Strictly Business Lincoln - September 2023

TradeGamz works with educators and professionals in every industry to share their knowledge with students to help them choose a career. With professional insight and guidance, the students and job seekers will be able to identify their areas of interest and connect directly with their future career.

Each group plays a different but important role:

Students, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what to do after high school. Don’t worry, TradeGamz is here to help! TradeGamz was created for you as a free tool to help you find your career interests. TradeGamz works with educators and professionals to show you what every career does, and then show you how to get there.

8-12 Educators now have a free tool to help give each student a unique career exploration experience. Create your own profile and get involved. The more time students spend exploring their options, the clearer their interests will become. Guidance counselors, educators and parents will have the insight needed to help students take the next step in their journey.

Businesses, the community has heard your concerns about the emerging workforce. TradeGamz built the platform and now needs your help! Create your business profile and share with students the best information you can for the purpose of helping them find a career path. Show them through photos and videos what you do, why you do it and how you do it so they can see firsthand what your career is all about. Your message will be delivered to students and job seekers that have identified your career as their interest and want to learn more. This will serve as a perpetual introduction of you and your business to students and other pros, so make your message amazing. Colleges and Universities, let TradeGamz help you find students that are aligned with your programs. Use TradeGamz to explain to them how best to prepare for college and what to expect when they get there. Show off your campus, activities and events. Let the students hear from past and current students along with the professors about how to prepare for class and what to expect from each degree. When the student is ready, they can send their TradeGamz profile to your admissions team for initiating contact.

Parents, TradeGamz knows that helping your kids make one of the biggest decisions of their lives, selecting a career, can be stressful. TradeGamz was created for the purpose of helping your kids identify their career interests while in high school and showing them all the possible paths to get to the next step of their journey, whether that be college or straight into a career.

If successful in their mission, TradeGamz hopes to see:

• Lower college dropout rates leading to higher college graduation rates.

• Less time spent between high school and a career which could reduce student loan debt.

• Reduced emotional toll caused by the uncertainty of not knowing what career to pursue.

• A better positioned and more engaged emerging workforce.

This will take all of us working together, so get started today at tradegamz.com.

TradeGamz takes privacy and safety seriously and follows guidelines set forth by FERPA, COPPA and GDPR as it relates to collecting, storing, displaying and removing personal information.

A new way for businesses to connect students and job-seekers to their company and profession.

Since 2003, we've been disrupting the telecom game connecting communities, and future-proofing businesses with our lightning-fast Gigabit services and budget-friendly prices.

Together, we’re helping to close the digital divide by investing in cutting-edge technology, providing comprehensive security with NextGen Firewall, and giving you complete connectivity with Microsoft Teams.

My Two Cents on Backlinks and SEO

Here at Strictly Business, we firmly believe that print is a rich, productive medium for advertising. Magazines have strong pass-along readership and a long shelf life – your business will be recognized by countless at varying points in time.

However, with society advancing and technology becoming more and more integrated into our daily lives, we recognize the importance of having a strong online presence. That’s why we utilize everything the internet has to offer to promote your business. With SEO optimization and a strong viewership on websites, businesses can reach so many people nowadays that they couldn’t before. It’s crazy!

When I was first learning about the opportunities available on the internet, I struggled to understand what any of it meant. What’s SEO? What’s a backlink? Why do they matter? I’m not the most tech-savvy person, but as I learned more about SEO and backlinks, I saw a huge opportunity to further promote local businesses.

We backlink everything that gets posted on our website to yours to boost your SEO so you get more views. You might be asking yourself what any of those words mean – I know I was.

SEO stands for “search engine optimization.” In simple terms, SEO is what gets your website to the top of the search results on Google. SEO improves the quality and quantity of website traffic you receive by targeting people that search key words and topics related to content linked to your website. So, even if what is published in our magazine isn’t on your website, if we backlink it to your website, it boosts your SEO, giving your website credibility on Google and in the eyes of those viewing it.

Our key to boosting your SEO is through backlinks. Simply put, ‘backlink’ is a fancy term for the hyperlinks we insert online. Backlinks are links created when one website links to another. We make a point to link everything: your website, any links you include in the copy and your social media accounts if mentioned. The more backlinks your website has, the higher you will rank on Google and other search platforms because it boosts your website credibility.

But, not only do we want as many people as possible to hear about your business, we want them to use the links to learn more about your business as well. We get you in front of potential customers and then go the extra step to help connect you. The whole point in getting in front of more people is to educate the community and boost business. With great SEO and easily accessible backlinks, Strictly Business helps you do just that.

We love it when we hear that readers connected with local businesses as a result of seeing them in Strictly Business. But, we know that more often than not, Google gets all the credit. We’ve all forgotten where we first heard the name of a business we are interested in working with. When we can’t remember where to look for the information we read, our first instinct is to search for it on Google. While we want readers to know that Strictly Business is a hub for everything going on in the community, we understand that Google is a go-to for many. With our backlinks and ability to boost SEO, though, we know that we are still helping local businesses connect with members of our great community.

– Paige Zutavern

The more backlinks your website has, the higher you will rank on Google and other search platforms because it boosts your website credibility.

Concorde Management & Development, LLC – Unparalleled Real Estate Services

In their 39 years of business, Concorde Management & Development, LLC has learned how to provide the Lincoln community with unparalleled real estate services. Their commitment to integrity, competence, professionalism and teamwork has allowed them to surpass expectations and provide the best real estate purchasing experience possible.

Without amazing employees fueling their mission to offer well-crafted solutions to meet the complex needs of clients, Concorde Management & Development, LLC wouldn’t be where it is today. Their adherence to ethical and technical standards of property management while

also providing a full suite of services to real estate investors and property owners relies on the abilities of their well-trained staff.

Their expanded staff of carefully chosen employees adheres to the concepts of integrity and teamwork. To operate efficiently and effectively, all team members are highly communicative, supportive and understanding. This highly proficient team offers expertise in all aspects of the comprehensive services they offer, including site selection, commercial brokerage includes sales and leasing, construction management and property management/maintenance. Established in 1985, Concorde Management & Development, LLC provides a complete spectrum of services to investors and property owners as well as their tenants. They manage multi-family and commercial properties.

Not only does the staff at Concorde Management & Development, LLC provide a great experience for customers, but have a great time themselves

as well. They enjoy what they do, and many of them have loved the job so much they’ve remained with the company for over 30 years. Employees are rewarded for their hard work, and they get to be a part of something much larger as they benefit the community and as Concorde Management & Development, LLC expands.

Concorde Management & Development, LLC is proud to announce a new business park to be conveniently developed in North Lincoln on HWY77 and I-80. The new Salt Bank Business Park has commercial lots for sale – all of which are now available for purchase. Zoned H4 is a great opportunity for retail, industrial and office spaces.

Blue Rock Construction – a sister company – oversees all the

construction and maintenance projects for the firm as well as jobs for third party clients. Blue Rock prides itself on listening to clients to understand their needs and explain the processes involved in construction in a conscientious manner. They partner with you to collaborate and solve complex problems in a creative and cost-effective manner and share your visions, goals and expectations. You can be assured that any construction undertaken by Blue Rock will be performed according to the multitude of building codes and that it will be completed within budget when promised.

Concorde Management & Development, LLC in partnership with Blue Rock Construction is a dynamic duo that will leave no stone unturned as they strive for unparalleled service.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director of Operations Cemre Lively – Cemre@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Art Director Devan Kirkpatrick – Devan@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Editor/Writer Shae Withington – Shae@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

SALES TEAM:

President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

Shae

StorageCafe Shares Research Suggesting

Lincoln Gives Newlyweds a Chance to Start Married Life on the Right Foot

Lincoln has been garnering a lot of attention lately as a hot relocation destination. As it turns out, Lincoln ranks the eighth best city in the nation for couples starting their lives together, according to recent StorageCafe research.

What makes Lincoln a city that newlyweds are happy to call home? It’s a combination of factors that contribute to having a comfortable and active lifestyle. Exciting job opportunities, affordable housing options, the chance to socialize with other young couples and a long list of fun things to do — Lincoln has it all!

Newlyweds have ample access to jobs and housing in Lincoln

Newlywed bliss is easier to hold on to in a place where common needs, including job opportunities and housing options, are met. And Lincoln checks both boxes. The unemployment rate, at 2%, is one of the lowest among the country’s major cities, while the household income for 25- to 44-year-olds is almost $70K per year.

The housing market is still affordable in Lincoln compared to other urban hubs, ensuring that newlyweds can find a cozy nest whether they are renting or purchasing a home. In fact, home prices in Lincoln hover around $275K, which is a good $75K less than the national average. That’s definitely a great perk for newlyweds who plan to buy their first home together.

Combining households translates to lower expenses

The fact that Lincoln is cheaper to begin with gives newlyweds a better start in married life. And then there’s the respite that comes from sharing housing and living costs. There are numerous expenses that are easier to navigate with a partner, including moving costs, rent or mortgage, new furniture and utilities, among others.

Merging households can indeed be challenging in terms of space as you have to combine the contents of two homes into one. Storage space might also be an issue, seeing as both partners probably have belongings they’re attached to and want to keep. The solution can come in the form of self storage. Renting a 10’x10’ storage unit in Lincoln hovers around $100 per month, cheaper than the national average.

Socializing and having fun are easy to come by in Lincoln

Entertainment and social life are equally important for newlyweds to maintain a happy relationship, and Lincoln delivers in this sense as well. From the chance to meet other young couples to opportunities for fun date nights and other couples’ activities, Lincoln offers a thriving environment for newlyweds.

Over 45% of the city’s residents are married, and only 11% of them are divorced. Chances are newlyweds relocating to Lincoln can find other like-minded couples with whom they can socialize and engage in fun outings and activities.

There is plenty of park space in Lincoln to provide a perfect backdrop for an active lifestyle. In fact, the city ranks fifth in terms of access to sports fields and outdoor recreation. From hiking trails and fitness venues to tennis and pickleball courts, Lincoln features an impressive outdoorsy, sports-oriented infrastructure that is very attractive for young couples.

Essentially, Lincoln increasingly stands out as an attractive moving destination for young people due to the career-building opportunities it offers and the affordable housing market. Its laid-back, relaxed vibe, and the many leisure and entertainment venues available make it a place where young couples can truly thrive.

StorageCafe is a nationwide storage space marketplace powered by Yardi. To learn more, visit storagecafe.com.

Lincoln Veterans Parade Group to Host Fifth Annual Lincoln Veterans Parade November 12

Lincoln Veterans Parade Group is excited to host the 2023 Lincoln Veterans Parade Sunday, November 12. The fifth annual Lincoln Veterans Parade will start at Lincoln High School and end at the State Capitol, running along K Street.

This year’s theme is Veterans in Business. The Lincoln Veterans Parade Group is looking for businesses owned by Veterans, or companies who hire Veterans, to be recognized in the 2023 Lincoln Veterans Parade. 2021 saw one of the highest numbers of new business starts in the U.S., totaling more than 5.4 million. 10.7% of new business owners in 2021 were Veterans. Veterans are playing a bigger role in driving the economy forward, translating military training to business success. Veterans are significantly more likely to start a business in construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing than all new business owners. Lincoln boasts a strong Veteran business community which deserves to be highlighted, with over 40 registered Veteran-owned businesses.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can get involved by sponsoring the parade, sponsoring a high school band and participating in the parade. Another way to promote the Lincoln Veterans Parade is through your network or with posting signs, posters and leaflets at your company location.

Learn more about the Veterans Parade and sign up at lincolnveteransparade.org. Lincoln Veterans Parade Group looks forward to working with you to make this year’s event the best one to date!

Alicia Chrastil of Nebraska Realty Announces Nebraska Savvy Senior Empowerment Seminars

Alicia Chrastil of Nebraska

Realty is excited to host Nebraska Savvy Senior Empowerment Seminars on the first Wednesday of every month at Suite OneEleven, 6891 A St. To RSVP, visit www.eventective.com/ us/NebraskaSavvySeniors.

Retirement communities and 55+ active adult living options are popping up all around the Lincoln area and in every other city in the country. But what are they exactly? What do they offer seniors? Where do you even begin? During this 90-minute panel discussion, learn the facts about local senior living options from some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the senior living industry. This is the perfect place to educate yourself so that you can make the right decisions for yourself and your family.

Three seminar event topics include: 55+ senior living options, tips for avoiding homeowner scams and how to make downsizing easy. Questions about the event can be directed towards Alicia Chrastil at (402) 499-8147 / Alicia@NebraskaRealty.com. Alicia is also happy to discuss real estate. As a team member of Nebraska Realty, Alicia is proud to be a part of the largest independently owned real estate brokerage in the state, and now the largest real estate office in Lincoln.

AR Solutions Recaps

Attendance

to American Collector’s Association’s Annual Meeting

AR Solutions’ CEO Aaron Newell attended educational tracts in Chicago hosted by American Collector’s Association specific to leveraging technology to increase recovery for their clients. The American Collector’s Association represents debt collection agencies, creditors, debt buyers, collection attorneys and debt collection industry service providers across the United States. Each session they held touched briefly on a variety of ideas. The fastpaced sessions were loaded with information pertaining to innovation that could be implemented in a variety of situations.

Throughout the various sessions, Aaron learned about how to better prepare for the future through innovation, strategy and the opportunity and ability to build a safe and effective texting/emailing platform in debt collection that increases revenue. Consumers prefer to communicate through channels convenient to them. AR Solutions is excited to leverage technology to do just that. For example, if a consumer works off hours, technology allows them to communicate at hours they choose even if the office is closed. They can pay in full, negotiate payment terms, request documents, etc.

AR Solutions is licensed, bonded and insured, and has more than 60 combined years in collections. For more information about AR Solutions, visit arsolutionsinc.com or call (402) 817-3929. You can find them on social media at www.linkedin.com/company/ar-solutionsinc-lincoln.

Husker Rehab Celebrates 20 Years of Being an A+ Accredited Business

Husker Rehab is proud to continue to be an A+ accredited business through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Nebraska. They have kept this high standard over the course of the last 20 years.

To earn this accreditation, businesses must establish and maintain a positive track record in the marketplace; adhere to established standards of advertising and selling; honestly represent products and services, including clear and adequate disclosures of all material terms; openly identify the nature, location and ownership of the business, and clearly disclose all policies, guarantees and procedures that bear on a customer’s decision to buy; abide by all written agreements and verbal representations; address marketplace disputes quickly, professionally and in good faith; protect any data collected against mishandling and fraud, collect personal information only as needed and respect the preferences of customers regarding the use of their information; and approach all business dealings, marketplace transactions and commitments with integrity.

Husker Rehab proudly offers therapy services in five clinics in four different Nebraska cities, where they serve physicians and their patients with unique, highly-intensive, highly-customized rehabilitation, wellness and preventative care therapies that make a difference in people’s lives. They listen to every patient’s needs and desires, analyze the problem and figure out ways to get people moving again. For more information about Husker Rehab and their services, visit huskerrehab.com.

HBAL Accepting Exhibitor Contracts for Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show

Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is excited to announce that exhibitor contracts are now available for the 52nd Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show to be held February 9-11, 2024 at the Lancaster Event Center located at 84th Street and Havelock Avenue. Show hours are Friday, 1-9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. - 8p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. With 52 years of history in Lincoln, it’s a community favorite! Even with today’s online presence, most homeowners believe faceto-face contact is the best source of home improvement information. The Home & Garden Show, which is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, provides a great opportunity to have “facetime” with potential customers. With over 12,000 attendees, it’s are the largest show in the market.

Professionals who will display their products and services include:

• New Home Construction

• Remodeling

• Kitchens & Bathrooms

• Pools & Spas

• Heating & Air Conditioning

• Landscaping & Water Features

• Fencing

• Windows, Roofing & Siding

• Financial & Professional Services

Exhibitor contracts are available online at www.hbal.org/buildershome-garden-show/exhibitors or by calling the HBAL office at (402) 423-4225. For more information about HBAL, please visit www. hbal.org.

Doorstep Diner Catering Booking for Holiday Events

It’s never too early to book a caterer for your holiday parties, and Doorstep Diner Catering’s availability is already filling up. If you want to book Doorstep Diner Catering for a holiday party, now is the time to get on their calendar!

Holiday parties are a great way to end 2023 or start 2024 and celebrate the accomplishments of your team. Even if you don’t have all of the details worked out yet, Doorstep Diner Catering is happy to help you start the planning process. If you need a space to host the event at, they can help point you in the right direction of a venue that works for your budget and size of party. They are here to make holiday planning easy, and encourage you to start planning now so you won’t be stressed about it later.

Doorstep Diner Catering is an award winning, locally owned caterer in Lincoln. They cater weddings, special and corporate events, breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also offer an in-home chef experience for you and your friends. Doorstep Diner Catering strives to provide great food and service from their doorstep to yours. For more information, visit doorstepdiner.com.

ALLO Now Offering Online Sign-Up for Internet and Voice Services

ALLO strives to save you both money and time, and is now offering an online sign-up for internet and voice services to do just that. Small businesses can now visit allofiber.com/get-allobusiness and sign up for internet and voice services on ALLO’s 100% fiber-optic network, saving you time – and money. No highpressure sales tactics, pricing gimmicks or surprises; just the option of signing up for ALLO’s blazing fast internet and crystal-clear voice services from the comfort of your home or office.

ALLO’s basic fiber voice includes call waiting, conference calling, call transfer and caller ID with many other optional features available. Fiber internet options include 500 Mbps and 1 GIG, with the option to add a free wireless router.

They understand your business likely requires more than basic internet and voice services. As you build your internet and voice package, you can signal your interest in other ALLO Business services such as fiber TV or managed services, cybersecurity, next gen firewall and hosted phone service. A friendly ALLO Business representative will reach out to build the rest of your package.

ALLO specializes in providing world-class communications and entertainment services by creating and operating gigabit communities. Currently serving over 35 communities in Nebraska, Colorado and Arizona, ALLO is supported by more than 1,300 team members. For more information about ALLO, go toAlloFiber.com or call (402) 480-6500.

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical Supports Huskers with Husker Volleyball Day Tailgate

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical showed their support for the Huskers with a tailgate at Husker Volleyball Day August 30. As the official plumbing, HVAC and electrical partner of the Huskers, they used this event to support Husker athletics as well as announce their new electrical department and official partnership with the Huskers to the community. At the event, they had free hot dogs, water and giveaways.

Starting in August, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical started offering electrical services including electrical panels, outlets and switches, wiring, grounding and bonding, safety devices and so much more. They are proud to be able to offer all trade services including plumbing, heating, cooling and now electrical!

Established in 1996, John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical is a full-service plumbing, heating, air conditioning, air quality, duct cleaning, water treatment and electrical business. They have a committee set aside to ensure they are doing all they can for the community around us. For more information or to discuss your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling and indoor air-quality needs, visit jhlincoln.com, call (402) 435-5555 or email info@jhlincoln.com.

Luxury Landscape Celebrates Employees with ‘Free Food Friday’

Luxury Landscape loves rewarding their employees for all the hard work they consistently do. One of their favorite traditions is ‘Free Food Friday,’ in which the crew is treated to free food on the last Friday of every month.

Choosing a locally owned restaurant to sit and relax at, or setting up a buffet style lunch at the shop, Luxury Landscape goes all out, ordering or cooking all the appetizers and meals you could think of. Allan, Luxury's Office Manager and Grill Master, grills up tasty hamburgers and brats for the crew to dig into alongside provided sides. They've also put out an amazing spread for sandwiches, with a variety of meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, pickles, chips and fruit. The crew absolutely loves being doted on and appreciates the time to relax, joke and share stories – all while eating great food provided for them.

Luxury Landscape offers an array of services for outdoor spaces, with their most popular being installation, design and consultation, landscape maintenance and residential snow removal. The company began with Ken and Jackie Svoboda’s passion for creating unique and creative landscapes, using their 40+ years of landscape experience and offering it to their clients. For more information about Luxury Landscape and the services they provide, visit their website at luxurylandscape-llc.com.

Kinetic Business Launches Kinetic Managed Detection and Response Product

Kinetic Business is excited about the launch of their Kinetic Managed Detection and Response product. Released August 3, their new product is available for purchase.

As cyberattacks become more frequent and complex, companies of all sizes are struggling to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape. Cyberattacks come in all forms, including malware, phishing, spoofing and more. Kinetic MDR unifies stand-alone services, including firewalls, content filtering and a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) into one robust threat management system, making network security easy and accessible for businesses. Kinetic MDR provides a proactive approach to cybersecurity by continuously monitoring and analyzing network activity, detecting and responding to potential threats and providing remediation strategies.

Kinetic by Windstream is a business unit of Windstream, a privately held 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 is available at KineticBusiness.com.

Lincoln Airport Authority and Red Way Announce Winter Schedule

Red Way and the Lincoln Airport are delighted to announce the addition of two exciting new winter destinations to their flight network. Starting December 1, twice weekly nonstop flights to Tampa, Florida (TPA), will take off. Starting December 8, twice weekly nonstop flights will take off to Phoenix, Arizona (PHX). These new routes will offer travelers even more opportunities to escape the winter blues and enjoy the wonders of these fantastic cities.

Red Way is also extending its existing nonstop services to Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Travelers can continue to take advantage of twice-weekly flights to Orlando (MCO) and Las Vegas (LAS) on Thursdays and Sundays. These popular routes have been in high demand, and Red Way is thrilled to enhance its services to accommodate winter travelers.

Flights will typically operate twice weekly. Tampa and Phoenix will operate on Monday and Friday, whereas Orlando and Las Vegas will continue to operate on Thursday and Sunday. In response to increased demand over the holiday season, Red Way has scheduled additional flights in December to provide travelers with more options. The updated winter schedule is now available for booking on Red Way’s official website (www.goflyred.com).

Lincoln Airport and Red Way invite everyone to explore their websites to take advantage of special offerings and plan their travel accordingly. Visit goflyred.com and lincolnairport.com to learn more. Flights are public charters offered by GlobalX Air Tours, LLC and operated by Global Crossing Airlines, Inc.

Sun Valley Lanes & Games Unveils the Neoverse by QubicaAMF

Sun Valley Lanes & Games, the ultimate entertainment destination in southeast Nebraska, proudly introduces its newest attraction – the Neoverse by QubicaAMF. This cuttingedge installation takes interactive entertainment to new heights with a massive 180ft-wide LED video wall towering seven-and-a-half feet high above the bowling lanes, captivating guests like never before.

The Neoverse promises an unparalleled bowling and gaming experience. Its awe-inspiring visuals and dynamic displays transport guests into a world of virtual excitement, elevating the atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. Perfect for friends, families and corporate events, the Neoverse ensures an unforgettable time for all.

"We're thrilled to introduce The Neoverse by QubicaAMF," said Brian Kleinknecht, General Manager at Sun Valley Lanes & Games. "It reaffirms our commitment to providing the best entertainment experiences. The Neoverse will undoubtedly become a focal point, blending bowling with interactive excitement."

“I’m proud to once again provide something brand new here in Lincoln. We did it with BES-X, then Hyper Bowling and now the Neoverse,” stated Sun Valley Lanes & Games Owner John Losito.

Sun Valley Lanes & Games is a leading entertainment hub in Lincoln, offering various activities for individuals and groups, from state-ofthe-art bowling lanes to laser tag, Lucky Putt mini-golf and much more. They will also host the 2025 Women’s U.S. Open. To learn more, call (402) 475-3469 or visit sunvalleylanes.com.

SCORE Lincoln Seeking Volunteers to Help Make a Difference

Volunteering with SCORE

Lincoln can make a difference.

By volunteering

now, you can help a small business get started, as well as grow, by sharing your knowledge and experience. SCORE Lincoln is seeking as many volunteers as they can get to help the local business of our Lincoln community thrive!

SCORE Lincoln helps startups and small business owners get answers to essential questions necessary to starting or running a business by focusing on topics such as business plans, practical accounting and tax considerations, business financing, legal structures, marketing, insurance needs and more.

SCORE Lincoln, the local chapter of the nation’s largest network of expert business mentors, is a nonprofit organization and a partner of the SBA. Dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground and achieve their business goals, SCORE has provided FREE mentorship and education to more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. Services offered by SCORE include mentoring, webinars/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 (531) 225-6451.

AmanaCare Now Offering Services in Kearney

Less than two years ago, AmanaCare set out on a mission to expand their reach and help seniors and persons with disabilities all across the state of Nebraska. They're excited to share that since then, they have more than quadrupled the number of clients they serve and caregivers they employ!

With the vast majority of that growth located in Central Nebraska, AmanaCare decided it was the perfect time to open a second office in Kearney, Nebraska. Now, they're able to offer clients and staff a home base that's a little closer to home! Their Kearney office is staffed Monday through Friday by their new Administrative Assistant, Joann Billings.

With the addition of Joann and the Kearney office, AmanaCare can now provide faster, better service to clients and caregivers as well as a friendly face for anyone who pops by the office to learn more about AmanaCare's services.

AmanaCare is a faith-based company that is family-owned and operated providing faithful, personalized non-medical care that people can trust. If you or a loved one needs assistance to manage tasks of independent living, contact AmanaCare to find out how they can help at (402) 440-5878. For more information, go to amanacare.com.

Krueger Development Announces Relocation of Client Imperius Appliance Outlet

Krueger Development is proud to announce the relocation of Imperius Appliance Outlet, which sells new appliances with scratches and/ or dents. Imperius Appliance Outlet recently moved into their new location in south Lincoln within the Trade Center. They have items on liquidation at up to 70% off retail prices; including refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, dishwashers, microwaves and more! They deliver, install and even finance. They have recently partnered with Acima to offer financing options.

They are excited to grow at their new location and offer great appliances for the people of Lincoln and its surroundings areas. At Imperius, they want everyone to know that they offer the “best prices in town, guaranteed.” Imperius Appliance Outlet is a locally owned business that opened at the beginning of 2023 with the goal of offering the best possible quality appliances at affordable prices and with personalized customer service. They believe that everyone should have a chance at owning new, quality appliances without breaking the bank or going into debt to get them. The core values they abide by are “transparency” and “friendliness.” Stop by to see their selection of appliances today.

For more information about Imperius Appliance Outlet, visit www. imperiusoutlet.myshopify.com, call (402) 412-1266 or email imperiusretail@gmail.com.

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 at (402) 423-7377 or visit kruegerdevelopment.com.

LIBA to Host Annual Poker Tournament October 12

Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) is excited for their annual poker tournament Thursday, October 12. The event will be held at Buffalo Wings and Rings (3825 Village Dr.), where food will be provided and a bar is available for those wanting to drink, starting at 6 p.m.

The entry fee is $20, and comes with a swag bag! Everyone, regardless of expertise, is encouraged to participate.

There is even a beginner’s table! The top winner gets their name on the LIBA Texas Hold’em Tournament trophy and bragging rights for the rest of the year. Registration is open through Tuesday, October 10. To register, call (402) 466-3419 or email sam@liba.org.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association is always invested in providing development and educational opportunities to their members with front-row access to leaders and decision makers in the Lincoln business community. Among their many mission-driven efforts, LIBA strives to support political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system. Learn more about becoming a member and other upcoming events at liba.org or call the office, now located at 3601 Calvert St., at (402) 466-3419.

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation Now Offering Brush Cutting and Land Clearing Services

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation is excited to announce they are now accepting new customers for brush cutting and land clearing services.

The best time to clear up land, acreages and general brush or debris is during the fall and winter seasons before snow covers the ground. The best time to schedule those services is now, and bookings are filling up fast!

Land clearing includes a variety of different services, including mowing down tall grasses and thickets of bushes and trees, removing old equipment or trees that have already fallen, removing sheds or barns that may collapse from the weight of snow on the roofs or even just removing general debris to enhance a property's curb appeal.

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation was launched in February of 2022. They are a small, family owned company and are proud to be serving the Lincoln area. They hope to continue to grow within the community. They specialize in six core services: interior/exterior demolition, concrete removal and replacement, grading and drainage solutions, excavation and trenching, land clearing and parking lot/driveway maintenance and repair. You can schedule your service today by going to www.LincolnDemoAndEx.com or by contacting Owner Jake Metz at (402) 942-4037 or jake@lincolndemoandex.com.

SP Group Team Attends SOAR Conference

SP Group, P.C.’s Dave Swan, Erica Vossler and Austin Zimmerman recently attended the Woodard Scaling New Heights (SOAR) conference held in St. Louis, Missouri on June 25-28. The annual conference is one of the largest gatherings of accountants and bookkeepers in the country.

During the conference, a variety of breakout sessions were available, covering topics including business coaching, technical accounting training, technology consulting and practice management. In addition, the group attended keynote speakers each day, including Amelia Rose Earhart, who in honor of her namesake became the youngest woman to fly around the world in a single-engine aircraft in June 2014.

The conference provided Dave, Erica and Austin with a unique opportunity to network with other accounting professionals and learn from their unique perspectives and experiences. In all, the goal was to help SP Group, P.C. stay on the cutting edge of developments in the accounting industry and continue to grow their practice in the most efficient and sustainable manner.

SP Group, P.C., is a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm that serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest. Attendance at the 2023 SOAR conference demonstrates SP Group, P.C.’s commitment to professional development and offering the best technology and knowledge-based solutions for their clients. To learn more, go to spgrouppc.com or follow SP Group on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC). You can also contact their office at (402) 420-7758.

G OING BIG FOR

Guiderock Commercial Realty Represents Oasis Senior Advisors in Office Relocation

Oasis Senior Advisors moved its office to Lincoln’s Grand Central Court office building at 620 N. 48th St. in July. Cathy Kottwitz of Guiderock Commercial Realty represented Oasis Senior Advisors in the process of leasing their new location.

Oasis Senior Advisors helps local families transition their loved ones to senior housing based on individual needs. The company also provides other resources to clients through its network of trusted service providers.

“Getting our clients into locations that have the services clients need, with a financial commitment that is reasonable and with access to family members and other support systems is so important for longterm wellbeing,” said Tanya Godwin, the Lincoln Territory Manager. “Our new location will allow us to continue to grow our team and services as we support seniors in the Lincoln community.”

Oasis Senior Advisors opened its first Lincoln office in 2016 and has grown to three full-time senior housing advisors. Learn more about Oasis Senior Advisors at oasissenioradvisors.com/lincoln or contact their office at (402) 378-9630 / tgodwin@youroasisadvisor.com.

Guiderock Commercial Realty is a Lincoln-based commercial real estate firm providing services for business owners and investors. For more information, visit www.guiderockrealty.com or contact Cathy Kottwitz at (402) 421-7474 / cathy@guiderockrealty.com.

The Waterford Communities Celebrates 11 years at Waterford Wilderness Hills Location

Waterford Communities

Assisted Living and Memory Care is celebrating 11 years at their Waterford Wilderness Hills location. They are grateful for all the families that have entrusted them with their loved ones for the past 11 years. Their leaders and team are what make them successful in serving the needs of families and residents. They believe it is truly a privilege to become a part of their residents’ family.

The Waterford Communities Assisted Living has three locations to serve the Lincoln community. Their communities are named by the neighborhood they are in: Waterford Williamsburg, Waterford Wilderness Hills and Waterford College View. Finding the right assisted living or memory support community can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The good news is you are not alone. The Waterford Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities will help you find the perfect fit, so you can stop searching and relax knowing you have made the right decision. Their team of professionals is committed to using their talents and strengths to serve the needs of their residents.

Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care offers assisted living and memory care to seniors in Lincoln. For more information, visit www.thewaterford.net.

Join TFLC September 16 at the

Latino Festival: A Blend of Culture and Awareness

Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) encourages you to mark your calendars for the 2023 Latino Festival September 16! Antelope Park Shildneck Bandshell will come alive from 2 to 7 p.m. with the Latino Festival's lively tunes, captivating entertainment and delectable flavors.

TFLC takes immense pride in sponsoring this annual fiesta, masterfully organized by El Centro de las Americas.

Throughout the year, TFLC and El Centro de las Americas collaborate on many initiatives to educate our community about the risks of tobacco use and provide resources supporting those battling nicotine addiction. Together, they're on a mission to create a healthy, tobacco-free community.

The Latino Festival is an opportunity to learn and celebrate at the same time! Between the extraordinary performances and tasty bites, take a moment to stop by the TFLC booth to say "Hola!" They're excited to celebrate with you and raise awareness for tobacco prevention in our community.

Funding is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

For more information about Tobacco Free Lancaster County, visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

Underfoot Flooring Solutions Announces New Showroom and Sample Library

Underfoot Flooring

Solutions is excited to announce their new showroom and sample library is open for business starting September 1.

Underfoot Flooring Solutions is your one-stop shop for floor coverings. Not only do they install flooring, but their partnership with Purecare Dry Carpet Cleaning ensures that your new floors remain clean as well. They encourage you to set up an appointment for a free one-on-one consultation for residential or commercial flooring. They care about what is under your foot and strive to provide next level service for your next flooring project. They will schedule a flooring install and carpet cleaning all at once.

Underfoot Flooring Solutions is a locally owned and operated flooring store serving the Nebraska area in commercial and residential flooring. They provide the sale and installation of flooring materials including tile, vinyl, linoleum, laminate, engineered hardwood, LVP, LVT, carpeting and stone. Underfoot is located at 5600 N 58th Ct. STE 3B, and open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, contact them at (402) 483-1502 / ela@underfootlincoln.com or visit their Facebook page (@ UnderfootFlooringSolutionsLincoln).

Rise Stronger Ministry to Host I AM WHO HE SAYS I AM Women & Girls' Conference

Rise Stronger Ministry is excited to share their upcoming workshop, I AM WHO HE SAYS I

AM. It will be at 8251 Pioneer's Blvd in Lincoln from 8:30 a.m. to noon on October 7. The goal of this event is to build faith by identifying what every victorious woman and girl must believe and confess. Now more than ever, the world needs YOUR inspiration, joy, uniqueness and courage! You are here for such a time as this. Together, you will turn focus away from what the world holds as a standard regarding who you should or shouldn't be. Instead, you will focus on the Word and be reminded of who God says you ARE, a daughter of the King, beautifully and wonderfully made. There will be music, praise, fellowship and the presence of the Holy Spirit. You will leave the event refreshed and inspired. Registration for this event is FREE and open to women/girls ages 12 years and older. To register, please visit www.risestrongergroup.com.

Rise Stronger Events are a place where people can be spiritually empowered to boldly seek God with grace. The community values the faith it takes to persevere in order to stand tall with purpose. To learn more about Rise Stronger, please visit www.risestrongergroup. com or contact Stephanie Johnson at info@risestrongergroup.com.

Sweet Things by Marcy Expanding Business Collaborations

Sweet Things by Marcy has expanded her collaborations beyond Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen and Lounge. Her desserts are also available at Canyon Joe’s Barbecue, located in the Telegraph District; SoulFULL Cocina, located in the Havelock Community’ Pearson's Pumpkin Place located in Eagle, Nebraska; and Ivanna Cone, located in the Haymarket. Marcy is currently speaking with other locally owned businesses to offer a couple of her southern staples in the near future.

With new pick-up locations on the way, Sweet Things by Marcy is excited for the ability to expand her menu as well. Sweet Things by Marcy takes pride in her time-honored recipes, learned through many years of home cooking. Her recipes are both family-inspired and traditional with flavor combinations that surpass those that were passed down from generations of southern family cooks and bakers.

Sweet Things by Marcy is a home-based bakery in Lincoln that has a vibrant menu of sweet treats. Marcy’s desserts are sure to get your mouth watering. To check out their menu or make an order for pickup or delivery, go to www.sweetthingsbymarcy.com, or reach out to them directly at sweetthingsbymarcy@gmail.com / (402) 540-6982.

Commercial Realty Group, LLC Celebrates 23 Years in Business

Commercial Realty Group, LLC is celebrating their 23rd year in business. They are a premier commercial real estate company based in Lincoln with a strong focus on integrity and client satisfaction. Laura Bell, Broker, Owner and Manager of Commercial Realty Group, LLC provides exceptional service buying, selling and/or leasing commercial properties.

Laura is committed to diversity and excellence in the industry, as exemplified by her outstanding track record of satisfied clients. With over 35 years’ commercial experience, her extensive knowledge of the local Nebraska markets and incredible attention to detail has enabled her to consistently exceed her clients’ expectations. Laura's diligence and expertise ensure seamless transactions that result in positive outcomes for all parties involved. Her exceptional track record and numerous successful transactions have recently been recognized with CoStar’s prestigious 2022 Power Broker of The Year award for most sales transactions in the Lincoln market.

What distinguishes Laura from others in the industry is her dedication, unmatched expertise and unwavering focus. She refrains from buying for her own portfolio, ensuring that her client's best interests remain her sole priority. This solid commitment to exceptional service sets Laura apart and allows her to give her clients the attention and dedication they deserve.

For more information visit the Commercial Realty Group, LLC website at www.crgnebraska.net. To schedule an appointment with Laura, call (402) 432-9914 or email lbell@crgnebraska.net.

The Better Business Bureau to Host 2023 Torch Awards for Ethics September 19

The Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) signature event of the year is back for Year 26. Join them on September 19 at A View West Shores for the 2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics luncheon. The event promises to be an unforgettable celebration that includes the winners of the 2023 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics and BBB Spark Awards, and the recipients of the 2023 BBB Students of Integrity scholarships.

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum President & CEO Clayton Anderson will serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Anderson, who successfully executed six spacewalks and is considered “Nebraska’s Astronaut,” will deliver a sure-to-remember story of big dreams and perseverance. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $85. Both tickets and sponsorships can be secured at www.bbb.org/omahatorch.

“In its 26th year as an annual event, we are excited to start a new chapter,” said BBB Vice President of Communications & PR Josh Planos. “We are excited to celebrate all that makes our community such a special place to work and live.”

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. BBB services to consumers are free. Visit BBB.org for more information.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Nebraska and South Dakota to Host Annual Golf Classic September 13

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Nebraska and South Dakota (ABC) are hosting their Annual Golf Classic Wednesday, September 13, at Tiburon Golf Club & Banquet Facility. Check in will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a shot gun start at 11 a.m. To register for the tournament, visit www.abcnesd.org/test-addmi-events?fbclid=IwAR1oTmA9K-SJvhw Cy6EP95MlX2rnQFMfmv2o7W94T4_zlHrNHkPlqt7njjM.

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Nebraska and South Dakota are seeking sponsors. Sponsorships are available as follows:

• Corporate Hole Sponsorship - $500

• Hole Sign Sponsor - $300

• Lunch Sponsor - $400

• Dinner Sponsor - $500

• Beverage Cart Sponsor - $500

• Putting Contest Sponsor - $500

The Associated Builders and Contractors Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy and workforce development. For more information about ABC, call the State/Lincoln location at (402) 477-4451 or visit www.abcnesd.org.

Marks

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Introduces The Social Scramble October 16

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (LCOC) is excited to introduce their new, highlyrequested golf tournament, The Social Scramble. The event will take place on October 16 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wilderness Ridge Golf Course. This new golf tournament is a unique opportunity for LCOC members to network and build connections. To maximize connections, teams will be a mix of individual players and pairs to create teams of four. Individual registration is $150, and pair registration is $300. Sponsorships are available and come with a variety of valuable marketing benefits. Additional day-of-event details will be coming soon. If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or have any questions, please contact Mia Wilken at (402) 436-2355 or mwilken@lcoc.com.

More details of the day will come closer to the event regarding check in or any pre-tournament agendas.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce is Lincoln’s leading business organization, providing advocacy and connections to help businesses grow and thrive in Lincoln. They are committed to being a fivestar accredited collaborative partner in Lincoln’s success as a place of endless opportunities and work closely with their partner organizations. Learn more at www.lcoc.com.

Lincoln YPG to Host Young Lincoln Leader Awards Gala in October

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (Lincoln YPG) recognizes the outstanding efforts and contributions of individuals and organizations in the Lincoln community during its annual Young Lincoln Leader Awards Gala in October. Nominations are available in the following categories:

Young Professional of the Year - This award recognizes an individual who is achieving a successful career in any industry, has made innovative contributions to their organization and has distinguished themselves as a future leader.

Young Citizen of the Year - This award recognizes extraordinary civic engagement, volunteerism and public service.

Young Entrepreneur of the Year - This award recognizes an individual whose entrepreneurial vision, innovation, courage and leadership has created a successful business or organization and has made a positive impact on the Lincoln community.

Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year - This award recognizes the outstanding efforts of an effective change maker in Lincoln’s nonprofit community.

Emerging Leader of the Year - This award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional initiative professionally, taken on leadership roles within the community and acted as a role model to those around them.

Next Generation Workplace - This award is presented to a local business committed to attracting, retaining and developing the young professional workforce.

Diversity and Inclusive Excellence - This award is presented to a local organization or individual that strengthens the Lincoln community by promoting the goals and vision of inclusive excellence and diversity through policies and practices.

To learn more about Lincoln YPG, visit www.lincolnypg.com.

JetSplash Announces Fast Pass Tag

JetSplash is excited to announce their Fast Pass tag, which allows members to cruise through their members-only Express Lane each time they wash their car! To acquire a Fast Pass tag, members must pay a one-time charge of $5.

Celebrating their 20th year in business, JetSplash is also offering a sale in which it is $20 for one month of $20 washes. For the first two months, it costs you $20, saving you $20 each month. For the next four months, it costs you $35, saving you $5 each month.

JetSplash provides the best, most comprehensive wash (and handdry) in town – and they do it in a jiffy. They fly you through so you can fly away quick and clean (or you can fly away slower and clean by using their free vacs, free air and free mat cleaners after your wash). As a locally owned business, they are excited to bring the community more options and convenience for a speedy, spotless wash.

JetSplash takes pride in our community and strives to give back through donations and fundraising opportunities. For more information, visit jetsplash.com.

Eschliman Commercial Real Estate Announces Neveria La Monarca Open for Ice Cream, Food and Drink

Ted and Robin Eschliman of Eschliman Commercial Real Estate (ECR) are proud to announce this summer’s opening of Neveria La Monarca, south Lincoln’s specialty Mexican Ice Cream Shop. Located in the South Street Plaza in the former Little King space at 1030 South St., the restaurant currently serves hand-made ice cream desserts and imported southof-the-border treats and beverages. Coming soon, a full-service menu of food prepared in full view for a maximum sensory experience of tastes, sight and sound. The owners and family members boast a multi-decade history offering fresh, savory Mexican cuisine in several other Lincoln locations. For more information, visit www.instagram. com/neveria_lamonarca or email Neverialamonarcane@gmail.com.

Since the 1990s, Eschliman Commercial Real Estate has provided site selection services for restaurant, office, retail, warehouse, land and commercial investment prospects, as well as listing and consulting services. Company President Robin Eschliman’s 13-yearold economic development show, “Grow Lincoln,” on 1400 KLIN AM, covers businesses opening, closing, moving and expanding, as well as local guest interviews. Podcast links can be found www.klin.com/ grow-lincoln. For more information about Eschliman Commercial Real Estate, visit their website www.ecrproperty.com or contact them at (402) 420-3239 / info@ecrproperty.com.

March is

Gambling Awareness Month

Venue Restaurant & Lounge Offering

Wine Wednesday

Venue Restaurant & Lounge is excited to announce their Wine Wednesdays, in which specific bottles of wine are 25% off. This offer excludes limited wines listed in red. Venue Restaurant & Lounge encourages everyone to take advantage of Wine Wednesdays, whether having a girl’s night out or a dinner date.

These 24/7 helplines are confidential and will direct you to a certified counselor who can provide immediate help. The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for the assessment and treatment of problem gambling for Nebraskans struggling with problem gambling and their families.

Whether dining in their extraordinary restaurant and lounge, enjoying exquisite chef-inspired catering or utilizing one of their five event rooms, their guests can always count on getting the very best Venue has to offer. It is their pledge to provide the highest level of service along with artistic culinary cuisine delivering the ultimate dining experience.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available.

Your Neighborhood Experts For

Venue Restaurant & Lounge is a part of PILLAR Restaurant Group, a locally owned company that also consists of Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, Piedmont Bistro by Venue and Venue Catering & Events, with the Jasmine Room by Venue and the Scottish Rite Ballroom by Venue. For more information, go to yourvenue.net. Additional questions can be directed to their team at (402) 488-8368 / info@yourvenue.net.

Merritt Concrete Partnered with Hampton Enterprises and Make-A-Wish Nebraska

Merritt Concrete is honored to have joined forces with Hampton Enterprises and Make-A-Wish Nebraska to build a beautiful outdoor gazebo that gives Brooklynne the perfect haven to enjoy the great outdoors. None of this would've been possible without the remarkable employees at Hampton Enterprises and the wonderful volunteers at Make-A-Wish Nebraska who made it all possible.

Merritt Concrete’s, Hampton Enterprises’ and Make-A-Wish Nebraska’s time and expertise created something truly special and reminded everyone of the power of community, collaboration and kindness. Relationships like these help bring the community together, and help make dreams come true. Merritt Concrete is proud to help support our local communities!

Merritt Concrete has supplied the Lincoln community with ready-mix concrete and construction materials since 1894. They are proud to have served the community for over 125 years and still offer their original U-Kart Trailers for DIY projects in addition to their new volumetric mixing trucks that measure and mix your concrete on-demand for jobs large or small. For more information, go to merrittlincoln.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 and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email cemre@strictlybusinessomaha.com or submit your news at strictly-business.com.

by Krista Peeks Dittman Agent, Individual & Senior Benefits

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Starts October 15

Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins October 15 and continues through December 7. During that time, a Medicare beneficiary can review their coverages and determine whether any changes are needed for next year. ComPro can help you with this!

Coverage options include Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Cost Plans. The choices continue to grow as the number of people age 65 and over increases. There will be new insurance companies and new products available in Nebraska for 2024.

If you have health benefits offered by an employer, you can keep the employer benefits for as long as you or your spouse are actively employed AND the employer coverage meets the “creditable coverage” test of Medicare. The decision on when to make the change to Medicare is often based on both the costs and the benefits.

Important Information about Medicare Advantage Plans

One of our most frequently-asked questions concerns Medicare Advantage plans. Television and mailboxes are full of advertising encouraging Medicare-eligible individuals to “get all that they are entitled to.” Medicare Advantage plans are a great option for some, but not all, people. It is true that these plans have a very low premium, some are $0. It is also true that most plans include benefits for vision, dental, hearing, gym memberships and over-the-counter medications. However, it is not free. The premium is low, but the policyholder will pay a copay or a percentage of cost for each medical service that is used up to the maximum out-of-pocket maximum. Here’s more details about Medicare Advantage Plans:

• The maximum out-of-pocket represents the most that would be paid for medical services. The maximum ranges from about $3,500 to $6,500 on plans that are available in Nebraska in 2023.

• Copays are also charged for prescription medications. Dental, vision and hearing benefits include an annual exam at no charge, but you will still pay a portion of the cost for dental work, eye wear and hearing aids.

• You are also required to use in-network doctors and hospitals to receive the best benefits.

• Much of this advertising falsely leads people to believe that it is all free. That is simply not the case except for those individuals who are very low income.

• Healthier individuals and those with more tolerance for risk are good candidates for a Medicare Advantage plan. Those with chronic health conditions are not.

The ComPro Team helps their clients compare the Medicare options available. To identify the costs and benefits of each plan so that a well-informed decision can be made. Got questions about your health insurance? Contact ComPro at (402) 488-5100. They are your trusted and local resource for health insurance plans for Medicare, Individuals and Employee Benefits! For more info, visit www.comproins.com.

BETHANY STAR CITY SIX

Bethany A. Allen MCGILL LAW, PC, LLO

Meet Bethany A. Allen, an Attorney at McGill Law, PC, LLO.

Tell us a little about your business. - McGill Law, PC, LLO is focused on respectful, empowered divorces and adoptions. Every client is treated with dignity and respect and is guaranteed effective representation. Our expertise and integrity have earned us a reputation as one of the best family law firms in Iowa and Nebraska.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I consider each client I help to be my most important achievement. There is nothing better than being able to represent someone during a difficult time.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have a husband, six chickens and two cats.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - On a day off, I love to relax, spend time with friends and family and read a good book. Who inspires you? - An individual who has truly left an impression me is Prince. As he once sung in “Let’s Go Crazy,” ‘Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today. To get through this thing called life.’ He helped his fans navigate their way through ‘this thing called life’ with his music. Always innovative, forever pushing boundaries and seeking to get to the very heart of his fans with his work.

I aspire to similarly aid our clients in navigating ‘this thing called life,’ even when it’s hard with compassionate and supportive legal representation.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "There are many paths up the mountain." This serves as a valuable recall that multiple approaches exist to accomplish a goal. Likewise, various legal avenues are available for addressing family law issues, including collaborative law, collaborative mediation, mediation and litigation. Irrespective of the most suitable choice for our client and their family, our constant commitment lies in supporting our clients through their cases with empathy, honesty and courtesy. Optimal outcomes materialize when the future and welfare of a family remain the most important consideration.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “One Piece at a Time” by Johnny Cash. It’s a great reminder that you can do anything one step at a time.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? - Telepathy. One reason would be that it would enable me to directly understand my clients' thoughts and emotions, helping me better comprehend their perspectives, needs and concerns. This deep level of insight could lead to more effective legal representation tailored to each unique situation.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I could sing! I have always admired those with beautiful singing voices, but sadly I do not have that talent.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I’m Thinking of Ending Things by Ian Reid.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Honest Abe’s! They have excellent food and a relaxed vibe. It is the perfect place to have a casual meal.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - I would love to have dinner with Gael Garcia Marquez, the author of One Hundred Years of Solitude.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 548-5418; www.mcgilllawyers.com.

WINNER TOP PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR 2023

DEB STAR CITY SIX

Deb Maguire

CARING FRIENDS IN HOME CARE

Meet Deb Maguire, LPN, Director of Health Services at Caring Friends In Home Care.

Tell us a little about your business. - Caring Friends In Home Care is your trusted choice for exceptional in-home care. We have over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field. We passionately want the very best for our clients and deliver care in their homes - a familiar surrounding to them. Their care will be directed by them and their own individualized choices. We have no minimum requirements for hourly services as we will serve you for as little as one hour a day. We hire local so that our clients can be cared for by caregivers in their own community, which allows us to never charge mileage to the client. Our goal of serving you in the comfort of your home leads to a higher satisfaction with life allowing for dignity, independence and maximum comfort of care.

How did you get started in the business? - I have been in the healthcare field my entire career, which has been more than 45 years. I love the opportunity to be able to serve our clients and know that daily we are making a difference in their lives. I also love getting to hear their life stories.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Most of my career was spent working in a facility, mainly assisted livings. The biggest challenge was having clients with no money and on Medicaid and not being able to serve them because the facility didn’t take that payor source. I totally understand the reasoning behind this, but now doing in-home care and knowing we accept all payor sources means the world to me to be able to help even those who are less fortunate.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am the oldest of three girls. I am so blessed to live in the same town as my entire family. I have the best nieces and nephews and am so thankful that I have gotten to spend as much time with each of them as I can. We are a very close family and I make sure to take them on a vacation every summer. To be able to spend this quality one on one time with them is beyond a blessing. I want to give them as many memories as possible.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - To spend as much time as possible making memories, taking short trips or just being outdoors going swimming, boating and enjoying bonfires. Who inspires you? - Mother Teresa. Her faith, big heart and dedication to helping those in need is an inspiration how to live our lives with kindness and caring for all.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The best piece of advice I have ever received came from my dad – he always said no matter what you do in life, always leave people better than you found them. He was 6’8” tall and he was known as the gentle giant… and he would’ve given all he had to help someone else. I aim to be half the person he was.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Grace… I hope those I have had the honor to care for or have touched know that I have treated them with grace.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - deb.maguire@caringfriendsinhomecare.com; (402) 2071050; www.caringfriendsinhomecare.com.

Kyle Bauer

LUXURY LANDSCAPE

Meet Kyle Bauer, Foreman at Luxury Landscape.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are a full landscape company specializing in patios, retaining walls and updating water features and dated landscapes.

How did you get started in the business? - For five and a half years, I was in the restaurant industry. I needed a change for my family, so I applied for a labor job in landscaping – which was 11 years ago.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The ability to advance farther than a foreman.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Moving from laborer into a lead foreman role as well as passing my ICPI and SRW classes.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve got three children with my ex-wife; one boy (Kaden) and two girls (Amya and Lexi). I’m currently engaged and have a puppy named Oreo.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting sober and living a clean and happy life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Relax at home or go on an adventure with my fiancé.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My junior year of high school, I was awarded a scholarship from Metro Omaha Builder’s Association because of my construction tech class.

Who inspires you? - All my coworkers inspire me to be a great leader and also to be a teacher.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Sobriety is a journey, not a destination. I also like the K.I.S.S. acronym: Keep It Simple Stupid.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Superhuman strength.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Giving my crew more opportunity to do certain tasks or explaining things clearer.

Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to dance. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?Something by James Patterson or John Grisham.

What is your favorite movie? - Gone in 60 Seconds.

What is your favorite TV show? - Anything about history.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Koen Japanese BBQ & Sushi.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Emmet Smith – former Dallas Cowboys running back.

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

- luxurylandscape-llc.com; (402) 440-7721; lux@luxurylandscapellc.com.

Kamryn Hernandez KRUEGER DEVELOPMENT

Meet Kamryn Hernandez, Property Manager at Krueger Development.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Newest Luxury Apartment Living in Lincoln. Enjoy the upscale and inviting atmosphere of our 106-unit community, located in Lincoln. We offer beautiful studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments infused with style and modern conveniences. You will enjoy a spacious open design in whichever apartment you select. You'll love the underground climate controlled parking garage. Our elevators will whisk you from your residence to work, school or recreation without having to scrape snow and ice in January or walk into a hot steamy day in July.

We offer a complete online resident experience with leasing, payments and service requests. We strive to provide you with a welcoming atmosphere every day. We can't wait to welcome you home!

How did you get started in the business? - I have worked for Krueger Development for almost a year now. I love the group of people that I work for. They have provided plenty of opportunities for me to learn and grow in many different areas of the company. I loved all that I was doing for Krueger Development, but property management caught my eye as soon as I was introduced to it. I love the community and people in Lincoln. I am excited to see 29South grow! What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Every day is something new, I don’t think it’s as challenging as much as it is exciting! I love meeting new people, hearing new stories and seeing the excitement on the new tenants faces as they join our community!

Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up in a small town called Tulare, California. During COVID, I decided it was time to make a change, so I moved to Nebraska and that is when I met a “good ole Nebraska boy,” who is now my soon-to-be husband! I am also a dog mom. We have an adorable husky who completely runs our household. We may be making room for one more pup soon!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Moving to Nebraska has been one of the best decisions I've made for myself. I have met so many amazing people and really grown to love what Nebraska has to offer. I've loved exploring our beautiful surroundings, traveling to nearby states and being a part of Nebraska football, win or lose. It really is The Good Life!

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to spend my days off by going for a run, visiting the local farmer's market and fishing with my fiancé!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Since moving to Nebraska, I have taken up long distance running and I fell in love with it. I have completed two half marathons, a few 10K runs and multiple 5K runs. I love that Lincoln hosts all of the events; the community is so encouraging along those race courses and it makes it so much fun. What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - We love to ride our bikes to The Isles Pub & Pizza, a really yummy pizza place on the north side of town! We love the vibe and the people who work there are so friendly. If you like pizza, you HAVE TO try their leaning tower of pizza – it is so delicious!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I would love to answer any questions for people interested in our NEW 29South community. My email is kamryn@kruegerdevelopment.com. Our business website liveat29south.com is up and running with all we have to offer at 29South! Don't hesitate on giving us a call at (402) 474-0001. We can't wait to meet you!

Home of the 5

Parts & Labor

STAR CITY SIX JANELLE

Janelle Maybee

COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF LANCASTER AND SAUNDERS

Meet Janelle Maybee, Head Start Enrollment and Compliance Coordinator at Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders.

Tell us a little about your business. - Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is a nonprofit organization based out of Lincoln. Our mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. We provide programs and services in four impact areas: Early Childhood Education, Homelessness Prevention, Financial and Family Well-Being and Hunger Relief and Healthy Food Access. Last year, we served over 18,000 individuals in Lancaster and Saunders Counties.

As part of our Head Start leadership team, I ensure families have access to the free childcare and support services they need. I also make sure we’re complying with the thousands of federal, state and local regulations that inform our programming.

How did you get started in the business? - I applied for a job with Community Action Head Start as soon as I graduated college! I knew I wanted to give back and support families in my community. Head Start was a dream job. I started my career as a teacher and have worn many different hats over the past 17 years with Community Action!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - One of the biggest challenges we face – and I think this goes for everyone at Community Action – is that the need in our community is so great. There are so many barriers faced by families living in poverty. It’s a challenge to know that it’s not often possible to remove every obstacle at once.

Right now, for example, the average annual cost of infant childcare in Lincoln is greater than the cost of a year’s worth of tuition at UNL. And without access to quality, affordable childcare, many parents and caregivers can’t work, let alone achieve long-term stability.

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But I know that the work we do every day at Community Action Head Start, providing free early childhood education and family support, makes a positive impact. We work alongside families to overcome obstacles. This work creates opportunities.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I’ve been so fortunate to be part of lots of growth at Community Action Head Start. We’re charged with adjusting programming to meet community needs, which over the years has included opening new and renovating existing centers. I played a key role in starting several new centers, and I’ve supported our current capital renovation project at 1843 K Street in Lincoln, our new Home for Head Start.

Within our Home for Head Start project, we’re transforming a building previously built for adult education (years ago, it was the Lincoln School of Commerce) into one designed specifically for young children and families. We’re redesigning classrooms, adding indoor and outdoor play areas, building parent resource rooms and more. It’s so rewarding to see the vision come to life, and it wouldn’t be possible without generous support from our community. Right now, we’re about 80% of the way to our fundraising campaign goal to complete this project!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - To learn more about Community Action Head Start, including our Home for Head Start project and capital campaign, visit www. communityactionatwork.org.

To connect with me directly, email jmaybee@communityactionatwork. org or call (402) 875-9328.

STAR CITY SIX ALLY

Ally Vrbas

PILLAR RESTARUANT GROUP

Meet Ally Vrbas, Director of Hospitality and Events at Pillar Restaurant Group.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Pillar Restaurant Group is a locally owned company established in 1999 with four main concepts: Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Piedmont Bistro by Venue, Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs and Venue Catering and Events. We proudly cater out of our incredible private event rooms and some of the most beautiful spaces in Downtown Lincoln, including the Jasmine Room by Venue and the Scottish Rite Building. Inside the restaurants, we offer a variety of services such as Venue at Home, Venue Bakery, Venue Blends and Venue Butchery. I highly recommend checking them out!

How did you get started in the business? - I found my passion for customer service at the age of sixteen while waitressing at my small hometown bar and grille. I continued to waitress and host throughout college. Ironically, my first job in Lincoln was hosting for Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Once I graduated, I experienced another side of the industry through hospitality, but made my way back to restaurants.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Cultivating employees. It’s fulfilling to watch your team grow personally and professionally throughout their career.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a parent has been the biggest turning point in my life. You feel a deeper love than you have ever felt and learn a new level of patience.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Enjoy a cup of coffee while playing with my child, take a nice long walk, work out and end the evening by binging something on Hulu.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I love to hike! My goal is to visit every National Park in the United States. Denali National Park has been my favorite so far. We are taking our first trip as a family of three to Yellowstone in September.

Who inspires you? - My late babysitter Trudy, who was like a grandma to me. She raised the kids to be kind, work hard and bake with love.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Theresa. This quote was my graduation quote and sticks true to this day.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Passionate; to approach situations with your full heart and mind.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Dancing!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would become a personal trainer. I would love to educate and encourage people to work towards their fitness goals. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach. Their dedication to serving food to those that might not be able to eat otherwise hits close to my heart!

What is your favorite movie? - Sweet Home Alabama. I am a sucker for a 2000’s romcom.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I would love to hear from you! Feel free to email me at ally@ yourvenue.net.

FNIC Welcomes Stephanie Diaz de Leon to Team

FNIC is pleased to announce the addition of Sales Executive Stephanie Diaz de Leon to the Omaha Employee Benefits team. Stephanie Diaz de Leon is a results-driven Sales Executive at FNIC. With a diverse background in the nonprofit sector and the insurance industry, Stephanie has consistently demonstrated her exceptional relationship-building skills, strong communication abilities and an unwavering commitment to personal growth and development. She finds fulfillment in educating individuals about insurance and empowering them to make informed decisions. Her ability to break down intricate concepts into understandable terms has proven to be invaluable to her clients.

“FNIC leads with trust,” said Stephanie Diaz de Leon, “Trust is the foundation to building meaningful relationships, and is key for working collaboratively with every client.”

Stephanie Diaz de Leon is passionate about supporting her clients with a high-level strategy that meets their objectives. Her strategic vision and innovative approach will play a central role in FNIC's future endeavors and expansion plans.

"We are excited to welcome Stephanie Diaz de Leon to the FNIC team," said Amy Argo, Chief Sales Officer at FNIC. "I am confident that Stephanie will bring fresh insights and make a positive impact on our growth goals."

To learn more about FNIC, please visit www.fnicgroup.com. On their website, you will find more information about the FNIC team and the products and services they provide.

McGill Law Announces Theresa Loughran as Partner, Solidifying Her Role in the Firm's Future

McGill Law is delighted to announce that Attorney Theresa Loughran has been named partner. Theresa is the first person to be added as a partner since Jodie McGill started McGill Law in 2011 as a solo practitioner. Theresa joined McGill Law in 2020 after closing down her own solo practice. This promotion recognizes Theresa's outstanding contributions and dedication to McGill Law's growth and reputation of excellence.

Theresa's deep knowledge and passion for helping families have proven invaluable to McGill Law's clients, who have consistently praised her attention to detail, creative solutions, compassionate demeanor and ability to navigate complex legal and emotional dynamics. Her dedication to delivering a personalized approach and assisting families reach amicable solutions has earned her the respect and admiration of both clients and colleagues alike.

As a partner, Theresa will continue to enhance McGill Law's reputation for excellence and its commitment to providing comprehensive legal services that prioritize the well-being of families. Her expanded role will enable her to further develop lead critical initiatives, contributing to the firm's growth and success.

McGill Law specializes in helping families through legal issues like divorce, adoptions, child custody and modifications. To contact McGill Law, call (402) 548-5418 or email info@McGillLawyers.com. For more information, go to McGillLawyers.com.

Tabitha Welcomes Inglish Camero

Nonprofit Tabitha, Nebraska’s industryleading provider in care for older adults, is excited to announce the new Director of Nursing for its main campus, Tabitha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (TNRC) in Lincoln, is Inglish Camero, DNP, RN.

Camero has been a nursing leader at several medical centers throughout the state and brings more than 20 years of experience to Tabitha. Her nursing career has involved the development of advanced and entry-level nursing education programs, improvement of safety measures and processes, care quality optimization efforts and streamlining the efficiency of day-to-day nursing tasks. She has also received recognition for nursing excellence, including the DAISY Award, an international program that honors extraordinary nurses.

In her role at Tabitha, Camero’s talents are dedicated toward leading TEAMembers to uphold Tabitha’s exceptional standards of care. Additional responsibilities include overseeing adherence to national- and state-level health requirements, financial forecasting and management and further developing Tabitha’s training programs for nurses and certified nursing assistant (CNA) applicants.

“Inglish’s career accomplishments are remarkable testaments of her dedication to others – whether in an executive, academic or direct patient care setting,” said Tonya Richards, Corporate Director, Community Operations & TNRC Administrator. “We are thrilled to have Inglish’s talents and direction to help Tabitha fulfill its PURPOSE of empowering people to live joyfully, age gratefully.”

Tabitha is Your Answer; learn more at Tabitha.org.

Union Bank & Trust Promotes Matthew Clare to Vice President – Commercial Lending

Union Bank & Trust (UBT) recently promoted Matthew Clare to Vice President –Commercial Lending.

Clare joined UBT in 2009 starting in the Customer Service division and has worked in the bank’s Private Banking, Credit Administration and Commercial Loans departments. He’s been a member of the Commercial Loans team for the last seven years. In this role, he works with existing and prospective commercial clients to assist them with their credit and depository banking needs. He also helps his clients with commercial real estate transactions, lines of credit, working capital loans, business acquisition loans and other types of commercial financing.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration, Clare serves the community through his involvement with the University of NebraskaLincoln MBA Advisory Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters Lincoln Board of Directors, 2023 United Way Campaign Cabinet and Junior Achievement. He’s a 2020 graduate of Leadership Lincoln.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment and trust services in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $8.0 billion and trust assets of $46.1 billion as of June 30. Learn more at ubt.com.

Nebraska Family Dentistry Announces Innovative Sleep Apnea & Teeth Grinding Diagnosis at Home

Nebraska Family Dentistry is thrilled to announce that Dr. Kim Polley at Nebraska Family Dentistry - NorthStar Dental, located in North Lincoln, is introducing a groundbreaking approach to diagnosing sleep apnea and teeth grinding for all residents in Nebraska.

Say goodbye to complicated and inconvenient sleep tests! Dr. Kim Polley now offers an easy-to-use at-home sleep test that will revolutionize how sleep-related issues are diagnosed. With this innovative solution, you can enjoy the comfort of your own bed while receiving accurate results.

Dr. Kim Polley's expertise and dedication to patient care have led to this cutting-edge service. With the at-home sleep test, you can take control of your sleep health and address any potential issues without the hassle of traditional sleep lab visits. But that's not all! Dr. Kim Polley also offers FREE Teledentistry consults from the comfort of your home. Schedule 24/7 or learn more by visiting northstardentalne. com/10-reasons-to-try-a-sleep-study-at-home. Don't let sleep apnea or teeth grinding impact your quality of life. Embrace this new approach to diagnosing these conditions and achieve better sleep and overall well-being.

Dr. Kim Polley is a proud Nebraska Family Dentistry dental group member. The mission of Nebraska Family Dentistry is to deliver high-quality dental work in a non-judgmental environment. They offer payment solutions to make dentistry more affordable and sedation dentistry options for added comfort. You can schedule with them 24/7 online at nebraskafamilydentistry. com. For more information, email nebraskafamilydentistry@gmail. com or call/text (402) 600-2040.

Stepping Stones Welcomes Alliea Bice, PLMHP

Stepping Stones is pleased to welcome Alliea Bice to their team. Alliea is a Provisional Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP). She received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Alliea brings with her experience working with children, adolescents and families, and has received specialized training in sand tray and child-centered play therapy. Alliea is now accepting appointments for children ages three and up. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Fridays, starting at 9 a.m. She joins Shannon Miller, LIMHP, LADC, who offers mental health and substance use services for adults via telehealth.

Stepping Stones provides counseling for mental health and cooccurring disorders, drug and alcohol assessment and substance use counseling and treatment. Stepping Stones is a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership located at 4600 Valley Road. Appointments are available Mondays through Fridays and are scheduled through Lincoln Family Medicine Center by calling (402) 483-4571. Later appointments may be available upon request. If you have a non-appointment related question and wish to speak to a Stepping Stones counselor, please call (402) 488-6511. For more information, visit www.steppingstoneslincoln.com.

Nebraska Family Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Katie Keck

Nebraska Family Dentistry is thrilled to have Dr. Katie Keck join the team! Her experience in dentistry, exceptional clinical skills, dedication to patient care and passion for dentistry make her a fantastic asset to their team. Dr. Katie Keck has years of experience in cosmetic and family dentistry. She offers a $50 introduction special for her new patients toward cosmetic services: BOTOX, teeth whitening and dental veneers.

She is dedicated to making Nebraska Family Dentistry the friendliest dental office in town, ensuring that each patient feels welcomed and comfortable and receives the highest standard of care. “I serve people, not just teeth, to smile more and to look and feel your best!” said Keck. Nebraska Family Dentistry knows she will significantly impact their patients' lives and contribute to their mission of providing exceptional dental care in a welcoming atmosphere. Follow her on TikTok at www.tiktok.com/@drkatiekeck. To view her schedule, visit nebraskafamilydentistry.com/dr-katie-keck.

The experts at Nebraska Family Dentistry Group are dedicated to the relationship between oral health and overall health and to delivering comfort, satisfaction and quality dental work. At any of their locations, you can find compassionate care from professionals who strive to provide excellent dental treatment to every patient. For more information, call (402) 423-7141, email nebraskafamilydentistry@ gmail.com or visit nebraskafamilydentistry.com.

Lutz Promotes Katie Roberts to Healthcare Director

Katie Roberts has been promoted to Healthcare Director in Lutz’s Lincoln office. She has been an integral member of the healthcare team through her ability to solve complex problems and manage client relationships. She is dedicated to exceeding client expectations, improving the healthcare department’s operational structure and is a steadfast resource for staff training.

Roberts brings many years of experience, excellent customer service skills and advanced technical knowledge of the healthcare industry to the firm. She is responsible for providing accounting and consulting services to healthcare organizations and Critical Access Hospitals with a focus on outsourced CFO services, board and hospital staff education and reimbursements. Katie is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Healthcare Financial Professional.

Lutz is a business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten economic and organizational success. Their experienced team provides accounting, financial, talent, M&A and technology services. They work to simplify complexities, help make critical business decisions and focus on the things that are truly important to you. Lutz embraces your business as their own to spark the right solutions and help you thrive. That’s their promise: to mind what matters. Learn more at www.lutz.us.

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Humanities Nebraska Announces 2023 Sower Award Winner

Humanities Nebraska (HN) has selected Educator and Historian Beth S. Dotan, PhD., to receive the 2023 Sower Award in the Humanities in recognition of her efforts to increase understanding of the Holocaust.

A Research Assistant Professor in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) Harris Center for Judaic Studies, Dotan created Nebraska Stories of Humanity as part of her Ph.D. work. This digital web portal highlights stories of Holocaust survivors and servicemen who liberated Nazi camps and settled in Nebraska after World War II.

A native Nebraskan, Dotan served as the Founding Executive Director of the Institute for Holocaust Education in Omaha. She has also served as the Director for International Department of the Ghetto Fighters House Holocaust and Jewish Resistance Heritage Museum in Lohamei HaGeta’ot, Israel (2012-2015). Dotan received her MA in Jewish Education from Hebrew Union College, Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Los Angeles and her Ph.D. in Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a particular focus on Holocaust Education and digital memory.

Dotan will be honored on October 10 during the 28th Annual Governor’s Lecture in the Humanities at the Holland Performing Arts Center in Omaha. Titled, “From Moscow to the Lincoln Highway: An Evening with Amor Towles,” the free public event will begin at 7:30 p.m. following a benefit dinner to help raise funds to support HN’s statewide programming. A live-stream viewing option will also be available.

Humanities Nebraska is a statewide nonprofit that is celebrating 50 years of helping people explore what connects us and makes us human. Visit humanitiesnebraska.org for more information.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Promotes Carson McCormick

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is excited to announce the recent promotion of team member Carson McCormick to Assistant Vice President, Assistant Mortgage Loan Production Manager.

Carson began his banking career as a Teller at Lincoln Federal’s Wilderness Hills Lincoln location seven years ago and was quickly promoted into the Lending Department as a Mortgage Loan Processor, and most recently as a Mortgage Loan Officer where he worked closely with their top producing loan officers and gained a vast understanding of the loan process.

In his new role at the corporate office, Carson will serve as a resource for loan officers as they work towards loan approval for their borrowers. In addition, he will approve loans and streamline existing loan processes.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has five branch locations in Lincoln. The corporate office can be found at 8400 Maddox Drive in Lincoln. Additional branches are located in Omaha, Fremont, Blair, Holdrege, Hastings, North Platte, McCook and Benkelman. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home equity products, commercial real estate loans and deposit services. Learn more at lincolnfed.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

West Gate Bank’s Katie Miller Completes Graduate School of Banking

Katie Miller, Vice President and Branch Manager at West Gate Bank®’s Center location in Lincoln recently completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In addition to being awarded a diploma at commencement exercises during the 78th session of the prestigious Graduate School of Banking, Miller also received a Certificate of Executive Leadership from the Wisconsin School of Business Center for Professional and Executive Development for completing the rigorous GSB leadership curriculum. The School, sponsored by state bankers associations from across the central United States, as well as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, was established in 1945 to provide bankers with an opportunity for advanced study and research in banking, economics and leadership. Instruction at the Graduate School of Banking takes place during two-week resident sessions for three consecutive summers, along with comprehensive study between summer resident sessions. The curriculum focuses on the management of strategic issues faced by banking executives and financial services industry professionals.

The Graduate School of Banking enrolls approximately 600 US and international professionals each year. More than 85 esteemed academicians, economists, government officials and industry professionals comprise the School’s faculty.

Katie Miller is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road and can be reached at (402) 323-8951 or kmiller@ westgate.bank.

Strictly Business Welcomes Devan Kirkpatrick as New Art Director

Strictly Business is excited to have Devan Kirkpatrick on board as the magazine’s new Art Director. As the Art Director, Devan will be responsible for paginating the magazine, designing advertisements and visual elements, managing press relations and quality control and updating online and digital media presences.

Devan and his family moved from Wichita, Kansas; they relocated to the Lincoln area after his wife, Ciera, began her career at the University of Nebraska as an Assistant Professor in the College of Journalism. Devan and Ciera have an active three-year-old son named Dysen and an equally energetic pet dog named Winston. Aside from his passion as a graphic designer, Devan enjoys watching and playing sports, hosting board game nights and grilling for guests. Currently, Devan is growing his hair out to donate it to Children with Hair Loss, which will be his third time.

"I am excited to be a member of the Strictly Business team and look forward to the creative endeavors that I will encounter in the future as the Art Director."

Please help Strictly Business welcome Devan Kirkpatrick! Devan can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at devan@strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly articles and stories on Lincoln businesses and other local professionals, go online to strictly-business.com.

Lincoln

Donate and Attend the September 22 Junior Achievement Auction

Junior Achievement

(JA) is hosting their Annual Dinner and Auction on Friday, September 22, at the Cornhusker Hotel from 6 to 9 p.m. You are invited to join them for a night filled with fun, food, libations, silent and live actions and some of your favorite Husker Hall of Famers. To purchase tickets or tables, please use the QR code.

In partnership with 93.7 The Ticket, they will have special guests, Ahman Green, Eric Strickland, Jay Foreman, Ricki Simmons and Aaron Davis. Their emcee of the night will be Derrick Pearson, owner of 93.7 The Ticket, former JA alumni, sportscaster, radio and television host, coach, mentor and founder of LovePrints.

This event is Junior Achievement’s largest fundraiser of the year and allows them to continue their mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. With your partnership and support, JA will continue to provide Financial Literacy curriculum to over 30,000 students in the Lincoln area.

Junior Achievement is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices. JA's programs – in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy – ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century. For more information, visit lincoln.ja.org.

The Arc of Lincoln to Host Annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser October 19

The Arc of Lincoln is hosting their Annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser on October 19 at the Jasmine Room in the Grand Manse from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be silent and live auctions. The Arc of Lincoln invites all to attend the Annual Harvest Moon Fundraiser. Tickets are $40.

Each year, Harvest Moon live and silent auctions are held to help support the advocacy and services provided by The Arc of Lincoln. They hope you will consider donating an item or several items to support the community.

“As the President of The Arc of Lincoln, I have witnessed and been inspired by The Arc’s influence in empowering people with developmental disabilities and their families,” shared Jennifer Meints, The Arc of Lincoln Board of Directors President. “The individuals, families and The Arc partner to promote and protect their rights and interests while enriching the quality life in Lincoln. The Arc makes a difference in our community every day, and, with your support, the mission will continue.”

The Arc of Lincoln serves people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as their families. The Arc of Lincoln empowers people with disabilities and their families to promote and protect their rights and interests, while enhancing their lives. To learn more or to inquire about The Arc of Lincoln, visit www.arclincoln.org or contact Executive Director Jennifer Stuhmer at director@arclincoln. org / (402) 421-8866.

Striictly Businness

Nebraska Safety Council Announces New Rural Nebraska Health and Safety Program

Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) announces a new collaborative agriculture community outreach program called Cultivating Community. The Cultivating Community program is designed to help increase access to health and safety resources and training opportunities for local residents. You are invited to join NESC in this state-wide effort.

Free programs include: Sleepless in Nebraska Presentation; QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Training for Agricultural Communities; a Gatekeeper Suicide Prevention Training; Staying Safe on Nebraska Roadways; Talking About Ticks: a Lyme Disease Prevention Program; and Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive.

Low-cost programs include: Break the Habit/Nicotine Cessation Program; Confined Spaces & Recovery; Drug Impairment Training; First Aid Training; Bloodborne Pathogen Training; Food in the Field; and Respiratory Protection & Fit Testing.

To request more information, please contact Kelsey Pruss, Wellness Services Manager, at (402) 483-2511 ext. 103 or send an email to Kpruss@nesafetycouncil.org. To learn more about Cultivating Community and schedule your presentation, visit nesafetycouncil.org.

The Cultivating Community program is sponsored by the Nebraska Safety Council and community partners AgriSafe Network, Nebraska Extension Office and the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

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 membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511 or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

Leadership Harbor Foundation Announces Board Break-a-thons

Leadership Harbor Foundation is excited for September Board Break-a-thons! September is Suicide Awareness Month and there are actions anyone can take to help prevent Suicide and stop Bullying.

This September, Leadership Harbor Foundation is partnering with approximately 250+ Global Martial Arts Schools nationwide for Board Break-a-thons. One of the schools participating, Longoria’s Academy, is in Lincoln. As a whole, the Global Martial Arts Schools have pledged to raise $100,000 through Board Break-a-thons to be used across the country to spread awareness on how to help prevent suicide and stop bullying. If you would like to support these youth and schools in achieving their goal, please go to www.leadershipharbor. org/boardbreaksponsor.

The Leadership Harbor Foundation enhances Leadership Harbor through a partnership that allows their team to add value to, serve and recognize in five distinct areas: CALM Suicide and Bullying Awareness and Prevention; Veterans; Youth Leadership; Education; and Scholarships for Leadership development. Learn more at leadershipharbor.com/foundation.

Tee Up for Fun at Lincoln Children's Museum's Play, Putt & Pour Golf Event

It’s not too late to get your team of friends and co-workers together for the Lincoln Children's Museum upcoming Play, Putt & Pour golf event. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 22. The event kicks off with a 9 a.m. Shotgun start at the Holmes Golf Course (3701 S 70th St.).

Golf enthusiasts and supporters of the Lincoln Children's Museum are invited to take part in this event for grown-ups, combining friendly competition with charitable giving. Players can register a fourperson team and enjoy 18-holes of golf complete with two carts, complementary lunch and two drink tickets per team member. Participants can look forward to local brewery tents located throughout the course, showcasing Saro Cider, Pint Nine Brewing Co., Bottle Rocket Brewing Co., Empyrean Brewing and Morgan's Liquor Works along with additional games, pin prizes and a silent auction. Register your team or learn more about sponsorship opportunities by emailing Ken Dobbs at kdobbs@lincolnchildrensmuseum.org or by calling (402) 477-4000, ext. 121.

Don't pass up the chance for a fun day of golf to support the Lincoln Children’s Museum through the power of play.

The Lincoln Children’s Museum invites children to create, discover and learn through the power of play. Every visit, membership, donation and in-museum purchase helps to support their mission. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra Presents Mahler’s “Resurrection” September 15

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is presenting their first concert of the 2324 season, Mahler’s “Resurrection,” on Friday, September 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.

The program will consist of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in C Minor “Resurrection.” This masterpiece explores the full range of human emotions and features an enormous orchestra, vocal soloists Esther Heideman, soprano, and Susan Platts, mezzo- soprano, and the combined choirs of Abendmusik, Concordia UniversityNebraska, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and St. Paul United Methodist Church choirs.

The 23-24 season marks LSO Music Director Edward Polochick’s 25th year with the organization. “Mahler’s second symphony is an absolute cornerstone of the orchestral and choral repertoire,” stated Polochick. “I cannot think of a better way to start celebrating 25 years with this outstanding orchestra.”

Single tickets are available with prices of $20 or $40 for adults and $5 for youth.

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra presents a season of 11 concerts which are attended by 10,000 audience members annually. Visit lincolnsymphony.com, email info@lincolnsymphony.com or call (402) 476-2211 for more information.

Volunteers Needed for Matt Talbot’s Huskers Helping the Homeless

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach, Lincoln’s largest community kitchen and outreach center, is partnering with sponsors and volunteers for their 27th annual Huskers Helping the Homeless and they need you on their team! This event raises money for the organization’s hunger relief and homeless prevention services offered 365 days of the year.

Volunteers are a critical part of this event – without them it wouldn’t happen! Volunteers will be stationed at Walmarts, Sam’s Clubs, Russ’s Markets and Super Savers throughout Lincoln from Thursday, September 28, to Saturday, September 30, to accept donations on behalf of the working poor and homeless. Volunteers will also be scattered throughout downtown Lincoln when Nebraska takes on Michigan at Memorial Stadium on September 30. Businesses, church groups, school teams, families and individuals are welcome and encouraged to join the Huskers Helping the Homeless team! To sign up to volunteer or sponsor the event, please scan the QR code! Donations for the event can be made online at mtko.org.

Whether it is a few meals served with love to help a family make it until the next paycheck or one-on-one counseling to help a person experiencing chronic homelessness become successfully housed, financial contributions to Matt Talbot provide bold hope and help change lives. Join the Matt Talbot “Huskers Helping the Homeless” team today and Go Big Red!

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

HopeSpoke Welcomes New Board Members and Officers for 2023-2024

HopeSpoke welcomes four new members to its Board of Directors:

Katie Bass is Data and Policy Research

Advisor for First Five Nebraska, with previous roles in child welfare and juvenile justice oversight. "HopeSpoke provides vital services to children and families in Lincoln, and I'm proud to support its mission."

Jena Donahue is District Director for Rep. Adrian Smith and Past President of Junior League of Lincoln (JLL). “The longstanding relationship between HopeSpoke and JLL has offered a firsthand look at the needs of families and children in our community,” Donahue said.

Susan Hershberger is Principal at Lakeview Elementary School. “I see on a daily basis the positive impact that mental health services can make in a child’s life,” Hershberger said.

Shirley Pickens is Program Manager with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. “I would like to bring awareness that it is okay to let others in to help you and you don’t have to handle it on your own,” Pickens said.

HopeSpoke’s officers for 2021-2022 are: Regan Anson, president; Mitch Lee, president-elect; Tracey Smith, treasurer; Bess Sullivan Scott, secretary. Other board members are Lily Amare, Ellen Beans, Karen Chaney, Dave Graff, Russ Hewitt, Chad Kruse, Chris McInerny, Betty Medinger, Michaela Rasmussen, Ted Scott and Lily Sughroue. HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services. For more information, visit hopespoke.org.

AHA Announces 21 Hospitals and EMS Agencies Recognized for Work with Heart Disease

The American Heart Association (AHA) is proud of the 21 hospitals and EMS agencies in Nebraska that are among the 2,600 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® initiative to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke.

Each year, the American Heart Association recognizes hospitals across the country for consistently following up-to-date, research-based guidelines to ensure all patients have access to lifesaving care. In Nebraska, 20 hospitals and one EMS agency were recognized this year, including: Avera Creighton Hospital, Creighton; Bryan Medical Center, Lincoln; CHI Health Bergan Mercy, Omaha; CHI Health Good Samaritan, Kearney; CHI Health Immanuel Medical Center, Omaha; CHI Health St. Elizabeth, Lincoln; CHI Health St. Francie Medical Center, Grand Island; Columbus Community Hospital, Columbus; Cozad Community Hospital, Cozad; Fait; Regional Health Services, Norfolk; Great Plains Health, North Platte; Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center, Broken Bow; Kearney Regional Medical Center, Kearney; Lexington Regional Health Center, Lexington; Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Lincoln; Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital, Hastings; Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha; Nebraska Medicine, Bellevue; Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Omaha; Pawnee County Memorial Hospital, Pawnee City; and Regional West Medical Center, Scottsbluff.

For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.usnewsbrandfuse.com/AmericanHeartAssociation.

Angels Among Us to Relocate to New Permanent Location September 11

Angels Among Us is moving into their new permanent location at 220 N 89th St. STE 101, Omaha, NE 68114 on September 11. The space will allow for programming and a “home” for the families they serve. They are excited to see you out there and encourage you to stop by and say hello anytime!

Angels Among Us will offer emotional support programming in their new home. They want the space to be a place where families can come and relax, enjoy camaraderie and feel supported by Angels Among Us and the community.

Over the last 15 years, Angels Among Us has helped over 600 families with expenses totaling more than $3 million. But, most importantly, they have helped over 600 families read bedtime stories and play board games without the all-consuming worry of paying bills such as rent, electric, auto payments, gas cards and more.

Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families that have a child battling cancer that lives in or is being treated in the state of Nebraska. They are able to support and pay these bills for the length of time that the child goes through cancer treatment (anywhere from six to 36 months). For more information, reach out to Amy Kent at (402) 934-0999 / amy@myangelsamongus.org or visit www.myangelsamongus.org.

Nebraska Community Foundation Shares Greater Nebraska Youth Survey Results

After four years and more than 3,700 students surveyed, Nebraska Community Foundation’s Greater Nebraska Youth Survey affirms young Nebraskans’ desires to include the state in their future and a preference for smaller communities. This year, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) and the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha surveyed 980 middle and high school students in 11 communities. Their key findings included students preferring small towns, wanting to remain in Nebraska and having a strong desire for safety.

Despite high levels of engagement in local organizations and businesses, most students (76%) said they do not feel like they play a role in their community. Adults in Greater Nebraska can help these youth feel more involved by inviting them to take part in local organizations, offering them a seat at the table.

Students cited job opportunities elsewhere as the main reason they would not live in their community as an adult. They understand the availability of health care and agriculture jobs in their towns, but do not perceive possible opportunities in other fields, such as the arts, recreation, tourism, business management, information technology and media, among other careers in which they expressed interest.

Read the full article and access the results at NebraskaHometown.org. Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

CASA for Lancaster County Announces Sponsors for 2023 Donut Dash September 23

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for Lancaster County will hold the 2023 Donut Dash on Saturday, September 23, at 9 a.m. at Mahoney City Park (70th and Fremont). Event sponsors include Russ’s Market (Donuts), Norland Pure (water), Lincoln Running Company, Fleet Feet and Lincoln Orthodontics.

This year, runners can register as individuals or as a team of two. Runners will run three loops around the park and eat a dozen donuts. There will be prizes for the fastest individual and team. Participants can also run/walk without competing for prizes. All participants will receive donuts, race t-shirt and bottled water.

This is a family fun run to support CASA for Lancaster County and their work advocating for abused and neglected children in Juvenile Court. Runners can register on GetMeRegistered.com, keyword –Donut Dash. For questions about the event, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Conradt at (402) 474-5161 or aconradt@ casa4lancaster.org.

CASA for Lancaster County is a local nonprofit that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who advocate for the best interests of abused, neglected, truant and ungovernable children in Juvenile Court. To learn more about how you or your business can support these efforts, visit www.casa4lancaster.org.

Junior League of Lincoln Announces Upcoming Events

Junior League of Lincoln (JLL) is holding a diaper bank drive September 14-24 to provide diapers to those in need throughout Lancaster County. Their “Pull up for Pull-ups” event is an event to celebrate Find the Good Day to kick start their diaper drive. It will be at Corn Coast, 300 Speedway Circle STE 155 on September 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. Participants will receive a discounted drink with a diaper/pull-up donation. A food truck will be available for food purchases. Junior League of Lincoln is also gearing up for their Holiday Home Tour, which will take place on November 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. The Junior League of Lincoln is hosting its first inaugural Holiday Home Tour fundraiser. You‘ll be able to enjoy the beautiful historic neighborhood of the Country Club of Lincoln and be inspired by the beautiful decorations by a variety of Lincoln designers. This is a great opportunity to view stunning historic homes and view different home design while supporting a great cause. For more information, visit lincoln.jl.org/events/register-jll-holiday-home-tour. These events specifically support the programs and mission of the Junior League of Lincoln. The Junior League betters the Lincoln community through voluntarism and developing women civic leaders. To contact Junior League of Lincoln, email juniorleagueoflincoln@ gmail.com or call (402) 464-2050. Find out more at jll.org.

Community Action Hosts Wahoo Celebration Event with Omaha Public Power District

On the afternoon of Thursday, July 27, Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties (Community Action) hosted an afternoon celebration to connect with neighbors of all ages and share information about available resources. The event, called “Community Action in Wahoo!” was sponsored by Omaha Public Power District and located at Community Action’s office at 365 West 1st St. in Wahoo, Nebraska.

The event featured free Kona Ice snow cones, balloon animals, prizes and information about Community Action resources.

“We were thrilled to spend time with our Saunders County neighbors ahead of the Saunders County Fair Parade,” said Heather Loughman, Community Action’s CEO. “We thank Omaha Public Power District for sponsoring and making this event possible.”

“OPPD is grateful for our partnership with Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties,” added Britton Gabel, OPPD’s manager of advocacy programs. “Partnering with local agencies, especially Community Action, allows OPPD to provide the additional community-based solutions to support the economic stability of our customers.”

Community Action empowers 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 2022, Community Action provided over 100,000 services to over 18,000 individuals in Lancaster and Saunders Counties.

To learn more about Community Action, visit www. communityactionatwork.org. To learn more about Omaha Public Power District, visit www.oppd.com.

Epilepsy Foundation to Host ‘90s Retro Fest September 23

The Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska is excited to host their ‘90s Retro Fest – a Blackstone Stroll Event on Saturday, September 23, from 3 to 10 p.m. Strolling the Blackstone Bars will start at 4 p.m., followed by a ‘90s after-party at Scriptown Brewery with a live performance from Inside Out starting at 7 p.m.

The Epilepsy Foundation’s commitment to improve the lives of those impacted by epilepsy and seizure disorders, while also furthering awareness, will be recognized and reinforced by advocates, supporters and local leaders in epilepsy care across the state. Together, the community will shine a light on the vital need for more research, awareness efforts and funding to end epilepsy and eliminate the stigma surrounding the disease. Guests will be treated to one-of-a-kind food and beverage from a host of venue partners throughout the Blackstone District along with local entertainment from Inside Out. At the event, there will be a bestdressed contest where guests get to show off their best ‘90s styles.

General tickets are $75. VIP tickets are $100 and include a one-hour hosted pre-party at Scriptown Brewery. For more event information, go to epilepsy.com/retrofest.

To contact the Epilepsy Foundation Nebraska, email Nebraska@ efa.org. For more information, go to epilepsy.com.

CINCF Distributes $41,600 in CIC/UPS Scholarships to Nebraska’s Private Colleges and Universities

The Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) has distributed

$41,600 in CIC/UPS scholarships to assist 13 students at private colleges and universities in Nebraska. The scholarships were made possible by a grant from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) in Washington, DC, through the CIC/UPS Educational Endowment.

“As a result of receiving this generous scholarship grant, students enrolled at 13 of Nebraska’s independent colleges and universities will be named UPS Scholars and equally share $41,600 in scholarship funds from The UPS Foundation,” according to Treva Haugaard, Executive Director of CINCF. “It is imperative that we continue to increase the amount of financial aid available in order to allow more students to attend and graduate from college.”

The Council of Independent Colleges is proud to support nearly 450 low-income, first-generation, minority and new American students in 25 states through the CIC/UPS scholarships.

CINCF’s 13 member schools include Bellevue University, Bryan College of Health Sciences, Clarkson College, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Creighton University, Doane University, Hastings College, Midland University, Nebraska Methodist College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Union College and York University. For more information about CINCF, please visit cincfoundation.org.

Family Health Services Encourages Back-to-School Health Check-Up

Family Health Services wants to remind you to schedule your reproductive and sexual health checkups. Their caring and comprehensive providers are available MondayFriday for preventative health exams, cervical cancer screening (PAP test), breast cancer screening, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, all contraceptive methods (including emergency contraception), pregnancy testing and colposcopy procedures. Call today to schedule your preventative health exam!

Family Health Services is a nonprofit healthcare organization that serves people in nine southeast Nebraska counties. Patients can get reproductive healthcare on an income-based sliding fee basis. More than half of the 1,500 patients that Family Health Services cares for every year are uninsured or underinsured which qualifies them for free or reduced-price services. The clinic also accepts most private insurance, Medicaid and Every Woman Matters. They believe everyone should have access to reproductive and sexual healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

Another critical part of their programming is their outreach and sexual health education reaching 3,000 individuals every year. Family Health Services partner with lots of other organizations to provide informative reproductive and sexual health programs in a professional and non-judgmental way. Family planning promotes the well-being of families and responsible behavior, prevents unintended pregnancies through education and contraceptive services and allows for planning and timing of pregnancies.

To learn more about Family Health Services or to schedule an appointment, visit LoveSafely.com or call (402) 466-1012.

People’s City Mission Free Dental Clinic Welcomes Student Volunteers

This year, the Free Dental Clinic at People’s City Mission (PCM) has welcomed back pre-dental college students and dental students to get handson experience and training with dental assistance. This has been an exciting opportunity for them since Covid affected so much of the actual procedures they would have traditionally experienced as part of their education.

The clinic has been providing dental care at no cost to the uninsured and underinsured since 2009. In 2022, over 1,200 patients were helped. Each of the doctors and dental assistants volunteer their time for this necessary and oftentimes life changing service.

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. For more information or to donate, visit pcmlincoln.org.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska Celebrates Direct Support Professionals

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska is celebrating their Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who serve people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) during National Direct Support Professional Week, September 10-16.

“We want to raise awareness that DSPs are the heart of what Mosaic does to fulfill our purpose ‘to love and serve’ and achieve our mission to ‘relentlessly pursue opportunities that empower people,’” said Mosaic’s Executive Director Nic Batterton.

Mosaic in Southeast Nebraska serves many people who have a higher degree of independence. The nonprofit also serves others who have limited mobility that affects activities of everyday life, such as dressing, getting in and out of bed or a chair, using the restroom or bathing.

Mosaic advocates for higher pay for DSPs at national, state and regional levels; their compensation is dependent on government funding which varies from state to state. Cheryl Wicks, Mosaic’s Vice President of Government Relations, leads these efforts along with advocating for IDD disability rights with 2,000 of “Mosaic Allied Voices” volunteers. For more information about “Mosaic Allied Voices,” visit www.mosaicinfo.org/get-involved/advocate.

“Provider organizations across the nation are experiencing staffing crises like none before,” said Wicks. “States and the federal government must remedy the decades of chronic underfunding so wages for DSPs can increase, and people with disabilities have the support they need.”

Mosaic is a whole-person healthcare organization reaching across 13 states in more than 700 communities and providing supports to nearly 4,900 people. Mosaic is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.mosaicinfo.org.

Christian Record Services Announces Daily Bible Readings in Spanish

Christian Record Services is proud

to announce its partnership with Merari MedinaCastellón, an accomplished voice-over talent and social media influencer, to distribute her daily audio podcast, Audiobiblia, making it available through a digital library for members who are blind or experiencing vision loss. This partnership is a unique opportunity to contribute to the audio ministry that both Medina and Christian Record Services are passionate about.

As part of this partnership, Medina will share her Bible readings in Spanish, titled “Rocio Para el Alma” [“Dew for the Soul”]. These recordings will be used to reach all generations of the membership of Christian Record Services with the hope found in the scriptures.

"As we expand our library to meet the needs of our Spanish-speaking members served both in the U.S. and worldwide, we are delighted to add the daily audio Scripture readings by Merari Medina," said Diane Thurber, President of Christian Record Services. "How refreshing to see a young adult seek out ways to share her talents and collaborate in ministry to people who are blind. We praise God for this new avenue to share God’s Word."

Located in Lincoln, Christian Record Services serves nearly 18,000 members throughout the U.S. and in countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 488-0981 or email info@christianrecord.org.

Heartland Cancer Foundation Accepting Legacy and Recurring Giving

The Heartland Cancer Foundation believes no cancer patient should fall behind on treatment because they struggle to afford their everyday expenses. This mission is one that is near and dear to many hearts and there are three great avenues philanthropists can consider to support local cancer patients, including legacy giving, recurring giving or by setting up a donor advised fund.

With legacy giving, individuals have the incredible opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of those battling cancer by including the foundation in their estate planning. These legacy gifts ensure that future generations of cancer patients will receive the much-needed aid and care they deserve.

Recurring giving also plays a pivotal role, as it creates a steady and dependable source of funding for the foundation’s ongoing efforts, such as planning and executing long-term programs and events, awareness and outreach and offering extended aid to patients during their entire treatment journey.

Finally, setting up a donor-advised fund presents a strategic way to show support and offers numerous advantages. It simplifies the giving process. By consolidating multiple charitable donations into a single fund, donors can take an immediate tax deduction, and it offers flexibility in timing charitable donations as donors can contribute to the fund when it suits their financial situation best. If interested, the Lincoln Community Foundation is a great place to set up a fund. Learn more about how you can support the Heartland Cancer Foundation at heartlandcancerfoundation.org.

Girls on the Run Recruiting Coaches and Sites for Spring

Although school has just begun, Girls on the Run of Nebraska (GOTR) is already knee-deep in planning for the spring 2024 season, and they want YOU to be a part of it. GOTR seeks coaches and sites across the state for the season that will begin in late February.

You don’t have to be a runner to be a great GOTR coach. If you are a positive person who wants to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident, you’ll be a great coach! GOTR combines lessons to foster social skills and characterdevelopment with fun running games to train for a 5K run at the end of each 10-week season. Led by two to three trained coaches, teams of 10 to 20 third- through fifth-/ sixth-grade girls complete a nationally standardized confidencebuilding curriculum.

Since its inception with 11 girls and two coaches in September 2003, Girls on the Run of Nebraska has expanded to serve more than 24,000 girls and 3,000 coaches at 100+ sites across the state. Help build strong girls in Nebraska with Girls on the Run. Visit www. GOTRNebraska.org to bring GOTR to your school or to get involved.

Lincoln TeamMates Seeking New Mentors

Pursuing the goal of training 365 new mentors this year, Lincoln TeamMates plans to treat as many volunteer trainees to a meal as possible. “When we offer a meal, we see everything go up!” says Christine Davis, TeamMates Trainer. Stronger up-front registration and fewer no-shows help trainers and trainees both. “A three-hour long training session can build quite an appetite,” says Davis. “We love to provide food for our mentors-in-training, and they appreciate it so much. Volunteers from the community who are stepping up to mentor a young person gain momentum when food is offered.”

Momentum matters, because full trainings mean more students are getting mentors. Plus trainees are more relaxed and engaged when they are enjoying good food. “Eating together also creates a great feeling of community,” says Davis.

Providing meals for 365 new mentors takes time, energy and money. Lincoln TeamMates are grateful for the current food sponsorships of Wingstop and Chipotle. However, there are still trainings each month that don’t have sponsors, so Lincoln TeamMates is looking for additional sponsors who can provide lunch or a heavy snack two to four times a year.

TeamMates Mentoring makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. For more information about becoming a food sponsor with TeamMates, please contact Christine Davis at cdavis3@ lps.org. To learn more about Lincoln TeamMates, call (402) 436-1990 or visit LincolnTeammates.org.

Nebraska Folklife Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Nebraska Folklife is excited to celebrate their 20th anniversary. In celebration, they will be cohosting Lincoln’s yearly Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) event on Sunday, November 5, at Lincoln’s Auld Pavilion in Antelope Park. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and commence until 5 p.m.

Dia de Los Muertos is a special day for remembering friends and loved ones who have passed away. It’s also a celebration of the lives that they lived. This holiday has been celebrated in parts of Mexico and other Latin American countries for hundreds of years. It is a joyous, loving event – not a solemn one. Though smiling skeletons and skulls are sometimes included in Day of the Dead decorations, the holiday has no connections with Halloween and is not anti-religious. Organized by 10 local community groups, including El Centro de Las Americas and the Lincoln Commission for Human Rights, and sponsored by Lincoln businesses such as Bryan Health and ALLO, this free, family friendly event features performances by Latin American musicians and costumed dancers, craft making for all ages, ethnic food, exhibits, craft vendors and more. A fun run on the trails in and around Antelope Park is a brand new addition planned for this year’s event.

Nebraska Folklife’s mission is to amplify the presence of folk and traditional artists throughout the state, providing them with greater exposure and recognition. For more information and to get involved, please visit nebraskafolklife.org.

CBMC’s 22nd Annual Golf Classic Focuses on Connections, Fellowship, Impact

CBMC Lincoln hosted its 22nd Annual Golf Classic and luncheon July 31 at Wilderness Ridge.

One hundred golfers and an additional 35 individuals attended the breakfast, and participants experienced a fun day of golf and great fellowship. The special event concluded with lunch, team awards, raffle prizes and a silent auction. Over 100 businesses participated again this year as event sponsors or donors of prizes and silent auction items.

Special guest speaker was Ken Korkow, Vietnam Veteran and CBMC Omaha Area Director. He was raised in a ranching and rodeo family and entered the Marine Corps when he was 18. He lived through the 77-day siege of Khe Sanh which was the longest and most deadly battle of the Vietnam War. After his medical discharge from the military, the governor of his home state named a day in Ken’s honor as the most highly decorated Vietnam Veteran in South Dakota.

A video of the event highlights and Ken’s Korkow’s speech, as well as a list of sponsors and donors, can be found at Lincoln.cbmc.com/ golf-classic.

For further information about CBMC Lincoln visit Lincoln.cbmc.com, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne) or call (402) 2041997. CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership and a desire to impact others.

SAC to Host Nation of Patriots Tour Homecoming Event September 16

The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum (SAC) is excited to invite

the community to visit on the morning of September 16 to join a celebration of our nation's military members, Veterans and their families at the Nation of Patriots Tour Homecoming event.

The event will feature a special address by President and CEO Clayton Anderson, Nebraska's very own astronaut. The gathering will take place in front of the Museum, providing guests and riders a unique opportunity to connect and reflect on the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women. Following the address, riders and a dedicated Nebraska State Patrol escort will embark on the final leg of the flag's 115-day journey back to Papillion.

The Nation of Patriots Tour, which commenced at the SumTur Amphitheater in Papillion in May, will culminate on this day, symbolizing a remarkable cross-country appreciation ride spanning all 50 states. This event serves as a poignant way to honor the dedication of those who have bravely served our country and offers a platform for the community to demonstrate unwavering support for our military community.

Everyone is encouraged to attend the celebration on September 16 and come together to pay tribute to our military heroes and express our gratitude for their selfless service.

For more information and event details, please call the SAC Aerospace Museum at (402) 944-3100 or visit sacmuseum.org.

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum to Hold Fall Plant Sales in September and October

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (NSA) will offer several plant sales open to the public throughout September and October in Lincoln and Omaha. Native plants well-suited to Nebraska’s climate and growing conditions will be available, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers and herbs. All sales will be held at the NSA Greenhouse, located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus, 2150 N. 38th St., Lincoln, unless otherwise noted.

Lincoln Plant Sales:

• Fridays, September 1, 15, 22 and 29, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

• Saturday, September 23, from 9 a.m. to noon.

• Fridays, October 6, 13 and 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Omaha Plant Sale:

• Saturday, September 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Douglas-Sarpy County Extension Office, 8015 West Center Road, Omaha. For further information about plant sales and other NSA events, visit plantnebraska.org/events.

The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum plants Nebraska for healthy people, vibrant communities and a resilient environment. The organization offers resources to help Midwest gardeners improve their home and community landscapes, encouraging plants and landscapes that are beautiful and beneficial for ourselves as well as the larger environment. To learn more, visit plantnebraska.org or contact the Arboretum staff at (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@ unl.edu.

The Bridge Behavioral Health Welcomes Three New Board Members

The Bridge Behavioral Health is pleased to welcome three new board members: Jeff Marple, Hospital Physician at Inpatient Physician Associates; Mike Zwingman, Director of Agronomy at Verdesian Life Sciences; and Sabrina Saathoff, Escrow Branch Manager at HomeServices Title.

The Executive Committee includes Cathy Kottwitz, Owner of Guiderock Commercial Realty, LLC, as President; Dave Dermann, Intervention Nurse at Bryan Independence Center, as President Elect; Rico Zavala, Development Director of Nebraska Medicine at University of Nebraska Foundation, as Past President; John Laflin, Market President of Pinnacle Bank, as Treasurer; and Christine Jackson, retired Vice Chancellor of Business and Finance at University of Nebraska – Lincoln, as Secretary. To view the full board list visit, www.thebridgenebraska.org.

Doors are open 24/7, 365 days a year at The Bridge Behavioral Health. Their mission is to provide hope and a strong foundation for recovery through substance use and behavioral health intervention. Programs include detox and medically monitored withdrawal, respite, residential treatment, outpatient counselling and substance use evaluations. For more information visit www.thebridgenerbaska.org.

Lincoln YMCA Celebrates Welcoming Week September 9-18

This Welcoming Week (September 9-18), the YMCA of Lincoln will join YMCAs and organizations nationwide to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity. Each year, Welcoming Week elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of the country. The event is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and U.S.-born residents – to get to know one another and celebrate what unites people as a community.

“At the YMCA, we believe Lincoln is stronger when everyone in the community feels welcome and we can all work together for the greater good,” shared Barb Bettin, president & CEO of the YMCA of Lincoln. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which demonstrates that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities.”

During Welcoming Week, Lincoln YMCA branches will host activities that raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. Additionally, Strictly Business readers will be offered free admittance to any Lincoln YMCA location throughout Welcoming Week (September 9-18). Simply mention Welcoming Week at the front desk to receive a one-week pass for you and your immediate family. For a list of branch locations and information on Welcoming Week, visit YMCALincoln.org.

For more information about the Lincoln YMCA, visit YMCALincoln.org.

The White Cane Foundation Introduces New Clothing Delivery Truck

Be on the lookout for The White Cane Foundation’s (WCF) brand-new truck that will be traveling the streets of Lincoln this fall to deliver brand new outfits to the 12 schools they are now serving. The White Cane Foundation thanks UBT’s Big Give and the Lincoln voters for this great honor. The White Cane Foundation began at Belmont School in 2019 with the mission of gifting two brand new outfits to Lincoln’s Title 1 elementary school students living at or below the poverty level. They can proudly say that they have added Lakeview, Norwood Park, Clinton, Prescott, McPhee, Everett, West Lincoln, Hartley, Elliott, Saratoga and Huntington. They are two-thirds of the way to their goal in such a short period of time. WCF visits schools weekly, providing every identified child with two fittings per school year to accommodate changing seasons and growing kids. Thank you, Lincoln, for your continued support.

WCF is hosting their second Annual Lover of the Light Event on Thursday, September 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at The Apothecary, located at 809 P Street. Please visit www.thewhitecanefoundation. org for ticket information.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer with The White Cane Foundation, please contact Kelly Lauer at klauer@ thewhitecanefoundation.org. For more information, visit www. thewhitecanefoundation.org.

Goodwill Announces Eleventh Annual Neighborhood Challenge Winners

Goodwill celebrated another garage sale season by hosting its 11th annual Neighborhood Challenge. With nine participating associations, Goodwill collected an astounding total of 11,085 pounds of donations.

Goodwill’s Neighborhood Challenge gives Lincoln associations the opportunity to donate their gently used items after garage sales or cleanup events. The top three associations win a cash prize to help fund a neighborhood-improvement project of their choice.

The Highlands Neighborhood Association took first place in the challenge with 4,290 pounds, followed by the Wilderness Hills Homeowners Association and the Southwood Association with 2,400 and 2,000 pounds, respectively.

Goodwill would like to thank all participating associations for generously supporting their mission: “Willing workers employed and community resources maximized.” For 91 years, Lincoln Goodwill has used the sale of donated goods to help local job seekers overcome obstacles, find work and gain financial independence. By funding a variety of employment services and programs in the community, Goodwill served over 4,000 individuals in Southeast Nebraska in 2022. Goodwill also recycles many donations that cannot be sold, diverting over two million pounds of materials from the local landfill per year.

To host a Goodwill donation drive or learn more about the next Neighborhood Challenge, call (402) 742-8456 or email donate@ lincolngoodwill.org. Goodwill’s 12th annual Neighborhood Challenge registration will open in February 2024.

Friendship Home to Host Safe Quarters October 8

Friendship Home is excited for volunteers to canvas the community Sunday, October 8, with Safe Quarters. Safe Quarters has become an important event for Friendship Home, focused on raising awareness and collecting funds. With the help of Safe Quarters Save Lives, Friendship Home can serve thousands of survivors throughout the year. In 2022, 1,554 individuals were served, and 64% of those sheltered were children.

Please consider opening your door on Sunday, October 8, when you hear a knock from a Friendship Home volunteer at your door. Better yet, consider putting together a team of friends or family to canvass your own neighborhood. Please go to www.friendshiphome.org to learn more and sign up to help!

Funds collected during Safe Quarters go towards Friendship Home’s mission to provide safe, confidential shelter, crisis services and ongoing support for families who have experienced domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives. To access safe emergency shelter and services, call Friendship Home’s helpline at (402) 4379302. Learn more about services and how to get involved by going to www.friendshiphome.org.

Help Create a World without T1D at the 2023 JDRF One Walk October

Walk with over 5,000 people to help find a cure for type 1 diabetes (T1D) at this year’s JDRF One Walk on Sunday, October 1, at Mahoney State Park starting at 11:30 a.m. The One Walk aims to raise awareness for T1D and to fundraise to accelerate T1D research breakthroughs to cure, treat and prevent T1D and its complications.

T1D is an autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults suddenly. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. If you have T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin – a hormone essential to turning food into energy. This means you must constantly monitor your blood-sugar level, inject or infuse insulin from a pump and carefully monitor your eating and activity every single day.

By joining the JDRF One Walk, you’ll be part of the lasting footprint we’ll make for the T1D community now, and for generations to come. Register for the One Walk today at walk.jdrf.org/lincoln! JDRF gratefully acknowledges 2023 JDRF One Walk Chair, Brian Schenk and Presenting Sponsor, Dormie Network. Questions about this event including sponsorship opportunities can be directed to Luci Foster, Development Manager, at (402) 651-6507 / lfoster@jdrf.org.

JDRF has a mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. They do this by funding innovative research, advocating for government action and providing a support structure for our community. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa.

Filament Essential Services Offering Free Analysis of Cybersecurity Risks

Filament Essential Services is offering a free, in-depth analysis of the cybersecurity risks and remedies facing your nonprofit today. Download their free guide at filamentservices.org/safe.

Safeguarding your nonprofit’s mission from the ever-present threat of cyber threats and data breaches is crucial for maintaining stakeholder trust, ensuring financial stability and preserving your organization's reputation. As the risks continue to evolve, partnering with a cybersecurity professional to conduct a thorough assessment is a proactive step towards building a robust defense against potential threats. Don't let your organization's mission be jeopardized by inadequate data security measures; reach out to a cybersecurity expert today and secure your nonprofit's digital assets for a safer and more resilient future.

Filament Essential Services is an affiliate of FES – a nonprofit organization with over 35 years of experience of supporting other nonprofits. FES developed the Filament team and suite of services to alleviate time-consuming obstacles and talent gaps that many nonprofits face. You’ve worked hard to define your mission, and even harder to achieve it. Filament gets it. Their goal is to take care of time-consuming tasks so that you can focus on what you do best – serving our community. For more information about Filament Essential Services, visit filamentservices.org or call (402) 219-9600.

TABLE

Blue Ribbon

Red Ribbon

inSOURCE Financial Advisors

Yellow Ribbon

Morrow Collison

JDM Insurance

Production Creek

Union Bank & Trust

Swisher Handyman Services

ALLO

FOOD & DRINK SPONSORS

Rodizio Grill

Buzzard Billys

Nothing Bundt Cakes

Epicure

Maize Popcorn

Sunflower House Cookies

Doorstep Diner Catering

James Arthur Vineyards

Sunflower Spreads

Kinkaider Brewing

Off-Leash Dog Bar

Grata Bar & Lounge

Chopsticks

Skymart

Chick-Fil-A

Venue

by Bud Synhorst, President

Property Tax Levy-Setting Has Become a “Shell Game”

Local political subdivisions are starting to evaluate their budgets to make proposals and changes. This means they will be setting their levy rates for their property tax asking. If you have been watching, listening to or reading the news lately, the headlines talk about the lowering of levies, record levy decreases and the like.

Several groups have been leading their budget stories with the amount of levy decrease they are planning on this year. Several of these subdivisions are hiding behind a levy decrease, and you will be paying more in taxes because of the assessed values of your homes and commercial properties. The job of the county assessor is to determine, based on similar sales, the value of your property. There is a process by which property owners can protest their valuations, which is what the political subdivisions base their property tax asking on to meet their budget. This year, roughly 5,000 property owners in Lancaster County filed a protest of their property valuation. Pending the outcome of these protests, the average property in Lancaster County is going to increase by about 22%.

Once the budget is set for the political subdivision, they must determine the property tax asking amount, which determines the levy. Because of the large increases in valuations in the coming year, several political subdivisions are lowering their property tax levy, some are maintaining the current levy and one is increasing the levy rate.

Recently at a LIBA Luncheon, LPS was presenting on their budget and touting the decreased levy, a record decrease in the levy, while on the other hand pointing out if you own a home valued at $200,000 you will “only” be paying $300 more in property taxes. The City of Lincoln released their budget touting dropping the levy rate, and at the same time has been taking credit, that they are “only” taking $8 million of the $14 million they could be taking based on their current levy. This increase is on top of the already agreed upon plan to raise the budget for the City of Lincoln five percent over the previous year, and the previous year was a seven-plus percent increase over the year before!

The Southeast Community College Board of Governors made headlines this summer when they announced in their preliminary budget they would be increasing their levy to the maximum level because of the new funding model passed by the Legislature. The increase in the proposed budget meant a hefty 40% property tax increase for the taxpayers in the 15 counties served by SCC. During a time when Lincoln families continue to make ends meet, our political subdivisions seem to be taking what they can. Because of a bill passed in the Nebraska Legislature in 2022, referred to as the “truth in taxation” bill, a political subdivision is required to hold a joint public hearing with all other political subdivisions when the political subdivisions seek to increase its property tax request by more than the allowable growth percentage. This public hearing requires the political subdivision to send a representative to give a brief explanation on the intent of the increase. Members of the public shall be allowed to speak at the joint public hearing and given a reasonable amount of time to speak. The announcement of these hearings will be sent to all affected property taxpayers. Watch your mail for a ‘pink card’ announcing the public hearings and plan to attend to offer public comment. It is our duty to show up for these public hearings and inform our elected officials of the financial impact these budgets have on our employees and families.

A FEW

PROFESSIONAL REALTY GROUP

Ben Bleicher is a highly accomplished real estate agent and the owner of Professional Realty Group. With his extensive experience and expertise in the industry, Ben has established himself as a leading figure in the real estate market. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to providing exceptional service to his clients and achieving outstanding results.

One of the key factors that set Ben apart from other real estate agents is his dedication to utilizing professional real estate marketing techniques. He understands the importance of presenting properties in the best possible light to attract potential buyers. Ben ensures that all listings have high-quality professional photographs and videos rather than relying on cell phone pictures. This attention to detail allows him to showcase the unique features and selling points of each property effectively.

In addition to professional photography, Ben employs a comprehensive marketing and promotions strategy for each listing. He leverages various channels such as online platforms, social media, print media and direct mail campaigns to reach a wide audience of potential buyers. By utilizing targeted marketing techniques, Ben maximizes exposure for his listings, increasing the chances of attracting qualified buyers quickly.

Furthermore, Ben’s expertise in professional negotiation plays a crucial role in selling homes faster. He possesses excellent communication skills and an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, allowing him to negotiate effectively on behalf of his clients. Ben strives to secure the best possible terms and conditions for his clients while maintaining a fair and ethical approach throughout the negotiation process. His ability to navigate complex negotiations ensures that transactions are completed efficiently and successfully.

Ben Bleicher’s dedication to using professional real estate marketing techniques, including professional photographs and videos, comprehensive marketing strategies and expert negotiation, has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. While specific awards vary over the course of a year, some examples of recognition he has received include:

REAL ESTATE AGENT OF THE YEAR

Ben has been honored with this prestigious award for his outstanding performance in the industry. His commitment to excellence and exceptional results have set him apart from his peers.

TOP PRODUCER AWARD

Ben consistently achieves exceptional sales results, earning him recognition as a top producer in the real estate market. This award acknowledges his ability to sell homes faster and deliver exceptional service to his clients.

CLIENT SATISFACTION AWARD

Ben’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service has been acknowledged through this award. His commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations has resulted in high levels of satisfaction and positive testimonials.

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

(402) 434-6900 •

Copper Kettle Expands Their Copper Collection

After a summer-long renovation, Copper Kettle is finally done with its renovation.

If you have yet to notice, Copper Kettle has been renovated! Still located on 12th and P St., Copper Kettle and Talon Room completed their new look last week.

Copper Kettle is a mule bar in Downtown Lincoln, sandwiched between FedEx and Swanson Russell, specializing in different variations of the Moscow Mule: ginger beer, lime, vodka and a copper mug. Copper Kettle uses 100% copper mugs.

Offering over 20 mule options, Copper Kettle's menu has stayed the same; it's the interior that tells a new story.

A fresh coat of blue paint and refurbishing the historical "Prescriptions" sign above the bar adds to the industrial art deco aesthetic.

More copper artifacts can be found throughout the restaurant, including China cases full of copper trinkets –often donated by customers or others.

"A lot of what you see was donated to us," Matthew Rogge said. "People will stop by and say 'hey I found this at an antique store' and that's how we got a lot of our collection."

The owners of Copper Kettle have slowly been accumulating copper items for just this reason.

Some of the pieces include copper pots, pans, serving utensils and even a diving helmet on top of their beer cooler.

"We're very thankful for people thinking of us when finding new things," Rogge said.

As Copper Kettle shines a little brighter now, many customers are pleased with the renovations to the main bar and restaurant. One customer said the vibes of the whole place have gotten more cohesive.

Downstairs, Talon Room has also received a small renovation including five TVs and a new bachelorette suite.

The bar holds a piece of Lincoln's history. The bar top is made of old Spaghetti Works tables that the owners of Copper Kettle saved in storage for a special project.

Copper Kettle is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to midnight. Order Copper Kettle favorites at chownow.com.

Foundedin1967,theDowntownLincolnAssociationprovidesservicesandchampionsinitiativesfor maintainingandenhancingourvibrantdowntown.Ourvisionistocreateanenergeticdowntown environmentwherewelive,learn,work,investandplay.DLAhasevolvedintoamulti-faceted organizationsupportingawiderangeofprogramsandactivitiesincludingmaintenance,economic developmentandadvocacy.Foracompletelistingofdowntownbusinesses,eventsandresidences visitdowntownlincoln.org.‘Like’usonFacebookatfacebook.com/downtownlincoln.

Dr. Todd Johnson

DEDICATED to providing for the Lincoln community Our

The idea of a Culture Committee for John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical came to life about three years ago. The landmark achievement for our committee is having raised approximately $30,000 through our annual charity golf tournament in the past three years. Our annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament raises funds for a different local organization each year. This year, $10,000 was donated to a local cancer survivor!

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical's Culture Committee is responsible for doing something for the community each month with the goal of supporting as many organizations as possible. Organizations that John Henry's has worked with include: The People’s City Mission, Capital Humane Society, BraveBe Child Advocacy Center and many more!

Our mission is to help our community thrive. We do everything we can to benefit our community by working with passion, honesty and respect as well as by taking advantage of opportunity and utilizing next level innovation. That's why we are excited to now be offering ALL ELECTRICAL SERVICES! It's just one more way we can give back to the community!

John Henry's participated in the Lennox Feel the Love Program, resulting in the donation a new full HVAC system to a Veteran in need. John Henry's donated $10,000 to Jessica Goehring, a cancer survivor. Funds were raised with the annual Charity Classic Golf Tournament.

John Henry's donated socks and gloves over Christmas to The People's City Mission.

by Jason Ball President

Empowering Young Professionals: Unveiling YP Week 2023

It has been an exceptionally exciting summer for our team at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. In addition to proudly partnering with the Nebraska Military Department and the Lincoln Airport Authority to host hundreds of thousands of attendees at the Guardians of Freedom Airshow in August, we also welcomed Nebraska’s Federal Congressional Delegation for our annual Legislative Summit, united interns from throughout the city for another successful MyTern program and continued our work to drive the economic vitality of our city. And now, we are excited to announce another incredibly important series of events at our annual YP Week hosted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group.

Our team and members of our Lincoln YPG Council have been cultivating plans to unite hundreds of Lincoln’s young professionals the first week of October for YPG Week 2023, arming them with powerful connections to continue expanding their professional networks as they build their careers in Lincoln. The week will begin with a kickoff luncheon featuring a keynote address from Hudl cofounder John Wirtz and will continue with other engaging events, including luncheons, community tours and more.

Seven influential organizations and individuals will also be recognized at our 4th annual Young Lincoln Leader Awards Gala. Together, we will celebrate and applaud the contributions these truly impactful young professionals have made in our community in the following categories: Young Professional of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Diversity and Inclusion Excellence, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Next Generation Workplace, Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year and Emerging Leader of the Year. All Lincoln Young Professionals Group members are invited to join us for this important celebration on October 5. To learn more about the Young Lincoln Leader Awards, visit lincolnypg.com/about-YLLA.

Our team is eager to connect with the attendees of this year’s YP Week. I urge all business leaders to encourage the young professionals within your organizations to participate in YP Week and engage in our program throughout the year. With recurring monthly networking and educational opportunities, YPG is a powerful outlet that offers valuable resources and connections for Lincoln’s dynamic base of young professionals. To learn more about our upcoming YP Week or Lincoln Young Professionals Group membership, visit lincolnypg.com or contact our Lincoln YPG Program Manager Mia Wilken at mwilken@lcoc.com.

We are so proud to serve as a catalyst for growth, learning and collaboration through this important program of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Thank you for joining us in our continued support of the talented future leaders of our business community. As the driving force behind innovation, valuable members of our talent pipeline and the architects of tomorrow’s business landscape, connecting our young professionals with the resources necessary to flourish and thrive is more important than ever.

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 atdfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

We set it up... You make it a

A Year of Improvements

• Refinished our bar top and added an under-lit drink rail on our dance floor.

• Upgraded our technology to include six 65” screens that are connected via ethernet/ hdmi to display seamlessly. The system is fully-integrated and connected to show the same thing on every screen.

• Added a new bridal suite, allowing for couples to have access to the Talon Room in a new and convenient way. Now, there is a space to get ready and store private items.

With these new additions, the Talon Room is more equipped than ever to execute the event of your dreams. We have a variety of price ranges to fit every budget and event type. Our main focus is all-inclusive wedding weekends, including the rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. Our second focus is corporate events such as full-day meetings, luncheons, continuing educations, client appreciation events and holiday parties. Lastly, we prioritize nonprofit fundraising events. If the event you’re dreaming of isn’t one of our main focuses, that doesn’t mean we can’t help you. As we like to say, we set it up and you make it a party.

From venue setup and teardown, included tables, chairs and linens to event coordination, full-service catering and bar services and decoration packages, the Talon Room will meet all of your event needs and then go above and beyond to create an unforgettable event. Conveniently located in downtown Lincoln, your event doesn’t have to start nor end at the Talon Room – the possibilities are endless.

(402) 641-0943 | matt@talonroom.com | www.talonroom.com

FRIENDS FRIENDS

In September, we’ll be going to Venue for Friends4Lunch on Thursday, September 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Venue is located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr. STE 100. If you’re looking for unique ambiance and chefinspired meals, this is Lincoln’s best spot. From the incredibly tasty “Venue Original” craft cocktails to their incredibly creamy seafood bisque, you can’t leave disappointed.

For Friends4Drinks, we’ll be heading to Tipsy Tina’s Taco Cantina at 800 Q St. on Thursday, September 21. Meet us there from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for some networking and yummy drinks. Tipsy Tina’s has over 140 tequilas they offer, so any cocktail you order can be customized with your favorite. We’re looking forward to their amazing elote and quesadilla bites, we hope you’ll join us!

Last Month Recap

Winthrop Rd., Lincoln NE

We have had an amazing summer meeting tons of new people at our latest Friends4Lunch and Friends4Drinks events. Ironhorse Bar & Private Event Room was great to host with for Friends4Drinks, we love their atmosphere and the event space is perfect for any get together. You can find them at 728 Q St, and bookings can be made by going to www.ironhorseroom.com or calling (402) 840-2596. Another one of our favorite places to host with is Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen & Lounge. We had so many people show up because if anyone knows how to draw a crowd, it’s that incredibly good Nashville Hot Chicken! Everything on their menu is a must-try. Head to their place at 2110 Winthrop Rd or order online at www.lilamaessouthernkitchen.com. As always, these events are free to you – you only pay for what you order! We’ve been loving the energy you all have been bringing to our meetings recently, and we can’t wait to see you and your friends at the next one. If you have any questions, reach out to cemre@ strictlybusinessomaha.com / (402) 466-3330.

RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing cemre@strictlybusinessomaha.com or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages.

In the world of business, building strong and lasting relationships with clients is a vital component of success. While effective communication and exceptional services play significant roles, there is another powerful tool that can leave a lasting impression on clients: the art of entertaining.

Entertaining clients goes beyond the traditional boardroom meetings and formal presentations. It offers a unique opportunity to connect on a more personal level. Whether it's a casual lunch, a corporate event or an exciting outing, the right entertainment can create an environment where business and pleasure seamlessly intertwine.

In the business world, we all like to put our best foot forward. With all of the amazing entertainment options available in Lincoln, there is no need to stress about how to best interact with other professionals. There are options to accommodate the needs and desires of everyone.

One-Stop Shop for Entertainment

When it comes to entertaining clients, you have to consider food, drinks and activities. Rather than traveling from one place to another, consider looking into entertainment options that offer it all. One of the best around is the Talon Room, a one-stop shop for client entertainment in downtown Lincoln.

“At the Talon Room, we strive to provide a stress-free event planning experience. By offering catering, bar service, decoration packages and venue setup and teardown, we

are providing all of the necessary components to host an event that will leave a mark on your clients,” stated Matthew

Rogge

, Talon Room Owner.

The Talon Room is the ideal spot to entertain clients with casino games, tailgate activities, live music, bingo, trivia or whatever activity your clients might be interested in. If you are wanting to entertain in more than just one place, the Talon Room is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Lincoln next to a variety of fun activities such as concerts at PBA, shows at the Lied Center and Husker games at Memorial Stadium. Plus, the Talon Room is located next to three parking garages, making parking a breeze.

Regardless of any of the dietary or physical restrictions your clients may have, the Talon Room is up for the challenge.

Generational Baking

With time-honored, family-inspired and traditional recipes learned through years of home cooking, Sweet Things by Marcy bakes amazing desserts with flavor combinations that surpass those that were passed down from generations of southern family cooks and bakers. If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your clients, you won’t find better options than those made by Sweet Things by Marcy.

“I’ve been baking for over 40 years,” shared Owner Marcy Haas. “I learned from watching my mom, who taught me to bake basic southern staples such as cornbread, biscuits, tea cakes and sweet potato pie. Over the years, I’ve developed new recipes and expanded my dessert menu to incorporate a variety of delicious treats.”

Operating from a commercial kitchen (ghost kitchen) on O Street, Sweet Things by Marcy makes all of her desserts from scratch. Her passion for baking has driven her to offer desserts at a variety of restaurants in town as well as prepare and deliver desserts for individuals, offices and gatherings. Marcy also modifies desserts based on dietary needs upon request. So, regardless of what the needs of your business and clients are, Sweet Things by Marcy is equipped to accommodate.

Thematic Catering Delivered to Your Doorstep

One of the easiest ways to entertain clients is with food. Whether the food is the focal point of the get-to-together or an activity is, catering is an essential part of the experience. At Doorstep Diner Catering, they understand that providing great food isn’t all that clients are expecting.

While they enjoy working with foam and deconstructing food and ordering micro greens, Doorstep Diner Catering isn’t too proud to make a cheeseball shaped like a pineapple or little pigs in a blanket. At the end of the day, seeing their client's wishes and visions for their event come true is what brings them satisfaction.

Doorstep Diner Catering is Lincoln's only thematic caterer, and they like to say, "If you can dream it, we can theme it.” Not only is their food amazing, but their service leaves guests in astonishment. They will decorate your buffet in brand colors and themes to match your intent, going all out to create an unforgettable WOW factor.

“We are a culinary team that will take you on a journey of taste and service,” stated Laurie Fraser. “Doorstep Diner Catering… from our doorstop to yours.”

Marcey Haas Sweet Things by Marcy

Laurie Fraser Doorstep Diner Catering

Matthew Rogge Talon Room

When hosting an event, you need to have confidence that your caterer will execute perfectly and wow your guests. With an outgoing staff, you can rest assured that Doorstep Diner Catering will be the cherry on top of the entertainment you provide your clients.

Building a Connection

Opportunities for professional and personal growth pose a great advantage for client interaction. Not only do they promote connections between businesses and clients, but between all attendees and the community as well. Live2Lead, a yearly Leadership Harbor event, is a day of learning and fun that can help you generate loyalty and trust with your clients.

Live2Lead is one of the biggest events of the year, and is a great, fun way to show your clients that you value what they bring to the table. Offering a leader development experience designed to equip you and your team with new perspectives, practical tools and key takeaways, Live2Lead utilizes key speakers and impactful information that will leave you ready to implement your own personal action plan that will allow you to lead with renewed passion and commitment. “As a business owner, you are trying to create relationships where people know you, like you and trust you,” stated Kris Peterson. “Live2Lead offers an opportunity for you to bring a client to a place that is focused on helping them better themselves and their business. This shows that you care about them as more than just a client. By attending yourself, it also goes to show your dedication to improvement. Plus, the event is a lot of fun!”

Key speakers Ryan Leak, Kendra Scott, John C Maxwell and Marcus Buckingham are thrilled to be included in 2023’s Live2Lead event on November 3.

If Live2Lead doesn’t fit the schedules of your clients, Leadership Harbor offers a slew of other services that can help you connect on a different level, such as team building exercises and classes targeting personal development and communication.

Making the Most of Transportation

Getting to and from the activities you have planned for your clients can be a hassle. It’s extra time out of your day as well as out of theirs – not to mention a potential headache when considering parking and gathering everyone at the right place at the right time. At Eastside Transportation LLC, they know the challenge of group transportation and do everything they can to ensure transportation to and from events is as convenient as possible.

Not only does traveling together reduce stress pertaining to everyone arriving safely and on time, but also allows you to spend more time with your clients. While traveling, you can make the most out of the extra time with conversation. Whether the conversation is focused on getting to know each other or is business related, Eastside Transportation gives you a space to break the ice before your event.

To ensure there are no hiccups during your transportation, Eastside Transportation spends extra time to keep their vehicles wellmaintained, clean and equipped with the latest technology to ensure your safety and convenience.

All Fun, No Work

Just because you are meeting with clients doesn’t mean that the entire meeting has to be about work. After all, entertaining clients does imply that fun will be involved, and having fun is the best way to build relationships.

Regardless of the ages of your clients, Lincoln Inflatables is sure to inflate the fun to a new level. This locally owned business is sure to bring out a side of your clients that you’ve never seen before, allowing you to connect with them on a personal level and build a lasting relationship. You’d be surprised how much fun a group of adults can have with a few inflatables – especially when they don’t have to worry about setting them up or taking them down. Plus, if your clients have kids, Lincoln Inflatables is more than happy to cater

to families and ensure that the kids are happy and laughing while the adults take care of “business.”

Lincoln Inflatables has top-of-the-line inflatable bounce house units, slip and slides, waterslides, obstacle courses and combo units that will entertain your clients for hours. Known for their prompt communication, punctuality and quality customer services, you won’t have to worry about a thing when working with Lincoln Inflatables.

Excellent Restaurant Food, Service and Environment

Dining with clients is a classic form of entertainment. Everyone can enjoy a great meal while talking amongst themselves – it's the perfect opportunity to build relationships without pressure. When choosing a restaurant to dine at, it is important to consider the quality of food, service and the overall environment. At daVinci’s, they strive for excellence in everything – their food, their service and their restaurant environment.

Providing a variety of delicious food that starts with the finest and freshest ingredients, daVinci’s menu won’t disappoint your clients. There is something for even the pickiest of eaters!

All of their meats are chosen based on their quality and flavor. Plus, they only use 100% real mozzarella and fresh vegetables. Their alfredo sauce, marinara sauce and chili are homemade and developed using their family recipes. To top it all off, daVinci’s serves fresh Italian bread and makes their pizza dough from scratch daily. They won’t serve you something subpar because they think you deserve only the best.

Wanting as many people to have access to their amazing food as possible, daVinci’s has five locations in Lincoln – one of which is surely conveniently located for both you and your clients.

Without great relationships with your clients, your business would operate much differently. To build and maintain relationships as well as to show your appreciation for your clients, treat them to one of the vast entertainment options available in Lincoln. Support your fellow local businesses while enjoying the company of your clients!

Kris Peterson Leadership Harbor

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, Lincoln prepares to unveil its enchanting autumn landscape. With the air turning crisp and the foliage transforming into a breathtaking palette of reds, yellows and oranges, the city becomes a true testament to the wonders of the season. For homeowners and gardening enthusiasts, fall is the perfect time to create an inviting retreat to cherish during the cooler months.

Whether you seek picturesque landscapes to impress your guests and neighbors or wish to savor the comforts of a cozy bonfire, fall promises an unforgettable outdoor experience. When upgrading your landscape, consider the plants, trees and flowers that will give your landscape the colors you desire – but don’t forget to take into consideration what will grow and survive in our everchanging environment best. It is also important to consider what other features will make your landscape something magnificant, such as the exterior appeal of your house and yard features such as pools, fireplaces and patios.

With the local professionals of Lincoln by your side, you will be able to enjoy all the best things fall landscaping has to offer. They will turn over every stone and piece of dirt to transform your landscape into something out of this world.

Luxury Outdoor Space

Complete outdoor living spaces have been a trend for the last several years. Larger patio spaces, outdoor kitchens, fire and water features, sitting walls and pergolas all contribute to a family's ability to relax in luxury. If you have a distinct vision in mind, you can rest assured that Luxury Landscape will strive to make each and every detail of your landscape perfect.

Jackie Svoboda Luxury Outdoor Space

“We like to say that the little things are the big things,” said Owner Jackie Svoboda. “From the initial contact with the customer to the proposal to the installation to after the project is complete, we know that the big picture isn’t complete without the small details.”

Luxury Landscape starts every process by getting to know the customers, discussing all the fun details during the initial consultation. This includes what the space will be used for, color preferences and if children/pets will have access to the area. Once the project begins, they work hard to maintain consistent communication so that their clients know how long the project will take and what to expect along the way. Luxury Landscape strives to ensure they are always on the same page as their clients.

By getting to know their customers, Luxury Landscape is able to have open communication and trust throughout the project. Through great communication and teamwork, Luxury Landscape is able to exceed client expectations, resulting in smiles, tears of joy and hugs.

Consider the Exterior Appeal of Your House

The first things that come to mind when thinking about landscaping are the curb appeal of your front yard and the wow factor of your backyard. But, doesn’t the appearance of the exterior of your house matter too?

Archer Exteriors, a local business specializing in renovations, strives to exceed customer expectations by producing a finished product that goes beyond what they ever envisioned.

Currently, Archer Exteriors is noticing a high demand for fiber cement siding. Not only does it protect the interior of your house from critters and ever changing weather conditions, but blend seamlessly with your dream landscaping designs.

“The best part of finishing a project is seeing a smile on a customer’s face, knowing they are filled with joy,” said Owner Uriah Sawyer.

Though the exterior of your house isn’t technically a part of your landscaping, it is just as important and can make a world of difference for the appearance of your property.

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space in Peace

Your property's fence holds immense significance, serving vital roles in security and seclusion, all while enhancing the aesthetics of your outdoor space. The spectrum of fence designs, each with its distinct dimensions and forms, empowers you to craft a unique boundary that seamlessly integrates with your landscape vision.

Offering vinyl, wood, chain link and aluminum fences, Empire Netting and Fence can install a practical fence that helps you create the environment you want. With different choices available, you can find the right fence that fits your needs and vision.

The decisions you make regarding height, design and materials wield substantial influence over the ultimate allure of your fence and, by extension, the flow of your landscaping. If you're not sure which fence is best for both how it works and how it looks, the professionals at Empire Netting and Fence are ready to answer questions and put up the best fence for your specific vision.

If you’re curious about what is curently trending, various souces claim that some of the most popular fence designs in 2023 have included sleek, modern, rustic, two-tone and vinyl styles. Across the various styles, clean lines, simple shapes and neutral colors are becoming increasingly popular, as well as the mixing of materials such as metal, stone and wood. Though fence designs are a blend of a little bit of everything, people are gravitating towards an overal minimalist look that requires little maintenance.

The concept of ‘smart fencing’ has also been trending upwards. The integration of technology into fences includes features that enhance safety such as integrated lighting, security cameras and motion-detection sensors. As society continues to shift its focus towards technology, it is no surprise that landscaping trends are now incorporating the benefits of technological advancement.

Uriah Sawyer Archer Exteriors

(402) 730-1781

walterspaintinginc.com

The Value of Trees

Not only are trees aesthetically pleasing, but a natural barrier that gives you seclusion and privacy while you enjoy time outdoors. Regardless of the type of tree you plant, the view is better than that of traffic or your neighbor’s yard – not that their yard isn’t nice, but it isn’t something you want to see every time you walk outside.

Eagle Nursery understands the value of adding trees to your property not just for aesthetic reasons, but for financial and environmental reasons as well. According to research conducted by the USDA Forest Service, trees create about three times more economic advantage than their cost due to how much they can raise property value. Planting trees gives you an advantage later down the road when you consider selling your property, but also the advantage of saving energy, reducing storm-water runoff, breathing cleaner air and living in privacy in the present moment.

When choosing which kind of tree to plant, it is recommended that you work with an Eagle Nursery expert. They will help you choose a tree that will not only survive Nebraska’s turbulent weather, but thrive in it. Their extensive knowledge of trees will help you find the best fit aesthetically, environmentally and financially.

In Nebraska, some of the best trees to plant during the fall season are maple, oak and birch trees. These trees can add beautiful colors to your landscape and provide shade for you to relax in.

Fall is a great time to plant trees because the cooler temperatures and mild conditions help reduce stress on the newly planted trees. With the soil still being warm, roots can grow and establish themselves before the colder soil restricts development. Being prepared for the dormant winter period is crucial for trees. In the spring, trees planted in the fall have a head start and tend to thrive.

Building Your Dream Pool

One of the most sought after yard features is an in-ground pool. The right pool can really make a yard come to life, and Strawberry Springs Pool and Spa loves how the creative process unfolds, resulting in a beautiful outcome.

Currently, Strawberry Springs is seeing a trend for fantastic sitting areas and sun shelves in the water. These features are designed to maximize hangout time with friends and quality family time while in the pool.

“Our team has a lot of experience,” shared Ron Tucker. “We are your trusted partner in making your pool and spa environment both appealing and functional.”

Though pools are seasonal, Strawberry Springs stays busy year round. They use the down time in the winter to train employees and perform necessary maintenance on their equipment so that they are ready to build your dream pool as soon as the weather permits.

To make a client’s vision come to life, Strawberry Springs thoroughly discusses the end goal with the client. They provide extensive photos of past jobs and what can be done in the space to spark inspiration and help guide the project. Once the dream pool is decided upon, Strawberry Springs wastes no time building it.

Because pools can provide countless hours of fun and relaxation in the comfort of your own backyard, residential pools are extremely popular. With the intense summer heat here in Nebraska, it is no surprise that so many residents dream of owning a pool. With the average pool holding approximately 20,000 gallons of water, there is plenty of space for swimming, pool floats and games. With additions of water slides, diving boards and even built-in spas, who wouldn’t want their own pool to enjoy?

Taking it a step farther, some homeowners choose to have saltwater pools instead of traditional chlorine pools, as they can be gentler on the skin and eyes. Instead of using chlorine tablets or liquid, saltwater pools use a salt chlorinator to convert salt into chlorine. Though the chlorine level is typically lower in saltwater pools, they are great for those that prefer a more eco-friendly and comfortable pool, as well as for those that seek less pool maintenance.

Proactive Landscaping

Fall landscaping is all about preparing for winter weather and priming your landscape to have minimal maintenance come spring. To be fully prepared for changing seasons, Ray’s Lawn Care recommends focusing on weed management and fertilization. For the best fertilization results, aeration is recommended. Ray’s Lawn care’s expert technicians promote air circulation, nutrient absorption and root development by utilizing specialized equipment to remove soil plugs. Performing aeration alongside fertilization in the fall furnishes lush and thriving greenery in the spring.

To keep unwanted insects at bay and promote further growth, Ray’s Lawn Care offers a nutrient/insecticide application that is designed to provide a nutrient essential to healthy turf while also providing additional coverage for later summer insect control. If there’s anything Ray’s Lawn Care will insist upon, it’s a healthy lawn.

Functional and Decorative Brick

Retaining walls are becoming a necessity for landscaping projects. Functionally, retaining walls stabilize sloping landscapes and prevent rainwater from flooding your landscape. Decoratively, using brick for retaining walls can add a little something extra to the aesthetic appeal of your property. Yankee Hill Brick, a local brick producer, offers a variety of brick colors and styles that’ll perfectly match your landscape.

To tie retaining walls in with the rest of your landscape, consider using brick pavers for your patios, pool decks, driveways and pathways. Yankee Hill Pavers are hard and durable, low maintenance and long lasting. They come in an assortment of colors and can be formed into a variety of patterns that will reflect contrast or unity throughout your property.

Yankee Hill produces its own clay mixes and high temperature firing kiln to produce a range of looks for their own brickwork. In addition to their own bricks, they also import a selection of bricks from other manufacturers, chosen to complement the local Nebraska market.

A Dash of Color

You’d be surprised how much a fresh coat of paint on your house can change the appeal of your outdoor living space. Whether freshening up the current exterior coat or trying a different color, a fresh coat of paint could be just what you need to transform your propertyespecially if you don’t have the budget for a big transformation.

We all want our houses to be beautiful, but not at the expense of the lifespan of the exterior of the house. With Water’s Painting Inc., you can transform your chipped and peeling exterior into something out of a magazine that will last years longer than you ever imagined.

“Though our name implies paint, we can also spruce up your exterior wood with a stain. Your decks, stairs and pillars will look like new and be protected from the unpredictable weather here in Lincoln,” said Owner Jeff Walters. “Taking it another step beyond our name, we provide excellent pressure washing services for your pool, fence, hardscape and concrete, brick and wood surfaces.”

Walter’s Painting Inc. has more to offer than what meets the eye. They do a phenomenal job of bringing out the inner beauty of your landscape by enhancing the extior of your home.

Landscape Maintenance

We all love beautiful yards that have luscious, green grass. What we don’t like about lush grounds and an abundance of plants and trees is the maintenance. Regardless of if your landscape is large or small, yard work isn’t something most of us enjoy. When it comes to choosing a mower or keeping up with lawn maintenance, AKRS Equipment can provide an extensive array of John Deere equipment that will help get the job done right as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Jeff Walters Water’s Painting Inc.

Their John Deere equipment has a low cost of ownership in comparison to the rest of the industry. Plus, you get more than your money’s worth: their equipment is proven to operate longer and with fewer repairs than other products on the market. AKRS even has a service available to keep your equipment in top working order so you don’t have to.

If you choose to take on a landscaping project yourself that goes beyond ground maintenance, ARKS will happily provide you with the equipment you need to get your hands dirty. Their consultants will help you purchase what is going to suit your needs best, and won’t waste time on products that aren’t a good fit for either your skillset or the project at hand.

Landscape Materials

Upgrading the layout of your landscape requires more attention to detail and materials than you might think. The material options for landscaping designs are endless, including river rock, limestone, sand, sand and gravel mix, road gravel and mulch. Merritt Concrete offers it all, plus ready-mix concrete. Each of these materials can make a gorgeous landscape, but finding the one that compliments your vision perfectly can be tricky.

Consulting the professionals at Merritt Concrete is a great way to start off your landscaping project. They can help direct you towards a material that matches your landscape aesthetically and contributes to the overall function of your space. Because they have no minimums on the amount of materials you can purchase at a time, they will accommodate your need for any amount of materials. Rather than making your landscape accommodate the quantity you were forced to purchase, you can make your purchase reflect the needs of your landscape. For small projects, they encourage you to stop by for their U-Carts. For larger projects, they will deliver to you!

Aside from the raw materials that go into creating your dream landscape, Merritt Concrete also helps with the installation of outdoor fireplaces and fire pits. As the temperatures start to drop, this will make a great addition to your outdoor space. What better way to spend a chilly night than cozied up by the fireplace under the stars?

Fall Gardening

Though renovating your landscape with rocks and pavers can create a beautiful space, you can make that space even more magical by incorporating plants. With all sorts of plants available, it can be difficult to choose the plant that will both look the best in the space and last the longest. What’s the point in planting something that you will have to replace months later? The professionals at Earl May Gardening Center are more than happy to help you choose a plant that is guaranteed to survive the colder months that are on the horizon.

Fall is the best time of year to plant trees and shrubs because the cool nights and warm days help push plants to get their roots established before winter. Planting and fertilizing in fall also helps ensure that spring furnishes beautiful blooms and an abundance of growth. By next spring, your trees and shrubs will be more established, making them easier to maintain throughout the summer.

September is also the best time of year to start a lawn from seed. Warm soil accelerates germination and the cooler temperatures that follow make the seeds easier to water. Applying Earl May lawn food now will help what is already grown to heal and what is planted to grow.

Some of the best flowers to purchase in September include blooming bulbs like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, though it is best to wait to plant them until late October or early November. Blooming bulbs are a beautiful addition to any landscape, as they are known for their vibrant colors and lovely fragrance.

Reducing Landscaping Water Usage

Water conservation has become increasingly important as drought strikes more and more cities across the country. With over half of all domestic water usage going towards lawn maintenance, it isn’t hard to tell where water usage can be cut down. One way to reduce the

amount of irrigation water we use is to install a water smart design from Hunt Irrigation, Inc. The Water Smart Company doesn’t want you to sacrifice your beautiful yard for water conservation, and has developed a system that allows you to have the best of both worlds.

Upgrading your old irrigation controller with a WiFi controller is the first step towards water conservation. A WiFi controller adjusts your system’s water output to increase or decrease based on predicted weather conditions. These controllers can improve your water savings by as much as 35%. Another simple, affordable and very reliable water saver is a rain sensor. These sensors detect rain and tell your irrigation controller to turn off during or at the end of a rain event. In order for irrigation systems to conserve the maximum amount of water, they must be properly installed and maintained. That’s why Hunt Irrigation takes the time to teach you how everything works after installation, and is available for maintenance and regular services down the road. Taking into consideration safety, security and aesthetic components of your landscape, Hunt Irrigation creates a complete and balanced design that is easily serviceable without disrupting your landscape vision.

Did you know that on average, residential landscaping in Nebraska can require approximately 7,000 to 10,000 gallons of water per week during the growing season?

The Beauty of Concrete

Concrete, contrary to its stereotypical appearance, doesn’t have to be plain and boring. Concrete can be stamped with patterns, designs and colors that seamlessly blend with your landscape vision, acting to either catch the eyes of onlookers or to gel with the overall vibe. A stamped concrete walkway, resurfaced concrete walkway or stained concrete walkway is sure to elevate your home’s standard of outdoor living. With their various stamp patterns and integral coloring processes, Concrete Craft can replicate popular, expensive materials such as brick, cobblestone and natural slate.

Concrete Craft of Lincoln can bring your outdoor living space to life in countless ways through their beautiful concrete solutions for patios, driveways, walkways, pool decks and more. Their stamped concrete seat wall and fire pit system is a cost-effective method that will give you a fire pit that looks like natural stone. With installation also being a relatively short process, you’ll be able to entertain guests throughout the fall season.

With so many options available, you’ll want to speak with one of Concrete Craft of Lincoln’s professionals to help guide you towards the solution that will be best financially, aesthetically and spatially.

Designing Your Dream Landscape

At one point or another, almost all of us have pictured what the exterior of our dream house would look like. We’ve pictured how the house would complement the yard, the outdoor space where we would host get-togethers and the plants that would change colors with the seasons. As providers of fine outdoor living, Landmark Nursery and Landscaping in Eagle attempts to fully understand your goals and vision so they can create a space that is designed for you. Every landscaping project with Landmark Nursery starts with an in-depth consultation where they simply listen and get to know you. Next, they pair you with a member from their design team who will be dedicated to you from consultation to completion – you won’t have to worry about re-explaining the project to a newcomer. The talented designer and experienced horticulturist will collaborate, inspire and guide you along through the project.

According to their monthly landscaping and yard care calendar, September is the time for fall grass seeding, to spray for dandelions, to plant fall bulbs for spring bloom, to replace older annuals with fall planter arrangements, to determine if any part of your landscape lacks color and to continue watering and weeding. September is also the best time to plant trees, shrubs, evergreens, perennials, peonies and iris.

In regards to grass, Kentucky bluegrass is commonly known as one of the best to plant in Nebraska. It is well-adapted to the climate and can withstand the cold winters and hot summers. It provides a lush and dense turf that is prefect for residential lawns. Other popular options include tall fescue and fine fescue. Tall fescue is known for its durability and ability to withstand drought and wear – great attributes considering Nebraska’s current climate. Fine fescue is well-suited for areas with partial shade, as it is shade-tolerant and requires little maintenance.

A Garage Door to Match

Though we often don’t think of our garage door as part of our landscape, we should. We think about the paint on the exterior of our house, so we should think of the appeal of our garage door as well. You’d be surprised at the beautiful garage doors you can find if you look around. If you don’t know where to look, try starting with Overhead Door of Lincoln. They offer a wide range of styles to fit both your home and landscaping vision as well as your lifestyle and day-to-day needs. Some of their options include:

Impression Fiberglass Collection® - These doors feature a woodgrain fiberglass surface.

Impression Steel Collection® - This collection provides low maintenance and thermal efficiency, while also featuring large windows.

Carriage House Collection - These garage doors combine distinctive carriage house designs and superior insulated steel construction.

Signature® Carriage Collection - These detailed carriage house doors have the look of swing-open doors with the convenience of standard sectional garage doors.

Courtyard Collection® - This collection has the design of traditional carriage house doors.

Envy™ Collection - This frameless design looks sleek and modern with glass panels mounted on an aluminum structure.

Allura® Collection - This collection provides additional security.

Durafirm Collection® - These vinyl doors offer protection and boost thermal efficiency.

Year Round Lawn Care

Fall is the time for landscaping and lawn maintenance, as well as the time of year to start thinking about snow removal. 1776 Grounds Maintenance, a long-standing local yard care business, provides excellent grounds care every day all year long.

Offering honest insight and recommendations focused on each property’s specific needs, 1776 Grounds Maintenance strives to provide personalized care that exceeds client expectations.

To schedule residential lawn treatments, they recommend calling by October to ensure that they will be able to start applications around the first of November. For snow removal, the earlier you can get on their radar, the better.

It is never too early to prepare your landscape for the winter months. When redesigning your landscape, it is important to consider how it will function in fall, winter, spring and summer. Each detail matters, and no detail is too small.

Lincoln continues to amaze us as landscaping projects transform the city into something truly amazing. Improvements both small and large have enhanced the curb appeal and beauty of both residential and commercial areas. With so many reputable and excellent lawn, landscape and outdoor-area experts available in Lincoln, it is no surprise that our city looks as great as it does.

BUILDING

As the heart of the Midwest, Lincoln stands proudly as a city steeped in history and vibrant growth. From its humble beginnings as a small village to its evolution into Nebraska's capital and a thriving urban center, Lincoln's unique character is something to be proud of.

Construction is a fascinating industry that involves the planning, designing and building of structures. It encompasses various sectors such as residential, commercial and infrastructure – all of which are important for the growth of Lincoln. From skyscrapers to bridges, construction plays a crucial role in shaping our cities and improving our quality of life. It requires skilled professionals, including architects, engineers and construction workers, who work together to bring projects to life.

With a mixture of historical landmarks, modern masterpieces and innovative urban planning, Lincoln has become a tapestry of design and ingenuity. Throughout its growth, Lincoln has embraced architectural styles that reflect the different eras it has witnessed. From the imposing grandeur of its state capitol to the charming facades of its residential neighborhoods, it is amazing how much our city has changed.

Lincoln is continually underatking projects geared towards enhancing the city’s infrastructure as well as creating new recreational spaces and supporting education and research. We cannot wait to see what the future holds as construction projects continue to target community values.

It’s always exciting to see the transformation taking place and the positive impact it has on our community. The people who have shaped, and continue to shape, this vibrant community deserve to be recognized. So, what has everyone been up to?

Kingery Construction is thrilled to announce our expansion into the Omaha market through the acquisition of Construct Inc. This move aligns with our strategic goal of delivering exceptional commercial construction services to the communities of Nebraska. By integrating the expertise and knowledge of Construct Inc.’s employees in Omaha, we are confident that Kingery Construction will maintain our position as a premier provider of construction services for many years to come.

Lincoln Demolition & Excavation

At Lincoln Demolition & Excavation, they are happy to be part of the Lincoln community. They strive to help Lincoln grow by ensuring safe, efficient and quality services are provided for both residential and commercial projects. They see Lincoln continuing to grow and prosper largely due to the hard work and dedication of all of our local industries who continue to support each other, even during difficult times. Having recently finished an exciting at-home swim spa project, which included excavation, concrete installation, retaining walls and soil grading, Lincoln Demolition & Excavation couldn’t be happier with the results. Their customers said that they were by far the most professional contractors they have worked with over the years, as they were respectful, detail oriented and communicative.

“We always do our best to ensure our customers have an enjoyable project experience, and you can’t wipe the smiles off our faces when we receive positive feedback,” stated Foreman Connor Paul.

Moving forward, Lincoln Demolition & Excavation is receiving a large increase in requests for in-ground pool demolition and backfill. They have also been receiving a lot of attention from general contractors for their interior demolition services. Currently, they are working on the preliminary project management details for interior demolition and concrete removal as part of a commercial space renovation near 40th and Yankee Hill. They’re also in project management stages for a pool surround project near Crete, NE, which will include grading, backfill of soil, concrete installation, drain systems, drainage solutions and retaining walls.

Farris Engineering

The physical growth of Lincoln isn’t possible without a design professional firm like Farris Engineering – there are a lot of great companies behind the scenes helping Lincoln grow as efficiently and effectively as possible.

As new construction slows, the focus on remodeling and renovation grows. “Lincoln is maintaining the level of business and social function it is currently at, but is also continuing to develop and grow,” said Business Development Executive Darin Cielocha. “Everyone is looking to first maintain what they already have, and then create efficiencies and upgrades within existing facilities.”

Currently, Farris Engineering is working on mechanical and life-safety upgrades at the University of Nebraska Lincoln (UNL), assisting with the renovation of Andrews Hall. The University of Nebraska also has multiple other renovation and remodeling going on at all their Nebraska campuses.

Other projects include collaboration with private contractors on remodeling facilities throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County. As a MEP Engineering company, one of the services Farris Engineering engages in for its clients is making sure mechanical and electrical systems are designed properly for repurposed spaces so that they can support new equipment systems appropriately and efficiently. Their design layouts help ensure that the facility remains within a temperature and humidity range suitable for machinery to operate. Working with building owners and contractors to determine how to maximize and maintain machine productivity, Farris Engineering continually utilizes surveys and new research for additional upgrades.

Connor Paul Lincoln Demolition & Excavation

Darin Cielocha Farris Engineering

Especially with older buildings, repurposing a space can be complicated. The older a building is, the more tune-ups it will need to be fully operational. Though expensive, repurposing unused buildings is a great way for Lincoln to utilize space and be sustainable in its overall approach to also maintaining Lincoln’s historical buildings. “We’ve come a long way on how we light-up rooms and control a building's heating and cooling systems, but there is still room for improvement on implementing ideal mechanical and electrical systems.”

Tru-Built Construction

Working on several larger long-term projects as well as 15-20 other projects at a time, Tru-Built Construction has been a consistent contributor in the growth and development of Lincoln.

Though the growth and development of Lincoln isn’t predicted to slow anytime soon, there are obstacles preventing rapid change in the near future. “Moving forward, the demand for construction will remain high, but overall project cost and financing options will prevent some projects from moving forward,” shared Owner Bo Jones.

Tru-Built has been keeping busy with projects of all sizes such as new construction and remodeling of apartments, offices, facilities and custom homes. Tru-Built is also currently working on the construction of a large multi-family complex in Lincoln which is expected to continue for three more years.

Another major project Tru-Built is currently working on includes creating tourist attractions in Red Cloud, Nebraska, for the Willa Cather Foundation, named after an American writer whose novels target life on the Great Plains. The project is predicted to last another year, in which they will have completed the remodel of the Cather childhood home, the historical Garber Bank building, the Burlington Depot Train Station, the Willa Cather Museum and numerous other landmarks. The Museum, Burlington Depot Train Station and the Cather childhood home are currently open for tours. In the future, tourists will be able to stay in a three-story hotel attached to the Garber Bank while they enjoy a few days learning about the history of Willa Cather and the community of Red Cloud.

Kingery Construction

Kingery Construction is noticing that with persistent inflation, supply chain challenges and a labor shortage currently shaping the construction landscape, the utilization of prefabrication and metal building construction methods are a continued notable trend in the construction industry.

Despite the challenges with construction, Lincoln is a dynamic and vibrant community ready for remarkable progress. Lincoln will continue to experience expansion and growth, both in terms of business ventures and community spaces. The landscape is ready for change, and Kingery Construction’s role as a builder aligns perfectly with the energy and potential that define Lincoln’s exciting future.

“As the Director of Construction, I am dedicated to orchestrating the synergy of vision, strategy and execution. With every project we translate into reality, we strengthen the pillars of progress, ensuring they stand as testaments to our commitment to quality, sustainability and unmatched craftsmanship. Together, we lay the groundwork for a future built on the ideals of integrity, collaboration and transformative construction,” shared Jen Cowher

Kingery Construction is excited to share that their current workload includes a variety of projects, such as multiple tenant finishes

CORE SERVICES COMMISSIONING

Our commissioning team members, most registered professional engineers, have vast experience in performing facility commissioning, setting up quality assurance plans, and directing functional testings of systems.

Bo Jones

Tru-Built Construction

OMAHA LINCOLN SIDNEY COLORADO SPRINGS KANSAS CITY COUNCIL BLUFFS

Jen Cowher Kingery Construction

and the final stages of the Lefler Middle School project that are coming together seamlessly. Simultaneously, they’re dedicated to the Fallbrook YMCA, AAA’s new office location and Primary Care Partners office renovation.

Coming up for Kingery Construction is the Sydney Rest Stop project, bringing innovation and convenience back to an area that has been void of a rest area for some time. Additionally, they’re gearing up for the start of the Bristol Windows office and Warehouse project, along with the Four Corners Medical Office Renovation in York.

Lincoln has experienced significant growth over the years, and will continue to experience steady growth. Whether in the form of new construction or repurposed construction, the opportunities in Lincoln continue to make it a vibrant city. This growth has brought many opportunities to the community, and will continue to benefit the community in the coming years.

New construction, though slowing, offers the opportunity to create something fresh and tailored to a desired purpose. From the initial planning and design stages to the final construction and finishing touches, it’s a journey that brings ideas to life.

Repurposed construction, increasing in popularity, involves taking existing structures or materials and transforming them for new uses. It’s a sustainable and creative approach that reduces waste and gives new life to old buildings and materials. Repurposing buildings is a great way to add character and uniqueness to a project that will solve a problem, while aslo being environmentally conscioius.

The skilled professionals of Lincoln have been working hard to make our city amazing, and they are doing a great job of bettering our community. Let’s give all the local Lincoln businesses that make this possible a big pat on the back - they deserve it!

Senior LIVING

Retirement is like a brand new chapter in life. Just as a book has different chapters, each representing a unique part of the story, retirement marks a turning point – a fresh beginning where seniors have the chance to take it easy after years of work. Taking the time to explore their passions, seniors can find an entirely new meaning to life.

Just like the transition from one chapter to another in a book, retirement can bring mixed emotions. On one hand, it may bring excitement and anticipation for the freedom and leisure that lie ahead. On the other hand, it can bring a sense of uncertainty or even a bit of apprehension about what lies beyond their familiar work routines. The unknown can be scary, whereas the known can be comfortable and appear safe.

However, as seniors turn the page to retirement, they often find themselves opening up to a world of possibilities that they never knew existed. The constraints of a regular work schedule disappear, and they gain the freedom to explore new interests, hobbies and activities that might have been put on hold during their busy working years. Whether it's pursuing a long-lost passion, traveling to new destinations, spending more time with loved ones or simply taking time to relax and enjoy life, retirement offers a chance to live life on one's own terms.

Though life at an older age is a jumble of emotions, the professionals in Lincoln are ready to help make life the best it can be by both prompting and answering all of the questions you may have or need to know the answer to. With them by your side, you don’t need to worry about what the future holds.

Resident Safety and Personalized Service

In a dynamic landscape of senior care, Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care remains steadfast in their vision, prompting customers to explore how they prioritize resident safety, individualized care and a sense of belonging. By addressing these

No one life is the same. We understand that here at Wyuka. We are here to serve your family.

Here at Wyuka, it is an honor to care and a privilege to serve. We’re Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, a place of rest.

questions, customers gain insights into how Waterford not only provides for residences, but also establishes genuine homes where seniors thrive.

“We want to set the bar high for senior living,” stated Owner Dan Klein Jr . “Every senior deserves personalized care that elevates their quality of life.”

Waterford Communities Assisted Living and Memory Care is reshaping senior living through innovation, prompting customers to ask: How does Waterford prioritize resident safety and ensure exceptional care? With a distinctive approach, they're fostering a closely-knit community that places these concerns at the forefront.

What truly differentiates Waterford Communities is their commitment to maintaining appropriately safe and balanced staff-to-resident ratios. This practice reflects a deep-seated belief in resident wellbeing and security, answering the vital question of how individual needs are met. Families find solace in knowing that their loved ones benefit from continuous care and support, which raises another question: How does Waterford ensure that residents receive personalized assistance around the clock?

Though safety is a priority at Waterford, the essence of their approach goes far beyond safety to encompass a high quality of life. As customers explore senior living options, they should ask: How does Waterford nurture a sense of community and belonging within their smaller, intimate setting? This environment encourages stronger bonds between residents and staff. From tailored activities catering to individual preferences to personalized care plans, Waterford Communities goes the extra mile to address each resident's unique requirements, a crucial consideration for anyone seeking exceptional senior care.

Seniors Real Estate Specialist

Finding the right place to live can be difficult for everyone, regardless of age, However, for senior citizens, the process of acquiring a new home and transitioning smoothly into it can prove even more intricate. Alicia Chrastil, a REALTOR® affiliated with Nebraska Realty, possesses a wealth of expertise denoted by her CSHP, MSRP, SRES and GRI certifications, focuses her expertise on helping the 55+ community by connecting them to available resources so they don’t have to worry about finances, home repairs, downsizing, who will help them move and who will help them maintain their new house.

Alicia’s unique involvement with senior citizens purchasing and selling real estate stems from her love and appreciation of the 55+ community. She has always been drawn to the community, finding them to have so many stories to share. “I enjoy working with seniors and think they bring so much more to the table when it comes to daily interactions in real estate,” shared Alicia.

When interacting with new seniors, she engages with them like everyone else. Age doesn’t affect her approach. Alicia comes to them as a friend, addressing both their needs and concerns. Making herself available via call and text, Alicia also makes a point to stay engaged by reaching out to check in and see how things are going. Seniors choose to work with her because they trust her and know she will take care of them like family.

“Some of the people I’ve worked with feel like family. I take care of clients by taking them from being overwhelmed to being overjoyed.”

Family Serving Family

Caring for a senior citizen isn’t an easy task, though it isn’t something we should have to stress about either. It’s natural to want to care for someone you love and to not want to place their lives in the hands of a stranger – and you shouldn’t have to feel that way about senior

living. At Sumner Place, ‘Family Serving Family’ is more than a motto, it’s a feeling that residents, families and care partners truly believe in and experience. After interacting with the staff at Sumner Place, it is clear they can be trusted to do what they say they will do.

At Sumner Place, they strive to provide personalized care to all of their residents. When working with new residents, they make a point to learn about their lives and adjust their care based on what is going to resonate best with them. To know how to best care for new residents, they ask new residents a slew of questions such as:

• What is your preferred daily routine of waking/sleeping?

• What are three most important things that you would like to see happen each day?

• What are some of your personal interests?

• How would you describe your personality?

• Are there any things that may cause stress to you?

They also ask questions regarding their bathing preferences, meal/ snack preferences and get to know their occupation history, military background (if any) and so forth. Sumner Place goes the extra mile to cover all of their bases. They do things differently so that they feel like family.

Customized Care Plans

Seniors often ask home care agencies about services offered, caregiver qualifications, scheduling flexibility, expenses and the process for customizing care plans to meet their specific needs. Seniors also inquire about caregiver background checks, insurances accepted for payment of services and how the agency ensures compatibility between caregivers and clients. All of these questions are important, and all of the answers should be addressed whether a question is asked or not.

Dan Klein Waterford Communities

Alicia Chrastil Nebraska Realty

Katie Horsley AmanaCare

At AmanaCare, they make a point to disclose every detail of their care plans before starting care. As an agency providing premiere care at home, they provide personal care including companionship, bathing assistance, dressing assistance, medication reminders, grooming, safety supervision, exercise, hobbies, crafts and games. They also provide homemaking activities such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, mail collection, trash removal and light pet assistance. They want you to be able to enjoy life and to focus on feeling as good as you can.

“We’ve found that the best care stems from compatibility between clients and caregivers. As such, AmanaCare staff assesses each client individually and reviews personal health goals. Throughout their care period, the client’s progress is tracked and they always have the option to notify AmanaCare immediately of any concerns,” shared Owner Kathi Horsley

To ensure that clients receive the care AmanaCare promises, AmanaCare caregivers receive training in home safety and best practice interactions with clients before being assigned in the home. A supervisor interviews each new client to learn about specific cares that are needed and provides onsite orientation to the caregiver. Each new caregiver hired must pass a series of interview questions and background checks before employment is offered.

A Legacy of Providing Joy

Caring for seniors is one of the most rewarding things a person can do, but it can be hard to know if there are specific things you should be looking for or be more aware of. The benefit of senior living is knowing that all care needs will be addressed. At Legacy Retirement Communities, they know the value of a senior living with intention and wellness, and go the extra mile to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

“I always think it is nice to hear a story to relate to, so here is a story about my friend Bob,” shared Retirement Living Advisor Jocelyn Fitzgerald. “When Bob moved in, he was worried about what it would be like to live here. He had always kept himself busy after retirement by tinkering in the garage, fixing different things or doing some woodworking. He was having a hard time managing things around the house more and more and knew he could not keep it the way he liked it. So, after doing much research and personal reflection, he decided to move to our community. Bob lived with us for seven years and after he had passed on, his son came to talk to me. He told me that we extended his dad’s life by seven years. I asked him why he felt that way, and he said, ‘He got involved in your fitness and wellness program about a week after he moved in and never missed a day. He had never worked out a day in his life before that. He made so many good friends and always had support around him when he needed it. He had access to healthy items to choose from for his meals. He discovered new things he loved to do, which took him by surprise. I want to thank you for what you did for my dad, and my family. Thank you all for taking such good care of my father.’ With a tear in my eye, I gave him the biggest hug and thanked him for sharing his dad with all of us here at Legacy Terrace. That right there is the magic.”

The Right Caregiver

When searching for a home care company, it is important to ask if the caregiver is employed by the company or if they send independent contractors. If the caregivers are independent contractors, the client assumes certain risks and liabilities. To avoid potentially disastrous situations, choosing caregivers who are carefully screened, insured and bonded, such as Visiting Angels, is highly recommended.

Working to help clients feel better and live well while respecting their feelings and privacy, Visiting Angels is a trusted home care company. They strive to truly get to know and understand their clients, and to build a great relationship between the client and the caregiver. “There are many things to consider when looking for care for your loved one. Visiting Angels has a long standing reputation that checks

Jocelyn Fitzgerald Legacy Retirement Communities

all of the boxes to provide excellent care. I've had countless families tell me how their Angel has exceeded their expectations to provide assistance and better quality of life for their family members," stated

Julie Day , Client Care Coordinator.

Offering training and 24/7 support to their caregivers, Visiting Angels ensures their caregivers are qualified and prepared for every situation. Additionally, the caregiver to client match is extremely important to them to ensure that the level of skills needed and the personality of the client and the caregiver are a great fit. Visiting Angels is proud of the many long-term relationships their clients have with their caregivers because of the thoughtful match they provide them from the beginning.

Housing that Feels Like Home

It is important for senior citizens living in a senior home to know the building’s emergency and urgent-response systems. Though there should always be staff available to help and answer questions, tenants being educated and knowing emergency assistance plans can help ensure that each resident remains safe while they enjoy quality living. Independence doesn’t have to come at the cost of safety, nor should it.

At Lincoln Housing Authority, they pride themselves on providing “more than housing” as they offer seniors a safe life that doesn't hinder their access to activities and programs. At Burke Plaza, Crossroads House and Mahoney Manor, more than 270 older adults reside and have access to a wide variety of social and personal support services through the Resident Services and Congregate Housing Services programs.

Relying on exceptional resident services specialists, Lincoln Housing Authority's programs provide residents a range of activities and programs to enhance the overall quality of life at each building. Potluck meals and hot meals six days a week are just a few of the things that help the quality of life remain high. Through the services of two full-time social workers, whose jobs are to provide general support to residents, Lincoln Housing Authority ensures less independent residents receive case management, personal care, house-keeping assistance and transportation. Safety is their top priority.

Tough End of Life Conversations

It can be challenging to watch someone you love move on. At the time of passing, and leading up to it, it is important to recall memories of your loved one, whether in the form of stories, pictures or sentimental items. At Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, they know that death and loss leaves a grief and heartache no thing can heal, but love leaves a memory no one can steal. Sharing with others and embracing the memories of your loved one tends to help most people cope and channel their grief towards healing.

Most people go to cemeteries to visit loved ones which helps them keep their precious memories alive. So, location becomes an important factor. At Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, they provide a beautiful and peaceful setting for families to visit their loved ones who have been laid to rest. Wyuka provides many options for ground burial or mausoleum entombment, giving you and your families a chance to create a permanent and perpetual memorialization.

Discussing after-life plans is one of the most selfless things we can do for our families. It can take away financial worry and burden from our loved one’s shoulders, giving them the opportunity to focus on their loss and coming to terms with their grief. Yes, conversations about death can be uncomfortable and upsetting for many, but it’s a part of life. There’s no need to ‘schedule’ a conversation. It’s okay to be subtle and create an ongoing conversation on the topic of prearrangements. It’s important to have empathy. As you navigate the conversation, try to understand their sensitivity and perspective, frequently providing support and reassurance. So why not sit down, talk and provide peace of mind for yourself and loved ones.

Caring Friends In Home Care is the heart, discipline and standard of quality service and care, and everyone of us are committed to providing a professional, positive, friendly experience, with exceptional care, companionship and assistance in your home.

• A trusted provider of companion services that are tailored to meet individual needs.

• A level of service that meets and exceeds the healthcare industry’s highest standards with a local site coordinator as well as known caregivers employed in your county.

• Cost effective, compassionate and trusted care for your loved one in their own home.

• Flexible payment options including multiple agencies

Julie Day Visiting Angels

Locally Owned & Nationally Known

Meeting the Needs of Loved Ones

When approaching your loved one about the idea of home care, you should do everything you can to establish what your loved one needs by talking to them, friends and family. What one person knows another might not, so it’s important to take several perspectives into consideration. Selecting an agency for home care services must be an informed, collaborative decision.

Caring Friends In Home Care encourages you to think about in-home care before your loved one needs it. The more talking and listening you can do before home care is needed, the more open your loved one will be when the time comes. Helping them feel confident that their ideas and needs are driving the decisions will assist in them feeling comfortable when it is time for services.

“Caring Friends is always focused on care that reflects compassion and knowledge of the person’s specific needs and desires. Caring Friends can assist in designing individualized plans of care and services that meet the individual’s needs,” shared Virginia Cole, COO. “We have community organizations that we can partner with to ensure a continuum of care if the needs of your loved one go beyond our scope. If the individual or their family makes the decision that it is time to relocate to a different setting for care, Caring Friends will follow the individual in their new setting to assist in making the transition more comfortable.”

Striving to meet all of your needs, Caring Friends In Home Care is committed to going above and beyond to provide exceptional, trusted care at home. They are more than happy to answer questions pertaining to care and will have a slew of questions prepared to ensure that your loved one’s care is directed by their own individualized choices.

Helping the Family Understand

One of the first challenges senior living facilities face is relaying the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. It is important for the family and friends of loved ones to be aware of how a long-term care plan will be affected by insurance. Because they need to know which insurance will cover certain expenses as well as know how to pay for care, Emerald Lancaster makes it a point to discuss the financial aspect of care early on.

Second, Emerald Lancaseter is quick to discuss their staff to resident ratio, the services they offer and their visiting hours to give friends and family peace of mind. To ensure the transition is as smooth as possible, Emerald Lancaster asks friends and family members about their loved one’s hobbies, interests and life. This helps narrow down the activities that your loved one will likely want to participate in, and allows the staff to create a more personal connection with your loved one.

“Asking all these questions helps us encourage all of our seniors to be young at heart and participate in as much as they can. Growing old is mandatory, but feeling old is optional,” stated Bruce Jones.

When your loved one moves into Emerald Lancaster, the nursing staff takes extra time showing them around the facility and their room, ensuring they know how everything works.They also discuss meals and the menus available, as well as explain that snacks are available in between meals if desired.

Emerald Lancaster doesn’t shy away from questions, knowing that their service will get better with each one they ask and answer.

Medication Coordination

Prolonging seniors’ ability to remain healthy and in their own homes directly correlates to comprehensive medication management. Without proper medication management and patient care, seniors

Virginia Cole Caring Friends in Home Care

Bruce Jones Emerald Lancaster

might not know they are taking several drugs to treat a single condition or that they are taking medication that treats something they don’t have. To reduce medication errors and increase communication among healthcare professionals, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy offers unique free services that help keep seniors healthy, home and out of the hospital.

Answering all medication questions and ensuring seniors only take what they need to be healthy, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy’s pharmacists conduct medication reviews that establish the relationships between the medications a senior is prescribed.

“Our medication review ensures that medications do not interact poorly with each other when taken as directed,” shared Owner Shannon Hammerschmidt. “If we have concerns, we contact all of the doctors involved with your care. Everyone has to be on the same page for you to remain healthy – and that is our main goal.”

As a locally-owned company dedicated to providing great personal care, Nebraska LTC Pharmacy strives to provide individualized patient care that sets them apart from chain stores and pharmacies. They don’t just care about your medication, they care about you.

Live at Home Worry Free

With advancements in telemedicine, improved mobility aids, wearable devices for health monitoring and digital health platforms, seniors can now maintain their health, manage chronic conditions and age in a place with greater independence and quality of life: at home.

Since seniors can receive personalized technological care at home, they should also take advantage of home care services such as those provided by Worry Free Home Care

With caregivers trained to assist with activities of daily living, medication management and mobility support among other services, Worry Free Home Care ensures that seniors live at home without worrying themselves or those around them. You’ll never have to question their safety.

“Our caregivers aren’t your typical professionals. They are dedicated individuals who strive to build relationships and creative positive change. We care about our seniors and provide exceptional home care services that show it,” said Founder Racheal Odoy. Worry Free Home Care understands the importance of communication and collaboration with healthcare providers, family members and other caregivers involved. There should never be a question left unanswered. To ensure all aspects of your loved one’s health is addressed, Worry Free Home Care asks questions frequently, answering just as many in return. They work closely with clients and their families, providing ongoing communication to keep everyone informed and involved in the care process. If you have a question, they have an answer.

Resort Style Living

Retirement should be a period of relaxation. After having worked your entire life, you’ve earned a luxurious, safe and comfortable community to live in. At Savannah Pines Retirement Resort, they strive to ensure that their friendly community helps you enjoy the important things in life such as spending time with friends and family.

Savannah Pines has spent over two decades defining luxury retirement living in the Lincoln area and continue to strive for excellence. Now, with a full community remodel, Savannah Pines will offer the same 24/7 service, all-inclusive amenities and worry-free lifestyle in beautifully updated surroundings.

Savannah Pines’ all-inclusive, 55-plus, independent senior living community is home to those who wish to live life in luxury. Resortstyle living at Savannah Pines means working hard to make the daily living experience for their residents similar to that of a resort. They provide the accommodations, great food and fun to make every day feel like a vacation – and at an incredible rate.

Besides the resort-style services and amenities, the best feature of Savannah Pines is the live-in community manager team, who live on-site to help take care of everything, 24/7.

Savannah Pines Retirement Community is full of amenities, allowing residents to delight in the conveniences without the hassle of upkeep. All utilities and the following are included for one monthly price with no buy-in fee or long-term lease: live-in managers, signature freedom dining program, weekly housekeeping, 24/7 concierge and valet parking, scheduled transportation, robust social calendar, 24/7 emergency alert system, 150-seat theater and Many More!

At Savannah Pines Retirement Community, the expert staff, regular monthly activities and resort-style services help facilitate a retirement well lived.

Though retirement doesn’t automatically mean you will need senior living, being in good health doesn’t mean that you can’t take advantage of what senior living has to offer. Many members of the community recommend senior living before it’s necessary because it offers countless opportunities to live life to the fullest. We encourage you to take advantage of everything that is available to you!

From assisted living communities to home care to health and wellness, senior living can help you unwind, explore new interests and cherish special moments with family and friends without having to worry about what will happen in the future. The professionals of Lincoln are here to help you break away from the hustle and bustle of work life to enjoy the freedom and joy of retirement.

Racheal Odoy Worry Free Home Care

Shannon Hammerschmid Nebraska LTC Pharmacy

Joining organizations

September 2023

Twice a year, in March and September, Strictly Business puts together a Joining Organizations feature. We want to make sure that these organizations have a chance to get their name out there and share their current efforts, membership benefits, partnership opportunities and anything else the community should be aware of.

Community organizations contribute to the fabric of our economy by bringing industry leaders together, offering education and resources to their members and partnering with other local entities to implement positive change in our area. There are so many dedicated, passionate groups of like-minded individuals who are all committed to making a difference in their professional, cultural and social communities. Joining these groups often results in forming new relationships that, in turn, lead to personal and professional growth and success.

Here at Strictly Business, we stand behind the hard-working organizations that continuously better Lincoln and its occupants. We do this by offering discounted rates to these organizations so they can highlight their upcoming events and meetings, accomplishments, awards, members, staff and opportunities for involvement. In Lincoln, you will find organizations and association representing nearly every profession or industry – many of which have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.

With countless reputable and talented professionals in Lincoln, it can be difficult to stand out. One of the best ways to stand out and become a household name in the community is to get involved in every way you can. By finding an organization or association that matches your interest, passions and goals, your commitment to excellence in the Lincoln community will shine through and differentiate you from other local businesses.

At Professional Networking Group (PNG), they are all about relationships. It’s the bread and butter to making a business successful. Through PNG’s four Lincoln groups, and one Omaha group, bi-weekly meetings, quarterly socials (all groups are invited to an evening networking with a guest) and donations back to the community of Lincoln, they’re constantly working to network and build relationships with the best and the brightest around town. Join this networking community and watch how you can impact the bottom line on your business like never before. If the thought of creating a new network makes you a little nervous, take a look at why you should take the plunge:

• Each group averages over one referral per person per meeting. That equates to over 1,600 referrals per year.

• Every year, each group refers over SIX FIGURES worth of business.

• Automatically add 18–25 salespeople to your team.

• PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year including over $5.2 K to the Chariots4Hope this spring.

• The membership cost of $250 is less than half of competitors’ costs.

• The group culture actually allows you to laugh and have fun as you are doing business, all without the use of a stopwatch. For more information, please visit pnglincoln.com.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Nebraska and South Dakota Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy and workforce development. In addition, they offer opportunities for networking, and their Excellence in Construction Awards allow them to showcase members’ project successes. The organization helps their members and their members’ employees with the opportunity to succeed by winning work and delivering work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. They offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education and leadership courses not only to members, but also to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry for a bountiful career. For more information about ABC Nebraska and South Dakota, visit abcnesd.org or contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnesd.org.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums. With almost 550 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit the members, but also the public. HBAL offers networking, education and training to its members, along with representing the industry at Local and State levels of government.

To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 73-year old association.

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly BizNet events are free to attend with complimentary snacks and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. Many of the people who attend BizNet are eager businessmen and women who are ready to learn more about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses as well. While BizNet is an after-hours event, LIBA also has a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month that is sponsored by Custom Blinds & Design. Also free to attend, this event has breakfast snacks and coffee. With this event being early in the morning, it is a wonderful way to start off your day by networking and exchanging business cards. Lastly, the monthly LIBA luncheon is where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. While this event isn’t free, it is only $20, which includes admission, the chance to listen to the monthly speaker and a delicious lunch.

Call (402) 466-3419 and ask about joining LIBA. A membership staff would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.

Leadership Lincoln is at the forefront of building tomorrow’s community leaders.

Open to everyone in the Lincoln area, Leadership Lincoln invites applications every Spring. With classes launching in August and September, participants join a nine-month immersive experience, aligning with the academic year. This program connects members with prominent figures across Lincoln’s business, education, government and nonprofit landscapes, empowering them to take an active role in their community.

In addition to the core leadership program, Leadership Lincoln presents regular public “Hot Topics” sessions. These forums provide valuable insights into pertinent issues, from candidate selection to pandemic management, healthcare inequalities, low-income housing, park development and more.

A standout feature of the program is the Poverty Simulation exercise, a unique experience that reveals the intricate challenges of living in poverty.

Leadership Lincoln is not just an organization; it’s a thriving network. With over 4,000 alumni actively enhancing their communities locally, statewide and nationally, Leadership Lincoln continues to shape the future.

Discover how you can be a part of this transformative journey. Visit www.leadershiplincoln.org for more details.

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (Lincoln YPG) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities. The Lincoln Young Professionals Group believes members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them and grow into the professional that they want to be.

To learn more about Lincoln YPG, please visit www.lincolnypg.com, email Mia Wilken at mwilken@lcoc.com or call (402) 436-2355.

Lincoln HR strives to be a first-class resource on people management for the community.

Lincoln HR connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders and leads change for our industry. The organization comprises a large network of human resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.

Benefits to membership include:

• Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers

• Professional networking events

• Career development

• Collaboration of HR information

• Monthly newsletter resources

• Membership directory

• Professional certification study groups

• Legislative updates

• Community and diversity programs

For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr. org.

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at local and international levels.

Locally, members of Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of community members who share your drive to give back.

Just to name a few, Rotary events have included a March Madness Bracket Challenge, an Annual Poker Tournament and a Kentucky Derby fundraiser. All events are open to the public! In addition to these events, we continue to complete service projects.

Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club’s meetings occur every other week on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at JCMF Children’s Charities, 8445 Executive Woods Dr., STE B. Meetings feature a new speaker on topics of interest to Rotarians, the community, and general subjects. The club accepts new members by invitation, but anyone is welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. To learn more, please visit www. givingspiritseveningrotary.com.

To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (LCOC) member is to be a partner. The Chamber honors that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, while advocating for the best environment for Lincoln businesses to thrive. They understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and they are here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.

To find out more about how to get your business engaged, contact Derek Feyerherm at (402) 434-5344 or via email at dfeyerherm@ lincoln.org. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.com.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been assisting U.S. consumers and businesses since 1912. It is a private, nonprofit, businesssupported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge.

BBB provides objective advice, free BBB

Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, over 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting the marketplace.

People today are overwhelmed with choices – and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska, call (800) 649-6814 and follow on social media (@BBBMidwestPlains).

SCORE Lincoln needs YOU! If you want to make a lasting impact in your small business community, SCORE is the place to do that. SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteer with SCORE and give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Small business owners receiving three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth. SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential business advice. Most SCORE mentors own or have owned and operated their own companies or served in management positions. They understand business challenges because they’ve faced them too.

Take the step to become a SCORE volunteer mentor. Visit lincoln.score. org to sign up. Want more info? Email infolincoln@scorevolunteer. org or call (531) 225-6451 to learn more about SCORE Lincoln.