grad from Tulsa University. He was not only an astute businessman but a wonderful family man. I grew to know and love his entire family. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Having four Natural Food chain stores open, three of them in the first three years of me buying Red Clover Market. Times were lean but we kept going. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Owning my own store and guiding it through the many challenges that come and go. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two sons, Jacob who works in the store along with his wife Crystal, and Jesse who just moved to South Dakota. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Turning to Christ for forgiveness of my sins. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Right now, I’m enjoying spending time with my new grandson Finan Grey. He is my one and only grandchild. Time with him is time I treasure. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I doubt it’s all that interesting but in fifth grade, I made it to the finals in our school’s spelling bee. It was down to me and a boy named Richard. The word was, I thought, profit. I didn’t ask for the definition and the word ended up being prophet. The top prize went to Richard. It was a sting but I recovered pretty quickly. Who inspires you? - My mother. She is no longer living but her perseverance in raising five children mostly on her own with love and humor and never a complaint inspires me every day. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful, to make the most of what we have, to be happy with simple pleasures, and have courage when things go wrong.” - Laura Ingalls Wilder If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Giving. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “O Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying. Which talent would you most like to have? - Playing the piano. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? The Bible, always, and The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck. What is your favorite TV show? - Almost any Masterpiece Classic. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - The Apostle Paul. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 421-2460; redclovermarket@windstream.net; redclover-market.business.site. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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STAR CITY SIX

GORDON Gordon Smith LOBBLY

Meet Gordon Smith, co-founder and developer at Lobbly. Now offering property tax and litigation support appraisal services.

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Tell us a little about your business. With everything happening in the world right now, many businesses feel the pressure of providing prompt customer service while not overtaxing their employees. Small businesses have borne the brunt of this squeeze because they are often working with a small staff, and even the most motivated employee can’t be everywhere at once. That’s where Lobbly can help by providing an AI receptionist that can answer incoming customer calls and texts, freeing you and your staff up to excel where you’re needed. How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been a developer and computer engineer for over 20 years now and love building software and hardware products that help people. In early 2020, I saw small businesses struggling with the lockdown restrictions and built the first version of Lobbly in an attempt to take some of that burden off their shoulders. This year, my co-founder Brint and I went full-time on the business. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I started my career as an introverted professional consultant, which is an oxymoron. Being introverted is a challenge when you’re with new customers every week, working a tight schedule. I chose that job specifically to put myself in that uncomfortable position and worked through my obstacle. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Carmen and I have four kids, with the oldest attending SCC and the youngest in his terrible twos. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - If I have a day off to myself, my favorite thing to do for fun is woodworking. I spend almost all of my time in front of a keyboard, and there is something incredibly relaxing about switching gears completely. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up in a military family, moving every few years, and never calling any place “home.” Everyone always thinks that must have been hard because you are always the new kid, but it was awesome because when everyone is in the same boat nobody is ever the new kid. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Definitely flying so that I would never have to step on an airplane again. I spent six years as a professional consultant, different cities every week, averaging three flights a week. I would be thrilled never to see an airplane again. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Juggling. My little ones love it, but oddly it never seems to come up in my daily work life. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? Girls Code Lincoln is a fantastic local organization helping young girls in our community to take up coding and technology. I’ve volunteered on and off over the years teaching software and hardware courses and always regret not doing it more. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? The last good book I read was Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I loved his book The Martian, and his newest was a pleasant surprise. What is your favorite movie? - Die Hard, the best Christmas movie ever. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 413-1460; gordon@route8.io; lobbly.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

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BROKERS INSURANCE AGENCY Meet Ken Richards, the owner of Brokers Insurance Agency. Tell us a little about your business. - We are a full-service insurance agency offering personal auto, home, business, and life insurance and employee benefits. We have agents who specialize in personal insurance and they will always strive to find the best coverage at a competitive rate. Our business specialists will work with your company to find solutions that best meet the specific goals of each business. Whether you are looking for personal insurance or business insurance, Brokers Agency will always do what is in the best interest of our client.

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How did you get started in the business? - I started in the insurance industry as a life and health insurance agent in 1994 with Woodmen Accident & Life. We specialized in life insurance and employee benefits. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I found a way to survive the first few years in the business and, 27 years later,we are still selling and servicing insurance for our clients. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Michele and I have been married almost 22 years. She is an academic advisor at SCC. We have one daughter, Mickena, who is a 19-year-old student at Wesleyan University and works at Union Bank & Trust as a personal banker. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - When I accepted Jesus at age 33. That completely changed how I see other people and live life. It’s my faith in Christ that guides me. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My favorite hobbies are pheasant hunting, golfing with my friends, and going fishing. I love the great outdoors! What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My dad and I lived at the top of the clubhouse of Hillcrest Country Club when I was in high school. It was like living in a mansion with a golf course and a swimming pool! My friends loved coming to my house. Who inspires you? - My grandpa and my dad. Dad was also an insurance agent and Grandpa was a golf pro. They were both men of great integrity and character. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My grandpa Richards said, “Never judge a man’s character by the size of his wallet.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honest. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I caught 42 pennies off my right elbow once. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a member of America Legion, Lincoln Berean Church, and I support Tunnel To Towers and Disabled Veterans. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Bible. What is your favorite movie? - Forrest Gump. What is your favorite TV show? - Yellowstone. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Fireworks. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 420-5353; ken@brokersinsuranceNE.com; brokersinsuranceNE.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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STAR CITY SIX

MANDY Mandy Brummels

LIVE HYDRATION SPA LENOX Meet Mandy Brummels, the owner of LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox. Tell us a little about your business. - We help people achieve their health goals and have a better quality of life through IV hydration treatments and vitamin injections. We also offer botox, lab draws, primary care, and foot detox baths. We can serve clients both in our spa and at events or offsite! How did you get started in the business? - I have an English teaching degree but most of my adult years have been spent in the mining, manufacturing, and (now) health supplements and service industry. I started my career in the corporate world back in Washington in an entry level position and worked hard to get promoted over the years to a business development account manager. I grew my online supplement business to a point that eventually allowed me to leave the corporate life a few years ago. That decision allowed me to have the time and finances to ultimately open a LIVE Hydration Spa. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - We take Sundays off from work to worship at our church, eat meals as a family, and enjoy a phone-free day together. Naps are a highlight of our day! What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up in Alaska and know how to fish, preserve food, dig for clams, start a fire, and other skills. Who inspires you? - My husband Jeremy. He is the definition of an overcomer, especially as a child and young adult. He is resilient, persistent, and has a lot of grit. He is also incredibly generous and kind. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I read a lot of John Maxwell, and he writes about how we need to reframe our perspective on failure. Failure is simply data that we can use to make an improvement or try another way. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I can replicate many restaurant meals at home, often just by tasting the meal and figuring out the ingredients in it. Which talent would you most like to have? - I have massive stage fright, so I always thought it would be so cool to be able to sing and entertain large audiences. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would love to be a traveling food photographer/ reviewer. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - My husband and I have a heart to help kids, especially ones who may be struggling with food/home insecurity, are in the foster care system, or that have other needs. My sister’s memorial charity in Alaska, Sarah’s Closet, is also very special to us. She was a labor and delivery nurse and while she was battling cancer, she secretly donated baby items to the babies she delivered. Sarah’s Closet was created shortly after her passing, and this organization continues to bless every baby born at the Central Peninsula General Hospital with a little bag of clothing and baby items. What is your favorite local restaurant? - We love Venue Restaurant & Lounge and MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 413-2042; mandy@livehydrationspa.com; www. livehydrationspa.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TOMMY

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Tommy Winn

TOMAHAWKS AXE THROWING

Meet Tommy Winn, a partner/owner at Tomahawks Axe Throwing. Tell us a little about your business. - Tomahawks Axe Throwing is an entertainment venue providing something “different” for people to do. We are located at 815 O St. in the Lincoln Haymarket. How did you get started in the business? - The partners and I were looking for something fun/different to bring to the Haymarket District for people to do before/after dinner/concerts/football games/etc. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Getting permission to actually open our business to the public. Obtaining city approval was tough because it was such a new idea! We were still learning what we could/couldn’t do and brainstorming how to build out the facility before we were able to roll the idea out. When axe throwing was first brought up, the idea was not fully welcomed. The thought of throwing axes for fun sounds crazy, but once you do it, you understand what all the hype is about. Plus, it is a lot safer than it sounds. We are proud to announce that we still have had ZERO injuries. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Tomahawks in general has been fortunate enough to gain traction with people. We have participants that continuously support us and continue to help the sport grow. We have been lucky to survive the pandemic thus far and have been able to keep our doors open for entertainment along with being able to keep our staff employed. This has also allowed us to give back to the community. We have supported multiple fundraisers and will continue to do so in order to help out our community. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a family I can count on. I’ve never had a situation where I couldn’t turn to my older brother, my younger sister, or my parents for help. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Thirteen years ago, I started working with Murray Roofing. We started this small roofing company out of an apartment. I am now the vice president/CEO of the company and we have over 15 full-time employees. The company has grown to offer high-end custom home building and restoration services. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Play sand volleyball. I also really enjoy fishing, boating, watching sports, or just having a lazy day on the couch in front of the TV. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was bit by a shark in Mexico in 2019. I have a wicked scar to show from it—and it was caught on video! If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Awesome. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to read other people’s minds. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Habitat for Humanity, The Bridge Behavioral Health, and The People’s City Mission. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The last good book I read was Verity by Colleen Hoover. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Narrowing it down to one person is very tough. Here are a couple I would love to have dinner with: Warren Buffet, Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, or Rob Gronkowski. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 570-8557; tom@tomahawkslnk.com; www.tomahawkslnk.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS CASA’s Board President Betsy Tonniges Selected for Inspire Award CASA for Lancaster County’s Board President Dr. Betsy Tonniges was recently selected for an Inspire Award — Excellence in Business (Small/ Medium - 100 employees or less) for her work at Primrose School of Lincoln at Wilderness Hills. This award recognizes a Lincoln-area female employee who works for a small/medium size business and makes a difference in the lives of her colleagues in the business or in her networking groups, who contributes to nonprofits, the local community, or women’s/girls’ groups. Dr. Tonniges, CASA Board President for two years, founded Primrose School in Lincoln over three years ago. Primrose provides high-quality early education and care to children and families. Their state-ofthe-art school environment, exclusive Balanced Learning® approach, and national Cognia™ accreditation have set them apart in the early education industry. CASA for Lancaster County provides a voice for abused and neglected children in the court system so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. CASA volunteers experience a sense of worth and accomplishment from their work and gain experience that helps them grow both personally and professionally. To learn more, visit www.casa4lancaster.org or call (402) 474-5161 with any questions about volunteering.

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SP Group, P.C. Welcomes Little, Brundieck, Gallagher, and Juarez to Team SP Group is excited to announce the addition of Trevin Little, Heather Brundieck, Maria Gallagher, and Ashton Juarez to their team. Each new team member brings a unique set of skills that will be an asset to both the firm and their clients. Trevin, a former intern, will be rejoining the SP team as a fullAshton Juarez, Heather time Enrolled Agent after recently Brundieck, Maria Gallagher, and Trevin Little. completing the certification process. His new credential and competitive nature will offer a unique pathway for his clients to achieve success and growth. Heather, a previous small business owner, is currently working towards her Master’s in Professional Accountancy and concurrently sitting for the CPA exams. Her experience in customer service and acute attention to detail will combine to serve her clients and foster positive long-term relationships. Sioux Falls native, Maria, joins the firm with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Sioux Falls and has a passion for working and connecting with people. She believes success is born out of integrity, kindness, dedication, and thoughtful collaboration. Ashton joins the team with extensive experience in client services and appreciates building client relationships for the long-term. Her knowledge in compliance and retention will be an asset to the firm in recognizing and meeting her clients’ needs. SP Group, P.C. strives to build strong and long-lasting relationships and develop a plan to achieve their clients’ financial and life goals. For more information, visit spgrouppc.com or call their office at (402) 420-7758. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

PERSONNEL NEWS Marine Corps Veteran Alex Bratt Receives Berry Law’s 2021 Reward a Veteran Award

SCC Names New Dean of Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology

Marine Corps Veteran Alex Bratt was the recipient of the 2021 Reward a Veteran Award, given out by the attorneys at Berry Law. Berry Law wanted to reward a local Veteran who has continued to serve the community out of uniform, and to help select a recipient, they invited members of our community to fill out the form on the Berry Law website to nominate a deserving Veteran who has served our country and who continues Justin Kalemkiarian, to serve Nebraskans. Alex volunteered Attorney Nikke Hollenbeck, and 400 hours to the community, including Marine Veteran Alex Bratt. work with Irreverent Warriors to prevent veteran suicide. “The biggest part for me, it was a shock to win the award, but hearing that 10 individuals voted for me, it’s just you don’t do it for yourself, you don’t do it for an award, you don’t do it for anyone – you do it to help a veteran,” Alex said. Alex was given a $500 check to help with his volunteer work within the community. Berry Law Firm was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With over 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the team at Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. The firm has expanded to offer Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Veterans Law. If you would like more information about the Reward a Veteran Program, please call Bob Musilek at (402) 298-5417, or email marketing@jsberrylaw.com.

Caleb Herwick is the new dean of Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Technology at Southeast Community College (SCC). Having previously worked as an adjunct instructor in the Computer Information Technology program at SCC, he is happy to be back in higher education. Caleb likes to be challenged and learn something new every day, and this position aligns with that. Prior to SCC, he worked at Tabitha Health Care Services as executive director of information technology. Caleb is a native of Milltown, WI, and has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Union College. He then went on to receive an associate degree in CIT from SCC. In his new position he will set the vision for programs and ensure that SCC is staying on the cutting edge. Caleb’s wife, Shawna, also works at SCC as administrative director of accreditation, institutional assessment, and planning. Southeast Community College is committed to providing accessible, dynamic, and responsive education in more than 50 programs to a diverse variety of students. They also have degree, diploma, and certificate options. SCC is proud to have a staff of engaging, encouraging, and accomplished professors and educators. To learn more, go to www.southeast.edu or contact Andrea Gallagher, communications specialist, at agallagher@southeast.edu / (402) 323-3395. Caleb will be located in Milford and Lincoln and can be reached at cherwick@southeast.edu / (402) 761-8261.

Randy Bruns of Legacy Retirement Named 2021 Professional of the Year Lincoln’s Favorit

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Legacy Retirement Communities is excited to announce that its employee, Randy Bruns, received the 2021 Professional of the Year Award from The Coalition of Older Adult’s Health Promotion. Randy is the activity associate at Legacy Retirement Communities. He started his career as an SCC human services intern at The Legacy, and quickly proved he was an asset to the Legacy Communities. Randy exhibits all the traits that make him a valuable part of the Legacy family and the aging industry. Randy knows all the residents by name and is very friendly wherever he is and whatever he is doing. Legacy Retirement Communities are committed to making sure each day is better than the last, and Randy is an example of this. When the pandemic hit, especially in activities, Randy had to get creative and find new ways of enriching the lives of the residents. He is not afraid of hard work as he took on new roles during the pandemic along with his daily responsibilities. His commitment to older adults in the community and his love of working with them is unsurpassed. He has the heart, insight, and the compassion needed to be successful in serving the community for years to come. Legacy Retirement Communities continues to provide Lincoln with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. Learn more at www.LegacyRetirement.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Farris Engineering, Inc. Hires Hani Qassem as Electrical Engineer

FNBO Appoints Tammy Trilli to Lead New Commercial Payments Organization

Farris Engineering, Inc. welcomed Hani Qassem in September of this year as electrical engineer. In this new position, he will be working on the design of electrical systems for buildings under the general guidance of one of Farris’ senior electrical engineers. Hani is excited to gain valuable work experience at Farris and use that experience to become registered as a professional engineer.

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) recently named Tammy Trilli senior vice president, commercial payments organization. Trilli joined the FNBO team in February and has more than 30 years of payments industry experience. She will take the place of Senior Vice President, Corporate Treasury Services Russ Oatman, payments industry leader who is retiring after 35 years at FNBO. In Trilli’s new role, she will lead the effort to bring together Corporate Treasury Services and Commercial Credit Card to create the bank’s brand new unified commercial payments organization. This will allow FNBO to be one of the first regional banks to establish an integrated payments division dedicated to serving business customers when it launches in early 2022. Trilli joins FBNO from J.P. Morgan Chase, where she led the Merchant Business and the Commercial Card field teams for the Commercial Banking Segments, and worked in the Investment Banking Segment. Prior to that, Trilli held various leadership and consulting positions at American Express for over 20 years. First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $25 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas. For more information, visit fnbo.com.

Hani earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in May. He spends his off-hours traveling – especially to visit relatives in Amman, Jordan – socializing with friends and family, reading, and riding his bike. Farris Engineering, Inc. has been an industry leader in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering since being founded in Omaha in 1967. The employee-owned company provides value added expertise with employees versed in LEED AP, fire protection, geothermal and lighting design, sustainability and energy conservation, and commissioning. Farris is headquartered in Omaha with four additional offices in Lincoln; Sidney, NE; Colorado Springs, CO; and Kansas City, MO. For more information about Farris, please visit one of their offices, visit their website at www.farris-usa.com, or call (402) 330-5900.

Clearwater Counseling Expands Team with New Therapist, Vanessa Pruitt Clearwater Counseling, PC, a mental health services provider located in both Omaha and Grand Island, has recently welcomed Vanessa L. Pruitt, provisionally licensed mental health practitioner to its team of therapists at its Grand Island location. Vanessa, who received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nebraska – Kearney and her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Emporia State University, has clinical experience providing individual, group, and couples counseling to a diverse population of adults and young adults, including people of varied race/ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation, with mild to severe mental health disorders.

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Vanessa's approach to therapy integrates attachment, mentalization, and somatosensory-based psychotherapies, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Action and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Additionally, Vanessa has specific training in trauma and complex trauma. Her special interests include anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Clearwater Counseling, PC works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, stress, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@ clearwatercounselingne.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Lutz Tech Introduces Curt Topf as Business Development Manager

AR Solutions Founder Aaron Newell Attends Conference on Regulation F

Curt Topf joins the Lutz team as a business development manager in the Tech division in Omaha. In his new role, he will be responsible for architecting short-term and long-term technology plans and strategies for potential Lutz Tech clients. Curt specializes in strategic sales plans, generating leads, and building strong relationships with current and future customers. He graduated from Wayne State College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and has over 20 years of experience in sales and technology.

Founder of AR Solutions, Aaron Newell, recently traveled to Chicago in November to attend the American Collectors Association’s 2021 Fall Forum and Expo, where he learned more information about Regulation F. Regulation F is a set of detailed rules covering every aspect of debt collection to make the debt collection experience fair for all relevant parties. The conference gave Aaron a wealth of knowledge to share with his team to understand the paramount changes Regulation F will have on the collection industry.

Lutz Tech is the only technology service provider wired with every angle in mind. Your business relies on information technology to get work done, and you need it to work for your bottom line. Lutz Tech will help you improve overall functionality through responsive, simple technology solutions tailored to you. From Outsourced IT and Cybersecurity Education to Technology Strategy Consulting, they assure your technology will keep you moving forward.

“Regulation F is the largest change to the collection laws since the Fair Debt Collection Practice act passed in 1979,” shared Aaron. “It was imperative that we were educated on this topic to the fullest extent possible for our office as well as for our clients to make sure we are in 100% compliance. After the seminar concluded, I felt that AR Solutions has done all the research needed and conducted the necessary implementation of new procedures to comply fully. Agencies that have not taken the appropriate steps to comply are not only putting themselves at risk, but their clients as well.”

Lutz is the business solutions firm for businesses and individuals seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Born and raised in Nebraska since 1980, with offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Hastings, and Grand Island, their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides expert tax, accounting, assurance, investment management, financial planning, recruiting, and technology solutions. For more information, visit www.lutz.us.

With AR Solutions, you can trust that your accounts will be handled with the highest quality service so that you can focus your time and energy on what you do best—running your business. For more information, visit arsolutionsinc.com or call (402) 817-3929.

CONCRETE

I’ve worked with McGill Restoration on two award-winning parking garage projects. They definitely know how to get the job done. — ERIN PETERS, INTERNATIONAL PARKING & MOBILIT Y INSTITUTE SR ANALYST, FACILIT Y PROJEC T MANAGEMENT

30 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

M A SO N RY

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PERSONNEL NEWS Farmers Union Midwest Agency Adds Grace Olson, Lavelle McFarland, and Trista Williams

Simplifying real estate for your business

Farmers Union Midwest Agency is excited to announce the addition of three new team members: Grace Olson, Lavelle McFarland, and Trista Williams. All three will work out of the Lincoln office at 2120 S 56th St., STE 203. Grace has joined the Financial Services Team. Her work will consist of mostly c u s t o m e r s u p p o r t wo r k u n t i l s h e completes the Life & Health Insurance Exam. Currently a student at Southeast Community College, Grace is one of the co-founders of On-The Go! Gelato. Her company was interviewed and strongly considered for the Shark Tank television show. She can be reached at Grace@ Fumafinancial.com / (402) 318-9629. Lavelle began his career as an agent with Farmers Union on September 1. He is from Norfolk, NE and he graduated from Battle Creek High School in 2012. From there, he went on to attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk where he received his associates of arts degree in criminal justice in the fall of 2014. Lavelle then continued his education and graduated from Wayne State college in the fall of 2018 with a bachelor’s in criminal justice while minoring in business. Lavelle can be contacted at lmcfarland@ fumainsurance.com / (402) 483-1045.

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 102 | Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 421-7474 | cathy@guiderockrealty.com

Grace Olson

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM

If you don’t see the red ribbon, it’s not....

The Genuine. The Original.

Lavelle McFarland

Overhead Door

OVERHEAD DOOR® Company of Lincoln

466-DOOR

4123 Progressive Avenue • www.OverHeadDoorofLincoln.com

Trista came on board on August 16. She started her insurance career in June of 2003 with American Family. She’s been both on the captive side and the independent side for many years. Trista was born in Alamosa, CO and has lived in Kansas and Nebraska. She has three children, Dylan (31), Alycia Trista Williams (24), and Zachary (14). She also has three grandkids, Kai, Milo, and Parker. Trista has many passions and hobbies, including live music and concerts, photography, painting and sketching, and spending time with friends, family, and her boyfriend Brian. You can contact her at twilliams@ fumainsurance.com / (402) 975-2910. Farmers Union Midwest Agency provides insurance protection to individuals and businesses of all sizes. Through their agents, agency partners, and The Farmers Union Organization, they strive to provide strong relationships with agents and customers to exceed expectations and demonstrate the highest level of customer service. To learn more, visit www.fumainsurance.com.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly Business, we strive to recognize local professionals 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, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

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.

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32 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

PERSONNEL NEWS Pemberly Place Welcomes New Administrative Assistant Breanna Mayfield Pemberly Place is excited to announce their newest addition, Breanna Mayfield as the administrative assistant. In her new position, Breanna will greet residents and visitors; identify, address, and solve problems residents may have; support each of the director roles; and offer a hand wherever needed. She brings to the position extensive knowledge on Microsoft and Google Drive, as well as FHA, ADA, and HIPPA regulations. While at Pemberly Place, Breanna hopes to continue to improve her communication skills and to go out of her way to learn at least one new thing each day. Breanna is a Lincoln native and attended Lincoln High and Southeast Community College. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing, as well as watching movies. Breanna is focused on taking these passions and combining them with her skills to one day become a journalist. She also loves spending time with her Pitbull/Australian Shepherd mix puppy named Zola, who is filled with lots of energy. Pemberly Place is known throughout Lincoln for their creative service planning and attention to each resident’s individual needs. Their care is designed to meet and exceed the quality benchmarks set by the National Center for Assisted Living. Locally owned, the Pemberly Place community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. To learn more, call (402) 413-9770 or visit pemberlyplace.com.

Habitat for Humanity Welcomes Gary Dulgar and LaCresha Brooks to the Team Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce the addition of Gary Dulgar and LaCresha Brooks to their team! Gary Dulgar brings with him 30 years of construction management experience in his new role as Habitat’s construction manager, where he will help families in need of adequate housing build their dreams. He has managed a number of projects totaling more than $300 million in construction value and has worked as a general contractor, consultant, and an Gary Dulgar owner’s representative, giving him a broad industry background. Gary prioritizes relationships and community involvement, which is demonstrated by his volunteer experience on Habitat’s regular construction crew over the past few years. LaCresha Brooks steps in as administrative assistant and brings with her years of experience in fundraising, events, and client relations. She looks forward to utilizing her talents to continue to help bolster community involvement and develop strong community relationships. Both Gary and LaCresha are LaCresha Brooks excited to lend their talents to Habitat and help families find a path out of poverty. Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln was established in 1988 with a mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope to address the need for affordable housing. They have built or repaired 181 homes in Lancaster and Seward counties. In 2020, 10,255 hours were volunteered to assist with their mission. For more information, visit lincolnhabitat.org or contact Deanna Walz at dwalz@lincolnhabitat.org / (402) 480-6185. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Carl Sjulin Celebrates 20 Years as President and CEO of West Gate Bank

Husker Rehab Welcomes New Physical Therapist Assistant Tessa Dunse

On November 12, President and CEO of West Gate Bank Carl Sjulin celebrated his 20th anniversary with the company. The Sjulin family has owned West Gate Bank since 1980, and Carl looks forward to continuing to lead the company in its growth and success while keeping the idea of service to the community at the forefront of its mission.

Husker Rehab is happy to announce the new addition of Physical Therapist Assistant Tessa Dunse. Tessa will be working full time at Husker Rehab’s north clinic, located at 4911 N 26th St. STE 100, alongside Therapists Ben Petersen and Michelle Spicka to continue to provide excellent care to all their patients. Tessa grew up outside of the small town of Malcolm, NE with her parents and three siblings. She went on to continue her education at the University of NebraskaLincoln where she received her Bachelor of Education and Human Sciences degree in Child, Youth, and Family Studies with a minor in Psychology in the spring of 2019. Tessa then attended Southeast Community College and graduated with her Associate of Applied Science degree in April becoming a licensed physical therapist assistant. In her spare time, Tessa enjoys watching and attending sporting events, spending time with her family and friends, and taking her dog, Kyzer, for walks. She also enjoys spending time outdoors and fishing during the summer with her boyfriend. Husker Rehab offers holistic physical therapy treatment, with offices in Lincoln, Beatrice, Fairbury, and Nebraska City. Husker Rehab helps coax your body’s structure back to normal, and then teaches you how to maintain your newfound health at home. For more information about Husker Rehab or to book an appointment, call (402) 477-3110 or visit huskerrehab.com.

The Sjulin family learned their values growing up in the small community of Shenandoah, IA. The values of hard work, Carl celebrates with his wife, Renee helping your neighbors, and integrity are as true today as they were when the Sjulins worked on their family farm. “Leave it better than you found it” is a lifelong lesson in the Sjulin family, and West Gate Bank is committed to honoring these values. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. As a full-service bank, they are large enough to serve all of your banking needs, yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. They offer consumer banking, business banking, commercial lending, and mortgage lending services. The newest West Gate Bank branch is under construction at 177th and W Maple Rd. in Omaha and is expected to open in mid-2022. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.

McGill Restoration Welcomes Project Manager and Estimator Jordan Bradley McGill Restoration is excited to welcome Jordan Bradley as their new project manager and estimator. In his new role he will bid, capture, and manage specific projects in the target markets and industries. His day-to-day activities will include preparing budgets and estimates for clients, exploring new opportunities, management oversight of scope, and schedule and budget for awarded projects. Before he came to McGill, Jordan received his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Bellevue University, and worked as a project manager for the Department of Defense under the Army Corps of Engineers in the Environmental Remediation Program section. The majority of Jordan’s professional career was spent as a law enforcement officer in and outside the Omaha Metro area. He currently keeps his LE certification valid by working part time for a small department on the outskirts of Omaha, and is going on 14 years certified between full-time and part-time status. Jordan has been married for over 16 years and has three children with his wife: Isaiah (13), Elias (10), and Eleanor (7). His hobbies include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, hunting and fishing, spending as much time as possible on the gun range, and reading most any genre. McGill Restoration is an industry leader in concrete and masonry repair, restoration, and construction. Learn more about McGill Restoration online at www.mcgillrestoration.com or by calling (402) 438-4110. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

PERSONNEL NEWS Shannon Hammerschmidt of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy Named Finalist of Inspire Award

What Is Your Commercial Property Worth? Sales and leasing services, site selection for office, retail, warehouse, and commercial investment prospects.

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34 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

Shannon Hammerschmidt, owner of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, was recently nominated and named one of five finalists for the Inspire, Excellence in Medicine award. The finalists were selected based on the nominations for women who excel in their organizations and the community. Shannon was honored to be nominated alongside so many other incredible women in the medical community. The entire Nebraska LTC Pharmacy staff attended the banquet in support of Shannon, and they all had a wonderful time at an awesome event! “We truly have an amazing community, and we are so proud to be a part of it!” shared Shannon. “Just to be in the same room as so many amazing women was an honor, regardless of who won the award. I look forward to serving our community for many years to come alongside of these amazing women!” Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is a locally owned pharmacy that provides a wide array of services in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. Their Lincoln pharmacy is located just off of 40th and Normal Blvd. Their goal is to offer the “small town” level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients. To learn more, visit neltcpharmacy.com or call (402) 328-0231.

Community Action Selects Heather Loughman as New CEO The Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties Board of Directors announced that after more than 10 years with the agency, Heather Loughman has been named its new CEO. Loughman began her role on October 31, succeeding the former CEO, Vi See, who retired after over 13 years of service. Loughman has served in the director of communications and development role on the agency’s leadership team since 2017. Since first joining Community Action, she has been instrumental in increasing support for agency programs, growing programs’ services provided, and adding new services to benefit residents of the agency’s two-county service area. Loughman holds a BA in Scientific and Technical Communication; business emphasis and an MS in Rhetoric and Technical Communication from Michigan Technological University. She has a Certificate in Fundraising Management. She is a Leadership Lincoln Fellows XXXIV and was named United Way Speaker of the Year in 2019. Loughman assumes her new role at a time of tremendous growth. Community Action currently employs 166 staff across its seven locations in Lancaster and Saunders Counties, including three full-day, full-year early childhood centers in Lincoln. In addition, Community Action Head Start is expanding early childhood education services to enroll 72 additional children and their families. Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. Its programs and services address the causes and conditions of poverty in four impact areas: early childhood education, homelessness prevention, financial and family well-being, and hunger relief and healthy food access. In 2020, Community Action provided over 107,800 services to over 17,900 individuals in Lancaster and Saunders Counties. In 2021, efforts to address heightened need have continued, as many who were most affected by the pandemic are continuing to recover. To learn more, visit www.communityactionatwork.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

FALL 2021 THANK YOU TO THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES!

GREAT COMPANIES, GREAT TEAMS!

Nelnet Bowling - 1st Place Division IV - 2nd Place

Empire Netting & Fence Volleyball - 3rd Place

Other sports: Cornhole, Cycling, Fitness Class, Fitness Walk, Fun Run, Golf, Trivia, Volleyball

empire-fence.com

UNICO Cycling, Fitness Class, and Volleyball - 1st Place Division II - 1st Place Other sports: Bowling (2nd), Cornhole, Fitness Walk, Fun Run, Golf (2nd), Trivia (2nd)

nelnet.com

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Volleyball - 3rd Place Division II - 2nd Place unicogroup.com

Other sports: Bowling (1st), Cornhole (2nd), Fitness Class (3rd), Fitness Walk (3rd) lincolnfed.com

Lincoln Airport Division I Winners Other sports: Bowling (1st), Cycling (1st), Fitness Class (1st), Fitness Walk (1st), Fun Run (1st), Cornhole (2nd), Volleyball (2nd), Pickleball (2nd & 3rd), Trivia Challenge (3rd), Golf (5th)

lincolnairport.com

lincolncorporategames.com

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

nebraskasportscouncil.com

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

NONPROFIT NEWS Down Syndrome Association for Families Uses AmazonSmile to Simplify Giving

American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton’s 200th Birthday Marks Day to Help Others

The Down Syndrome Association for Families (DSAF) has made it easy to donate everyday of the year by using AmazonSmile. Customers shop and 0.5% of eligible purchases are donated to their charity by Amazon. No charges or fees are associated with using AmazonSmile for customers or charities. Go to smile.amazon. com and select the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska and start shopping! The Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska embraces diversity and inclusion and the values, policies, and practices needed to ensure every person is represented and treated with equal dignity and respect. As Giving Tuesday and the end of the year approaches, DSAF prepares for another year of serving those in the community with Down syndrome and the people who love them. To see what their members are saying and learn more about the work that they have accomplished, visit www.dsafnebraska.org or scan the QR code. Call (402) 421-1338 with questions about getting involved.

American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton, would have turned 200 on December 25 this year. Today, Clara continues to ser ve as a guiding light for today’s Red Cross volunteers, donors, and partners who exemplify her compassion and devotion to helping others. This is why the Red Cross is encouraging the community to honor Clara’s lifesaving legacy and celebrate her 200th birthday by giving back! Consider making a financial donation, scheduling an appointment to give blood or platelets, or becoming a Red Cross volunteer. “You must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it.” - Clara Barton The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts.

YOUR YARD NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.

Depend on us to make your lawn what you want it to be. RAY'S delivers the quality workmanship and high standards you’ve grown to expect. Our honest, down to earth approach keeps your yard and wallet looking good and green.

Foster CARE Closet Serves 230 Kids Across Nebraska, Doubling Previous Years’ Numbers In the first three weeks of October, Foster CARE Closet ser ved 230 kids across Nebraska, which is more than double any p r e v i o u s ye a r s ’ numbers. The Closet provided $27,000 dollars worth of clothing to these kiddos, budgeting $120 per child. With these increased numbers, the Closet has both the opportunity and the challenge of extending their operations to meet the need. Word has spread to agencies across western Nebraska. On one day in November, Foster CARE Closet served a group of 50 children from St. Francis in Grand Island. With these record numbers of kids served, the Closet is having to shop for more clothes than expected and leverage their staff and volunteers. The foster care system exists to protect children but the system is broken. Children who are removed from their homes can incur additional trauma as their physical needs are sometimes overlooked in the rush to find them a new home. At The Foster Haven/Foster CARE Closet, their main goal is to build up the dignity and value of the children they serve by meeting their physical needs: space to just be, rest, and play, along with food and new clothes of their own choosing. Site managers report time and time again that kids or even case managers and foster parents come in with a lot of despondency or defensiveness, and over the course of the appointment, they begin to warm up. By the end of the process, they are often visibly encouraged. To learn more, visit www.fostercarecloset.org or follow the Facebook page (@FosterCareCloset). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Junior Achievement Schedules 2022 BowlA-Thon for February 19

Wear Yellow Nebraska to Accept New Sponsors Beginning January 1

Junior Achievement has sc heduled their annual Bowl-A-Thon for February 19, 2022. Lincoln business people and educators will come together to bowl and secure donations for Bowl-A-Thon at Parkway Lanes and Hollywood Bowl. Junior Achievement is inviting local businesses to help sponsor the event and recruit employees, friends, and family to bowl two games and donate door prizes to make the event even more memorable for bowlers. This year alone, over 32,000 local students will benefit from the generosity of sponsors, bowlers, and donors. All proceeds support Junior Achievement’s mission of preparing Lincoln’s young people for a bright future! The deadline to sign up is December 15. To sign up to sponsor, bowl, or learn more, visit secure.qgiv.com/ for/jaol/event/840479.

Join Wear Yellow Nebraska in supporting Nebraska survivors in the fight against cancer by becoming an official sponsor of the Wear Yellow Ride, Run & Walk event. The annual scenic cycling event funds their Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, which has donated more than $150,000 in cab rides to patients in need who would not otherwise have access to transportation to treatment. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can fill out the sponsorship form at www.wearyellownebraska.org/sponsors beginning January 1. As a sponsor, your business can help reach and impact over 1,600 educated, affluent, and culturally-savvy attendees while creating brand experiences in a non-traditional way. Sponsors can expect to achieve marketing and communications objectives, put a mark on community commitment and social responsibility, receive positive media relations by association, and more. Sponsorship payments must be received by April 15 to enjoy the Wear Yellow Ride, Run & Walk benefits. Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offer cancer survivors support in ways that were not being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. They would like to say thank you to the community and sponsors for the continued support, and share their best wishes during the holiday season and into the New Year. To learn more about the organization, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact (402) 965-1699 / contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.

Junior Achievement of Lincoln has a mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed through community volunteers who not only deliver their lessons, but share their experience. Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their own economic success, plan their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. For more information about the Lincoln chapter, visit their Facebook page (@jaoflincoln) or website lincoln.ja.org.

2 Convenient Lincoln locations 402-413-2134 | 505 N 27th Street, Suite 3, 68503 402-325-0001 | 8901 Andermatt Drive, Suite 103, 68526 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

NONPROFIT NEWS TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln Seeks Business Partnerships

commerCIal INSURANCE Coverage you can count on

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln is seeking local businesses that are willing to host recruitment presentations for their staff members. The organization provides youth in grades 3-12 with a one-on-one adult mentor who visits one class period weekly, providing support and encouragement. With a TeamMate, students’ school engagement and indicators of hope and well-being increase. In the 2020-2021 school year, TeamMates served 1,295 students across Lincoln, but aims to increase the number of youth with a TeamMate this year.

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“When a company enables their employees to volunteer during the work day, they affirm their mission and values to the community,” said Lincoln TeamMates Coordinator Jim Bennett. “Staff members volunteering through TeamMates benefit all involved.” Employees who mentor bring tremendous benefits to their company workforce and productivity. Results of annual surveys continuously demonstrate that after their mentoring visits, TeamMates mentors return to work more engaged, hopeful, and in a better mood. For more information about Lincoln TeamMates and hosting a recruitment presentation, please visit LincolnTeamMates.org or call (402) 436-1990.

Individual and group benefits

Life and Health Benefits

Jennifer Larabee

Jennifer@fumafinancial.com Kevin Harrington Mark Kavan 402-560-0047 kevin@fumafinancial.com mkavan@fumainsurance.com 402-253-6926 402-421-1921

MKAVAN@FUMAINSURANCE.COM | FUMAFINANCIAL.COM

38 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

Domesti-PUPS Congratulates 2021 Pet Therapy Graduates Domesti-PUPS is excited to announce 10 individuals and their dogs recently received their certification to provide pet therapy visitations. The cer tification includes the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) Community Canine designation. The graduates spent the last five months in training. These teams will visit nursing homes, assisted living centers, classrooms, and special events where they are invited. The new 2021 graduates include: Jennifer Bass and Wilford, Jensyn Burchett and Oakley, Amy Canine and Hope, LaVonne Hanlon and Tychus, Abbie Huenink and Remington, Anna McVay and Juice, Jacey Prange and Spice, Molly Preston and Wilson, Ciaran Riley and Rosin, and Alyssa Schmidt and Rosin. Each Domesti-PUPS team is required to complete the AKC Community Canine test every two years for recertification. There were many teams that put in the effort to maintain the high stands for therapy work this year as well. Based in Lincoln, Domesti-PUPS is a community organization that provides therapy dogs, service dogs for persons with disabilities, and obedience trained rescue dogs. They have a mission to improve the quality of life for those with special needs through the assistance of animals and to promote awareness through education. For more information, visit the Domesti-PUPS Facebook page (@domestipups) or website at domesti-pups.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Friendship Home Raises $88,500 During Virtual Safe Quarters

Lighthouse Chosen as Lowe’s 100 Hometowns Recipient, Unveils New Greenhouse

Friendship Home is proud to announce their 19th annual S a f e Q u a r t e r s, h o s t e d virtual this year, was a huge success! Throughout the twoweek event, held October 3-17, over 65 teams joined forces to crowdfund online to raise funds for victims of domestic violence to receive safe, confidential shelter. Over $88,500 was raised.

Lighthouse After Sc hool Program was c hosen as a recipient of the Lowe’s 100 H o m e t ow n s. A s a r e s u l t , Lighthouse’s dream of building their own greenhouse is now a reality. To celebrate, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the new greenhouse, located at 2601 N St., on November 8 with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Lighthouse values the importance of local food sourcing. The greenhouse will allow them to grow vegetables all year long for the Food Program’s youth and families. Their goal is to eventually host their own farmer’s market.

Thanks goes out to the dedication of the many volunteers and sponsors. Safe Quarters is truly a community-wide effort, and the results show how generous the community is in helping to empower freedom from domestic violence. Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children. If you, or someone you know, is experience domestic violence, please call Friendship Home’s 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302. To learn more, visit www.friendshiphome.org.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach Announces Updated Mission and Core Values

Lowe’s 100 Hometowns is part of the company’s 100-year milestone anniversary of serving communities across America. Lowe’s has committed to completing 100 impact projects to celebrate their centennial and support worthy initiatives nationwide. The 100 projects span 36 states and will help thousands of families from coast to coast, each of them with a unique story to tell. In their 31st year, Lighthouse After School Program is an accredited after-school program that offers middle and high school aged-youth academic support, evening meals, and enrichment/recreational activities during non-school hours, Monday through Friday, all 12 months of the year. It is vitally important for youth to have a safe harbor during the high risk, after-school hours. Visit www. lincolnlighthouse.org for more information or call (402) 475-3220.

Nearly 30 years after it was founded, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is pleased to announce an updated mission statement and core values, developed by staff and the Board of Directors and approved at their annual retreat this fall. The updated mission states that Matt Talbot will serve the needs of Lincoln’s working poor and homeless by relieving hunger, overcoming homelessness, addressing addiction, and providing outreach and advocacy. Matt Talbot’s vision remains the same: Defeat hunger and homelessness. Restore hope! The agency’s core values are: Integrity—Being honest, ethical, and accountable in all interactions Dignity—Honoring the value, humanity, and sacredness of each individual Empowerment—Removing barriers and providing resources to help people feel confident and courageous in making their own decisions Compassion—Loving acceptance and seeking to genuinely understand and help alleviate suffering Inclusion—Creating an environment where people are respected, supported, and have a sense of belonging Diversity—Valuing differences and welcoming people of all races, genders, religions, ages, abilities, sexual orientations, and economic levels Matt Talbot has experienced significant growth in the past 10 years, expanding staff and programs to comprehensively serve more people through substance use service, homeless diversion, and housing. A recent strategic planning process resulted in goals focused on strengthening existing infrastructure, developing data collection processes to assist with prevention activities, and enhancing communication efforts. Learn more at www.mtko.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Chocolate hazelnut cold brew martini

White chocolate raspberry cold brew martini

We’ve Added 3 New Sandwiches and Smoothie Flights!

italian sub

meatball sub

Chicken Parmesan

531-500-4684 | 5025 Lindberg St. | Lincoln, NE

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

Growing for Nebraska The City Bank & Trust Mortgage Team at City Bank continues to grow, and now offers a diverse range of loan products including FHA, VA, NIFA, Rural Housing, and Conventional. We have local decision-making and a support team who works directly with you, our customers, and your team or family. Our underwriting and closing departments are also local, allowing for City Bank & Trust to offer fast, solid approvals you can trust. After all, Trust is in our name. Pine Lake Main Bank

Downtown Branch

Crete Branch

2929 Pine Lake Rd Lincoln, NE 68516 402-420-2002

940 P St Lincoln, NE 68508 402-474-1030

1135 Main Ave Crete, NE 68333 402-826-2144

East Lincoln Branch

Loan Production Office

4225 Lucile Dr Lincoln, NE 68506 402-474-1030

7101 S. 82nd St (Suite A) Lincoln, NE 68516 402-420-2339

www.CityBankandTrust.com 40 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Community Foundation Grants $1.5M Mourning Hope Grief Center Presents Holiday Hope Event on December 4 Thanks to the foresight of past generous donors, Lincoln Community Foundation made grants in November of $1.5 million for 195 nonprofit organizations, 116 of which were local. 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.

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 more than $190 million in assets and has distributed more than $189 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more, visit www.lcf.org or call (402) 474-2345.

Angels Among Us Announces New Pediatric Cancer Family Programming Funded for 2022 At Angels Among Us’ 15-year anniversary event on October 15, new emotional support programming for pediatric cancer families was announced to begin in early 2022. This new programming will consist of monthly opportunities for kids and teens battling cancer, their siblings, and caregivers to get together for support and respite time. This new programming will also include multiple opportunities for family outings as well as a bereavement group that meets regularly with a certified clinician and is specifically focused on families who have lost a child to cancer. At the event, attendees were given the opportunity to sponsor a specific program for 2022 and Angels Among Us is proud to announce that all programs were fully sponsored in less than 10 minutes. The following programs were sponsored by these generous supporters: • • • •

Kids Link sponsored by Justin and Katie Lieffers Teen Link sponsored by an anonymous donor Women’s Recharge sponsored by Midlands Carrier Transicold Men’s Recharge sponsored by Feltz Wealthplan Partners, Wade and Christine Behlen • Healing Hearts sponsored by Jim and Mindy Young • Family Picnic sponsored by Patrick Enterprises • Summer Movie Night sponsored by Steve and Melisa Koesters • Family Camp Out Week 1 sponsored by Midlands Carrier Transicold • Family Camp Out Week 2 sponsored by Adam and Aimee Tice • Halloween Trunk-or-Treat sponsored by both Friends of Mustaches for Kids and The Hamzhie Family • Angel Flix sponsored by VirtuActive 3D Drafting & Design 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 all support. For more information about events or to get involved with programming, contact Brittany Friesen at brittany@ myangelsamongus.org, call the office at (402) 934-0999, or go to myangelsamongus.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

On Saturday, December 4, Mourning Hope Grief Center is excited to present Holiday Hope, a program created to support the bereaved during the often-difficult holiday season. Open to youth and families at the Center, 1311 S Folsom St., the event will run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. To foster emotional healing and encourage individual creativity, local artists partner with youth and teens who have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. A separate group for adult caregivers is offered as well. Youth ages 5-18 are invited to come together for an age-appropriate holiday memory workshop to develop and grow through creative expression and critical thinking. In addition, caregivers will meet for a peer-support session with tips on how to cope with the holiday season. The Holiday Hope program is free, but pre-registration is required. Activity supplies and to-go snacks will be provided. The Mourning Hope Grief Center companions children, adults, and families before and after a death loss. Mourning Hope provides grief support groups, counseling, community education, resources, and referrals. Registration for Holiday Hope can be found at mourninghope.org/services/hhreg.html. For further questions, contact Alyssa Christensen, grief support director, at (402) 488-8989 / achristensen@mourninghope.org.

Branched Oak Observatory Ends Year with BOO at the BOO, Wine Event, and Star Party B ra n c h e d O a k O b s e r va t o r y, a n astronomical observing site near the Branched Oak Lake Recreation area, wrapped up the year with three exciting events. On October 29, the Observatory held BOO at the BOO, a kid-friendly "sorta-spooky" Halloween event for the entire family. There was a Trick-or-Treat Costume Parade throughout the grounds. Each station was decorated and manned by costumed observatory staff. After the parade, guests enjoyed meeting at the 30' Prairie Astronomy Club Launch Pad for more treats, spiced cider, music, and astronomical views through a telescope. A special thank you goes to Sam's Club and Bob Poe Manufacturing for sponsoring. In addition, on November 20, the Observatory partnered with James Arthur Vineyards for a Wine & Stargazing event. It was a wonderful opportunity to sip on Nebraska wine, nibble on appetizers, and take in the radiant night sky. Lastly, the Observatory ended the observing season with a final Star Party! Astronomy enthusiasts gathered over Thanksgiving weekend to see planet Jupiter, the Andromeda Galaxy, The Great Orion Nebula, The Seven Sisters Star Cluster, and much more. Once or twice a month, the Branched Oak Observatory is open to the general public and students of astronomy. With the help of local astronomers and amazing volunteers, they set-up a variety of telescopes and explored the night sky. The Observatory is looking forward to welcoming new nighttime explorers in 2022! To learn more about this beautiful "sky park" and next year's events, visit branchedoakobservatory.com or follow the Facebook page (@ branchedoakobservatory). DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 41

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NESC Partners with Healthier Workforce Center to Combat Holiday Depression The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC), in partnership with the Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, wants to remind everyone to take a few minutes each day to check in on your peers at work. The holidays bring excitement and joy for many of us, but others may experience the complete opposite, bringing feelings of loneliness and sadness. A simple two-minute conversation can be a helpful way to gage how that person is doing day-to-day. Be aware of possible warning signs of depression and/or suicide and take action in addressing any mental health concerns in a gentle, non-judgmental way. You could be the reason a coworker, friend, or family member makes a life-altering decision. The suicide prevention hotline can be reached by phone at (800) 273-8255 or text “Hello” to 741741. • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. • Some industries (construction, agriculture, and transportation) have higher rates than others. Be aware of warning signs such as comments of hopelessness, disinterest, reckless behavior, sadness, and more and speak up. • When someone is at risk, it’s important to start a conversation. Ask directly about the issue, listen to them, use non-judgmental language, and create a safety plan together. Don’t be afraid to seek outside help from a suicide hotline or supervisor. NESC will also be offering a training for Addressing Emotional Wellbeing in the Workplace on December 10. This training is available to members for $99 and non-members for $142. After completion of this course, you will walk away with knowledge on how to support your employees in regard to creating policies, providing resources, cultural environment changes, and physical environment changes. During this four-hour training you will have a chance to discuss what steps you can take to begin addressing emotional wellbeing in your workplace with guidance and input from their trainer and class participants. To register for this course or stay up to date on upcoming trainings, visit nesafetycouncil.org – Worker Education & Events – Training Courses. To register by phone, call (402) 483-2511 ext. 115. The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org. 42 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

NONPROFIT NEWS HopeSpoke’s Annual Report Now Available HopeSpoke’s Annual Report for FY20-21 is now available online! To download your c o py, p l e a s e v i s i t w w w. hopespoke.org and click on the “About Us” tab. The past year has been chaotic for all, but thanks to amazing community members, HopeSpoke was able to continue providing mental health services for nearly 1,500 individuals throughout the pandemic. HopeSpoke’s programs include outpatient services for all ages, school-based programs within Lincoln Public Schools, extendedday treatment for youths ages 6-12, a Therapeutic Group Home for males ages 13-18, and more. The pandemic prompted a quick pivot to providing outpatient therapy via telehealth. Last year, HopeSpoke provided nearly 10,000 telehealth therapy sessions to children, adults, and families. Thanks to a federal CARES grant, during the pandemic, HopeSpoke was also able to provide direct emergency assistance to hundreds of struggling families. HopeSpoke’s mission is to inspire healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. For more information about HopeSpoke’s services or to support HopeSpoke’s mission, please visit www.hopespoke.org or contact Becki Roberts, development director, at broberts@ hopespoke.org / (402) 475-7666. You may also mail your gift to HopeSpoke at 2444 O St., Lincoln, NE 68510.

The Claire M. Hubbard Foundation to Match Donations to Vision Maker Media Now through December 31, donations to Vision Maker Media (VMM) will be doubled with a 100% match provided by The Claire M. Hubbard Foundation. These donations help aspiring Native filmmakers become career Native filmmakers through the Native Youth Media Project, Short Film Fund, and Public Media Fund, which provides much-needed mentorships, professional development, training, and funding to make films. They also help provide free online events where filmmakers are able to share their stories and have panel discussions to engage and educate audiences on Native topics that are affecting their communities. Vision Maker Media is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Their mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. They envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. The organization works with VMM funded producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations, and Native communities. Reaching the national public and a global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native public media that shares Native perspectives with the world. Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). To support Native filmmakers and their stories with your donation, visit visionmakermedia.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Goodwill to Host Letters to Santa Workshops in December Goodwill is helping letters get to the North Pole this year. On Sunday, December 12 and Saturday, December 18, Goodwill is offering Letters to Santa workshops from 1 to 3 p.m. at Gateway Mall. Attendees just need to bring themselves and their wishes to this completely free event. Goodwill will supply cards, paper, markers, ribbons, and more. This workshop is made possible by Goodwill’s Bits and Pieces section in their stores that meet all crafting needs from jewelry to utensils and ribbon to glue.

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From supporting Goodwill’s community events like these to shopping in their stores, the community helps Goodwill to continue to provide employment and training opportunities for people with barriers to employment. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services. 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. To learn more about the organization, this event, and how to register, follow them on Facebook (@LincolnGoodwill) or visit www.lincolngoodwill.org.

SCIP Seeks Sponsorships for 2022 Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN Event on June 3 School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP) is currently seeking sponsors and booth holders for its annual fundraiser, “Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN”. The event will take place on June 3, 2022 at Antelope Park. Proceeds will benefit SCIP, a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP). As in the past, the event will include lawn games, live 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 onemile 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 Marker, and Booth Holder. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Valerie at (402) 327-6843. Proceeds from this event make it possible for SCIP to provide training, resources, and support to schools, students, and families throughout the state of Nebraska. SCIP 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. 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 Regions 4 and 5 to prevention providers ($140,170 or 47%) and ($161,100 or 53%) from non-governmental entities. For more information, visit www.scipnebraska.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cause Collective Sets Pace for Record Number of New Members Since July, the star t of Cause Collective’s membership year, the nonprofit has had eight new member agencies join! At this rate, they will break their record for number of new members within a year. “We are so excited to see our membership of nonprofits grow and do our part to help nonprofits become stronger to better achieve their mission, and make Lincoln a better place for everyone in our community,” says Executive Director Jason Varga. To ensure Cause Collective members always have the opportunity to learn and grow, they organize 20-24 trainings a year on relevant topics, host a monthly executive director roundtable, as well as offer a free annual Board Training. Additionally, an elected official guest at each monthly member meeting and the annual Nonprofit Lobby Day helps the organization connect nonprofits with elected representatives! Beyond that, they also help connect members with the local community through a weekly radio show, community newsletter, and the Board Match page on the website, which advertises open positions for member agencies. Cause Collective is a nonprofit in Lincoln that seeks to strengthen nonprofits to better serve the community through collaboration, education, and advocacy. They are a member-based organization with over 130 members throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County! To learn more about joining, visit causecollectivelincoln.org and go to the “Become a Member” tab. There, you will find an updated service orientation PDF to learn about all of the above services and more. If you are a nonprofit and interested in learning more about membership, contact Jason Varga at (402) 441-4399 / director@ causecollectivelincoln.org with further questions. DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 43

NONPROFIT NEWS Arc of Lincoln to Hold Annual Meeting for All Members on December 14 Arc of Lincoln will hold their annual meeting for all members on Tuesday, December 14, via Zoom. Tune in at 5:30 p.m. for the meeting program. Then, at 6:15 p.m., there will be a visit with Santa Claus followed by Holiday Bingo at 6:30 p.m. and Christmas Carols at 7 p.m., all on Zoom. Please email Michelle Johnson at director@ arclincoln.org if you will be attending or call at The Arc of Lincoln office at (402) 421-8866. Michelle will send out a Zoom link the day before the annual meeting for all who wish to participate. You can expect a review of 2021 and voting for new board members and board positions. This is a great chance for advocates to talk with other advocates and make a plan for 2022. Annual membership is $5/year. The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and serving them and their families. They work tirelessly to uphold their vision that every individual and family living with I/DD in the United States has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. The Arc of Lincoln provides a town hall, resource fair, and presentations important for families as young adults prepare to transition to adulthood. To learn more, visit www.advocacypartnership.org.

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Tabitha Offers Support Groups in December Tabitha, Nebraska’s industryleading senior care provider, offers a variety of suppor t groups in Lincoln and Lancaster County. Online grief and support groups are open to anyone in the community and are a great way to find support while sharing common experiences and coping tips in the safety and comfort of your home. Your loved one did not have to be with Tabitha. Participation is free; please register online at Tabitha.org/Hospice/Bereavement or contact the Tabitha Bereavement team at (402) 486-8506. • “Grieving Gracefully Book Club,” held every second and fourth Tuesday, December 14 and 28, 12-1 p.m. The support group will read and discuss “Thanks for the Dance: Transforming Grief into Gratitude” by Fred Abrams. • The special holiday event, Remembering Angels, will be held in person Friday, December 10, 3:30 p.m., at the Journey House, 4615 J St. in Lincoln. The event will include a lighting ceremony with Angel lights remaining lit December 10 through January 1, 2022. To RSVP, please call (402) 486-8506. As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully. Supporting friends and neighbors for over 135 years and encompassing 25 Nebraska counties, Tabitha offers a range of services from resultsdriven rehabilitation, accessible at-home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at Tabitha.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS NAM Presents Kids Can with Catalyst Award at Nonprofit Summit

People’s City Mission to Host Toy Giveaways for Upcoming Holiday Season

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) announced Kids Can Community Center as its 2021 Catalyst Award recipient during the organization’s 15th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands on November 3. The Catalyst Award recognizes a leader or organization that has made an impact in the nonprofit community. Kids Can Community Center provides accessible, affordable, and quality childcare and out-of-school experiences to more than 1,200 children, many of whom come from low-income families.

People’s City Mission (PCM) is hosting toy g i v e a wa y s f o r k i d s who are staying at the Mission and for kids who come from impoverished families to provide a fun Christmas surprise. The first of the events will take place Monday, December 13, and Tuesday, December 14 at the shelter. Guests of the mission can shop for free for Christmas presents for their families from an array of new toys. Thursday, December 18, will be “Santa’s Workshop” at the Help Center, where families in need can shop for free as well. All of the toys are donated by individuals, businesses, and organizations from around the Lincoln area, and gift wrapping will also be provided.

“For more than a century, Kids Can Community Center has been a catalyst in our community by cultivating relationships with partners and leaders to advocate for the needs of children, expand access to childcare in the state of Nebraska, and provide inspiring and innovative programs for families who need it most,” NAM CEO Anne Hindery said.

Anyone who would like to donate a new toy for their annual toy drive can drop them off at the Mission at 110 Q St. or at the Help Center, 6800 P St. All donations need to be received by Friday, December 10 to be included in the giveaways.

Through the leadership of CEO Robert Patterson, Kids Can Community Center provided academic recovery to students during pivotal moments of COVID-19 by staying open, hiring educators to provide individualized tutoring to children, and adapting school-based programs to accommodate remote learning and full-day programming.

People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and children. In 1987, PCM moved to their current location and now houses 350 men, women, and children nightly in their emergency shelters and the Curtis Center transitional housing program. As Lincoln’s homeless shelter, People’s City Mission’s work is more than 97% funded by community donations. Contact info@pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303. You can also visit www.pcmlincoln.org for more information.

Kids Can Community Center will continue to grow into the future. The organization, which operates a South Omaha location and seven satellite sites that include five elementary school programs in North Omaha, recently broke ground on a new building to expand its capacity and programs. This will allow the organization to provide infant care for the first time, which is the most requested service from families. More than 200 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers in Nebraska and southwest Iowa attended the virtual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands, which provided thoughtprovoking sessions to connect nonprofits of all missions and sizes with ideas, best practices and educational resources to help them make transformative change within their organizations. Keynote speaker, Dr. Atyia Martin, CEO and founder of All Aces, Inc., offered an engaging presentation on what a resilient and equitable organizational culture looks like. Her organization provides an alternative to traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firms.

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The event is expected to return to its in-person format for the 16th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands, which will be November 10, 2022, at the Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel and Conference Center. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of nonprofits, the organization is committed to enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the nonprofit sector, providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective nonprofit management and practices, advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all nonprofits to address their communities’ needs, and fostering communication and cooperation among nonprofits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HEALTH NEWS COAHP Holds Annual Awards Meeting, Announces Recipients

Star City Dental Introduces New Level of Care with LightWalker Dental Laser

The Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion (COAHP) held its annual awards meeting and luncheon on October 22. The featured speaker, Dr. Lawrence Chatters, senior associate athletic director for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, started off the event with his presentation, “The Reality of Unconditional Love”. Following his presentation, 2021 award recipients were announced. Those honored include: 2021 Scholarship Award Winners—Beverly Boellstorff, Courtney Thies, Benjamin Toe 2021 Volunteer of the Year—Gayleen Bradley 2021 Volunteer Program of the Year—NeighborLNK 2021 Professional of the Year—Randy Bruns Nominees for the 2021 Professional of the Year Award—Bede Bolin, Larry Gadeken, Kayla Schaf The Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion facilitates opportunities to promote communication and coordination among providers by sharing information and identifying services that impact older adults in southeast Nebraska. For more information about COAHP, please contact Becca Henry at (402) 484-6444 / bhenry@horisunhospice.com or Natalie Leon at (402) 735-0999 / nleon@visitingangels.com. You may also visit www.lincolncoahp.com.

The team at Star City Dental is excited to take their patients’ care to the next level with the addition of the LightWalker Dental Laser. From conservative dentistry, endodontics, and implantology to periodontics and soft-tissue surgery, LightWalker lasers offer the most comprehensive list of clinical applications of any dental laser made today. LightWalker’s state-of-the-art design, engineering, and patented technologies have made it the world’s fastest-cutting Erbium laser, outperforming even rotary burs in terms of speed and precision, while simultaneously offering a wide range of highly effective hard- and soft-tissue treatments. LightWalker’s easy-to-select operating modes and advanced laser-beam delivery systems enhance the precision and performance of each laser treatment for optimal clinical efficacy. Typical treatment procedures with LightWalker are faster, easier to perform, and come with less pain and shorter healing times compared to conventional treatments. Book an appointment with the Star City Dental team today to experience it for yourself! Star City Dental is located off of 84th and Pioneers Blvd. They provide family, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. They make your healthy smile their top priority by listening to your needs and concerns, and they use gentle, efficient cleaning techniques. You can expect to be taken care of by highly trained professionals. To learn more about Star City Dental, visit starcitydentalne.com or call (402) 489 7806.

Innovate Physical Therapy Brings Specialized Therapy Programs to Lincoln Innovate Physical Therapy held a ribbon cutting on October 26 to celebrate their expansion of specialized therapy programs in the Lincoln market. They were joined by the staff and ambassadors of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. This location at 4500 S 70th St., inside Lincoln Joint & Wellness Care, ser ves as Innovate Physical Therapy’s first outpatient therapy clinic location in Lincoln. Innovate’s two other clinics are located in Bellevue and Papillion. Clinic coordinator Anthony Taylor, DPT, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. He was joined by Luke Collin, DPT, and Matt Oestmann, DPT (at left), who serve as the outpatient therapy director and vice president of rehab services, respectively, as well as marketing coordinator Bill Koch (at right). Innovate Physical Therapy offers some of the most specialized therapy programs in the area, including: Physical Therapy, Balance and Fall Risk Reduction Program, Total Joint Replacement Rehab, Osteoporosis Program, Telehealth, Work Conditioning/Hardening, and Manual Therapy. Innovate Physical Therapy provides evidenced-based care in specialized settings and individualized programs. Individuals are treated in private rooms and benefit from advanced strength and balance equipment. Innovate’s mission is to empower individuals with necessary tools to take an active role in their health and wellness to get back to the life they want. For more information, visit www.innovate-pt.com or call (531) 739-3360. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

American Heart Association Highlights the Dangers of Sepsis The American Heart Association wants to inform people about the dangers and warning signs of sepsis, a serious heart condition that doesn’t receive a lot of attention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has defined sepsis as “the body’s extreme response to an infection.” While most cases are blamed on bacteria, even viruses such as the flu and the virus that causes Covid-19 can spark sepsis. Professor and Vice Chair for research in the department of emergency medicine at Ohio State University, Dr. Henry Wang, stated that all infections “can make the body overreact and can make the body very irritable and inflamed.” Those toxins end up in the bloodstream and poison the organs of the body, meaning sepsis is intertwined with the cardiovascular system and can endanger the heart. According to the CDC, 1.7 million U.S. adults develop sepsis yearly, and almost 270,000 die as a result. While doctors continue to struggle in spotting sepsis symptoms, some include high heart rate, low blood pressure, confusion, extreme pain, fever, and shortness of breath. People 65 and older, those with weakened immune systems and chronic conditions, and people with kidney problems and vascular disease are at the highest risk of developing sepsis. Dr. Wang advises dedicating a lot more attention to this dangerous disease in order to save lives and improve the quality of life for survivors. The American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke in order to save and improve lives for nearly 100 years. For more information, visit heart.org. DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 47

HEALTH NEWS Christian Record Services Adds Mental Health Resources Christian Record Services, Inc. recently announced the release of a new series of mental health booklets in large print and braille formats, and are available now to members free of charge. Penned by Jonathan Betlinski, MD, Rachel Scribner, MA, and Gary Parks, MDiv., the booklets focus on topics such as depression, anxiety, suicide/self-harm, getting help, recovery tools, brain training, and staying healthy. These mental health resources are also available in regular print format at adventistyouthministries.org/resources/mental-health/ mental-health-articles. These resources are part of the Naomi Chapman Turner Library, which is available to members of Christian Record Services. The library has more than 2,000 titles of inspiring and empowering books, many of which can be accessed by mail or online. Each year, the ministry is supported by individuals and businesses whose charitable gifts help ensure programs and services are free to the people they serve. Now through December 31, online gifts to Christian Record Services are doubled up to a total of $10,000, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous matching gift donor. Give online at www.ChristianRecord.org/Give.

Citrine Medspa Introduces PHYSIQ Body Contouring to Line of Offerings Citrine Medspa is excited to introduce PHYSIQ Body Contouring as their newest offering to the community. PHYSIQ targets tissues and muscle with its unique STEP (Sequential Thermal and Electrical Pulse) technology. STEP programs are customized sequences of timed phases of deep heat and muscle stimulation. In the 35-minute treatment, the deep heat phase from PHYSIQ’s super luminescent diode matrix (SDM) targets tissue while electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) creates muscle contractions to re-educate the muscle in the targeted area. Citrine is all about offering fully customizable treatments because every patient is unique. With PHYSIQ, they can use both technologies at once, or just one modality, depending on what the patient’s specific goal is. Additional treatments include laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing, and laser hair removal. Citrine Medspa specializes in cutting edge medical-grade treatments for patients who want to enhance their natural beauty and prioritize prevention, maintenance, and a lot of self-love. They use the newest and best technology and training available to leave their patients feeling fresh, youthful, and revived. Their medical grade treatments provide consistent and reliable results, and are delivered using Citrine’s extensive knowledge and deep understanding of laser physics and anatomy. Citrine Medspa is located at 6800 S 32nd St., STE A. To learn more or to book an appointment, visit citrinemedspa. com or call (402) 804-3588.

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HEALTH NEWS CHI St. Elizabeth Screening and Cancer Care Dr. Dan Novak Celebrates Grand Opening Clinic Mark One-Year Anniversary of Premier Vision On October 19, CHI St. Elizabeth Screening and Cancer Care Clinic, located at 555 S 70th St., celebrated their one-year anniversary with a ribbon cutting by the Lincoln Chamber. Guests were able to take a tour of the clinic, as well as receive cancer risk assessment screenings. They talked to experts and heard from former patients about their experiences. CHI St. Elizabeth serves as Lincoln’s first screening and multidisciplinary clinic for breast cancer. CHI Health is a regional health network with a unified mission: nurturing the healing ministry of the Church while creating healthier communities. Headquartered in Omaha, the combined organization consists of 14 hospitals, two stand-alone behavioral health facilities, more than 150 employed physician practice locations and more than 12,000 employees in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa. For more information, visit www.chihealth.com/en/services/cancercare/cancer-care-locations/st-elizabeth-cancer-center.html or call (402) 219-5080 to reach the clinic specifically.

The Bridge Behavioral Health Recognizes Small Wins Through Client Stories As 2021 comes to a close, The Bridge Behavioral Health reflects on how the pandemic continues to affect our community. One important takeaway is the capacity for resilience. Even small changes in behavior can be highly effective tools for creating resilience when challenges drag on. Client stories do not end with “and they lived happily ever after”. Rather, their journey continues with “what an awesome step forward”. Here’s some inspiration in small wins: Paul could not sit still. He struggled to listen to others and to slow down long enough to complete a project. He was not known for saying many positive things. Ten days into his stay, Paul’s counselor shared that he finished a homework assignment, accepted a compliment, and read a book. Another staff shared that Paul spoke about treatment in a positive manner. He has a long way to go, but these small accomplishments are the building blocks for Paul’s journey to recovery. When Phillip was in treatment, staff struggled to engage him in conversation. He did not share a lot with peers. Phillip did the work while in treatment, but his transition from The Bridge was filled with concern for him and his ability to build a connection with those in the recovery community. Shortly after he left the Bridge, Phillip returned for continuing care group and kept coming back week after week. Soon he was sharing his story and helping others see how they could move forward. Dan was typically passive and struggled saying no to others and setting positive boundaries, but recently a counselor witnessed Dan holding his peers accountable. His ability to speak up is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Mental health and substance use services like those offered at The Bridge Behavioral Health are more crucial than ever before. As you think ahead to 2022, please consider supporting The Bridge. Visit www.thebridgenebraska.org to learn more about the nonprofit. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

On October 15, Dr. Dan Novak celebrated the grand opening of Premier Vision with a ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The brand new office is located at 3543 S 85th St., STE 200. Dr. Novak was joined by his wife and three children to help him cut the ribbon. The event hosted lots of food, drinks, and raffle prizes consisting of free pairs of Zeiss eyeglass lenses and multiple other frames. Premier Vision officially started seeing patients on September 27. With his experience, Dr. Novak will be performing comprehensive eye exams for all ages, co-managing ocular surgeries such as LASIK and cataract surgery, treatment of ocular disorders such as glaucoma, dry eye, and macular degeneration, as well as ocular emergencies including corneal abrasions and eye infections. He will also be offering Myopia Management to help slow the progression of myopia or nearsightedness in children, and his business will carry the most advanced eye glass frames and lenses to ensure optimal visual comfort and performance. By utilizing the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, Premier Vision’s goal is to provide you with an exceptional eye care experience by treating their patients like a member of their own family. For more information, contact Dr. Novak at (402) 986-7856 / dnovak@ premiervisionlincoln.com, or visit their website at premiervisionlincoln.com.

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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

BRINGING YOUR BUILDINGS TO LIFE

UNL East Campus Student Union

UNL Dinsdale Family Learning Commons

HIGHER EDUCATION SMART BUILDINGS

Higher education facilities and infrastructure are among Farris Engineering, Inc.’s specialties. We have been providing these types of design services for college and university campuses for more than 50 years. Farris has a vast background working in campus settings and a proven record of helping to provide successful projects in Nebraska and around the region. Farris Engineering, Inc. is an industry leader in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering since being founded in Omaha in 1967. The employee-owned company provides value added expertise with employees versed in LEED AP, fire protection, geothermal and lighting design, sustainability and energy conservation, and commissioning. Farris is headquartered in Omaha with four additional offices in Lincoln; Sidney, NE; Colorado Springs, CO; and Kansas City, MO. For more information about Farris, please visit one of their offices, log on to farris-usa.com, or call them at (402) 330-5900. OMAHA LINCOLN SIDNEY COLORADO SPRINGS KANSAS CITY

50 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap In November, we went back to our new favorite Thai joint in town, Asian Taste Thai Restaurant. Located over on West A, Asian Taste serves authentic cuisine that truly wows. Our group had a great time looking through the varieties on the menu. A couple of us picked out delicious sushi rolls, while others opted for the curry or noodle entrees. It’s been a pleasure to introduce Lincolnites to this local, family-owned restaurant for the first time. Many of the attendees last month noted that they couldn’t wait to return and bring their friends!

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UPCOMING: Friends4Lunch at Dammi Dammi on December 14 Within its first couple months of being open, Dammi Dammi has already stirred up excitement over their Mediterranean food options—so we’re thrilled to be dining there for the first time this month! Come join us on Tuesday, December 14, from about 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a casual networking lunch at this new Lincoln eatery. Dammi Dammi is located downtown at 128 N 13th St., STE 144. Their menu features different Levantine salads, soups of the day, and—most noteworthy—many protein bowls, such as Falafel, Honey Harissa Chicken, Shawarma-Style Beef, Moroccan Lamb, and Citrus Salmon. Dammi Dammi is also known for their gelato. So don’t miss out on this one! We know December is a busy month with the holidays, so thank you in advance for making time for the Strictly Business team. It also always feels good to support local restaurants and venues.

There will be no Friends4Drinks in December due to the busy holiday season, but stay tuned for the date and location of a January after-hours event! RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Locally Owned and Affordable Bat and Rodent Control Bats to Rats is a locally owned and operated business experienced in bat and rodent control in residential and commercial buildings, schools, apartments, and churches. Their team is comprised of three: Office Manager Sarai Milam, Wildlife Tech Aaron Dreeszen, and Owner Daine Patton. Daine has been a leader in wildlife and pest management and prevention in the Lincoln and surrounding areas for 15 years. Bats to Rats begins their process with a complete exterior, interior, attic, and basement/crawlspace inspection. They consult with the homeowner and go over any and all possible wildlife and pest issues, and provide a graph or layout of problem areas along with the solutions they offer to effectively, efficiently, and humanely address any issues. EXCLUSION DAMAGE REPAIR Whether it’s damage to your yard, roof, soffits and fascia, or deck, they can exclude or remove nuisance pests and repair any damages. Serving all of Nebraska. 15 years in industry.

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Bats to Rats offers animal damage repair, as well as gutter clean outs, dryer vent clean outs, chimney cover installation, and more!

Here’s what customers have to say! “Simply the best. Couldn't have hoped for better service. Excelled in every aspect from start to finish to follow up. If you have an unexpected visitor, let Bats to Rats know. Daine will take care of you & your new guest(s).” – Matt S.

“I am so grateful for Daine at Bats to Rats as he detected exactly where the mouse got in my house within 10 minutes and had it fixed quickly. He also gave me helpful tips about my garage to make sure those pesky ones stay out. If you need an expert ... hit up Bats to Rats immediately. Like me, you will be HAPPY!” – Tracy M.

“Bats to Rats helped me with my issue in a professional, safe and humane manner. Daine is a pleasure to work with and his knowledge of not only of trapping, but of construction, makes the process successful AND clean.” – Josh T.

Bats to Rats is licensed, permitted, and insured.

(402) 310-0904 |www.batstorats.com 52 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

A Growth Mindset The Lincoln community continues to grow in population which has significant impacts on our community. Our city has grown in several directions over the last two or three decades. Take a moment to think back to the 1990s and how our city now has grown in development to the north all the way to Interstate 80 for a large section of the city. To the east, development has grown well past 84th Street. To the west our city has developed out near Pioneers Park and further. The southern portion of our city in the 1990s barely reached Old Cheney Road and now is approaching Saltillo Road. Now the South Beltway is progressing quite nicely, which will help develop more growth for Lincoln. During our recent meetings with LIBA committees and our Board of Directors, we have been focusing our conversations and positions on encouraging more growth in Lincoln and Lancaster County. It has been said that if a city isn’t growing, then it is dying. The City Council’s recent vote on the comprehensive plan is one example of LIBA encouraging a pro-growth mindset. With the completion of the South Beltway coming, the comprehensive plan did not seem to include growth opportunities toward and around the beltway. Thinking back a few decades, the 204th Street corridor in Sarpy and Douglas Counties was a simple two-lane “backroad” between Gretna and Elkhorn. As the corridor was expanded into a four-lane project, the development and growth followed with commercial, residential, and industrial projects. This is the growth mindset we hope our city will use as they consider the future of the comprehensive plan. We testified and provided a vision of growth along the beltway hoping they will consider amendments in the future to allow our city to grow. Proceeding further with a growth mindset, the LIBA Board of Directors recently adopted a set of legislative priorities as we prepare for the upcoming session. The full set of priorities has been sent to each state senator asking them to keep a growth mindset when developing policies for the upcoming session which begins in January. Below are some examples of the priorities we have set forth for legislative bodies to consider, with a focus on growth. 1. Build the East Beltway – For many years, Lincoln had conversations but no action, and until recently, the South Beltway only seemed like a dream. To help our city as we continue to grow, we are encouraging policies to begin work on the East Beltway immediately following the completion of the South Beltway. 2. Invest in infrastructure – A central obligation of government is to provide infrastructure. We support installation and maintenance of critical infrastructure in Lincoln, Lancaster County, and across the state. Replacing dilapidated roads and bridges helps provide a safe way for consumers and business to interact and increase the efficiency in supply chain routes for industrial and agricultural products. 3. Reduce regulations on business – Innovation in business growth in business drives economies. Now more than ever it is time for government to get out of the way of allowing businesses to grow and prosper by reducing the regulations on business. During the pandemic, several regulations were lifted to allow creative solutions for businesses. We must continue to look at ways to help business thrive. 4. Eliminating the personal property tax on business – Nebraska businesses continue paying hundreds of millions of dollars in personal property taxes. Many of Nebraska’s bordering states do not impose any tax on personal property and Nebraska needs to take a long look at policies to ensure our state is competitive in having a growth mindset to attract and retain business. 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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INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Serving the Lincoln Community for Over 25 Years!

signprolincoln.com | (402) 421-6600 | artwork@signprolincoln.com Sign Pro has been providing customers with the best in signs and graphics for more than 25 years. Many individual and commercial clients throughout southeastern Nebraska have come to depend on the tasteful, eye-catching signs they deliver. At Sign Pro, they won’t stop until they’ve come up with the right solution for your signage project. Whether you require something for a one-time event, signage for a construction site, or if you are opening a new business, you can depend on them to meet your needs.

Signs Sign Pro of Lincoln offers a wide variety of signage solutions to fit any project or budget. Even if your project does not fit into one of their signage options, they are always ready to come up with custom solutions to meet your needs. • Interior and Reception Signs • Exterior and Store Front Signage • Free Standing Outdoor Signs • Yard Signs

Banners Banners are a cost effective way to draw attention with vibrancy, and they generate excitement and high visibility. Companies interest their clients and motivate customers with the use of banners. You can make the banner more attractive by incorporating photos, full color designs, and computer graphics. • Retractable Banner Stands • Telescoping Banner Stands (Banner Wall) • X-Stand • Feather Flags

Vehicle Wraps and Decals Every day driving down the street on the way to work, taking the kids to school, heading to the grocery store, or just out for a drive, you see vehicle advertising. Vehicle graphics are one of the most cost effective forms of advertising on the market today. • Vinyl Lettering • Partial Wraps • Full Wraps

“What a great place to do business with! Great quality, great people with attention to detail and fair pricing. Will continue to bring Sign Pro of Lincoln my business!” – Tim B.

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402-421-6600 | signprolincoln.com 54 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Reﬂecting on My Journey with the Lincoln Chamber

There has been a lot to see throughout my 30 years with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. It has been my true honor to serve as Chamber president for the past 15 years as Lincoln grows as a premier destination to work, raise a family, and live life to its fullest. Fortunately, I have been able to work with exceptional business leaders and colleagues. Reflecting on my journey as Lincoln Chamber president, it is those relationships and our united accomplishments that I hold in the highest regard. My goal has always been to advocate for Lincoln businesses and do the work necessary to ensure Lincoln remains the very best place to live, work, and play. Our team has done that, and I truly couldn’t ask for more. I applaud my team for positioning the Lincoln Chamber to accomplish more than I could have ever imagined at the start of my career. Together, we worked with our partners, investors, elected officials, and valued members to build an incredible community. Through the work of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and our collaborations with a strong base of investors, we were able to build a platform in Lincoln for founders and startups to succeed in Lincoln. Programs like Launch LNK and the JumpStart Challenge have significantly elevated innovation and entrepreneurship in Lincoln, turning new ideas into the next big thing. Watching our Lincoln Young Professionals Group grow into one of the largest in the county, with just over 2,000 members, has also been a career highlight. We were recently named the best city in the country for YPs—something I am incredibly proud of, as we cultivate the next generation of business leaders and leaders in the community. I am so proud of the Lincoln Convention & Visitors Bureau and their work to promote Lincoln as a premier destination for travelers and the development of our tourist attractions. We have truly seen Lincoln become a host for big, citywide events. Hosting the Special Olympics in 2010 and the State Games of America in 2015 stand out, as does our continued partnership with the Nebraska School Activities Association as numerous high school state tournaments call Lincoln home and will for the foreseeable future. The building of Pinnacle Bank Arena and the development of the Haymarket around the arena continues to be one of the most important developments in Lincoln’s history. The Chamber played an integral role in guiding arena-related legislation through local votes, leveraging our organizational assets, and mobilization of members, young professionals, and elected officials to advocate for the project. Finally, as I conclude my last Strictly Business column, I will leave you with a few words of advice that have served me well throughout my career: Never be afraid to take a risk. Will you stumble and fail once in a while? Of course. But with your failures, excellence and innovation will come to the surface. Pave new paths and allow yourself to be uncomfortable from time to time—this is where growth exists, no matter what field or point of life you are in. Refuse to live within the boundaries of your comfort zone. I promise, you will be better for it. Be intentional in your efforts to surround yourself with mentors, colleagues, and friends of different walks of life, spanning a wide age range. The wisdom and life experience of those who have more of it than you do, coupled with the new perspectives of those younger than you, will take you far. Thank you, Lincoln.

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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, contact Derek Feyerherm at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

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Nebraska 24/7 Helpline—Call 1-833-238-6837 National/Nebraska 24/7 Helpline— 1-800-522-4700 DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

& This year marks 40 years since Terry and Chris Neemann began repairing homes on the side of their full-time jobs. What started out as a side-operation to cover some extra expenses turned into the full-time operation of Neemann & Sons, a family owned and operated business that offers products and services in residential and commercial exteriors. The Neemann’s have spent the last four decades building their business to be recognized locally as one of the best in roofing.

Celebrating 40 Years in Business!

Neemann & Sons has grown tremendously over the years due to their hard work and commitment to their community, causing them to expand their business within the family. Travis, Trevor, and Trent joined the business under their parents’ leadership.

If you’re envisioning remodeling your home, Neemann & Sons will help you with the design of your roofing and siding. They’ll suggest shingles, siding, gutters, and windows to give it a fresh look while remaining sturdy enough to withstand violent weather. Plus, they also install Halo Lights, which are powerful bright lights that line your home and make your space safer, while looking sleek, too. These services extend to commercial work, as well. Whatever your needs are, the job is never too big or small. “I would like to thank Neemann & Sons who just completed replacing my roof. Terry, Chris, and Travis made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. My first impression was at their office. It was clean, neat, and it was easy to see all the options that were available to me. I did not once feel pressured or rushed in making a decision. Terry was able to get the job scheduled much quicker than I imagined. It took Travis’s crew a day to tear off and replace my roof. The crew was polite and did not disturb the neighborhood during the process. They left the job site clean and everything was back in the place that I had left it. If you are in need of a new roof, I would highly recommend Neemann & Sons.” - Dan D.

A list of their services include: • Residential Roofing • Commercial Roofing • Gutters • Siding • Repairs • Inspections • Halo Custom Lighting • Insulation • Windows

“Neemann & Sons has a team that’s second to none. They are professional, knowledgeable, skilled, courteous, and made dealing with my storm damages easy. Highly recommend their services!” - Becky B. “Neemann & Sons replaced my roof for the second time because of hail damage. I would not even consider anyone else. Their workmanship is excellent, their crew is so friendly, and the cleanup is outstanding. My home is surrounded by landscaping and plants on all sides and nothing was damaged and literally no trash or debris was left behind. I also needed some siding, trim work, and gutters replaced and it was great that Neemann’s have a crew that could handle all of that.” - Cindy M.

1121 High St., STE B | (402) 423-4853 info@neemannandsons.com

56 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION by Todd Ogden, President

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

Jake’s Brings Beercade Jr. to 14th Street

Since 1998, Jake’s Cigar & Spirits has been a downtown staple for people looking for a relaxed environment where customers can hang out, smoke a cigar, or—now—play arcade games! Introducing Beercade Jr., an arcade within the non-smoking side of the bar. Beercade Jr., inspired by Beercade and Beercade 2 in Omaha, opened its doors in late July and has been drawing in crowds that you wouldn’t suspect were in Lincoln. “Lincoln has a pretty big pinball community, you’d be surprised,” Myles Andrews, general manager of Jake’s said. “We’re going to start working with some of the local guys to set up pinball tournaments.” “We opened up the non-smoking side of Jake’s about five years ago, and it just started kind of getting in stride,” Andrews said. “And then with COVID, we saw a big hit in business on both sides. We had been talking about trying to do something different for the non-smoking side anyway and, with the two Beercades in Omaha, it just made sense.” Beercade Jr. offers a total of eight machines including a claw machine, table Pac-Man Battle Royale, Tekken, and pinball machines. “Either the Jurassic Park pinball or the table Pac-Man is the most popular, there’s always someone playing it,” Andrews said. “Jurassic Park is a lot of fun, I think partly because it’s not a machine that a lot of people have seen and it’s one of the newest machines that are out right now.” A few employees of Jake’s have learned how to fix their own machines so you won’t go in with broken machines. “The bar has changed a lot. They used to do skateboarding apparel and video games, action figures, and tobacco,” Andrews said. “Then they started getting into the more liquor side of things and moved across the street where Tsuru used to be and then this spot opened up.” Andrews said that Jake’s would probably not go back to selling skateboarding apparel and action figures because it is a whole other niche market to target. Retro bar arcades have become increasingly popular in town with the opening of VS Arcade Bar and now Beercade Jr., and it doesn’t seem like the arcade craze is going to slow down. “If there’s ever a c hance to the right opportunity, to either expand or to open up a full Beercade bar in Lincoln, I could see them doing that,” Andrews said. “I think it would be great.” 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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DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

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EnergyEfficiency When we choose to be more energy efficient, we see benefits environmentally and economically. According to the EPA, energy efficiency can lower greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, as well as decrease water use. It can also lower utility bills, create jobs, and help stabilize electricity prices. If you are interested in how to become more energy efficient in your home or office, keep reading to hear what local experts suggest! Energy Saving Tips To learn more about how to better use our energy, we went to our local public power provider, Lincoln Electric System (LES). They offered us their top five energy saving tips, so we can all learn to conserve our energy and be more efficient. 1. Weatherize your home. Heating and cooling your home can account for a large part of your home’s energy use, especially in a four-season state like Nebraska. Find and seal any leaks or cracks, paying special attention to windows and doors. Install weather strips wherever necessary. 2. Optimize your home’s climate control. Have your system serviced seasonally to ensure the equipment is operating correctly. Change your filter regularly and keep air registers free of obstruction. Use ceiling fans an other. Communicate with your family and/or housemates about the importance of energy conservation and your goals to save energy. Reward them for their energy-saving activities! 3. Switch to smarter lighting. Get smart about lighting! Update your bulbs to ENERGYSTAR rated LED bulbs. Use task lighting, such as undercabinet lights or desk lamps, to focus light exactly where you need it. Where applicable, put lights on timers and motion sensors to ensure they are only on when they need to be. 4. Light right during the holidays. Using LED holiday lights can reduce the energy cost of decorating your home for the winter holidays by up to 75% when compared to incandescent lights. LEDs also typically last longer than traditional lights. Lincoln’s annual holiday event, Zoo Lights Powered by LES, uses 100% LED lights to create pure holiday magic. 5. Talk to each other. Communicate with your family and/or housemates about the importance of energy conservation and your goals to save energy. Reward them for their energy-saving activities! Efficient Heating and Cooling Your HVAC system is a great place to start when trying to make your home or business more energy-efficient. John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Sales Manager Jesse Hengelfelt shared with us how your HVAC system can both increase and decrease the cost of your utility bill and the amount of energy being used in your home or business. “Any system that has not been properly maintained over the years suffers from energy loss,” Jesse said. “For example, when a furnace filter clogs, the unit must work much harder to Jesse Hengelfelt accomplish the same goal of keeping you John Henry’s Plumbing, comfortable. Many months of dealing with a Heating, & Air clogged filter not only wastes energy, but costs you extra dollars on your utility bill.” Jesse said energy efficiency is on the forefront of most homeowners’ minds, and it’s evident by the increase John Henry’s has seen in homeowners wanting to raise the efficiency of their heating and air equipment. John Henry’s can help with this by supplying one’s home or business with highly efficient heating and air equipment, or on-demand #PrintProudDigitalSmart

water heaters. They also offer service plans on plumbing, heating, and air, which are great ways to keep your existing equipment running at peak efficiency. “Our highly trained service profesionals aid in keeping these units running at top efficiency,” said Jesse. “Homeowners continue to take advantage of lower energy use through two-state and variable-capacity heating and cooling components. The heating and cooling industry is always pushing forward toward new, more efficient technologies, and it appears that American homeowners and business owners are welcoming these innovations.” Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air also offered some advice to home or commercial building owners to protect themselves from high costs— and even save themselves 30%-50% off of heating and cooling bills. It includes ensuring that your filters and condensate lines are checked regularly; clean filters at regular intervals are a must. Further, remember the two major energy burners in commercial office buildings—the lights and the heating and cooling systems. More efficient light fixtures using LED technology will save energy and money, and for heating and cooling, high-efficiency equipment with modulating/inverter technology is also available. Custom Cooling & Heating, Inc. recommends that consumers maintain their existing equipment with regular maintenance by an HVAC technician. Dirty filters, clogged evaporator and condenser coils, and improperly charged systems are all culprits in driving up utility bills. Residential

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available inch of attic floor space. Without baffles, some space would remain uninsulated and allow drafts of cold air to leak into your home or building. We can also improve ventilation and increase airflow into your attic, which reduces moisture problems and helps with temperature control. We use cellulose instead of fiberglass insulation, which has a higher R-value per inch than fiberglass.” Attic Energy Efficiency offers attic ventilation analysis and upgrades, as Sustainable Energy Program well as other energy efficient techniques to help transform uncomfortable, inefficient homes into comfortable and efficient ones. Rex adheres to a Sustainable Energy Program funds are still available! Get high standard of integrity and honesty and says he will never sell anything money to purchase energy-efficient equipment for your to a customer that he does not absolutely believe they need. Attic Energy home or business. Save energy. Save money. Save more! Efficiency is a small business contractor with big business results! Visit LES.com/SEP or call 402.475.4211 for more details. Comfortably Efficient LES.COM/SEP Pat Killeen, owner of Engineered Controls believes both comfort and energy efficiency are achievable with the right tools. “Today more than ever, building owners want their facilities to be environmentally SEPAd2.indd 1 11/16/2020 4:51:25 PM responsible and healthy places to live and work,” emphasized Pat. “They also want to optimize the energy usage without compromising comfort. Together a tall order to accomplish, but at Engineered Controls that technology is available today.” Pat Killeen Engineered Controls can play a very big part Engineered Controls in assisting new and existing building owners with controlling their buildings’ energy costs. Considering the fact that a building’s lighting and HVAC loads account nearly 80% of a building’s energy usage, there are plenty of energy Rooﬁng • Siding • Gutters • Attic Insulation for strategies that a Building Automation System can provide maximizing the energy strategy options available to building owners. Essentially, call today for your free consultation! Engineered Controls can assist in total building control and help provide 402.450.9323 | schroderrex@yahoo.com a healthier and more energy-efficient environment for occupants. Streamline Your Way to Savings heating and cooling systems use approximately two thirds of the total energy consumption of the home. Custom Cooling encourages their The Streamline Energy Solutions team of energy-efficiency specialists customers to evaluate their current energy usage versus potential savings operates with the goal of saving energy—and saving you money. of all new systems available. Currently, inverter driven compressor They pride themselves on being a one-stop shop for all of your home systems are leading the industry in performance and efficiency. Ductless energy-efficiency needs, providing various insulation and weatherization mini-split units also offer superior efficiency for problem temperature services, coupled with a crucial blower door test, to create immediate areas of the home, such as sunrooms, master bedrooms, basements, and improvements in how your home uses energy. additions. Custom Cooling is here to help by recommending insulation, “One of the biggest things we recommend to windows, or other solutions to assist their customers’ energy and efficiency create the maximum impact when someone issues before installing a new HVAC system. wants to insulate their home is to air seal it,” said Streamline Co-founder and BPI-Certified Attic Assessment Auditor Jen Keller. “We’ll locate all the The attic may not be the first area of the home accessible crevices in your attic, including you think of when it comes to being more around your fixtures and top plates and energy efficient, but it plays an important seal them so to prevent conditioned air from role. We spoke to Rex Schroder, owner of leaking into the attic space. That preps the Attic Energy Efficiency, to learn more about attic for us to insulate with blown-in fiberglass. what homeowners can do with their attic to We prefer this product over cellulose because become more energy efficient. it doesn’t settle over time, does not absorb Jen Keller “The attic is the most wasteful part of a home moisture, and is a lot cleaner product. Of Streamline Energy course, the baffles we install in an attic are a when trying to be energy efficient,” explained Solutions Rex. “The biggest problems in an attic are crucial step in the process, too, because they keep the insulation from blocking air flow conditioned air leaking into it, not enough insulation, and poor ventilation. All three of through your soffit vents and provide necessary ventilation. Proper attic Rex Schroder these issues can lead to mold problems, high ventilation reduces the risk of ice dams in the winter and the build-up of Attic Energy Efficiency condensation in the attic space, which could lead to mildew or mold.” utility bills, and an uncomfortable home.” Rex has over 10 years of experience in the industry, and he uses an Streamline uses CertainTeed Insulsafe SP blown-in insulation not only all-inclusive approach that goes above and beyond the code. He because it doesn’t settle but also because it provides better coverage, can customize services to fit your needs—and your attic! After taking excellent sound control, lasts for the life of your home to reduce longadvantage of Rex’s energy efficient services, his clients find themselves term energy demand and costs; is environmentally sustainable and formaldehyde-free; and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Another saving up to 65% on their utility bills. fabulous offering from Streamline Energy Solutions that is not universal “Our company is expertly-trained to optimize your attic space to improve to all insulation companies is a blower door test because not everyone temperature control in any building,” shared Rex. “By installing baffles is BPI (Building Performance Institute)-certified to administer them. from a soffit vent and up the rafter bay, we are able to insulate every

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“It depressurizes—or creates a vacuum—where it pushes as much air as possible, then a manometer measures the amount of cubic feet of air per minute that goes out of your home,” Jen explained. “We complete a blower door pre-test before air sealing and insulating, then retest afterward to show the immediate results. The increased efficiency adds to the value of your home, increases your comfort and, importantly, improves the air quality in your home, so it’s also great for people with allergies!” Streamline is proud to be a registered contractor for the LES (Lincoln Electric System) Sustainable Energy Program to engage a rebate for achieving increased efficiency through their practices, and it immediately comes off of homeowners bills. If your home qualifies, you can receive up to $.50 per square foot in instant rebates to help subsidize the cost of the upgrade. LES will be continuing their rebate program through the end of 2021 and into 2022. Jen also owns Halo Custom Lighting, which can help you light up your home with permanent energy-saving LED lighting for the holidays—or all year long. This sister business has become tremendously popular with versatile and fully customizable lighting options for your home. Home and Office Improvements Did you know that tinting your home and business windows can add another layer of savings, comfort, and employee productivity? Pro-Tint can provide you with energy efficient solutions for your space. With more than 45 years of industry experience, you can count on them to install window tinting answers with expertise and confidence, all toward protecting your investment and increasing your comfort, privacy, and safety. “It might surprise you how many options are available for window tinting,” said Pro-Tint Kristie Strahm Owner Kristie Strahm. “They include sun Pro-Tint control window films, which prevent fading

and glare, block heat and harmful UV rays, add years to the life of your furniture, and extend the life of your cooling system. Pro-Tint also offers Safety and Security Film tints to protect your home or business against flying glass shards, at the same time protecting you against break-ins and blasts.” Yet another option is Dual Reflective (DR) Window Film, which is ideal for both commercial and residential window applications where reducing hotspots, increasing occupant comfort and productivity, and conserving energy are equally important. DR Interior Window Films deliver excellent solar performance and are the ticket for maintaining a great view to the outside. They provide more than 99% UV block to limit fading and sun damage, an excellent level of heat rejection to reduce energy required for cooling, and outstanding glare control for enhanced occupant comfort and productivity! In addition to the windows, your roof can affect your home or office’s energy efficiency. A proper roofing system, including the right insulation and ventilation, makes a tremendous impact on the efficiency and climate control of your home. The family-owned Neemann & Sons of Lincoln can help you accomplish just that—and more. They recently added Halo Lights to their lineup of innovative, energy-saving efforts. Not only can you show off your Christmas spirit with lights for the season, but these lights serve up a fantastic, Terry Neemann new permanent solution to all of your outdoor Neemann & Sons lighting needs. “We install blown-in insulation, proper ventilation, energy-efficient windows, and LED Halo Lights, all of which will help any homeowner achieve lower utility bills and feel good about contributing to energy conservation,” said Terry Neemann. Contact these local professionals today to relish in the beneﬁts that come with energy efﬁciency!

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many, but for others, the holidays can bring difficulty and loneliness. Seniors in the community may feel disconnected from the seasonal cheer if they can’t be with family due to mobility issues, chronic pain, or memory loss, or if it is difficult for them to participate in holiday traditions that they have practiced in the past. If you have a senior loved one in your life that has these struggles, you may feel overwhelmed with uncertainty of how to care for and include them. We want you to be able to enjoy this wonderful time of year with your loved ones, so we spoke to some local professionals about what you and your loved one can do to keep spirits bright.

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If your loved one lives in their own home, this is also a good time to be sure that it is ready for the winter and will keep them safe and warm throughout the next few months. In addition to holiday suggestions, these local experts also offered tips on how to help your senior loved ones stay safe this winter. No Driving, No Problem A c hallenge that many seniors face as they continue to age is losing the ability to conduct daily activities, such as driving. This creates difficulty for seniors who need to pick up refills for their important prescriptions – unless they call Nebraska LTC Pharmacy. Nebraska LTC is tr uly a concierge phar macy that delivers a small-town level of service to each one of their customers. They aim to provide individualized patient care that increases safety and Gayleen Bradley prolongs patients’ independence. When you contact Nebraska LTC, their New Nebraska LTC Pharmacy Patient Consultant and Community Liaison, Gayleen Bradley, will visit you at your home and collect all of your medications and gather information about them. “We take these medications back to the pharmacist, who will do a medication review and call all the doctors involved with that person’s care to make sure we are all on the same page,” explained Gayleen. “The pharmacist puts all of the medications in an easy-to-use blister pack so that the patient can see them really well and won’t have a problem with it. We have a courier service to take the medications to our patients’ homes every week. There’s no charge for any of those services!” Nebraska LTC is unique in the senior living industry because they can help seniors prolong their independence and time spent living in their own home by helping them stay on top of taking their medications and avoid any risks taken if they were to drive to the pharmacy. With winter soon settling in, we will be seeing snow and ice in the coming months – don’t let your loved one take the risk of driving to the pharmacy in poor conditions. Nebraska LTC will make sure they get their important medications delivered right to their doorstep! Winter Wellness It’s common for seniors to experience some feelings of isolation and loneliness during the holidays. One effective coping mechanism that brings lots of positive benefits is working out and focusing on your health. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

We received some advice from Jeff FIT, STRONG, Madsen with Right Foot Forward Fitness. “Starting an exercise program CAPABLE! gives your mind and spirit something to focus on besides the troubles of the day,” said Jeff. “Exercise will help you combat many things, from bone Caregiving services with improved ! Feel Better! Look More Energ&ycare weakness to loss of muscle strength health outcomes coordination Better ! and vitality to challenges with your cardiovascular health and endurance. It provides a very concrete action plan Personal Training Jeff Madsen that will help you feel better about so That Fits Your Goals. Trainer Jeff Madsen many things, precisely because you Right Foot Forward Fitness are taking action and controlling one of the very few things you actually can control - yourself!” Call today to get started! 402.419.0463 Jeff also spoke about seniors who are suffering from stiffness in the joints and muscles, which can make it diffi cult and uncomfortable to leave the home. He offered a solution to this difficulty. “Sometimes seniors find that they are starting to struggle physically to keep up with their plans and busy life,” he said. “Things that weren’t challenging before start to become challenging. That’s where we can help. It’s very possible for seniors to increase their balance, proprioception, strength, and endurance by utilizing safe and effective exercises modified specifically for their needs.” We make senior Kyle Johnson with CCA Home Care living simple. also had much to say on the importance of addressing all aspects of physical 402.669.9490 health for seniors as early as possible, Omaha@YourOasisAdvisor.com especially leading into the winter AnswersForMom.com Kyle Johnson Jenny Trebold months. Senior Living Advisor Senior Living Advisor “Declining eyesight or hearing, mobility problems, and memory issues can lead to losing the ability to drive, an increased risk of falling, andOasis Senior Advisors_KJohnson_Quarter Page.indd 1 1/11/2019 9:49:36 AM everyday tasks becoming more difficult to perform,” he said. “These health Kyle Johnson concerns are even more important CCA Home Care to take into consideration during the winter. Making sure seniors have mental stimulation, companionship, transportation for outings, and assistance with personal care or household chores can help keep these issues under control.” Staying physically and mentally active can make a lasting impact on a senior’s health and wellness. Many seniors find it helpful to have a caregiver assist them in their home with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and laundry to keep them safe and healthy without taking away their independence. CCA refers caregivers who are CNAs and can assist seniors with companionship, personal care, light housekeeping, and much more. They have caregivers available to help starting at one hour or up to 24 hours a day, along with access to short-term assistance in the case of an emergency. This flexibility gives Call today to schedule your tour! families the peace of mind knowing their loved one is being Pemberly Place offers Pet-Friendly Independent Living, cared for by a qualified and caring individual. They also have an ElderCare Resource Handbook, which is an all-inclusive Assisted Living and Memory Support. listing of services, programs, and other resources available for the aging in the community, and may be helpful to seniors ON-SITE MEDICAL CLINIC in getting through the holidays and winter months. Pemberly Place is the only senior living Making Connections community in Nebraska that has its own on-site medical clinic. Archer Place Medical Clinic, gives Holiday traditions are an important part of family relationships. residents the healthcare they need without the They often serve as the foundation for families, bringing them hassle of leaving home. together and letting them share intimate moments. When elderly loved ones miss out on family holiday traditions, Call for a tour! 402-413-9770 | www.PemberlyPlace.com or are unable to participate like they used to, it can lead to 7655 Archer Place, Lincoln, NE feelings of separation and even depression. We spoke to Julie #PrintProudDigitalSmart DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 63

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Day, client care coordinator with Visiting Angels, about some of the ways families can keep their loved ones included. “We can help keep our senior loved ones from being part of the statistics by helping them fight off depression over the holidays,” Julie began. “While the family is together, bring out old family movies and photo albums. Tell stories about the good times and talk about the loved ones who are gone. These conversations can bring back happy memories. Honor Julie Day the family and the memories instead of Visiting Angels letting those thoughts of loss creep into the forefront. Play favorite music and classic movies during the holiday season when the family is together and when your senior may be alone to bring smiles instead of frowns.” Julie suggested watching old comedy shows that bring a chuckle, like I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, or Laurel and Hardy. Many of these shows can be found on TV, bought or rented on DVD, or watched on an online streaming service. “Keep your senior busy! Find fun things to do to occupy them throughout the season and shortly afterward so that they don’t have time to let their mind dwell on sad times or losses they have experienced,” said Julie. “These things include making cookies, taking a nature walk, writing holiday cards and notes, playing a game, visiting a museum, going to a local event like a parade or church choir, taking in a holiday movie, driving around the neighborhood looking at holiday lights and decorations, doing a craft project, planning a family meal, and shopping together.” Julie reminded us that the holidays are emotional for many people, and that having the extra support from a trusted caregiver – especially when family cannot be there in person – is so important. They do not take days off and can be there on any holiday as

well. Their caregivers are happy to help their clients get on a family Zoom call so that they can see the faces of their loved ones, or take part in classic holiday traditions with them such as decorating, addressing cards, wrapping gifts, or just reminiscing. Senior Safety In addition to staying connected and engaged with your senior loved ones, it’s important to make sure they are safe and comfortable before the coldest season of the year really settles in. Beth Friesen, owner of Oasis Senior Advisors, gave us some insight as to what to expect during this time of year for seniors. “This is often the most difficult time of year for our seniors with more falls, accidents, and illness reported,” said Beth. “If you think a senior living community may be in Beth Friesen the future, consider a short-term stay over Oasis Senior Advisors the winter months. They can ‘test drive’ the community and see what it would be like to live there full-time. This way they have transportation, nutritious meals, exercise, and companionship built right into their lifestyle. You will likely see a decrease in the amount you worry for your loved one’s safety and well-being during the winter months.” For loved ones with dementia, this is an especially difficult time of year because of shorter days and a decreasing ability to be outdoors. This can make dementia symptoms worse, and family should be prepared for their loved one to make a downturn this time of year. In addition to this, Beth also explained that loneliness is, as expected, the biggest challenge that seniors face over the holidays. “It’s so difficult being away from family when it is tough to fill your days,” Beth shared. “Scientific studies find that those living in

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a senior living community suffer less isolation and loneliness and thus report a higher quality and quantity of life. If family isn’t here to spend the holidays with their elderly loved ones, then it’s likely they are unable to be here to check in regularly, either. It may be time to consider an in-home care provider or a senior living community to address some of these challenges.” When it comes to the holidays, they are often at the forefront of a senior’s mind, especially if they are not working or raising a family and are left with more time to prep and plan for the season. Often, senior loved ones are concerned about getting to spend enough time with their family, so keep them included in the planning and decision making whenever possible. “Don’t assume they don’t want to help with preparations just because they are older, but also avoid overwhelming them with too much responsibility if they are no longer able to do as much as they once did,” said Beth. If you are unable to be with your senior loved one this holiday season, consider an in-home care companion, or asking other relatives to include your loved one in the holiday gatherings. If a senior has a place of worship they frequent, Beth suggested calling to see what they may have to offer for the holidays. There are many resources available to help you keep a close eye on your loved one when you cannot be there. Managing Holiday Stress It’s no secret that the holiday season can be stressful. A time that should be joyful for all can be ruined by the long list of tasks involved with preparing meals and buying gifts. Home Care Partners has compiled a few ideas on how to reduce the stress of the season, so everyone can enjoy spending time with their loved ones. “Get a jump start on get-togethers,” suggested Co-owner Karla Frese. “Being well-prepared before holiday gatherings can help you cope with the stress of last Karla Frese minute preparation. Set aside time to plan Home Care Partners menus and gift ideas. You can even cook some dishes together in advance and freeze them. This helps prevent the scramble to do it all at the last minute.” If you are not able to be with your loved ones during the holidays, there are things you can do to bring them the joy of the season. Send them your annual holiday card and give them a phone call or video call to include them in celebrations. Technology has given us so many ways to connect from different places! “Try not to put pressure on yourself to create the perfect holiday for your family,” Karla said. “Focus on the traditions that make holidays special for you. Our team is going above and beyond to make this holiday special for clients with personalized and meaningful moments. If you have holiday stress or you are not able to be with your loved ones, our Caregivers can be there to support your family. Contact Home Care Partners to discuss services!” Legacy Retirement Communities feels similarly about the stress that comes with trying to create the ideal holiday season for your loved one. We spoke to Renee Pickerel, Legacy Arbors executive director, about the steps one should take when making holiday plans. “In order to enjoy the holiday season, we need to keep our expectations reasonable,” said Renee. “Our loved one may be tired and not want to participate, it may be too stressful for them, or maybe they are unable to participate in a big Renee Pickerel party and need to have a smaller getLegacy Retirement together. Know what your loved one can Communities #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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SENIOR HOME CARE In-home care enables older adults to age in place in their own homes while professional caregivers help them with daily tasks they need to maintain the independence they desire. We can guide you through the decision-making process to ensure you receive the right care for your loved one, allowing them to remain where they are the most comfortable…in their own home. For more information call us at 000.000.000 or visit VisitingAngels.com/City.

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manage and will enjoy, because the holidays need to be planned according to their needs and abilities. This may even bring a new holiday tradition!” At Legacy Retirement Communities, they strive to continue holiday traditions. Activities include decorating, singing, baking, wrapping presents, having snowball fights, drinking hot cocoa, throwing holiday parties, putting up the Christmas tree, watching Christmas movies, and reminiscing. “The best suggestion is to just enjoy the holiday season, whatever that may look like,” said Renee. “Don’t get caught up in trying to have the perfect holiday. Ask your loved one if they need help shopping, a ride to an event, baking, or wrapping gifts, for example. Make a point to check in with them often. Sometimes we get caught up in our own things and we forget about others.” If you are able to gather with your family this holiday season, Renee also suggests having any important conversations that may be needed with your loved one. Take the time to visit with your loved one on what their wishes are in case of a major health event. Knowing now helps everyone to make decisions in a crisis situation. If you have a loved one with dementia, planning ahead is difficult because you never know what the day will bring, so having a back-up plan is essential. While these conversations may be difficult, they are important to have when family is available to weigh the options, so that your loved one’s voice is heard by all. Staying Safe The holidays are often a very emotional time. As we enter yet another holiday season with the pandemic still looming, it continues to create challenges for seniors and their families as it relates to spending time together. COVID-19 has caused senior living communities around the nation to continue to be on guard 24/7. Although the precautions to fight against the virus are vital, Tabitha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center understands that it is equally important to ensure seniors remain engaged and wellconnected with friends and family during this uncertain period, yet special time of year. “Mental health concerns have been an epidemic long before COVID-19 arrived,” explained Ruthi Thompson, director of life enrichment and volunteers. “Isolation, loneliness, and depression do not just impact seniors, but all ages. The virus has just magnified these issues. We have discovered that, often, a Tabitha resident’s spouse, who still lives at home, alone, is even more impacted.” Ruthi said that the pandemic has actually strengthened the different ways senior Ruthi Thompson residents keep in touch at Tabitha. They Tabitha Nursing & have even hired a dedicated family Rehabilitation Center engagement coordinator to oversee their Connector Program. This program works to enhance communication between each resident and their family and friends. Connectors assist residents with phone/video calls, writing cards and letters, using social media, and stopping in for visit. Tabitha’s life enrichment teams go into overdrive during the holiday season. This year, they will put a spin on traditional events to make sure seniors continue to safely enjoy the traditions. Festivities include joyful decorations and activities, and special, individualized Christmas gifts for each resident. “When planning your own holiday festivities, pay close attention to COVID protocols, as this is not the time to let your guard down,” said Ruthi. “Seniors who are especially vulnerable to the virus need be extra vigilant. Ensure seniors are fully vaccinated and receive their booster in a timely manner based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations.” At Tabitha, senior residents are like family, and their TEAMembers work to get to know those they care for and about. If you have #PrintProudDigitalSmart

a loved one spending the holidays at a senior living facility or away from the rest of the family, remember that a visit, a phone call, note, or care package can make their whole day. Home for the Holidays For most people, the holidays are traditionally opportunities to catch up with family they don’t see on a regular basis. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen or spent time with your aging loved one, your holiday visit could bring surprises other than the type delivered by Santa. Ashley Gloystein-Klatt, national director of marketing for Agemark Senior Living, parent company of Countr yHouse Residence for Memory Care, explained to us some things to pay close attention to Ashley Gloystein-Klatt when spending time with our loved ones CountryHouse Residence this holiday. for Memory Care “Watc h for c hanges in their home environment,” advised Ashley. “Look for anything unusual in their home. Is their once-immaculate home dirtier or messier than usual? Do you notice piles of unopened mail or unpaid bills? Check to see if the heat, power, water, and major appliances are in good working condition. Check thermostats and furnace filters. If you see indicators that their home isn’t being properly managed, you may need to act. Such signs can even be early indicators of physical or cognitive challenges that mean they’re no longer in the best environment.” Ashley also suggested watching for changes in their personal appearance that are wildly different from their norm. Signs of appearing unclean or any significant changes in appearance can be cause for concern. Changes in their ability to move, such as an unsteady gait, hunched back, or shuffling feet are also troubling signs that could mean they’re having physical challenges. Keep an eye out for strange bruises or other injuries that could indicate a recent spill or even recurring falls, or changes in weight that may require a checkup and medical intervention. Sometimes the challenges previously mentioned may not be present, but the problem is that they’re lonely or simply unhappy in their environment. If your loved one recently lost their spouse or friends, or their support system is dwindling, the issue may be that their social needs aren’t being met. As humans, most of us crave connection with others. Relationships increase our confidence and self-esteem. If you have noticed any of these warning signs and are worried that it is no longer safe or feasible for your loved one to live on their own, it’s time to take action. CountryHouse has three Lincoln locations, each of which is devoted exclusively to assisting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Their communities focus on residents engaging together and sharing experiences with each other and their families. By triggering positive memories, finding common connections, and stimulating mind, body, and spirit, the most of each day is made for residents, staff, and families. “One of our Senior Living Consultants would love to learn more about you and your loved one,” shared Ashley, “and using the information you provide, they can either point you in the direction of helpful resources or determine whether assisted living is something you should explore as an option for your loved one.” Holiday Activities O n e o f t h e way s T h e Wa t e r f o r d Communities spreads holiday spirit is by holding a Secret Santa event. Activity Kelsey Manchester Director Kelsey Manchester of The The Waterford Waterford’s College View Community Communities #PrintProudDigitalSmart

shared with us that residents are filling out wish forms with their needs and wants for the holidays. When staff sign up for the Secret Santa, they receive a copy of a resident’s wish list to ensure that they are receiving thoughtful items. “With some restrictions lifting since last year, and while still following guidelines to maintain a safe environment for the residents, we have a pretty busy December schedule ahead of us,” said Kelsey. “We are baking old family recipes that the residents are teaching us, mailing out handmade Christmas cards, listening to carolers, decorating for Christmas, and going out to see all of the lights. This will be an amazing and safe Christmas for the residents that they very much deserve after all they have gone through recently.” Kelsey suggested including pictures in the holiday cards you are sending to your loved ones this season. Their residents not only love to receive a card in the mail, but to share them with everyone else in the community. “If your loved one is in a senior living facility, I also recommend reaching out to staff at the facility and asking them what they believe may be a good gift for your loved one,” Kelsey said. “Staff build relationships with each resident, and they know what they are needing or what they could benefit from. This way, you can save yourself from the stress of getting them something they don’t need. The activity department here at The Waterford has also set up spending accounts for each individual resident, so families can deposit money into their loved one’s account to be used for a shopping day, lunch outing, or tickets for an activity.” Pemberly Place combats the loneliness that comes with the holidays by increasing activities available for residents to boost holiday spirits and spread cheer to all. They aim to incorporate things that matter personally to them and bring smiles to their faces. “We hold many holiday-themed activities and encourage our residents to share traditions and recipes with us,” shared Pemberly

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Executive Director and Registered Nurse Helen Crunk. “We are also excited to be having their families back this year for our annual holiday party!” Helen reminded us that it is crucial to plan holiday events as soon as possible for the sake of our elderly loved ones, as they do not adjust well to last-minute changes or plans. Some seniors also get overwhelmed by large groups of people, so try to spread out family visits. Not only does this allow seniors to have more Helen Crunk individual time with their family members, Pemberly Place but it also creates more visits for your loved one to look forward to. “Even when family does visit often, the elderly still get lonely, especially around the holidays,” said Helen. “This is a generation that communicated with written letters and cards, so take some time to put a quick note or holiday card in the mail. This is an easy way to make their day, ease the stress and loneliness that comes with the holidays, and show them that you are thinking of them.” Senior Memory Care If your loved one is experiencing signs of memory loss or dementia, it may be time to find a home with dedicated memory care. Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation has specialized health care services and an emphasis on life enrichment for every single resident. We talked to Admissions and Public Relations Coordinator Megan Herter to learn more. “We work hard to create a living environment that continuously enriches each resident’s life,” Megan told us. “Whether it’s taking a resident to a movie they want to see, organizing in-house activities or social engagements with the community, or offering daily spiritual services, at Sumner Place, we focus on personalized

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care. Our annual events, such as Senior Prom, Dog Pageant, or the Sumner Place Picnic, offer the ‘Family Serving Family’ feel that we are committed to. Social events and activities bring magic to ordinary days all year round. The holidays are no exception!” During past holidays, residents of Sumner Place have celebrated the most wonderful time of the year by enjoying carols, fresh specialty coffee, and pictures with Santa and live reindeer. The staff at Megan Herter Sumner Place work continually to provide Sumner Place Skilled opportunities for special moments to their Nursing & Rehabilitation residents. Furthermore, the staff works to connect with residents on a daily basis, even through the smallest of interactions. “Sumner Place also uses Buddies Forever, which is a comprehensive dementia program,” Megan explained. “These techniques and skills, such as getting down below eye level, using simple statements, and endorphin boosts, create a foundation for person-centered care. A program that we are also proud to be certified in is Music & Memory, which taps into the long-term memory, an area of the brain unharmed by dementia. Selecting the appropriate music for each resident triggers pleasurable emotions from their past.” More Senior Living Options When looking for independent senior-living options that include opportunities for engagement, check out the Lincoln Housing Authority. They pride themselves on providing “more than housing” and nowhere is that more evident than at Burke Plaza, Crossroads House, and Mahoney Manor, where more than 270 older adults reside and have access to a wide variety of social

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and personal support services through the Resident Services and Congregate Housing Services programs. The Foundation for the Resident Services Program is the Resident Services Specialist at each building. Their job is to provide general support to residents and offer a range of activities and programs to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. Activities range between pot-luck meals and garage sales to shopping trips and movie nights. They also plan and educate the tenants on the building’s emergency and urgentresponse systems. The Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) brings the services of two full-time social workers, who share time between all buildings. These social workers are able to work with individuals who need additional supportive services such as case management, personal care, housekeeping assistance, and transportation. The CHSP also serves hot meals six days a week in the dining rooms at Burke Plaza and Mahoney Manor. Another wonderful option for senior living in Lincoln is The Residence at Gramercy, which offers independent living and assisted living services. Located on six beautiful acres of hills and walking paths, the community invites residents to enjoy comfort and relaxation while taking advantage of exceptional services. Gramercy offers residents a vibrant lifestyle that encourages health and independence through innovative recreational, educational, health, and wellness programs. Spacious apartments provide peace of mind with thoughtful safety features while also offering residents sought-after amenities and privacy. Residents can enjoy the companionship of other warmhearted, interesting people who enjoy freedom from the worries and dangers of solitary living. Someone is always at hand if help is needed. Social events let residents get to know new friends and include everything from book clubs to social hours and day trips. A holiday spent at The Residence at Gramercy offers much of the same warmth and comforts of home with the benefit of built-in community! Pre-Planning End-of-Life Wishes It’s never a comfortable conversation and is often overwhelming and awkward, but if you have loved ones in senior living, planning ahead for what they want when their time on earth ends is such a crucial thing to do. Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is there to help you decide upon and record both your loved one’s and your own end-of-life wishes. Pre-planning can help every individual make an informed and thoughtful decision about their funeral, choose sentimental things they want included, compare prices, and help your family. Wyuka offers a pre-planning checklist with all the information you need to start the process, and they’ll help walk you through the entire process. When you or a loved one passes away, your family will be making numerous important decisions while also grieving. Preplanning can help your family plan with ease when the time comes. Your family can confidently put a loved one’s plan into action, knowing that these were their wishes. Working with Wyuka to create a plan in advance also leaves your loved one with the peace of mind that their family has been relieved of making burdensome decisions during their time of loss. Once completed, you can rest assured that your and your loved one’s plans are in the hands of trusted individuals—without forcing anyone to make decisions in a hurried manner. You do not have to pay for a plan in advance, unless you choose to, so it’s never too soon to get started. Whether you are with your senior loved ones in person or virtually for the holidays, it’s important to keep them included in the festivities. This is also a crucial time to ensure that your loved ones will be kept safe throughout the winter season and are prepared for the upcoming changes in weather. We recommend utilizing some of the suggestions from these local experts to keep your loved ones safe, warm, and full of holiday spirit during this season! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Winter Driving Even if you believe yourself to be a pretty experienced driver, winter driving can still have its challenges. It’s easy to forget that winter conditions like ice and snow demand more attention from the driver after months of dry and clear roads. The winter weather can also be brutal to your vehicle, so to learn more about how you can drive safely and maintain your vehicle during this season, we spoke to some local experts in the Lincoln area. Get Insured Before you take your ride out onto the winter roads, it is crucial to be sure that you have appropriate insurance to protect you and others on the road from worst-case scenarios. It’s definitely better to know how well you’re covered before you find yourself in a bind. To learn more about this topic, we spoke to Matthew Moorhead, owner of Shelter Insurance Agency. “Winter driving in Lincoln is unpredictable, to say the least,” said Matthew. “The university Matthew Moorhead brings in young men and women from all over Shelter Insurance the country, and some have never had any

experience driving on show or ice. A good rule of thumb, in general, is to dress and plan for the worst. Always keep warm shoes or boots, coats, hats, and gloves in your vehicle. On the insurance side, roadside assistance is a good option to have and is included on every Shelter Insurance auto policy up to $100 per occurrence. If you are someone who travels or commutes substantial distances, you can purchase higher amounts.” If you don’t have adequate liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage, you can put yourself in a rough place in the event of an accident. Matt is able to walk you through your options if you’re unsure of which insurance route to go, and he can give you some recommendations that fit your situation. The minimum amount of insurance you have to carry to drive in Nebraska is $25,000 per person in liability and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury coverage—but that doesn’t mean it’s a great level of coverage. “If you have minimum liability limits and your vehicle is struck by someone who carries only minimum liability, and you were injured—say, break a leg—but need surgery to correct it, it’s not life-threatening, but it can do some damage to your wallet,” Matt said. “In this case, you will have $25K coming from the person who struck you and $25K coming from your underinsured motorist coverage on your policy. I don’t know

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if you have had surgery lately, but I think it’s a pretty good bet that an ambulance ride, plus hospital stay, surgery, casting, follow-up, physical therapy, and lost wages from work are going to be north of $50K.” With that scenario in mind, Matt said he recommends that drivers have at least $250K of liability per person and $500K of underinsured motorist coverage per accident—an upgrade that provides 10 times more coverage at a cost of about $5–$10 per month. Whatever amount of coverage, everyone should always practice defensive driving, no matter the season. In the winter, don’t be tempted to drive until the windows defrost, and always be prepared for slippery conditions. “I can take the time to explain your coverages and the options that are best suited to you,” he said. “If you have ever watched a television commercial where an insurance company tells you to just get online and get a quote, the problem is that as consumers, we have it programmed into our heads that the cheapest price is going to be the best deal. When it comes to insurance, though, you sometimes get what you pay for.” Advice from an Attorney We may not be seeing many deer trying to cross the road in Lincoln, but it’s always good to know how to react when one enters our path, especially in the winter. Attorney Susan Napolitano with Berry Law gave us some advice: “The best advice anyone ever gave me is to never leave the road to avoid an animal,” said Susan. “If you have to hit a deer, hit it with one of your headlights – preferably the passenger side so it bounces away from you and into the ditch.” Susan Napolitano Berry Law That’s just the best advice Susan received – she had much more to share with us. To start, always keep your phone put away. Most accidents caused by phones are rear end crashes, which are much harder to avoid in the snow. Unless you are using it for navigation, keep it tucked away to avoid any distractions. “Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice,” Susan advised. “Be mindful of every other car on the road. An increased following distance will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. Consider proximity to cars in lanes next to you as well. If one of you loses control of the vehicle, it is best not to be side by side.” If you start sliding, don’t panic. Assess the safest route for your car to move as you slide. Susan explained that a car can be navigated while sliding on ice, but it will feel more like the steering on a bumper car. Always aim for the safest landing area, typically on the side of the road. “Do your best not to leave the shoulder of the road, but if you do, do not attempt to get back on the road. Overcorrection can be deadly,” Susan warned. “You are already off the road, now is not the time to slide back on. Stay calm and get your car to a clean stop. Once you have stopped, turn on your hazards, assess whether you are in a safe place based on traffic flow, and call AAA.” If you find yourself in a car accident this winter, give the attorneys at Berry Law a call for a consultation. They can assist you in pursuing compensation to make up for medical costs, lost income, and future needs. Tires and More! T.O. Haas Tire & Auto has been a tradition of trust since 1947. They sell more than two dozen brands of tires and perform many automotive services important to safe winter driving, including oil changes, alignments, brakes, exhaust, shocks, struts, cooling systems, transmission-fluid flushes, and more. We spoke to Marketing Manager Fred Knight about the ways that T.O. Haas can help you gear up for winter driving. “We offer free inspections to make sure Fred Knight T.O. Haas Tire & Auto your vehicle is ready for the harsh winter #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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weather,” Fred said. “We’ll check your battery, belts, hoses, fluids, lighting, and much more.” For things you can do yourself, Fred recommended topping off washer fluid, as well as conducting a visual inspection of your belts, hoses, windshield wipers, interior and exterior lighting, and tire condition and pressure. Most repair shops will inspect, for free, the strength and proper charging of your battery, anti-freeze condition and proper ratio, and exhaust leaks in the event that you find yourself stranded. “The main reason people get stranded in winter is because many don’t realize how bad the roads are until they are stuck,” explained Fred. “Once you’re stuck, it can be extremely difficult to get out. 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles provide an advantage but if you find yourself in this situation, you can try placing your floor mats under the drive axle tires to keep them from spinning on snow or ice. Another reason people find themselves stranded is because of a dead battery. As the temperature drops your vehicle oils and fluids become much stiffer. A weak battery will not have the power needed to turn the engine over, so it is important to get your battery checked before you find yourself in this situation.” Driving on ice is difficult and dangerous, even for the best drivers. New tires will always provide an advantage – especially the newer “ice tires” which use a combination of sticky rubber compounds and a significant number of sipes in the tread design. These sipes act like tiny suction cups to help grip the ice better than traditional tread designs. T.O. Haas can help you find the best tires to help you drive safely this winter. Fred offered one last piece of advice to keep you safe this winter that is easy to follow: “Keep your gas tank at least half full,” said Fred. “A full tank reduces condensation, which can lead to gas lines freezing. If you do get stranded, you may need a full tank to keep the engine on 10 minutes each hour in order to stay warm!” Keep it Clean One of the easiest ways to keep your car in its best condition is by keeping it clean with regular washes, especially through the winter months. A great place to maintain a spotless ride is the locally owned and operated JetSplash Car Wash. JetSplash is the only wash in Lincoln that both hand preps and hand dries your vehicle, making them a great choice to guarantee a clean finish. “We offer our JetGloss product to add a two-step ceramic coating on your vehicle,” said Sales Manager Kendra McDonald. “It will protect your vehicle from the salt and brine on the roads, as well as create a shiny, glossy finish on your vehicle with more water repellency.” JetSplash offers four different levels of washes ranging from $9 to $20, and they take no more than five minutes so that you can quickly get back on the road. All washes come with a free mat cleaner, vacuums, and Kendra McDonald air, so you can keep your ride looking great JetSplash Car Wash on the inside, too. “We also have an unlimited program, which is a great winter investment with all the salt that gets put on the roads this time of year,” said Kendra. “You don’t want to leave salt or brine on your vehicle for too long because it will cause rust over time. Our unlimited program allows you to wash your vehicle anytime you want. You don’t need to predict the weather, either; if it snows, just come back in and get another wash!” Jet Splash has six locations across Lincoln – with one more on the way – so you can keep your vehicle clean and protected wherever you are at. Winterize Your Wheels Winter driving can be more dangerous than other seasons for several reasons. To start with the obvious, weather like snow, ice, and sleet can cause poor visibility and slick road conditions. In addition to this, if something were to go wrong, such as an accident or a vehicle breakdown, having to handle it in the cold isn’t just inconvenient, but also dangerous. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

This is why Sherri Stock, owner of inMOTION Auto Care, told us it is best to be prepared. “Winterizing a vehicle these days really means getting the oil changed and a completing a good, thorough inspection to get a clear idea of any potential problems,” explained Sherri. “Bad batteries, hoses, belts, water pumps, spark plug wires, etc. can cause a car to break down. Getting repairs and maintenance done now will greatly reduce the chance of breakdowns and being left on the roadside later.” Sherri Stock inMOTION Auto Care Another important task Sherri suggested for cold weather is to check tire pressure regularly. Tire pressure monitors are standard on all 2008 and newer models, but if you have a car older than 2008, you should be checking your tire pressure about once a week. “Tire pressure drops by one PSI, or pounds per square inch, for every 10 degrees the temperature drops,” said Sherri. “Air inside the tire condenses and takes up less space when it’s cold.” When you visit inMOTION Auto Care, their goal is to deliver the best auto repair and maintenance customer-service experience possible. With a team that includes highly skilled auto mechanics, they are doing precisely that. You can count on them to maintain the highest level of integrity and professionalism throughout your service process, no matter how big or small the job. They are dedicated to your safety and to extending the life of your vehicle, in winter and year-round. Vehicle Repair In the unfortunate event of a winter collision, the first concern is the condition and safety of all people involved. The next thing that often comes to mind is the condition of your vehicle. Consider contacting Midtown Body & Paint. With more than 70 years of providing Lincoln with excellent auto-body repair, quality frame work, full painting services, paintless dent repair, and glass replacement for all makes and models of vehicles, Midtown’s technicians always stay current with quick and meaningful technological advancements in the industry. Dan Pape They take pride in their work and have a Midtown Body stellar reputation for providing high-quality & Paint repairs and service that develop lasting relationships. We wanted to learn what advice Midtown had to share about preparing for driving in winter weather, so we spoke to Dan Pape, owner and operator, to hear some safety tips. “Tires are always a good thing to check,” he said. “If you’re seeing the wear indicators on your tires, you should have them replaced to prevent traction loss and hydroplaning. If your battery is old and weak, cold temperatures can leave you stranded. Also make sure to keep the underside of your car clean through an undercarriage carwash to prevent the corrosion caused by salt and other icemelting agents on the road.” If you aren’t sure whether or not your vehicle is in good condition, Dan invites you to give Midtown Body a call. Above all, he encourages drivers to keep their vehicles in top shape and use safe driving practices on the road. Tracy’s Collision Center uses a customerfocused approach to collision repair. The family-owned business has deep roots in Lincoln, with services including painting, frame repair, wheel alignments, and paintless dent repair. For 50 years, they’ve been putting drivers back on the road safely. To learn more about how they can prepare us for winter driving, Laurie Sain Tracy’s Collision Center we spoke to Laurie Sain, manager. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“When driving on icy roads, start by slowing it down,” Laurie recommended. “We’re not just talking about how far you push the gas pedal. We’re also talking about how fast you move your hands and feet. A lower-friction road surface means it takes more time for your tires to find grip and change your speed or direction.” While steering, if you feel the wheel ‘slip’ in your hands, that means the tires don’t have enough available traction to turn that hard, so unwind the wheel until the resistance feels normal. If you try to turn and nothing happens, straighten the wheel back out and slow down with a gentle, brief press of the brake, then try again. “When driving in the winter, everything takes longer, particularly stopping and turning. So look farther down the road than you usually do and start braking sooner,” said Laurie. “However, no matter how cautious you are, you may still find yourself spinning out of control. If you do, don’t panic; you can regain the upper hand. Turn the wheel in the direction of your slide with a deliberate motion. Don’t give it more than about half a crank. This isn’t instinctual—your brain feels the car slipping in one direction and logically wants to turn in the other direction to fix it—so it can be worthwhile to practice in a snow-covered empty parking lot somewhere.” A fabulous one-stop shop for all of your vehicle needs is Parkway 66 Service. With more than 30 years of experience in the auto industry, Parkway 66 can handle everything you need to keep your car running smoothly and safely throughout the winter months, as well as all of your minor and major auto-repair needs. They are quick, efficient, and committed to providing top-quality workmanship and service that exceeds your expectations. They recommend professional routine maintenance services and offer all winterizing services, from tires to vehicle inspections, brakes, belts and hoses, batteries, radiators, shocks, starters, and more. Winter driving can be intimidating and scary, but Lincoln has many professionals that can help you get through it. Take the advice from these experts to prepare for winter weather and protect both yourself and your vehicle through these next few months.

DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

Holiday Wrap-Up It’s time for the third and final part of our holiday series, the Holiday Wrap-Up. If you are doing some last-minute planning or shopping this season, don’t worry – we know some great local businesses that can help you cross off everything on your to-do list! Here at Strictly Business, we strongly encourage you to shop local. Let’s look at why it matters, and how it makes a difference. According to the Andersonville Study of Retail Economics, for every $100 you spend at a locally owned business, $68 will stay in the community compared to $43 if you were to spend it at a national chain. Local businesses also create jobs for the community and studies have shown that they donate to nonprofits and charities at more than twice the rate of national chains. Local stores also offer unique product selections that cater to the community’s wants and likes. There are many businesses in Lincoln that offer fabulous holiday gifts for all of your family and friends, and others that can help you prepare for the holiday festivities. We’ve spoken to just a handful of the amazing small businesses here in our community, and here is what they have to say! Last-Minute Holiday Gifts Clothes are always a fun gift to receive for the holidays, so shop for the special lady in your life at Charm Boutique & Bar. Yes, you read that right – it’s a clothing store with a bar! When you visit Charm, the only boutique in the city that has a full bar, you can sip ‘n’ shop any week on Tuesday – Saturday. Charm offers much more than just clothes – their products include accessories, candles, BruMate and SIC drink cups, purses, shoes, bags, and hair accessories. This is also a great opportunity to give the gift of a gift card, and treat a close friend or family member to a shopping spree complete with drinks! “We also offer private party rental space,” added Owner Lindsey Tederman. “Book a holiday party with us where you can sip and shop with your friends, and have the store to yourselves! We offer a unique party setting where the fun of shopping and drinking can be combined. Men are always welcome, and we are in the process of getting a television in the store, too. Bring your own food and we can provide the drinks, the music, the shopping, and the atmosphere!” A great last-minute gift that you can Lindsey Tederman never go wrong with is jewelry. Jewelry Charm Boutique & Bar offers a vast array of ways you can tell that special person in your life that you appreciate them, but if you are unsure of what that special person would like, the experts at Sartor Hamann Jewelers can help you make the right selection. “The holidays are fast approaching and Sartor Hamann has fine jewelry for all occasions and every budget,” said Anna Alcalde, sales and marketing director. “Our knowledgeable staff will help you select the perfect gift, and we’ll even gift wrap it for no extra charge.

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Whether it’s the holidays or you are getting engaged, celebrating an anniversary, need custom work or jewelry repair, we want to be your local jeweler.” When purchasing jewelry, be sure to visit your local jewelers rather than buying something online. Not only are you supporting a local business, but jewelry can be a big purchase – financially and emotionally – so viewing the piece in person is important. Anna Alcalde “Buy local, if possible,” Anna advised. Sartor Hamann Jewelers “Purchasing jewelry online can be frustrating because you can’t tell the quality or size from a computer screen. You may then find yourself returning it and starting all over. Jewelry is a personal item, so you need to see and touch to determine the quality. Due to our wide selection of name brand lines, we may already have your ideal gift in one of our stores. If not, we can typically order it or make it for you, and you can choose all the details. Our trained staff will guide you through the process, even probing with special questions to get the perfect gift for that special person.” We also heard from Ann Ringlein, owner of Lincoln Running Co., about some great last-minute gifts for the active runner in your life that you can find right in her store. “Running socks are a must for every runner,” Ann said. “If you love your runner and want to keep them safe, headlamps and blinking lights are the way to go. We are also approaching the season where there will be ice, so YakTrax – which help keep traction on ice – are extremely sensible and necessary. Lastly, we offer the widest selection of Ann Ringlein running apparel, so pick up some running Lincoln Running Co. gear that will be useful in the winter!” Ann also shared a story with us that was a great reminder of why it is important to shop local. There are many reasons, but a big one is that these local stores know their customers and have a relationship with them that big box stores do not. “Last year, we had a customer that had already left town for their holiday get together, but an order they had placed showed up at the store after they were gone,” said Ann. “We were able to find someone who was heading to that town for their own holiday gathering, and they took the package to be delivered to the customer. Everyone was happy, and had a great story to share!” Sweet treats a great option for holiday gift shopping. They make fabulous stocking stuffers, wonderfully accent or act as a centerpiece for a gift basket, and everyone loves sinking their teeth into chocolate confections. Shop for the sweet-tooth in your life at Lulubee Artisanal Chocolates! “To make gift-giving even easier,” shared Owner and Chocolatier Gaylene Steinbach, “we’ll take care of the details. From packaging and shipping or delivering, our team will make sure everything’s perfect for everyone on your list.” Each season, Gaylene develops a collection of seasonal flavors for Lulubee’s signature bonbons. This year’s Holiday Collection of small-batch bonbons consists of: Sticky Bun, a lightly spiced ganache topped with toasted pecans followed by soft, Gaylene Steinbach cinnamon caramel; Cranberry Orange, a Lulubee Artisanal bright handmade cranberry jelly topping Chocolates a vibrant orange and dark chocolate ganache for the perfect sweet–tart combination; Hot Chocolate, a milk chocolate, lightly spiced ganache topped with a handmade #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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803 Q Street • 402-476-2455 • www.fromne.com DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 75

vanilla bean marshmallow; Peppermint Crunch, fresh mint leaves infused in cream as the base of a rich ganache, topped with crunchy bits of peppermint candy to make a refreshing bonbon; and Pistachio, house-ground pistachios mixed with white chocolate and a sprinkle of fleur de sel salt to bring out the essence of fresh pistachios. Other seasonal treats you can find at Lulubee include Cocoa Bombs, which create rich sipping chocolate when hot water or milk is poured M - F: 10am to 5:30pm over; Peppermint Bark, swirls of dark and white chocolate covered in Dec 18 & 19 10am to 2pm crunchy bits of peppermint candy; melt-in-the-mouth English Toffee, Christmas Eve 10am to 2pm your choices being pecans with dark chocolate or almonds with milk Christmas Day Closed chocolate; Caramels, available in seven flavors including vanilla, New Years Eve 10am to 2pm passion fruit, and cardamom; and Turtles, a seasonal favorite filled New Years Day Closed with locally sourced, freshly roasted pecans and Lulubee’s signature, www.countryslicedhamandcafe.com vanilla-flecked caramel, and then drench in milk or dark chocolate. If you are last-minute shopping for the adults in your life, gift them a bottle of wine from James Arthur Vineyards (JAV). Grown and produced right here in Nebraska, they offer the finest table wines, from barrel-aged dry reds to sweet, crisp whites to delicious dessert wines and everything in between. One of the best parts about the gift of JAV wine is not only are you shopping local, but your family member or friend can easily purchase more after they taste the delight that JAV pours into each bottle. JAV also offers Curveball, their line of hard ciders. Curveball is made from only the finest apples, and they’ve hit this one out-of-the-park with their line-up of great flavors. Curveball Ciders pay homage to the timeless game of hard ball, with names such as Grand slam, Double Play, Walk-Off, and Knuckleball. Baseball season may be over for the players, but it can keep going for the fans by cracking open a can of JAV’s refreshing hard cider. 402-889-3870 Holiday Parties Tailoreddreamslimousines.com Take your holiday festivities on the road by tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com renting a party bus from Tailored Dreams Party Buses. They have several buses in their fleet to fit your guest list, with their largest party bus having a capacity of 45 people! Locally-owned by Tyler and DeeDee Loomis, Tailored Dreams’ friendly drivers make all the difference. Passengers can feel safe and welcome when working with Tailored Dreams. “We can take your group around town or from one spot to the next in one of our six decked-out limousine-style party buses,” DeeDee Loomis Balega and Feetures socks shared DeeDee. “Turn up the holiday tunes Tailored Dreams on our Bluetooth sound system and rock out Party Buses under the LED lights!” One of the things that make Tailored Dreams unique in this industry is that they are the only party bus company in the area that has handicapaccessible buses in their fleet. They’ve thought of everything in order to create a custom driving experience at an economical price. Tailored Dreams will work with you and your guests to make sure everyone has a great time. Don’t hesitate to call them – reservations book up quickly! Make Your Big Day Another great venue to host your holiday party is at Tomahawks Axe Make Your Big Day Throwing. Treat your guests to a unique experience that they will be talking about for months! Tomahawks features several axe throwing lanes to accommodate your entire group, as well as a bar stocked full with all your favorite beers, hard ciders, and seltzers. “Axe throwing is all about technique, not One Pacific Place One Pacific Place strength, and it is great for everyone,” 10347 Pacific Street,Pacific Omaha, 10347 Street,NEOmaha, NE shared Shane Kearns, co-owner. “Safety (402) 933-9305 (402) 933-9305 is our number one priority at Tomahawks. All axe throwing is supervised by our Pioneer Woods Pioneer Woods Tomahawks axe throwing coaches and 4107 Pioneer Woods Dr., Ste 102, Lincoln, NE 4107 Pioneer Woods Dr., Ste 102, Lincoln, NE takes place in our purpose-built facility in (402) 483-2253 Shane Kearns (402) 483-2253 dedicated throwing lanes.” Tomahawks Axe Throwing

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76 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

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Tomahawks also offers gift cards, so even if you aren’t looking to throw a party, a gift card for axe throwing is a great gift idea for anyone on your list! Holiday Food Is it really a big holiday dinner if there’s not homemade pie? If you aren’t much of a baker, don’t worry – order from the famous pie selection at Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe. The owners of Stauffer’s recently opened up a bakery just a few doors down to sell these delicious pies, called Sasquatch American Baked Goodness. “All of Stauffer’s amazing pies can be found at Sasquatch, as well as the cookies you can find at Honest Abe’s,” shared Marketing Director Bryan Marine. “These are available every day but Sunday, when we are closed. You can call Sasquatch and place custom order pies for the holidays, which we highly recommend as those spaces are filling up fast!” Stauffer’s and Sasquatch’s pies are award winning and recognized nationally for their quality. They come in more than 60 delicious Bryan Marine flavors – including sugar-free options – and Stauffer’s Cafe & are all made from scratch. Taste classics Pie Shoppe like Apple, Peach, Cherry, and Pumpkin, or try some of their fun combinations like Caramel Pecan Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Banana, and Sour Cream Raisin. “We are a restaurant, so I wouldn’t say we are unique, but what we are is reliable,” said Bryan. “We’ve been in business for 25 years and are still going strong. Like everyone else, we were hit pretty hard because of COVID, but came out of it quicker than a lot of other restaurants thanks to our loyal following. We take pride in our ‘from scratch’ cooking and a full dining proves our guests agree. Our food may not be unique, but it is delicious, affordable, and filling.” Gift cards are available for purchase, and they come in both physical and digital versions that are customizable to the amount you would like to put on them. These cards will work at both Stauffer’s Cafe and Sasquatch Bakery, so you don’t need to buy separate cards. They are great as stocking stuffers and last-minute purchases! “Wow” your guests during your holiday dinner by serving them a honey-baked spiral ham from Country Sliced Ham! For over 35 years, they have been offering mouth-watering ham fully-cooked and ready to serve. Their hams are gluten-free and low-sodium, are processed daily for freshness, use locally sourced honey, and range in sizes from six to 20 pounds so that you can be sure every guest is well-fed. Order yours today to ensure your guests have one of the tastiest holiday dinners they’ve ever experienced! Delicious desserts are a staple of holiday parties, so make sure you order yours from Nothing Bundt Cakes to give your guests treats so good, there won’t be any left over. They offer several different cake sizes, as well as Bundtinis, or bite-sized bundt cakes, available by the dozen. Nothing Bundt Cakes can also help you create memorable gifts that tell your clients, customers, and employees how special they are. They can even make your gifts extra special with your logo printed on the sentiment flag and a special note on the message card. Nothing Bundt Cakes has something for every budget! You can choose from decorated cakes, Bundtlet Towers, and other one-of-akind gifts, starting at around $10. If You Have a Furry Friend Do you have a furry friend that can’t travel with you for the holidays? Give Kenl Inn a call. They can keep your dog, cat, or other pet safe and cozy while you are away. “Our dog lodging area is an all-indoor facility,” explained Manager Dian Quist. “Your dog is given individual attention each day at morning, noon, and night when they are taken out for their potty breaks, and those extra rubs on the head and kind words that help your dog feel more at home. We have three overnight accommodation buildings, The Club House, the West Wing, and our Executive Suites.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

We’ll Treat Your Pet

Like Family! Lodging Salon Daycare Training

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

5600 s 48th St 402.423.2206 staufferscafe.com Facebook.com/stauffersCafe/

“Food that Grandma Makes” M-F: 6am-8pm Sat: 6am-2pm Sun: Closed

Kenl Inn also has Kitty Condos that are complete with cat nappers, pillows, blankets, and shelves to climb and snooze on, all designed with the comfort and safety of your cat in mind. The solarium room is well ventilated with central heat and air conditioning, as well as large windows overlooking the countryside. “In addition to lodging cats and dogs,” Dian added, “we normally have a few birds, rodents, or reptiles staying with us. If they are a part of your family, they can be a Kenl Inn part of ours!” Dian Quist Kenl Inn also provides daycare, grooming, and training, so if you have a pet-owner friend in your life, a gift certificate for one of their services makes for a great last-minute gift idea. They even carry a variety of pet products, including food, grooming tools, toys, and treats, so you can put something under the tree for your fur baby, too! “Grooming is our number one service during the holidays because everyone wants their pets to be clean for the occasion,” said Dian. “We have a full-service grooming salon, which means we trim, file, and paint toenails (if you want), bathe dogs and cats, and our stylists do haircuts—anything from a light trim to a complete style. It’s fun for customers and our staff to include a festive bandana, bow, or bow tie with grooming, and if you want your pets’ accessory to match their holiday outfits, just let us know!” If you are gift shopping, party planning, or holiday prepping at the last-minute, we recommend checking out these local businesses to help you get through the holidays with ease. This is also a great time to show your support for the local businesses that support you and the community! DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

Mental Health Mental Health Millions of people are affected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete, laugh, love, and inspire every day. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness, and one in 20 experience a serious form of mental illness.

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Although the general perception of mental illness has improved over the past decades, studies show that the stigma against mental illness is still powerful, largely due to media stereotypes and lack of education, and that people tend to attach negative stigmas to mental health conditions at a far higher rate than to other diseases and disabilities, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. This stigma affects not only those seeking treatment, but the resources that are available to them. Many studies have also been conducted since the COVID-19 pandemic’s start about the effects it has had on our country’s mental health, making us all aware of the way it is mentally impacting people of all ages. In research performed by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), over 30% of adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, a sharp increase from 11% prior to the pandemic. In Nebraska alone, 23% of adults reported having these symptoms as recently as September.

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NAMI states that the average delay between symptom onset and treatment is a staggering 11 years. The need for mental health services and awareness is high, so we spoke to some local experts to learn more about this need in our community. Whether you or a loved one is struggling with a mental illness, or you have no first-hand experience with mental illness, we encourage you to keep reading to learn more about how you can help bring more mental health awareness and services into the community. Mental Care is Health Care Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice providing outpatient mental health services at locations in Grand Island and Omaha. We spoke to Kayla Leddy, MS, LIMHP, LIPC, CA, and coowner, about some of the things we can do as a community to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health illness.

3 Convenient Lincoln Locations 2662 Cornhusker Hwy, Ste 7C 1600 Normandy Court, Ste 102 233 North 48th Street, Ste I

531-500-3672 | cbdoflincoln.com 78 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

“While it’s not necessary to know every detail about mental health care, it is very beneficial to know why it is so important,” said Kayla. “Mental health affects how Kayla Leddy we think, feel, and act. It also determines Clearwater Counseling, PC how we handle stress, relate to others, #PrintProudDigitalSmart

and make health choices. The bottom line is that mental care is health care. Once you’ve been enlightened about the necessity of mental health care, shed some light for others. Talking about mental health only helps the cause.”

Everyday is a fresh start!

If you notice someone struggling with mental health, Kayla encourages you to not turn your cheek, and offer help when you can and let others know that professional help is also available. “Before you speak, always think about how your words can be perceived,” Kayla shared. “Consider how you might feel if someone said something to you that was hurtful. Also, examine your own judgmental thinking that may have been reinforced by society or upbringing. Don’t be part of the problem, be part of the solution.” With winter settling in and the holidays in full swing, this season is beyond busy and it can be easy to push therapy to the side. Make sure you put your health first by keeping your scheduled sessions. This time with your therapist will allow you to address and overcome the worries and obstacles you are facing. Kayla also suggested setting realistic goals this season and prioritizing your top experiences, as there is so much to get done over the holidays. “It’s okay to give yourself a break during the holidays,” said Kayla. “Yes, even during a holiday, it’s important to spend some time relaxing away from others. Do what makes you feel most comfortable. Oh, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep!” The biggest tip Kayla had to offer was to be mindful. During this holiday season, be open and aware of what is happening in the moment. “Don’t fret over the future or the past,” Kayla advised. “Live in the present. Allow yourself a range of emotions and be open and accepting.” Start the Conversation Daring Minds Therapy is a womenowned small business founded in 2018 by Maureen A. DeRyke with co-founders Sarah Worley and Erica Schroeder. They have therapists who are trained/licensed in child-parent-psychotherapy, eye-movement desensitization, reprocessing, dialectical behavioral therapy, drug and alcohol abuse, social work, and trauma-related disorders. We asked Erica how we can reduce or eliminate the stigma around mental health. She explained that the simplest way to tackle this is by talking about it. Having good support systems in place and providing open lines of nonjudgmental communication between family, friends, and community members makes a real difference. Given the increased awareness of mental-health in recent years, Erica says today’s youth just might be the ones to guide a change in the attitudes associated with mental-health. Erica Schroeder Daring Minds Therapy

“I believe a majority of middle-school-aged teens and high-school students have better awareness of what mental health is and, in some cases, it can even be identified as a form of status,” Erica said. “I often hear teens identify with peers by making statements such as, ‘Who’s your therapist?’, followed by sharing of therapeutic tools they have learned. On the other side of that, older generations are not as aware of, or believe in, mental-health services because their core family values are primarily associated with strength and/or being guarded, which do not correlate well with therapy.” Serving the Community People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Schedule your appointment today! 308-210-8487

info@clearwatercouselingne.org clearwatercouselingpc.org 7701 Pacific St, Ste 100A Omaha

DARING MINDS THERAPY “We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.”

Individual, Family, and Couples’ Counseling + Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) + Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Substance Use/Mental Health/Co-Occuring/Trauma Evaluations

531-289-1005 DARINGMINDSTHERAPY.INFO children. Many of these people struggle with mental health. We spoke to Pastor Tom Barber to learn more about how our community can assist this population. “Homelessness has been a pervasive problem for communities across the country, including right here in Lincoln,” Pastor Tom shared. “While there are a number of factors contributing to this dilemma, people struggling with mental health has become a key reason. Unfortunately, many Nebraskans are not People’s City Mission Pastor Tom Barber aware of the size and scope of this crisis, nor fully comprehend the devastating impact it has on those who suffer from such issues. To cite an example, when I first came to the Mission in 2004, men and women dealing with mental illness accounted for about 5% of our clientele. This year it is the primary cause for over 20% of people staying here.” People’s City Mission offers immediate assistance to homeless people struggling with mental health by providing them with food, shelter, clothing, and other basic necessities, as well as one-on-one counseling. They also help them find needed community resources such as case work, medications, and more permanent housing. “The challenge for Lincoln remains how best to solve this social dilemma,” said Pastor Tom. “I believe the greatest solution would be to dramatically increase the number of mental health providers in our city. We also need to keep promoting this cause to the community at large. A more educated and aware public could help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and help create a greater culture of care and acceptance for those suffering.” DECEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

Local Wellness Resources Physical health and mental health affect each other more than many people realize. Studies have shown that working out regularly can improve one’s mood and reduce panic attacks. Working out can also lower stress, enhance brain function, and boost self-esteem. Healthy eating and staying hydrated can prevent mood swings, reduce stress and anxiety, control depression, and help you sleep better. LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox has many IV therapy options to help you reach these goals and feel healthier. They provide packages to rehydrate your body, increase your energy and concentration, or give your athletic performance a boost. Their IV therapy treatment is a great way to help you feel better, happier, and healthier. In IV therapy, nutrients are delivered directly to cells through the bloodstream. This makes the nutrients immediately available for your body’s use, since there’s no waiting for them to pass through the digestive system and liver. IV therapy is a fantastic treatment to improve overall wellbeing and boost feelings of wellness, restoring the body’s balance.

Mandy Brummels LIVE Hydration Spa

“Nutrient deficiency, such as Vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins can play a huge role in moods and mental health,” explained Co-owner Mandy Brummels. “As we huddle indoors for the season, we have less exposure to fresh air and sunshine, which is a great source of Vitamin D. These dark winter months can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which affects many people. At LIVE Hydration Spa, we offer Vitamin D and B12 injections, as well as IV treatments specifically geared towards boosting moods and the immune system, and reducing stress and anxiety.”

LIVE HEALTHY…LIVE HYDRATED…

Having an imbalance of electrolytes, vitamins, and/or amino acids can make a person feel less than their best self. IV therapy is a great way to get these essential pieces back up to their necessary levels so you can improve your mood and feel healthier, and Mandy hopes LIVE Hydration Spa can help people who need an extra boost. Mandy herself has had lifelong anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD after a traumatic incident, so she can empathize with the impact of mental health on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health and quality of life. “Our facility promotes kindness, inclusion, and compassion,” shared Mandy. “Mental health is a silent struggle for millions of Americans – people can look healthy and happy on the outside and really be struggling internally. The more we courageously and compassionately discuss mental health issues, the more we can ‘normalize’ it and break that stigma.” According to goodrx.com, studies have shown that CBD may help to ease depression by changing serotonin levels in the brain, and CBD products that possess a high level of CBD and a low level of THC have been found to be most effective for depression. Studies have also shown that CBD with little to no THC can also help to decrease anxiety. If you are interested in learning more about how CBD can help with these conditions, visit Trek CBD at one of their two locations in Lincoln. “Because we’re a locally owned business in Lincoln, we have the privilege of helping people in our community on their journey to improving their wellness and well-being,” said Scott Brady, cofounder. “Our goal at Trek CBD in Lincoln is to empower people with data-driven, science-backed resources to educate as well as high-quality, lab-tested products. That’s why we are dedicated to creating a comfortable, safe environment for our customers, a place that’s brightly lit, service-based, and easily accessible.”

Scott Brady Trek CBD

Trek CBD carries a wide selection of CBD products that can help treat a variety of issues, such as trouble sleeping, focusing, or staying/becoming calm. Their CBD products are also offered in several different capacities, such as gummies, chocolates, lotions, capsules, tinctures, and more.

Experience the life changing benefits of our IV nutrition programs! BOOK AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Other Services Include:

Botox and Lipolean Injections

Vitamin B and D12 Injection

Ionic Detoxiﬁcation Foot Bath

(402) 413-2042 Livehydrationspa.com 7121 Pioneers Blvd. Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 80 Strictly Business DECEMBER 2021

Another great choice for CBD products is CBD American Shaman. They carry products that can help you reach a healthy state of mind, which in turn can result in improved focus, better sleep, more energy, and improved brain clarity, in addition to comfort and physical health. When you visit CBD American Shaman, you can sample various products with a CBD Consultant available to answer any questions you may have. Lance Schroeder, owner of CBD American Shaman, explained to us how CBD works in the body.

Lance Schroeder CBD American Shaman

“We all have an endocannabinoid system, which is run by a form of CBD called anandamide. That system puts our whole body into balance,” explained Lance. “That’s what they call homeostasis. CBD gets those receptors working properly throughout the body, which helps get the body back into balance. CBD is all-natural and non-habit forming. Visit one of our three Lincoln locations today to learn more about how CBD can help you!” Take the time to educate yourself and share your resources with others so we can work together to end the stigma around mental health and bring more awareness to our community. If you or someone you know is struggling, we encourage you to reach out to these professionals. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Walk-ins welcome. No appointment necessary.

BENEFIT FROM A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES

Covid-19 Testing and Vaccination

Common Illnesses

Minor Injuries

Coughs, Runny nose, Watery eyes, Fever, Body aches, Sore throat, Ear aches, Infections, Rashes

Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains, Strains, Bruises, Broken bones (fractures)

Moderna Vaccines and Moderna Boosters Available PCR & Rapid Covid Testing Available

Preventive Medical Care

Occupational Health

Flu shots, Sports physicals, COVID-19 testing, RSV Testing

Work-related injuries, Drug screens, Flu shots, Tetanus shots, X-Ray services (27th St. location only)

COME SEE US TODAY! 27th & Capitol Parkway 965 S. 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68510

402-477-3505

New Location: Piedmont Shopping Center 1265 S. Cotner Blvd Lincoln, NE 68510

402-242-6500

Monday - Saturday: 8am-8pm Sunday: 10am-6pm

We accept our last patient 20 minutes to closing

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