Strictly Business Lincoln - April 2021

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LINCOLN • APRIL 2021 TM

LET US PROTECT YOUR EMPIRE!

• SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS • SPRING LANDSCAPING • GRADUATION PARTIES • STARTING A BUSINESS • UNPLANNED LIFE CHANGES • WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • STAR CITY DENTAL • BANCWISE REALTY - JAYSON BECKER • BIGGERSTAFF PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR

RACHEL SMITH

KURT HESSER

JOSHUA REDFIELD

KYLER PFINGSTEN

NANCY SALMONSON

WHITNEY JURGENS

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APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

1

Employing Lincoln Deadline April 14

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES! Let people know why your company is a great place to work.

In the May 2021 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our biannual “Employing Lincoln” feature to highlight great places to work in Lincoln.

This is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 10,000 businesses every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people.

Editorial features are published on our website as well.

We are proud to have a strong online presence.

Feature Includes: Company logo & 150-word write-up

To2participate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Strictly Business APRIL 2021 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Time for Businesses to Bloom Again by Reinvesting in Their Brand We're heading into my favorite time of year— "This one is evergreen," Ashley said. "But for as often as we’ve all heard the ground is thawing, birds are chirping, it, this advice hasn’t diminished at all in value." and flowers are budding. I'm ready to start gardening again and spending time outdoors Our Strictly Business team wholeheartedly believes in investing in your with friends and family. I'm also ready for brand. That is what our advertisers are doing when they partner with us this April to look a lot better than last! A year and let us tell their story in a way that is engaging and visually appealing. ago, I was writing about "Finding Perspective If you're planning on starting a business or you just want to grow your in Times of Distress and Uncertainty" after the business, have you fully assessed your brand? Ashley complied a couple world essentially shut down. Now, doors are questions for business leaders to ask themselves when determining what their brand is: back open—excluding the heartbreaking stories of “We all know that what • Is your branding recognizably you? those that had to permanently close theirs—and worked over a year ago is • Does your brand convey authenticity? This is one of people are not as afraid as they once were.

We're slowly gaining our consumer confidence not going to have the same the most important things that customers look for, with back, and I'm so happy to see it. of consumers stating that they value authenticity result today. That being said, 86% in the brands they support.

In the spirit of spring, I'd love to focus on growth there are timeless strategies and the blooming opportunities that lie ahead for • What feelings and ideas do you hope to evoke for businesses in Lincoln. Growth remains the top priority that remain effective because your customers? How can you convey this through among business owners, yet research shows that your brand? they are centered on one almost one in three businesses don't know how to very important aspect • Does your branding distinguish you from competitors grow. Does this apply to you or someone you know? or others in your sector?

The key is keeping up with the growth trends of the of a company’s success: time. We all know that what worked over a year relationships.

• Do you have unified aesthetics throughout your ago is not going to have the same result today. social media and larger branding? Consistency is That being said, there are timeless strategies that key: studies found that a consistent presentation remain effective because they are centered on one very important of a brand raised revenue by 33%. aspect of a company's success: relationships. At Strictly Business, we believe relationships can be cultivated through storytelling, which is Strictly Business has actually been reinvesting in our own branding exactly what we do. lately—so no matter if you're an entrepreneur launching a new business In this issue, you'll find a feature story that talks about Starting a Business. or you've been around for 28 years, having an established brand is There is a lot of great information in there and advice from local experts. crucial and it requires attention every day. Furthermore, you'll want While some may think the climate is too rocky to be starting a business trusted marketing partners in your corner to ensure your branding is due to the pandemic, think again! There are a lot of opportunities still, being seen. I encourage you to reach out to our team so we can help especially depending on the type of business you have and how willing your business blossom this year! you are to adapt and adopt today's trends. In a Forbes article published Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in January, titled 6 Tips To Grow Your Business In 2021, contributor Ashley in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media.

Stahl listed "Reinvesting in Your Brand" among the top strategies.

Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 26 Personnel

35 Nonprofit 44 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 48 Star City Dental

50 Bancwise Realty - Jayson Becker 52 Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air

FEATURE STORIES 54 Summer Activities for Kids 56 61 63 68 78 4

Spring Landscaping Graduation Parties Starting a Business Unplanned Life Changes Women-Owned Businesses Strictly Business APRIL 2021

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance COLUMNS 20 Star City Six 47 49 51 53

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

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

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PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Diane Gumaer – Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

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APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

5

BUSINESS NEWS Jason B. Krueger

FOR AIRPORT AUTHORITY in the Primary on April 6 402-890-4947 jason@kruegster.com

Prairie Studio Launches New First-Rate Website to Showcase Portfolio of Work Prairie Studio, a design, drafting, and consulting business in Lincoln, recently launc hed a beautiful, easy-tonavigate website that showcases an extensive portfolio of Owner Garry Martin’s work on residential and light-commercial projects.

Prairiestudionebraska.com illustrates the wide array of project-design consulting, construction administrative services, and general work in building construction that demonstrate his ability to bring clients’ dreams to life. Celebrating 10 years in business come August 1, Garry’s creations include everything from a bungalow kitchen to modern mountain living, contemporary multi-family homes, creative studios, small businesses, fraternal living, and more. Whatever your vision, he has the experience and talent to turn it into reality—and for Garry, the passion for pulling together the pieces of the construction puzzle has been a lifelong one.

“I like to tell the story that my mom always tells,” Garry said. “When I was in kindergarten, she got a call from the school saying that I hadn’t shown up. We were in a new suburban area where they were building homes, and I got fascinated about how things were going together and didn’t get to school. They had to find me and pull me away. My fascination caused me to be late for school, but I consider it to be one of the best educational experiences of my life, and it served as the starting point for my journey to the architectural profession.”

Garry earned his master’s degree in architecture from the University of Nebrask - Lincoln. During school, he learned important lessons in design, drafting, and consulting, all the way from identifying issues to finding solutions through collaboration. He was blessed to have good experiences working for architecture employers for 20 years before landing the opportunity to open Prairie Studio on August 1, 2011. Garry loves that he gets to work closely with each of his clients to understand their visions to a tee through a collaborative relationship where he likes to listen as much or more than he talks. Testimonials from previous clients suggest he accomplishes what he promises, too.

“Garry was fantastic to work with!” said one client. “He very graciously answered all my questions and gave wonderful suggestions for the design of my home. Every change and addition I asked of him was done in a very timely manner.” Another said that Prairie Studio “designed a perfect kitchen in an impossibly small space. The finished room is beautiful and functional. Garry was patient, professional, and pleasant to work with.”

On the new website, you’ll find more of the same from other clients.

For more information about Prairie Studio or to contact Garry, visit the new website—created in collaboration with Right Eye Design—at prairiestudionebraska.com, email archgarry2@gmail. com, or call (402) 429-2146.

6 Strictly Business APRIL 2021

Transworld Business Advisor MJ Cassner Brokers Sale of FedEx 68506 M J C a s s n e r, s e n i o r b ro ke r fo r Transworld Business Advisors, was able to broker the sale of FedEx (ZIP Code 68506) for Raouf Agrignan from previous owner Jason Hanway. Raouf is excited to take over the reins of this essential service in Lincoln, especially as delivery businesses have increased dramatically since the onset of COVID. He will have six drivers covering every Jason Hanway and block of the 68506 ZIP Code. Raouf Raouf Agrignan also owns other businesses in Lincoln and is a very astute businessman. With French being his native tongue, you will notice his accent if you get a chance to meet him.

Transworld Business Advisors is the worldwide leader in business and franchise brokerage. Personally, MJ owned a business for 11 years.

She hired a broker to help her sell it, and ultimately gained a respect for the process after seeing how time-consuming and complicated it can be without the help of someone knowledgeable and connected to abundant resources. Anyone who would like to buy a business, or who has considered selling a business, visit www.tworld.com/lincoln or contact MJ at (402) 413-1095 / mjcassner@tworld.com.

Acton Academy Helps Children Cash In on their Business Ideas at LNK Kidpreneur Fair Acton Academy Lincoln is giving Lincoln area youth the opportunity to cash in on their business ideas by hosting the LNK Kidpreneur Fair on Saturday, May 15. Presented by Econic, the fair gives youth the chance to flex their creative muscles and business minds as they develop a brand, create a product, build a marketing strategy, and then open their business for customers at the one-day marketplace. The largest entrepreneurship event for kids in North America, the LNK Kidpreneur Fair is open to the public, but come prepared because each business charges real money for real products or services. According to Harsin, most of the youth take out a loan from their parents to get their businesses going and repay the loans from the revenue they earn at the fair.

“Imagine a farmers market or craft fair, the only difference being that every business and product sold is created, owned and run by a 7- to 14-year-old,” said Zach Harsin, co-founder of Acton Academy Lincoln. “We’re grateful to our presenting sponsor, Econic, for helping us make this fair a reality. The goal of the event is simply to provide a platform for youth to experience the power of entrepreneurship for themselves. They learn about profit margins, cost of goods sold, sales, marketing, and so many other amazing lessons they would never learn without simply doing the work themselves. The hard lesson comes when the product isn’t priced right or as desirable as they believed it would be. They can lose money, but better to learn those lessons now than when they’re older and the stakes are higher.”

Acton Academy Lincoln is a K-8 private school in Lincoln. This innovative program focuses on learning how to be kind, passionate, and powerful individuals capable of changing the world through real world projects, internships, and apprenticeships, supported by the latest in adaptive software. For more information, visit actonacademylincoln.com or call (402) 858-5151. Parents interested in learning more about the fair are encouraged to visit actonacademylincoln.com/bizfair. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Berry Law Announces New Location in Omaha Berry Law, a leader in personal injury, criminal defense, and Veterans law, opened a new office in Omaha on March 1, 2021 and is ready to serve clients in the greater Omaha area with their legal needs. The new office, at 1414 Harney St., features an array of integrated technology and a client-centric environment designed to provide client comfort while delivering the highest standards of professionalism. Berry Law occupies the fourth floor of the building and has opened half of the floor to business while the other half will be added later this year to yield more than 10,000 square feet of working space. The downtown location provides easy access to the Douglas County Courthouse, at the same time providing its own parking garage for visitors. This is Berry Law’s third new office in Omaha in the last decade, with each location growing to approximately twice the size of the previous one.

“Our mission is to defend the rights of Nebraskans and our Veterans,” said Berry Law CEO and Army Veteran John Berry, Jr. “With our new facility, we will be able to expand our legal services and advance that mission in a meaningful way. While many aspects of law have become digital, there is still no substitute for being able to work with your clients in person in a comfortable space.”

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the team at Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com or contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 or marketing@jsberrylaw.com.

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-Ameer Abdullah Village Gardens 5720 Hidcote Dr. Ste. 102 Lincoln, NE 68516

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Sun Valley Lanes to Open Sand Volleyball Courts, League Games Kick Off May 2 Sun Valley Lanes & Games, as a part of a $4 million renovation and expansion, is opening three high-end sand volleyball courts. Each court will have walk-up bar accessible from outside of the building, easily accessible bathrooms, and seating for players and spectators.

In addition, Sun Valley will be hosting a league to bring in six-person teams for a fun, competitive time. The season will kick off on May 2. Due to construction delays, the spring season will run for six weeks. All future seasons will run for nine weeks. The registration fee has been adjusted accordingly to reflect the shorter season. Recreational co-ed league nights run Sunday through Friday. There are also true beginner co-ed and recreational ladies night slots on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a recreational guys night on Mondays. Registration opened March 17 and must be done on the Sun Valley website.

Sun Valley Lanes & Games, located at 321 Victory Ln., is Lincoln’s largest and most modern entertainment center. Guests love the fullservice bar and grill with large-screen HD TVs; and games such as Billiards, Megatouch, Bankshot, and Big Red Keno. In the past year, they have added a military-themed laser tag experience, an expanded arcade and redemption center, an expanded lounge space, a new covered patio with two firepits, and an indoor Lucky Putt miniature golf course. With over 30 lanes, Sun Valley offers exclusive non-traditional fun bowling games not found in any other Nebraska center, including Rocky Road Race, Virtual Red Pin, and Strike Challenge, just to name a few. To learn more or register a team for sand volleyball, go online to sunvalleylanes.com/sandvolleyball.

Further questions can be directed to (402) 475-3469. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Email Jennifer@ZengGranite.com about your next project

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3035 North 35th St. | Lincoln, NE 68504 402-429-8412 | ZengGranite.com APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS Home Builders Association Announces Scholarship and Design Contest Winners

First National Bank of Omaha Broadens FFA Support with More than $14K in Donations

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) has awarded three scholarships to local high-school youth who plan to continue their education in residential construction or related fields. HBAL also recently held their annual Residential & Interior Design Contest at the 49th Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, March 12-14. Projects were judged prior to the show opening and winners were on display throughout the show.

Scholarship winners include: President’s Scholarship – Jasper Bryce, Pius X High School; and the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation Scholarships went to Brandon Benitez, Pius X High School and Dominic Joyce, The Career Academy. Winners of the Residential Drafting Contest include: First Place ($100) – Grant Stutzman, Lincoln East High School; Second Place ($75) – Taylon Haecker, Lincoln East High School; and Third Place ($50) – Julia Ehlers, Lincoln East High School.

Winners of the Interior Design Contest include: First Place ($100) – Madysin Frost, Lincoln East High School; Second Place ($75) – Claire Kniss, Lincoln Southwest High School; and Third Place ($50) – Katie Chandler, Lincoln Southwest High School.

Residential Drafting judges were Greg Smith, Davis Design; Doug Nelson, New Ventures; and Dan Loeck, Loeck Designs. Interior Design judges were Delrae Hirschman, Delrae Designs; Kelli Fleek, Bath & Kitchen Idea Center; and Heidi Polacek, Lincoln Cabinet. Chair of the annual contest is Delrae Hirschman.

Traditionally, all recipients are recognized at Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Tribute to Youth event in April, however, due to the ongoing pandemic, that event is canceled for 2021. Learn more at hbal.org.

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is continuing its partnership with the Nebraska FFA Foundation by donating $10,000 to sponsor an agriculture education program and an additional $4,250 to local FFA chapters across the state. The donations will serve as an investment in the future of agriculture and help provide positive educational experiences for students enrolled in agricultural education in Nebraska.

Via the donation, FNBO is sponsoring the Nebraska FFA Launch!

Program for the fourth year. The funds will support the year-long program that serves as a catalyst in entrepreneurship-based education for Nebraska FFA members and agricultural education students. The additional $4,250 will go to local FFA chapters across Nebraska as part of the bank’s broader efforts to celebrate National Agriculture Week in March. FNBO and its affiliates are among the largest agribusiness lenders in the country.

Created in 1990, the Nebraska FFA Foundation is the fundraising arm of Nebraska FFA. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality education/ FFA programs to achieve excellence in leadership development, curriculum innovation, and scholastic advancement of students. Learn more at neffafoundation.org.

First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $24 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. For more information, visit fnbo.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@fnbo).

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BUSINESS NEWS Kinetic Business by Windstream Embraces Change with SD-WAN Software Offering As small- to midsize-businesses continue to use more bandwidth to keep up with the virtual working world, Kinetic Business is here to help. Kinetic Business began offering SD-WAN to business partners last year. SD-WAN is a managed internet service with unprecedented visibility for business applications. SDWAN software provides important benefits to multi-site business partners, and allows business owners to see what devices and networks are doing at all locations. Below are five ways this software raises performance, visibility, and scalability.

• Big Bandwidth—When your bandwidth has peaked, a softwaredefined WAN responds, routing digital traffic where its fastest.

• Prioritize Platforms—Kinetic Business SD-WAN prioritizes all platforms in use, and IT specialists monitor and manage how much bandwidth these platforms use.

• Uptime + Encryption—With SD-WAN by Kinetic Business, we make two active links from any location, bringing guaranteed performance to any network connection while providing end-toend network encryption for protection and security.

• Visibility—Operating a business with teams working from home over mobile hardware is a visibility challenge. With the MyWin portal, you can look at accounts and hardware in use across the network.

• No Contract, No Data Caps—Kinetic Business SD-WAN adds network capacity to suit locations as your business grows, and applications as technology evolves.

Kinetic Business has been building a network to fit business needs in Lincoln for years. For more information about services, visit kineticbusiness.com.

Arnie’s Pet Food Store Offering Free Trial Bottle of Ultra Oil Skin and Coat for Pets If you’re looking for a natural solution to your pet’s scratching or excessive hair loss, Arnie’s Pet Food Store has what you need—and they offer a free trial size bottle for pet owners to give it a try.

Ultra Oil Skin and Coat is an amazing supplement that alleviates most of all skin and coat problems in dogs and cats. It’s a pure gift from nature, made with all natural sardine and anchovy oils plus hemp and grapeseed oils in a formula designed to alleviate the flaky skin, itching, and excessive scratching that can result from deficiencies in a pet’s diet. It is said to be the most effective product on the market to relieve hot spots, allergic breakouts, and other skin and coat irritations, creating a smooth, shiny, healthy-looking coat. In fact, most customers notice a shine in their dogs or cats after just three days of adding Ultra Oil to their diets, and it helps with hair regrowth after just two to six weeks of use.

Ultra Oil for pets includes the best nutrients nature can provide. The primary ingredient, hempseed oil, provides a perfect balance of Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9. Flaxseed oil, rich in Omega-6, is balanced with Omega-3-rich fish oil, and then combined with grapeseed oil to help naturally preserve and act as a natural antioxidant. Pick up a free trial-size bottle of Ultra Oil at Arnie’s Pet Food Store and add a few drops on your pet’s food each day. You’ll see the relief from dry, itchy skin, a dull coat, hot spots, dandruff, allergies, skin bumps, and excessive shedding.

Located in the Alamo Plaza at 56th and Highway 2, Arnie’s Pet Food Store is your neighborhood family-owned pet food store, where they are as much about your pets as they do their own. Stop by or shop online at arniespetfoods.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 10am-2pm

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roseequipmentinc.com APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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Kinetic Business by Windstream: Limited-time offer. Offer available for new customers only. Subject to availability and all applicable terms and conditions. Promotional price requires a 24-month commitment. After promotional period, standard rates apply. Promoted prices include Fiber Internet with up to speeds based on speed qualification and dynamic IP. One Month Free: Qualifying new Kinetic Business Internet customers will receive a one-month credit to offset service charges for Kinetic broadband and broadband/voice bundle, fiber broadband and fiber broadband bundle, and dedicated internet over fiber broadband facilities. Customer will be responsible for all applicable equipment charges, taxes, surcharges and fees (excluding DAF). Contract may apply for Kinetic Business fiber broadband and dedicated internet over fiber services and Kinetic Business will waive the standard $200.00 Installation Fees. Business Class Internet: Windstream cannot guarantee speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service. Speed availability, capabilities and provisioning vary depending on network and terrain conditions, Internet, website, or network congestion, and customer geographical location. Windstream makes no representations related to download or upload speeds. Windstream assumes no responsibility or liability for interruption of services or service performance differences actual and advertised performance. In select areas, includes Internet transport, Internet access, and unlimited incoming calls. Outbound calls, except for toll free and 911, will be charged at 10 cents/minute. Operator Service and 411 will be charged at tariffed rates. No features or long-distance carrier rates allowed. Kinetic Business Internet Speed: Monthly fees may apply. For speeds over 25 Mbps, services are provisioned in a range including a minimum and maximum speed. Windstream will provision customer’s location for the fastest speed available within the available range at the time of order but cannot guarantee speed or uninterrupted, error-free service. Equipment: Up to $10 equipment fee may apply. Windstream-provided modems will be capable of in-business wireless networking, but devices supported by in-business wireless networking connections may experience speeds not equal to advertised speeds or the speed referenced in your High Speed Internet plan. With wireless networking, actual throughput speed may be impacted by several factors including interference from other equipment or devices at the location, distance from the modem, modem location, number and types of devices connected, physical obstructions, and time of day. To obtain advertised speed, connecting a device directly to the modem to provide a wired connection is recommended. Modem equipment must be returned upon termination, and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge for the modem or a $100 fee. OfficeSuite UC: Requires 24-month contract. OfficeSuite UC requires 25 Mbps or greater internet connection. Always On: Limited-time offer. Windstream Internet connection required. Subject to wireless coverage availability and the Terms and Conditions and Acceptable Use Policy at www.windstream.com/Terms-and-Conditions/; if you have a written agreement with Windstream, those terms will control. Taxes, fees and other charges, equipment rentals, and one-time installation fee of $150 may apply. Requires 24-month commitment. Early termination fees apply. Windstream cannot guarantee speeds or uninterrupted, error-free service. Speed availability, actual performance, and provisioning may vary depending on customer location, terrain, Internet and network conditions, website traffic, and quality of customer equipment. This product does not support Static IPs while in 4G Failover mode. Windstream equipment required. Equipment must be returned upon termination, and if not, Windstream reserves the right to charge for unreturned equipment. Raydiant: Raydiant is an unaffiliated third party service provider of Windstream; to the fullest extent allowed by law, Windstream disclaims any and all liability for any services provided by Raydiant, regardless of whether the services are ordered through Windstream or directly with Raydiant. Please visit https://www.raydiant.com/terms-of-service/ to view the terms and conditions applicable to this service. © 2021 Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC. All rights reserved. Kinetic and Windstream are registered service marks or trademarks of Windstream Intellectual Property Services, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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BUSINESS NEWS Solid Rock Gymnastics Announces Summer 2021 Camp Dates Solid Rock Gymnastics, the modern twogym facility at Van Dorn and Highway 77, has announced the dates for their 2021 summer camps: May 24–May 27, June 21–June 24, and July 19–July 22.

There are full- and half-day options, with beginner to advanced and team levels for boys and girls to choose from.

Open to the public, these camps are led by a gymnastics instructor and mix together fun activities and crafts. There is an early-bird discount available (six weeks before camp starts). These camps are an amazing opportunity to stay active and engaged this summer.

Solid Rock Gymnastics has been in business for over 25 years! They boast a clean, air conditioned, 17,000-square-foot building filled with two floor areas, 12 balance beams of various heights, seven class bars, three regulation uneven bar sets, two channel bars, two pit bars, three in-ground trampolines, a rod floor, two full vault runways, and much more. The Solid Rock staff prides themselves on keeping current with new training tools and stations. They keep their equipment in great condition to ensure the best and safest training possible.

The Junior Gym at Solid Rock is filled with junior-sized gymnastics equipment to accommodate the small hands and feet of children. It provides a safer learning environment compared to putting young children onto regulation sized equipment and under foot of athletes in the main gym. To learn more or register your child for a summer camp, visit www.solidrockgymnastics.com or call (402) 476-4774.

kay.stockcreative@gmail.com (402) 499 9415 www.facebook.com/kay.stockcreative

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NDOL Increases Prevention, Detection Tools as Unemployment Fraud Schemes Continue The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) is increasing prevention and detection efforts for unemployment fraud schemes that have been prevalent throughout the pandemic, and they are reminding Nebraska residents to be vigilant in watching out for them. These schemes include fraudsters posing as NDOL and other state workforce agencies to solicit personally identifiable information, supposedly for the purpose of collecting unemployment benefits. NDOL has hired additional staff for fraud prevention and detection, including income and identity verification. A new federal requirement for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is to verify self-employment and identity of claimants. Even if a claim was previously approved, each claimant will be asked to provide additional information.

Unemployment fraud through identity theft has been prevalent nationwide throughout the pandemic. Nebraska residents should be on the lookout for notices indicating a claim was filed in their name. Nationwide, fraudsters are setting up Facebook accounts to mimic state agencies, as well as sending text messages to claimants while fraudulently using state workforce agency names.

For their own security, individuals should not give out personal information via social media and messaging platforms. Any individual who received a 1099-G tax form from NDOL but did not file an unemployment claim should report suspected fraud by emailing NDOL.1099fraud@nebraska.gov and filing a police report. Anyone who receives a written determination letter from NDOL without applying for benefits should immediately report the incident to the state.

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Labor fraud prevention and detection program or to report suspicious activity, visit dol.nebraska.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Gary Michaels Clothiers Moves to More Upscale, Smaller, Boutique-Like Location Like so many businesses, Gary Michaels Clothiers felt the pinc h that COVID delivered to the economy, but they made it through and just moved to a new, upscale, s m a l l e r, “ b o u t i q u e ish” location at 5720 Hidcote Dr., STE 102, right off 56th and Pine Lake in Village Gardens.

They are leasing space i n t h e b r a n d n e w, freestanding building next to Lulubee Artisanal Chocolates owned by Gaylene Steinbach, who operates her business in complementary fashion to Gary Michaels offerings.

Gary Michaels Clothiers is Lincoln’s longest-running independent men’s clothing store—28 years and counting, during which time 15 other men’s stores in the city have closed their doors. In 2016, they were recipients of Nebraska’s Retail Champion Award (for the second time) and went on to the National Retail Federation contest in Washington, D.C. to be named one of the top five retailers in the entire country!

At their new location, Gary Michaels Clothiers operates in 1,350 square feet, scaled down from 2,000 square feet in their previous location, achieved by eliminating storage and office space and moving their office to their home. During COVID, many businessmen were working from home and not needing more tailored suits, so owner Gary Novotny jumped on the opportunity to scale back on space and expand their inventory to include more casual sportswear, in addition to their suits and sport coats. That includes the addition of men’s fivepocket pants and casual sports shirts that can be worn from office to golf course—reflecting what’s happening in the industry nationwide.

Similarly, they remain flexible to change things up with trends in wedding attire—no longer renting wedding suits but tailoring and selling them, as customers increasingly prefer purchasing them for a reasonable price and keeping them.

“We carry a wide range of inventory,” Novotny said. “We had always focused on tailored clothing, with about 65% of our volume as suits and sport coats, with roughly 30% of that being custom made to measure. We are refocusing because we found out when COVID hit, our customers were at home. We’ve adjusted our inventory and reduced our suit and sport-coat volume by about one third and moved it into casual sportswear. That’s what’s happening in the country, and we have been able to remain flexible and adapt. Especially in light of COVID, everyone should be shopping local. If you can’t buy it in Lincoln, you don’t need it.”

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Trendy or traditional, Gary Michaels Clothiers specializes in men’s tailored clothing. For a man concerned with looking his best, there simply is no better place to shop. With the addition of world-class tailoring and spectacular personal service from professional clothiers, Gary Michaels is truly the easy choice when you want to look your best.

They are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. They are also willing to schedule appointments before or after hours to accommodate people who remain strict about social distancing and don’t want to go into a store if there are other customers there. For more information, visit garymichaels.com or call (402) 423-7848. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS West Gate Bank Announces Plans to Build a New Branch at 177th and Maple Street We s t G a t e B a n k h a s announced plans to expand its presence in the Omaha market with the building of a fourth location at 177th & Maple Street. The 7,000-square-foot branch will begin construction in the spring with an opening in mid-2022. The location will include a full-service retail branch and drive-thru with Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), as well as commercial lending, mortgage lending, and business banking solutions.

“The addition of our Maple branch at 177th & Maple Street gives us a dynamic presence to serve the fast-growing area of northwest Omaha and Elkhorn,” said West Gate Bank President and CEO Carl Sjulin.

West Gate Bank currently has 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha and is committed to providing its customers with all the services a large bank can offer with the outstanding, personal customer service that only a community bank can provide. As a familyowned community bank, West Gate Bank’s interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.

Lincoln Airport Announces Return of Delta Flights to Minneapolis Beginning May 26 The Lincoln Airport Authority recently announced that two daily Delta flights from Lincoln Airport (LNK) to Minneapolis will begin May 26. These new flights will provide travelers access to Delta’s worldwide network.

Delta Connection carrier SkyWest Airlines will operate the flights to Minneapolis, all aboard the CRJ200 regional aircraft. Flights are timed to provide maximum connection opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. From Minneapolis, Delta offers 280 daily flights to 100 destinations, including international locations. As passengers consider travel, Delta’s multi-layered approach to health and safety includes regular sanitizing of high-touch surfaces and face-mask requirements throughout the airport, in Delta Sky Clubs, and aboard the aircraft.

“Delta has long been a valuable partner to LNK and an imperative resource for businesses and individuals throughout Lincoln and southeast Nebraska,” said Lincoln Airport Executive Director Dave Haring, A.A.E. “We are thrilled to welcome Delta back to Lincoln and look forward to working together with them as we chart the best path for a full recovery of our critical aviation services.”

The Lincoln Airport has remained optimistic that Delta would return to serve the Lincoln community: “We’ve always been confident that Delta would return and patient in knowing they’d choose to come back when they felt the time was right,” said Lincoln Airport Authority Board Chair Nick Cusick. “Pre-COVID, Lincoln Airport saw great passenger numbers with this flight so we know there is a demand and need in our community for it and are glad that it’s returning.”

Ideally located in Lancaster County, five miles northwest of downtown Lincoln, LNK is one of the 25 largest airports in the country in terms of land size. Geographically, it covers 5,500 acres and has three paved runways. For more information about LNK, visit lincolnairport. com. To book tickets for Delta flights to Minneapolis, visit delta.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

T) 402-483-6656 1221 N Street | Suite 800 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.WillekeFinancialGroup.com

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SP Group Organizes Intern Basketball Challenge for Some Tax Season Fun It’s tax season at SP Group, P.C., which means extended hours spent with fellow team members. Recently, the team took a short break from a Friday afternoon of tax return work for some fun competition. Every year, the tax season interns test their basketball skills in an eightperson bracket—the SP Group version of March Madness.

This year, the field consisted of six interns and two intern mentors. The competitors were cheered on by the entire firm as they played, head-to-head, at the pop-a-shot basketball arcade-style game. A few friendly wagers might have been thrown down as they battled to the championship round.

The final pairing was Clayton Peterson (Mentor) vs. Livia Wilhelm (Intern) in a hotly contested showdown. The winner was…Clayton Peterson! As it is every year, this contest was a terrific opportunity to mix some light-hearted fun in with the serious business of helping their clients with their tax service needs.

SP Group, P.C., a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, was founded on these four core values: relationships, the power of team, life/work balance, and competitiveness. They like to win at SP Group, and they believe competitive sports-minded culture makes a firm better at achieving success for their clients.

Follow SP Group on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) or Twitter (@ SPGroupPC). For more information, please call (402) 420-7758 or visit www.spgrouppc.com.

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 13

BUSINESS NEWS WISB to Host Monthly Meeting at Venue on Wednesday, April 14 with Guest Speaker

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The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster/ Nebraska room, located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. They will first hold their regular business meeting, followed a presentation from Kelly Keelan, who specializes in women's health. Specifically, she uses her vast experience as a Registered Nurse to help women to develop healthy habits and reach their weight-management goals. Guests are welcome, and current members are encouraged to attend with a guest. The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members with lunch, $10 without lunch, and FREE for first-time guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. Please register on the Women in Sales and Business Facebook page (@wisblincoln).

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an allfemale setting. To learn more or inquire about membership, call (402) 472-8675 or visit wisblincoln.org.

redbox+ Launches Services in Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs

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redbox+, the only combination portable toilet and dumpster roll-off box, has arrived in Lincoln, Omaha, and Council Bluffs. Mark Fredrickson, local franchise owner of redbox+, is excited to bring this concept to the area—specifically residential and commercial construction sites. Mark has experience as an entrepreneur.

After working as a licensed land surveyor for 21 years, he helped launch the healthy takeout food company Eat Fit Go. After exiting that business, he wanted something new that was both recession- and pandemic-proof. With close to 60 franchises across the country and a model built around customer service and quick turnaround times—something the container industry generally lacks—Mark decided redbox+ was the perfect business model to bring to Nebraska.

Mark brought on Steve Caffery as his operations manager, who is also a CDL driver. The pair works well together, with Mark focused on business development and marketing, and Caffery focused on scheduling, delivery, and pickup. They work with homeowners, roofers, commercial contractors, and fire and water remediation contractors. They’ve seen an uptick during the pandemic with homeowners cleaning out basements and garages, as well as realtors who specialize in house flips. redbox+ offers a truly unique product. The bright red, powder-coated containers, which are manufactured in the U.S., are meticulously designed for durability. They come in 20- and 30-yard sizes, both standard and elite, which are ideal for larger projects. The elite containers include two porta potties, securely mounted onto the front of the container, ensuring they can’t be tipped over or stolen—a common problem for the industry.

An additional perk of redbox+ elite containers is that the front doubles as a billboard for marketing. Scheduling is also easy, with a simple call or text and a contractors app, which will be coming soon. The routing component of the company’s software lets them control scheduling to ensure a 24-hour turnaround time. Learn more at www.redboxplus.com or call (402) 205-3105. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

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Heartland International to Hold Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Trainings Heartland International invites current and aspiring roofing contractors to learn more about Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing and A d va n c e d Ro o f i n g S y s t e m s Training seminars on tap in Kansas City in April and May. The oneday Metal Roofing System Training will cover not only the application process of a Conklin MR® System but also will provide an overview about how to get started as a Conklin contractor and introduce strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. The next Metal Roofing System Training program takes place on April 22.

The three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training provides a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and gives contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems using industry-standard tools and materials.

Participants in this training must have completed a one-day Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre-qualification for this advanced program. The next Advanced Roofing Systems Training programs are set for April 7-9 and May 12-14.

For more information about the Heartland International, Inc. training programs, please visit sprayroofs.org.

AOI’s DIRTT Team Honored with 2020 Partner Awards for Growth, Best Project in Vertical AOI Corporation’s DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) team is honored to be the recipient of two DIRTT Environmental Solutions Partner Awards for 2020, including “Growth Partner of the Year” and “Best Project in Vertical: Commercial” for the new Kiewit headquarters building interiors in Omaha. This prestigious national recognition honors AOI for interior construction powered by technology and resilient modular interiors that are built faster, cleaner, and more sustainably using DIRTT products.

As a DIRTT partner, AOI operates on the tenet that constructing spaces shouldn’t be an exercise in predicting the future. This means creating built environments that are adaptable, accommodating, and equipped to manage the unknown. The benefit of DIRTT’s fully integrated solutions is that any space can immediately be converted to reflect changing circumstances and meet the evolving needs of the people utilizing them. DIRTT’s mission is to create innovative spaces that revolutionize the way people work, heal and learn. Their solutions help clients create meaningful environments that respect the unique priorities and goals of people, teams, and organizations. AOI uses DIRTT’s ICE software to help clients make real-time changes to their space with all of the pricing, manufacturing, and visual information calculated instantly. Total customization results in spaces that support productivity, safety, and wellness while also taking the environment into consideration.

AOI Corporation works with clients, from small startups to Fortune 500 corporations. They provide solutions for construction, furniture, and customized prefabricated interiors. For more information about their DIRTT team, visit aoicorp.com or contact Marco Lade at (402) 896-5520 / mlade@aoicorp.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Lutz Announces Launch of Data Analytics & Insights Service to Serve Area Businesses Lutz, a Nebraska-based business solutions firm, recently announced a new service offering, Data Analytics & Insights.

Features include data visualization, data and statistical analytics, analytics strategy development, and information management. Through the service, the Lutz team can assist businesses with data migration, integration, workflow automation, and training needs.

“Businesses have a wealth of information at their fingertips,” said Lutz Data Analytics Manager Tony DeSantis. “However, many struggle to tap into this valuable resource or understand what their data can tell them. Our goal is to simplify the process and help businesses leverage their data to uncover the answers to their most pressing questions.

By analyzing your data, we will provide actionable insights that your business can use to increase revenue, decrease costs, anticipate changes, and drive client satisfaction.”

Lutz Managing Shareholder Mark Duren said their Data Analytics & Insights service offers a personalized approach to business intelligence, analytics and automation: “Technology has always been at the forefront of our business. The development of our data analytics service represents our continued commitment to technological advancement and focus on client success.”

Lutz is the business solutions firm for people seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success. Their experienced team simplifies complexities and provides accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services.

Learn more about Lutz’s Data Analytics & Insights offering at lutz. us/services/consulting/data-analytics or call (531) 500-2000.

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS Leadership Harbor Youth Leadership Event Daring Minds Therapy Opens New Location Headlines 2 Awe-Inspiring Young Speakers Effective April 1 to Meet Expansion Needs Leadership Harbor is excited to announce that their April 10 FREE “Go. Change Your World.” Youth Leadership Event for middle- and high-school youth will feature not only three John Maxwell speakers but also two aweinspiring young speakers. Presenting “The Value of Knowing your Why, so you can Change Your World” will be Dax Howland, an 11-year-old World Champion martial artist and spokeskid for the Be The Voice® Anti-Bullying program. Dax knows his “Why,” actively pursues it each day through his words and actions, and portrays a passion for investing in others that is refreshing and encouraging.

Also speaking during the two-hour virtual event will be Shewly Akter, presenting “Pursuing Your Goals to Change Your World.” Shewly began her life in the slums of Shantytown in Dhaka, Bangladesh. At age 11, when she was supposed to be getting married to an older man, she got her education at a special school in Bangladesh and currently attends a university in Portugal, Spain—all toward fulfilling her dream to become the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 2034.

The virtual Youth Leadership Event runs from 9 to 11 a.m. on April 10.

Also on the agenda are Leadership Harbor coaches, trainers, and John Maxwell speakers Chris Hansen, and Brian and Kris Peterson. Chris will present “You are World Changers. You are History Makers;” Brian will address “How to Talk and Make More Friends,” and Brian and Kris jointly will present “Change Your Family,” a session for parents.

For more information about Leadership Harbor or to register for the Youth Leadership Event, visit leadershipharbor.com/gyi or call (402) 580-0947.

Daring Minds Therapy, LLC is growing, so they moved to a new, larger location in Lincoln effective April 1. Newly located at 5550 S 59th St. #11, Daring Minds has continued to add more providers and now can provide more services than ever to more clients in need in the region. They are dedicated to providing the best mental-health and substance-use counseling available, on the belief that healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment and cooperatively assisting clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.

The practitioners at Daring Minds are trained to work with children, adolescents, and adults via individual, couples, or family counseling.

They employ a variety of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, traumafocused CBT, art therapy, child-parent psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and more. With the numbers of mental-health and substance-use issues skyrocketing throughout the COVID pandemic, the work of Daring Minds Therapy may be more important than ever. Mental illness affects people of all ages, races, religion, and income but, sadly, less than half of those who struggle with mental-illness conditions ever get treated for them.

If you or someone you know could use the support of Daring Minds Therapy, get more information or book an appointment at daringmindstherapy.info, call (531) 289-1005, or email info@ daringmindstherapy.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Rose Equipment Celebrates “50-Plus-OneYear” Anniversary Rose Equipment will host an open house for a “50-Plus-One-Year” celebration to commemorate the company’s significant anniversary milestone. Rose Equipment has proudly served Nebraska and the Midwest for over 50 years. To celebrate, Rose invites you to their open house on Wednesday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their building located at 8055 Fletcher Ave. in Lincoln. This celebration was initially planned last year, but unfortunately COVID-19 delayed party plans, hence the “50-Plus-One-Year” theme of the event!

Don’t miss out on the free lunch catered by Mary Ellen’s BBQ, drawings for branded swag, and awesome door prizes from well-known vendors like Aries, Cimline, Fibercrete, Global, LeeBoy, Sakai, and more. Everyone is welcome, and they hope to see you there!

For five decades, Rose Equipment has been a valued partner in the construction and municipal equipment industry in Nebraska and the surrounding area. While the company has grown and evolved over the years, they have remained dedicated to meeting the equipment needs of their clients for nearly every sized job. With their variety of quality new, used, and rented equipment, they are equipped to find the right solution for any project. In addition to equipment sales, Rose’s commitment to their clients continues with their full-service parts and service departments.

To learn more about how Rose Equipment can assist you with your next construction project or municipal service need, give Brad or Russ a call at (402) 467-5988 or email info@roseequipmentinc.com. For more information, please visit their website at www.roseequipmentinc.com.

Toastmasters District 24 Annual Conference Speakers are Kinsey, Campbell, and Osborne On April 23-24, Toastmasters District 24 is hosting their 2021 Sailing to Success Annual Virtual Conference, with keynote speakers including Toastmasters International Vice President Matt Kinsey, Matt Kinsey, Johnny Campbell, Dr. Tom Osborne accredited speaker Johnny Campbell, and Nebraska’s own legendary Dr. Tom Osborne!

Registration for the virtual program is only $25 and includes a copy of Johnny Campbell’s book, The Agent of Change, and an audio file of his The Power of Resiliency presentation.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on April 23, Keynote speakers have a treasure trove of powerful presentations on tap for you. When you learned to ride a bicycle, for example, did you realize you were learning real-world skills? Kinsey will give you the inside scoop on how these two things are connected. Osborne will accept the District 24 Communication and Leadership award and address the conference on the topic of leadership. Then you can relax and play online games hosted by “Not So Bland” Toastmasters Club. Return at noon on Saturday, April 24 for the business meeting and officer election, followed by Campbell, who will share his secrets to translating “Change” from a dreaded word to a strength. After breakout sessions, he will return to explain how to craft a winning presentation, and Kinsey will provide a motivational presentation about crafting a journey of success. The conference will wrap up with a showcase of some of the hidden talents of Toastmasters District 24 members.

Toastmasters International empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Toastmasters District 24 includes more than 60 clubs and 1,000 members across Nebraska and Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more at d24tm.org. Register for the 2021 Annual Conference at d24conference2021.eventbrite.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Code Beer Introduces Canning Line Code Beer Brewery and Taproom launched its long-awaited canning line in February. The brewery’s first brands packaged and distributed to retail outlets include the Berry Lemon Sour, Continuous Wave Cream Ale, and Elmo IPA. “Anybody who brews likes going into a local retailer and seeing their products on the shelf,” said Matt Gohring, co-founder and brewmaster. “It’s especially exciting that more people can now experience our beers.”

Cans of Code Beer are available at most Omaha and Lincoln HyVee locations and at The Still, N Street Drive-In and Moran’s Liquor Works in Lincoln. The cans are also available for off-sale at the Code Beer Taproom. The brewery plans distribution to additional Nebraska locations and select retailers across the country over the next few months. Code Beer’s canning line was manufactured by American Beverage Equipment (ABE) located in Lincoln.

“This was a big investment for us and it was important that we found a company that could provide scalability and a high level of support to help us take our brands to a larger market,” said Gohring. “We looked at companies all across the country and it turned out the best solution was right here in Lincoln.”

Code Beer Company was founded in 2017 and is located at 200 S Antelope Valley Parkway in the newly developing Telegraphic District of Lincoln. The taproom has ample seating and a comfortable atmosphere. Beer offerings include a wide variety of craft beers brewed on location and food trucks are regularly on site so patrons can enjoy unique, local dishes in the taproom. To order kegs or reserve the taproom for events, contact Matt Gohring at (402) 318-5888 / matt@codebeer.co. For more information go to facebook.com/codebeer.co or codebeer.co.

Krueger Development Welcomes DTX Digital to New Home in Yankee Hill Business Center Krueger Development is pleased to welcome DTX Digital Theater Experts to its new location in Krueger’s Yankee Hill Business Center, at 8435 Executive Woods Dr. Owned by brothers John and Jason Shaw, DTX is the Midwest’s leader in home integration, specializing in the installation and design of home theater, two-channel stereo, distributed audio-video, structured wiring, security, home automation, and more. They moved from their previous location of 16 years to the 14th and Yankee Hill location at the end of March, with a new showroom 2.5 times the size of their previous one, allowing them to put more products on display and offer a full home and commercial design center. DTX employs a rare combination of engineers, systems designers, and installers who can provide creative designs, systems integration, and flawless control of your home or business.

“Our new location will display a much wider array of home theater, home automation, and audio-video specialty products, enabling us to bring a one-of-a-kind home-entertainment experience to the Lincoln market,” said John Shaw. For more information about DTX, visit dtxhd.com, call (402) 488-4040, or email john@dtxhd.com or Jason@dtxhd.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 leasing information at Yankee Hill or other south Lincoln commercial spaces, contact Allison Santana with Krueger Development at (402) 423-7377 / asantana@kruegerdevelopment.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS NAWIC Invites Guests from Construction Industry to Attend Monthly Meetings

Kay.Stock Creative Launches Interior and Graphic Design Services

The Greater Omaha Chapter #116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) invites guests to attend their monthly meetings. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Due to social-distancing guidelines, please notify NAWIC if you are interested in attending or joining this organization of women in construction.

NAWIC Chapter #116 in Omaha encompasses Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit nawicomaha.com and follow them on Facebook (@nawicomaha). To inquire about becoming a member or attending a monthly meeting, email nawicomaha@gmail.com or call (402) 617-0961.

Kayla Stock has launched her own business, Kay.Stock Creative, to bring interior and graphic design services to the area. Kayla earned her bachelor’s degree in science of design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a focus on interior design. After three years of working for a reputable interior design firm, she took a leap a faith and decided to go off on her own. Now, with over four years of professional experience under her belt, she has already grown her client base and built a reputation as a forward-thinking residential designer. Proficient in SketchUp and AutoCAD, in addition to handdrawn renderings, Kayla's specialty is designing custom and modern homes. She also does commercial design. Currently, she is designing a 4,000-square-foot modern office for an upcoming cryptocurrency application that is establishing headquarters in Lincoln. Though interior design is her focal point, the Lincoln native is also advanced in graphic design work such as portraits, logo creation, and other marketing prints.

CareerLadder Launches Programming for Skilled Immigrant Professionals In March, community agencies involved in the CareerLadder project launched unique programs that connect skilled immigrants and refugees with professional experience and education for Nebraska-based career opportunities. Last July, CareerLadder was one of five finalists selected in the Google.org Impact Challenge Nebraska, where nonprofits across the state submitted their proposals to create economic opportunities throughout Nebraska.

As a finalist, CareerLadder received a $175,000 grant and an additional $125,000 after winning the People’s Choice Award.

While developed in Lincoln, the tools advanced by CareerLadder are applicable statewide and will be shared by partner agencies with communities across Nebraska.

Programming includes career pathway guides in engineering, law, nursing, accounting, and education; providing step-by-step instructions for how skilled immigrants and refugees can pursue reentering their former careers in Nebraska; digital skills training and an accelerated mentorship program connecting skilled immigrant professionals with established professionals in their fields, in addition to other valuable programming. CareerLadder partnering agencies include Lutheran Family Services, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, Asian Community & Cultural Center, Center for People in Need, Multicultural Coalition, Lincoln Commission on Human Rights, and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.

“So many refugees are desperate to use their degrees when they come to the United States. These pathways will help the underemployed former teachers, nurses, and lawyers to navigate the complicated process of degree equivalency and foreign credential evaluations. Working hard and having a strong partnership within the community will make their dreams possible,” says Nizar Rasho, program supervisor at Lutheran Family Services and co-chair of the New Americans Task Force Integration Committee.

“The goal of MyCity Academy (MCA) [a service of CareerLadder] is to provide opportunities for participants to learn how local city and county government functions, what services are provided and how to become engaged in different programs, events, and service opportunities. MCA aligns with Mayor Gaylor Baird’s One Lincoln initiative and is a step towards making city hall and the larger community more welcoming and inclusive,” according to Francisca Beltran, community outreach coordinator of the Lincoln Commission on Human Rights.

For additional information about CareerLadder or to find out more about accessing services, visit careerladderne.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

To set up a meeting with Kay.Stock Creative to talk about your next home or office project, or if you're interested in Kayla's graphic design services, contact (402) 499-9415 / Kay.stockcreative@gmail.com.

You can also visit www.kaystock.com (under construction) or connect on Facebook (@kay.stockcreative), Instagram (@kay.stock), and LinkedIn (@kay-stock-creative).

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BUSINESS NEWS Hunt Irrigation Launches Online Scheduling Platform to Improve Client Communication Hunt Irrigation, Inc., the Water Smart Company, is excited to announce the addition of a new online scheduling platform, allowing their staff to better communicate with clients for 2021 services.

The software is designed to send reminders 48 hours prior to appointments. It will also notify the client when the service tech is on route to their residence or business. Once the work is completed, the client will be notified of the completion and given the opportunity to rate their experience with Hunt Irrigation and the tech who provided the service.

Along with all of these great features, clients now will also be able to schedule appointments online. There is no longer a need to wait for a returned call from the office. Simply visit the Hunt Irrigation website and look for the “Contact Us” button in the upper right hand corner and pick the day and time that will work best for you. Once you have scheduled and detailed your reason for the appointment, a Hunt Irrigation staff member will reach out to you to confirm. This, along with their “Pay Now” button, is just another example of the ways Hunt Irrigation is making it easier for you to do business with them.

Hunt Irrigation, Inc. would like to thank their clients for their support over the last 24 years. They continue to deliver top-notch service that meets the needs, wants, and expectations of their clients while staying on the cutting edge of every new irrigation concept and idea. To learn more or schedule your next appointment, visit www. huntirrigation.com. Call (402) 438-8151 with further questions or for a free estimate on new installations.

Center Sphere Celebrates 11th Anniversary with Member Celebration Event April 29 Several Models available to choose from!

It’s good to be home!

To reserve your lot contact Jayson Becker at Bancwise Realty 402-610-1013 | Jbecker@bancwise.com Gardenviewcommunities.com 20

Strictly Business APRIL 2021

Center Sphere is turning 11, and they’re ringing in their anniversary with a Member Celebration event on April 29! The Center Sphere story started in 2010, when four guys sat down in a sandwich shop in Omaha and decided they wanted to do networking differently. They were tired of the options out there and knew there was a better, more affordable, more effective way to grow business through connection. Fast forward more than a decade and Center Sphere is still growing every day!

“We are so excited to be celebrating our members and their success stories after over a decade with The Network in our founding city,” said President and Managing Partner Erin Pearson. “We would like to call it our 10-year anniversary and pretend 2020 didn’t count,” she jokes, “but at the same time, 2020 affirmed to us why The Network exists in the first place—so members can lean in and support each other when they need it the most.”

The Anniversary Celebration Event is set for Thursday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Aloft Omaha West, 215 S 181st St., Omaha. Appetizers will be provided, a cash bar will be available, and participants will have the chance to win from multiple drawings. What’s more, all active members in attendance will receive a free gift (while supplies last)!

Lincoln members and guests alike are invited to mark their calendars and come connect with fellow metro professionals.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 50 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Lincoln Area Director Cheryl Hansen at CherylHansen@CenterSphere.com or (402) 499-2009. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ASK THE EXPERT: COMPRO (402) 488-5100 www.comproins.com

by Chris McPike Vice President, ComPro Insurance

Health Insurance & Taxes

As the 2021 tax deadline approaches for personal tax returns, here are good reminders: You may have received a Form 1095—there are the versions—1095A, 1095B, 1095C. The purpose of the 1095 is to report health insurance information to you and to the IRS. Not everyone will receive a 1095.

• 1095A – This is used by the Health Insurance Marketplace to report information on enrollment in an individual health insurance plan. You would receive this form if you enrolled through healthcare.gov for any portion of 2020. 1095A reports the amount of Premium Tax Credit that you used each month and is used in the preparation of your federal tax return to determine whether a refund is due, or a repayment of Premium Tax Credit is required. It is important that you submit this with your tax return.

• 1095B – This is used by health insurance companies, government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid, and some self-insured employers. It documents that you had “minimum essential coverage.” Prior to 2019, this information was used to determine if you would be subject to a tax penalty for NOT having health insurance coverage. This tax penalty has been waived. 1095B is simply an information return now. It does not need to be filed with your tax return.

• 1095C – This is used by employers with 50 or more full-time employees to report information about the minimum essential coverage offered through a group health insurance plan. This is also an information return and is not filed with your tax return.

HSA Contributions—You can contribute to a Health Savings Account until the tax filing deadline and receive a deduction for the PREVIOUS tax year. HSA contributions lower your Adjusted Gross Income and provide a tax benefit by lowering your overall tax bill. The maximum HSA contribution for 2020 is $3,550 for an individual or $7,100 for a family. The 2021 limits are $3,600 individual/$7,200 family. An adult that is 55 or older can contribute an extra $1,000 per year.

Self Employed Health Insurance Deduction—If you are self-employed, you may be eligible to deduct premiums that you pay for medical, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Like an HSA, the deduction lowers Adjusted Gross Income. The deduction cannot exceed the earned income that you report from your business.

Medical Expense Deduction—Your unreimbursed medical expenses can be deducted but only the amount that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. It is an itemized deduction. This could be helpful in a year where you incurred substantial medical bills but may not be advantageous at any other time.

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APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

RACHEL

Rachel Smith KENL INN

Meet Rachel Smith, the pet care manager at Kenl Inn. Tell us a little about your business. We’re getting ready to celebrate 33 years in business! At Kenl Inn, we have dog daycare, grooming, training, and boarding.

We also board cats, pocket pets, reptiles, and birds. We even boarded a small flock of ducks this fall! We offer a variety of activities including nature hikes, one-on-one playtimes, and several group play options. You can customize your pet’s stay so it’s absolutely perfect.

How did you get started in the business? - I have always loved animals. I started working at a veterinary clinic in high school where I cleaned and did some vet assistant work. During college, I started working at the front desk and learned the customer service aspect of the industry. I continued working as a veterinary receptionist until 2011 when I started working as a customer service representative at Kenl Inn. I became the pet care manager at Kenl Inn in September of 2018.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? The transition from customer service representative to pet care manager was an exciting challenge. It was my first managerial position, and I had to learn all the details of being a pet care attendant. The other managers and the senior pet care staff did a wonderful job of supporting me and helping me learn the new job. I have an amazing team!

Tell us a little about your family. - I live with my partner, my 6.5-year-old son, and my 5.5-year-old step daughter. We also share our home with two cats, a miniature poodle, fish, and assorted gastropods and creepy crawlies.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Walk my dog and have (socially distant) coffee with friends.

The Lincoln Airport and Delta Air Lines, operated by SkyWest, are partnered once again to connect travelers to Minneapolis and beyond.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - When I was five, my dad gave me a gold pin that said “attitude.” He taught me the importance of keeping a positive attitude and meeting life’s challenges with a positive outlook.

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Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I were a better singer! I’ll just have to stick to singing while I drive.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Painting. I was an art major in college, and I’ve had several solo shows and group shows in Lincoln.

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

I love to cook, bake, and try new recipes.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? The last good book I read was Octavia Butler’s Bloodchild. It’s a book of short stories that are mostly science fiction. I also spend a lot of time reading to my kids. We’ve read a lot of chapter books and graphic novels together. It’s also been fun to revisit some books from my childhood, like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Neverending Story.

What is your favorite TV show? - Star Trek: Discovery.

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What is your favorite local restaurant? - Cultiva. Their crepes and coffee are so delicious!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 488-8190; rachel@kenl-inn.com; kenl-inn.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

KURT

Kurt Hesser

MALY MARKETING Meet Kurt Hesser, business development manager at Maly Marketing.

Tell us a little about your business. - Maly Marketing is a full-service marketing agency based in Lincoln. We’re driven to help our clients succeed and to do work that we’re proud of.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve known the owner, Steve Maly, for many years. When he was looking to expand his team, I was grateful for the chance and challenge!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The Von Maur shooting in Omaha, where eight people were shot and killed on December 5, 2007. I was an executive with Von Maur and was tasked with helping rebuild the store and get it opened before Christmas. We reopened on December 20, right before Christmas. It was a hard time for all. Many years later, our thoughts and prayers continue to extend to all that were affected.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have two boys: Alex is 15 going on 30, and Christopher is 10 going on 15. I love my guys so much. They keep me grounded and are always challenging my thinking on life.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? The births of both of my children.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go to a show!

I’m a big movie buff and was involved in the arts throughout my childhood. Anything from a movie to seeing something on the stage, it’s one of my favorite activities.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am the State of Minnesota Travel and Tourism’s Corn-hole Champion of 2019.

Who inspires you? - My kids. Every day, one of them has something they are excited about or something new that we just need to chat about.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received. - “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Disney’s “Go the Distance” from Hercules.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Photographic memory.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Secondary education teacher.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - At Maly Marketing, we partner with many nonprofit organizations every year.

Most recently, I would say Habitat for Humanity and the local Food Bank.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. Great theories in there!

What is your favorite movie? - Sliding Doors with Gwyneth Paltrow.

It's a little bit of a romance drama and explores the “what if” parallel.

What is your favorite TV show? - At the moment, Yellowstone is at the top of my list.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - BisonWitches for lunch. It has been a staple in the Lincoln community for some time and always has a great McQuinton sandwich.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 875-6228; kurt@malymarketing.com; malymarketing.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Forensic Investigative Engineers

STAR CITY SIX

JOSHUA

Joshua Redfield

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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Joshua Redfield is the reemployment services regional manager at the Lincoln area Nebraska Department of Labor location, serving Lancaster and Saunders counties.

Tell us a little about your business. - Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) reemployment services offers a full range of programs and resources to 1) help employers find the talent they are looking for; 2) help job seekers connect with their next opportunity; and 3) partner with community partners as part of a wrap-around community approach to self-sufficiency. I oversee a team of workforce professionals including business service experts who help employers recruit qualified applicants, career counselors who assist local job seekers in developing individual employment plans, a team to assist our veteran population obtain suitable employment, and a resume/interviewing specialist.

How did you get started in the business? - I was hired in a temp role with NDOL in the spring of 2012 in the Beatrice job center. I conducted workshops each week to train job seekers on resume building. My family moved to Kansas for four years and then came back to Nebraska, at which time I took another position with the NDOL as a business service representative in the Lincoln job center.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Adjudicating unemployment claims during the pandemic. I worked with an amazing group of professionals that trained me quickly on how to perform this task and provide continuous support as we served Nebraska citizens.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Receiving my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification presented

by Governor Pete Ricketts.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife and I have been married for 16 years, and we have four children.

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

- My temporary position with NDOL working in the Beatrice office.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to play to football with my kids, watch football games, and play board/card games with my family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am also a credentialed minister who has served in youth and children’s ministry for 18 years.

Who inspires you? - My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my wife.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it ain’t about how hard ya hit.

It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!” –Rocky Balboa If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honorable.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Eye of the Tiger"

by Survivor.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped America’s Destiny.

What is your favorite movie? - The Rocky series.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 471-2275; dol.nebraska.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

Your Neighborhood Experts For

KYLER

Plumbing, Heating & Air

JETSPLASH

Plumbing

Kyler Pfingsten

Meet Kyler Pfingsten, the site manager at JetSplash.

Tell us a little about your business. - For 18 years, we’ve been helping the city of Lincoln shine brighter with our speedy, spotless car washes. With five locations and our sixth opening soon, we are able to serve all of the Lincoln area. We’re a local business—not franchised, and we proudly employ over 150 people. At JetSplash, we take pride in our community, and we strive to give back through donations and fundraising opportunities.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The biggest challenge I have faced professionally has been working in several different industries. I have worked in healthcare, recreation, and now back to my roots in the service industry. This challenge has actually been more of an opportunity, as it has helped me grow as a person and professional.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- My most important professional achievement would be overcoming the largest professional challenge I have faced of working in various industries. I have proved that I can perform highly in industries that require very different skillsets.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been with my girlfriend Sierra for five years. I moved to Lincoln after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 2019. Sierra is also from Kearney but was in Lincoln attending UNMC for Dental Hygiene at the time. We both fell in love with Lincoln and have called it home ever since. We have a cat named Gatsby and are looking to purchase a house and stay in Lincoln.

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

- The biggest turning point in my life was when I graduated from UNK with my bachelor’s degree and moved to Lincoln. This was quite the change for me after living in a less populated area and being focused on school or sports, and now living in a busy city looking to work full time and build a life and career.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - On my days off, I enjoy lifting weights, watching sports, and spending time with my family. I also like watching podcasts and learning about various topics that peak my interest.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was a wrestler for 15 years. My passion for wrestling transferred into weightlifting when I began college.

I have been lifting weights for eight years now and enjoy staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Diligent.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I would most like to learn a musical instrument. Either piano or guitar.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Office is my all-time favorite TV show but recently, I've enjoyed watching The Good Place.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Sierra and I’s favorite restaurant is Lead Belly in downtown Lincoln.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - I would have dinner with Joe Rogan because of all of the stories he could tell.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 420-7760; Kyler@jetsplash.com; jetsplash.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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STAR CITY SIX

NANCY

Nancy Salmonson

KRUEGER DEVELOPMENT Meet Nancy Salmonson, property manager and portfolio supervisor for Chantacleer Residences, a Krueger Development property.

Tell us a little about your business. – We are a premier, familyowned, Lincoln-based residential property management company.

We have five class-A communities in the city of Lincoln, and one of these communities is a 55+ property. We are continuing to grow. Our managers and maintenance team truly care about our residents, and it shows. The owners are local and that makes all the difference! They understand what the people in Lincoln want and they go above and beyond to create a living environment that draws people to us.

How did you get started in the business? – I ran across an ad for a leasing consultant position when I was living in the Metro Detroit Area back in 2007. I was not at all familiar with this industry; however, I have always worked in customer service and it sounded like a great opportunity. I was hired and have been at it, ever since.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – In this industry we have challenges daily; but I have learned to look at these challenges as an opportunity to grow and become a stronger person for it.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

– Getting my Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation and taking on the role of portfolio supervisor with Krueger Development. This was a challenging process that taught me so much. Having the CAM designation has really enhanced my performance and understanding of the property management business. Taking on the role of portfolio supervisor has affirmed that I have found my niche.

Tell us a little about your family. – I have two children: one daughter and one son. They both live in Arizona with their families. I have two grandsons and two grand babies on the way.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I moved away from Lincoln in 1985. I lived in several different states over the course of my time away. I decided to move back to Lincoln in 2017; so, it would be making the move back to Lincoln from Michigan after being away for 32 years.

Who inspires you? – My coworkers do. They amaze and inspire me every day. It is so rewarding to work with such a talented group of people.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - When the day is getting the best of you, keep this in mind: “Not my circus, not my monkeys.” It works every time.

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – A property management attorney. I really love the legal side of this business; it is everchanging and I find it fascinating.

Understanding the legal aspects of this industry is empowering and incredibly important.

What is your favorite movie? – I enjoy the movie Fried Green Tomatoes, but I also love The Help.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Isles Pub & Pizza in Havelock. They have the best pizza, by far, and an amazing staff!!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 328-9693; nancy@kruegerdevelopment.com; www. chantacleer.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

WHITNEY

Whitney Jurgens

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

KINETIC BY WINDSTREAM Meet Whitney Jurgens, regional marketing and operations consultant at Kinetic by Windstream.

Tell us a little about your business. - Windstream provides highspeed broadband internet, phone service, and Digital TV packages to residential customers as well as products and services for businesses and government agencies. Kinetic is invested in connecting the territories we serve to help them thrive and receive the best products and customer service possible.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The pandemic has affected the way we impact the local communities we are a part of. However, this has proved as an opportunity to use my creativity to develop out of the box marketing events and initiatives.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - In May of 2020, I earned my master’s degree in integrated marketing and media communications from UNL. Earning this degree was challenging due to the pandemic, working full-time, and caring for our newborn.

Now, I get to apply my learnings to creating local relationships within the five states I represent for the Kinetic brand.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Justin and I have been married for three years. We live in the village of Cortland, NE with our son Henry (2) and fur-child Winston (4). We love to spend our time outdoors going on walks, kayaking, and picking up the rocks Henry throws in the yard. When not outside, you’ll find us running through the house chasing cars, playing hide and seek, or having family dance parties.

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

- Becoming a mother. While I have always wanted to be a mother and was blessed with our son, I also thrive on being a successful professional and the relationships I hold outside of my home. Learning how to manage being a working mother was a learning process and one that took (and still takes) grace and determination. Although it’s still a struggle at times, I believe I have the best work and family support systems to help me flourish.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Aside from being outside, I love doing random house projects—I’m basically Joanna Gaines of the Midwest!

Who inspires you? - My grandma Karen. She has been through it all, yet still provides love, nurturing, and support to everyone around her.

She is truly the glue that keeps our family together and serves as a role model for so many.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “People don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care,” – Theodore Roosevelt.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Passionate. I pride myself on bringing passion (perhaps too much at times) to any table I’m seated at. You can find me being passionate about anything from family to paint colors to local partnerships.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I have ambitions of becoming a culture and relationship coach.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Yia Yia’s.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 694-9653; whitney.jurgens@windstream.com; www. windstream.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Exit Realty Welcomes Jill Heng as Newest REALTOR® for Real Life in Lincoln Metro Exit Realty Professionals recently welcomed Jill Heng to their team as the newest REALTOR® for real life in the Lincoln area. Jill joined the team in February and said is it a pleasure to have a career that merges her natural gifts with skills honed throughout life, at the same time providing a valuable service to others.

“Working in real estate engages my interests in meeting a wide array of people and service to others while harnessing my skills in problem-solving, compassion, tenacity, and naturally inclusivity,” Jill said. “I love to hear people's stories, really listening, and coming alongside them to reach their goals. As your agent, I don't push or try to convince you, but instead, get to know you and act as your advocate.”

Jill grew up on a farm in southeast Nebraska and just five years after graduating high school, had earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Truman State University and a Master's in Public Health Epidemiology from UCLA. She returned to Nebraska to marry Charlie, who, more than 20 years later, remains the best life partner she could ask for. After school, Jill taught biostatistics and human anatomy and physiology at Doane University, and wrote and managed grants for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention agencies in Lincoln. After staying at home raising five daughters, entrepreneurship called, and she started Olive Creek Farm and eventually sold the successful business when the opportunity arose.

For more information about Exit Realty Professionals, visit exitrp. com or call (402) 466-8181.

UNICO Adds Rodenburg as Benefits Advisor UNICO Group recently welcomes Reagan Rodenburg to their benefits team as a benefits advisor. Reagan grew up in Elkhorn and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband, Max. She comes to UNICO equipped with a bachelor’s degree in business and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She began her career after law school working as an in-house claims attorney for Fidelity National Title Group, handling title insurance claims for owners and lenders. As a benefits advisor with UNICO, Reagan will work with employers to develop and manage employee benefit programs by working with insurance carriers to customize solutions that fulfill their needs.

“As I grew to love the insurance industry, I wanted to find a way to combine my legal expertise with my passion for analyzing and working with businesses,” Reagan said. “UNICO proved to be the best of both worlds. I am dedicated to making sure clients feel confident in the decisions that must be made to efficiently run their businesses. I want my clients to consider me an ally when it comes to the success of their businesses, as I’ll ensure they feel understood and well-equipped throughout their decision-making process.”

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Nebraska. They offer a consultative and relational approach to their customized solutions for clients nationwide. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) organization, every one of their employees is a part-owner and gets to celebrate the company’s biggest successes as their own. Learn moore at unicogroup.com or call (402) 434-7200.

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24/7 Emergency: 800.928.3732 | Local: 402.318.3737 | jeff.carstens@1800waterdamage.com

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PERSONNEL NEWS Jason Krueger Announces Candidacy for Lincoln Airport Authority Board

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Jason has a wife, two daughters, and five grandchildren! In his free time, he enjoys fixing up old cars and playing with his dog, Argo.

Jason Krueger is one of two candidates officially supported by the Lincoln Independent Business Association’s (LIBA) Political Action Committee.

LIBA represents more than 1,000 local businesses. Following the April 6 primary election, the general election will take place on May 4.

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LES Announces Vice Presidents Nate Anderson, Paul Crist Lincoln Electric System (LES) has named two new vice presidents to positions on the utility’s executive team: Nate Anderson has become chief technology officer and vice president of Technology Services, while Paul Crist has transitioned to vice president of Energy Delivery.

Anderson has over 22 years of experience working in IT. A graduate of South Dakota State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering & Technology, and Dakota State University Nate Anderson for a Master of Science degree in Information Systems, he came to LES in late 2018 after seven years as the director of IT at Brookings Health System. In August of 2018, he received the Becker’s Hospital Review Award of the 100 Community Hospital CIOs to Know. Anderson first joined LES in December of 2018 as the manager of Communications Infrastructure.

Crist was formerly the chief technology officer and vice president of Technology Services after 23 years working as a protection Paul Crist engineer, supervisor of system protection, supervisor of system control, manager of communications and protection design, manager of substations, and director of substations, all for LES. He has been with the utility for over 30 years. Crist is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration.

For 50 years, Lincoln Electric System has been proud to power the many homes, businesses, and governmental properties throughout Lincoln and the surrounding area. As one of the nation’s most efficient electric utilities, they’re committed to keeping electricity safe, reliable, and affordable.

Visit www.les.com or call (402) 475-4211 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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On-the-Job Training Reimbursement Program Employers willing to provide on-the-job training to laid off workers may be eligible for a 50–75% wage reimbursement up to $10,000 through the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Benefits to Employers. On-the-job training helps employers recruit more efficiently, hire better-prepared employees and reduce their training costs.

On-the-job training helps jobseekers quickly reenter the workforce while increasing their skills and earning a wage.

Contact us today to learn more: email: NDOL.EconomicTransition@nebraska.gov our job centers: dol.nebraska.gov/ContactUs

Equal Opportunity Employer/TDD: 800.833.7352 Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Right Foot Forward Fitness Adds Lincoln Native Nikki Rausch to Team as Trainer

True North Technologies Welcomes Abby Dowd to their Team as a Sales Assistant

Right Food Forward Fitness recently added Nikki Rausch to their team as a new trainer. Nikki was born and raised in Lincoln and has worked in the fitness industry for 11 years. Day in and day out at the gym, she drew motivation from clients working hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Combined with her own love of an active lifestyle, Nikki was inspired to become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer in 2016. She has a passion for helping others become the best versions of themselves and enjoys working alongside them to achieve their goals. Nikki is always eager to expand her knowledge of fitness and is studying prenatal and postpartum exercise and currently working on her own postpartum journey, after the birth of her sweet baby girl in August 2020.

True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Abby Dowd onto the team as a sales assistant. Through numerous work experiences, Abby has learned and acquired strategic, collaborative, and communication skills to bring to the True North Technologies team. She is currently a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying advertising and public relations, with minors in business administration and communication studies. She plans to graduate in May of 2021. In her time at the University, Abby has been active in attaining expertise in strategic development, design thinking, and sales-marketing communication. She has also been engaged with Jacht, a student-run advertising agency overseen by faculty. At this agency, she has been exposed to both team and client work that aided her growth in professional and interpersonal skills. She is excited to apply these skills at True North Technologies.

Abby is originally from Des Moines, Iowa. She enjoys live music, cheering on the Huskers, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. In an ever-growing technological world, digital marketing has become more vital than ever, and Abby is excited to join the True North Technologies team and contribute to this essential trade.

True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more at go-tnt.com or by calling (402) 420-5101.

Nikki and her husband, Bret, enjoy watching their daughter, Eileena, learn new skills every day. When they aren’t trying to catch their breath from the life of new parenthood, they love to spend time outdoors with their two dogs, Mya and Meeko, a miniature poodle and a Dalmation. In her ‘free time,’ Nikki is also trying to get back to her favorite pre-pregnancy activity—running!

Right Foot Forward Fitness is the premier provider of individualized personal training in Lincoln. For more information, visit rightfootforwardfitness.com or contact Jeff at (402) 202-4555 / jeff@rightfootforwardfitness.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS

LEAD BASED PAINT CERTIFIED

Patrick Named Interim Executive Director of Catholic Social Services of S. Nebraska Bishop James Conley has appointed Katie Patrick as Interim Executive Director of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska (CSS). She replaces Father Justin Fulton, whom Bishop Conley has appointed as vicar general of the Diocese of Lincoln and to handle the administrative oversight, strategy, and mission for CSS. Katie graduated from Pius X High School in Lincoln in 2002 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006. She received a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations from Seton Hall University in 2010, and then spent a year volunteering for the Canossian Daughters of Charity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She was named director of regional services for CSS in 2019.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides food pantry services, emergency services including rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee and immigration services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and a clinical and family counseling program. Founded in 1932, CSS serves all individuals across the 24,000 square miles in southern Nebraska, regardless of faith. For more information, visit www.csshope.org or call (402) 474-1600.

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Tabitha’s Karen Cheesman Promoted to Hospice Administrator Nonprofit Tabitha, Nebraska’s industryleading senior care provider, has promoted Karen Cheesman, CBSW, to administrator of Tabitha Hospice. Cheesman fills the role previously held by Christine Wismer who recently stepped into semi-retirement. In this position, Cheesman provides oversight of all nursing and administrative staff throughout Tabitha’s 27-county service area. She also ensures that Tabitha meets seniors’ and families’ needs and provides hospice care that exceeds industry standards.

Prior to her promotion, Cheesman served as the lead social worker for Tabitha Hospice. She is a current member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Association as well as the National Association of Social Work. Cheesman is dedicated to supporting her community and is a volunteer for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Tabitha Meals on Wheels. She has over 20 years of experience in business, finance, and hospice care and is well equipped for this position.

“Karen is passionate about educating others regarding the benefits of hospice care,” shared Tabitha Chief Operating Officer Katie Lechner.

“She communicates the importance of being proactive so that both the client and family can really reap the benefits of this important service so they can focus on what is most important to them. She is well versed regarding end-of-life decisions and is an amazing role model and leader. We’re so grateful to have her expertise as she leads the hospice team.”

As the state’s quality award-winning senior care expert, nonprofit Tabitha empowers people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

Supporting friends and neighbors for over 130 years and encompassing 27 Nebraska counties, Tabitha offers a range of services from results-driven rehabilitation, accessible athome home health care, innovative living communities, and compassionate hospice services. Learn more at Tabitha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Your entrepreneurial spirit has people Like Steph, who knows how hard you hustle and is here to help you secure the financial resources you need to be successful.

At UBT, people don’t have your money — your money has people.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Bridge to Better Living Hires Stephanie Sacco as Omaha Transition Consultant Bridge to Better Living is proud to announce the hiring of Stephanie Sacco as their Omaha Transition Consultant for Retirement Living Options. Stephanie brings a background of 14 years as an assistant vice president of marketing, during which she worked with hundreds of seniors and their families while opening independent senior living communities in Omaha, Lincoln, and the surrounding areas.

Stephanie’s favorite part of being a Bridge to Better Living transition consultant is developing relationships with her clients. She thrives on introducing seniors and their families to communities that fit each client’s specific needs and criteria and on witnessing how rewarding and beneficial the right move is for the senior. She exemplifies the Bridge to Better Living motto of Placement with Passion.

Bridge to Better Living, a locally owned 11-year-old business, assists seniors to find the best quality of life when choosing a move to a senior living community, be that an independent, assisted-living, memory-support, or long-term care community. Serving Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas, this service is available at no cost to clients. For more information or to meet with Stephanie, visit BridgetoBetterLiving.com or call (402) 218-5610.

Leadership Harbor Founding Partner Brian Peterson Appointed to John Maxwell PAC Leadership Harbor is proud to announce that a third “Thinking Partner” Coach and Founding Leadership Partner, Brian Peterson, has been appointed to the John Maxwell Team President’s Advisory Council (PAC). Brian was recently accepted to the John Maxwell President’s Council for the Maxwell DISC (D=Dominant, Driver; I=Influencing, Inspiring; S= Steady, Stable; and C = Correct, Compliant) Team. He received his certification in both the Trainer and Consultant levels for DISC and has been providing assessments and debriefs to improve self-understanding and personality wiring for corporate teams, individuals, and couples for the last couple years. Brian is excited to serve the Maxwell PAC DISC Team. His role involves leading monthly virtual onboarding training sessions, answering questions, and offering encouragement and support to others who are interested in becoming Maxwell DISC certified trainers and consultants.

“Serving in this opportunity allows me to be a part of a 3-Step Process I call Model-Focus-Equip,” Brian said. “The first person we must lead is ourselves—therefore, Model what we believe; Focus on those things that matter most and give the greatest return; and invest time, money, and energy to Equip yourself and your team with the best possible thinking, tools, coaches, consulting, training, and the like to get the job done well. This leads me to think of this quote from John Maxwell’s Becoming a Person of Influence, which applies to me, Leadership Harbor, and to those for whom I am adding value: ‘The act of empowering others changes lives, and it’s a win-win situation for you and the people you empower.’”

Leadership Harbor helps people develop the skills to be more relational and influential in their personal, business, and faith lives.

They offer individual, group, and business coaching, training, and speaker support. For more information, visit leadershipharbor.com or contact Brian Peterson at (402) 310-7500. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS Xtream General Contracting Welcomes Betty Francisco as New Administrative Assistant Xtream General Contracting, LLC is excited to welcome Betty Francisco as their new administrative assistant. Betty brings 40 years of office managerial skills to the job, has a natural concern for others, and takes to heart helping them to reach success in their own endeavors.

Throughout her career, she has proven herself to be a loyal employee, always offering a commonsense approach to do what is right and honorable. Betty attended Union College in Lincoln. She and her husband, Ransom, have five children and 11 grandchildren who are all loved and very dear to them.

Xtream General Contracting is a family-owned and operated business and a licensed general contractor with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They provide knowledgeable project managers and experienced employees, who come together to build your project with quality and confidence in mind. They excel in commercial, industrial, and residential interior and exterior construction and restoration, including everything from framing, drywall, plumbing, windows and doors, complete commercial remodels, tile and flooring, electrical, carpentry, flooring, cabinetry, siding, concrete, painting, staining, building decks, patios, landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal, so you get the whole package in one!

For more information on Xtream General Contracting, LLC, visit xtreamcontractor.com or call (402) 418-0550.

Pemberly Place Promotes Maddie Grendahl Pemberly Place is excited to welcome Maddie Grendahl to their Activities Team.

Maddie is from Lincoln and attended high school at Lincoln Pius, where she participated in volleyball, swimming, and track. Maddie was in club volleyball and dance for more than 10 years, keeping her very busy throughout school. After high school, she attended Southeast Community College to study Early Childhood Development.

She worked as an assistant teacher for the Childhood Development Center at the college, but later decided to look at additional career opportunities, which led her to Pemberly Place.

Maddie started as a server at Pemberly Place. She loved working with the residents and, wanting to take more of a one-on-one approach, decided to help the Activities Team come up with new fun ideas while also assisting Pemberly’s life enrichment director. Being a goal-oriented person, she has set her sights on increasing overall participation in all planned activities. The hope is to get people out of their apartments and to depend on each other as a support system when family members are not available. Maddie is an animal lover, growing up with multiple dogs and now two cats. Maddie lives by a saying from The Lion King—"Hakuna Matata", which means “no worries, no troubles.”

She strives to bring this to Pemberly residents every day!

Pemberly Place is known throughout Lincoln for their creative service planning and attention to each resident’s individual needs. Locally owned, the Pemberly Place community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. To learn more, call (402) 413-9770 or visit pemberlyplace.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Executive Travel Announces the Appointment of Jennifer Belt as President Paul Glenn, CEO of Executive Travel, announced that industry and company veteran, Jennifer Belt, has been promoted to serve as company president. In her new role as president, Jennifer will play a key part in setting the strategic direction of the company. Jennifer will also serve on the Company’s Executive Committee. One of the key areas Jennifer will continue to oversee will be the Client Solutions department with a commitment to maximize corporate travel management programs and services.

“Jennifer Belt has been a strong leader for Executive Travel for over 26 years. She has touched all areas of the company serving as a travel advisor, branch manager, account manager, and recently as VP client solutions. Even more impressive than her industry knowledge and professionalism is that Jennifer is one of the most genuine and caring persons you will ever know,” said Glenn.

Executive Travel specializes in helping companies implement comprehensive travel management programs that lower the total cost of corporate travel. Using state-of-the-art technology combined with aggressive management systems, Executive Travel has been able to enjoy strong growth throughout its 35-year history. Learn more online at www.executivetravel.com.

Craig Willeke Named Member of Million Dollar Round Table as New York Life Agent Craig Willeke, an agent for New York Life in Lincoln, has earned membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) for 2021. Achieving membership in MDRT is a distinguishing life-insurance career milestone, attained only by those who have demonstrated superior professional knowledge, experience, sales excellence, and client service. MDRT membership represents the top life insurance and financial service professionals worldwide.

It is an international, independent association of the world’s best life insurance and financial services professionals. This is the 64th consecutive year that New York Life has dominated the MDRT in the United States.

Willeke owns Willeke Financial Group, LLC, has been a New York Life agent since 2003 and this is the ninth consecutive year he has earned membership in the MDRT. He is associated with New York Life’s Nebraska General Office in Omaha and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Master of Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University. Willeke also has received his Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) designation from the American College and Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC) designation from the Corporation for Long-Term Care Certification.

Founded in 1927, Million Dollar Round Table, the Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global independent association of more than 66,000 of the world’s leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 72 nations and territories.

MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct, and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit mdrt.org and follow them on Twitter (@MDRtweet).

Willeke Financial Group, LLC is located at 1221 N St., STE 800, and Craig can be reached at (402) 483-6656 / craig@willekefinancialgroup.com.

Learn more at willekefinancialgroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Home of the 5 year/50,000 Mile Parts & Labor Warranty!

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Visit leadershipharbor.com/gyi to learn more and register.

Youth Leadership Event April 10 | 9 -11 AM (CDT) Middle & High School Youth

SPEAKERS

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT

The Value of Knowing your Why, so you can Change Your World | DAX HOWLAND Dax Howland is a World Champion Martial Artist, and a Spokeskid for Be The Voice® Anti-Bullying. At 11 years old, Dax has a passion for mentoring and investing in others.

Pursuing Your Goals to Change Your World | SHEWLY AKTER Shewly is a young women who had the opportunity to leave Bangladesh, get an education, and reach for a dream; becoming the Prime Minister of Bangladesh in 2034.

You are World Changers. You are History Makers. | CHRIS HANSEN Chris is a Leadership, and Parenting & Family Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with The John Maxwell team.

How to Talk and Make More Friends | BRIAN PETERSON Brian is a Leadership Coach, Trainer, Speaker and DISC Consultant with The John Maxwell Team.

Change Your Family | A SESSION FOR PARENTS WITH BRIAN & KRIS PETERSON Brian and Kris Peterson are a fabulous leadership duo and Founders of Leadership Harbor.

They are both Leadership Coaches with The John Maxwell Team.

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Commercial & Industrial Remodeling Tenant Improvements New Construction Services Additions Office Remodels 402-858-5155 | info@brownbrothers1.com 36

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NONPROFIT NEWS Voices of Hope Joining Education Efforts in Honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Registration Open for Angels Among Us Golf Outing, Young Professionals Event

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and Voices of Hope is joining nationwide efforts to educate and engage the public in addressing this widespread issue. Voices of Hope provides services to empower those who have experienced sexual assault, relationship violence, and other forms of abuse. They offer free and confidential trauma-informed, victim-centered services to people of all genders. This includes information and support about reporting options, support during a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam, assistance with safety planning and protection orders, emotional support, and connection to other community resources.

Sexual assault is a crime that impacts all of us, our colleagues, friends, families, and communities. Victims of sexual assault are people of all ages, races, and genders. Nearly one in five women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape at some time in their lives. In the United States, one in 71 men have experienced rape or attempted rape.

If you or someone you know has been a victim, Voices of Hope is here for you. They can provide a safe and confidential place to talk about options, do safety planning, and provide emotional support. You can call their 24-hour crisis line at (402) 475-7273. They believe and support survivors. You are not alone. For more information about April SAAM activities, please visit voicesofhopelincoln.org or contact Stephanie at (402) 476-2110 / Stephanie@voicesofhopelincoln.org.

Angels Among Us hosts various fundraising events throughout the year to help meet the financial need of Nebraska’s pediatric cancer families, and has now opened registration for two summer events—the 11th Annual Bland Cares Golf Outing and the 2nd Annual Young Professionals event, Birds & Beer. Sponsorship opportunities are available for both events at www. myangelsamongus.org.

In partnership with Bland & Associates and the Bland Cares Foundation, the golf outing is scheduled for July 12 at Champions Run golf course. It will feature 18 holes of golf, high-value raffle items, games on the course, and a day out of the office to support local cancer families. The Birds & Beer event is on tap for July 15, with the location to be announced in May. This is a casual FUNdraising event that brings in Nebraska breweries from throughout the state, plus state and local restaurants, to provide participants with the best chicken wings and brews going. Tickets are $35 per person and include all-you-can-taste food and drinks, a pint glass to keep, and a swag giveaway—all in a safe and socially distanced environment.

Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved in the Angels Among Us mission, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org.

Registration Now Open for SCIP Annual “Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN” Fundraiser Registration is now open for School Community Intervention & Prevention’s (SCIP’s) annual fundraiser, “Hop, SCIP, Jump and RUN,” brought to you by Family Health & Wellness Center, PC. The event—set for June 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Antelope Park—will feature activities, music, food and a one-mile Fun Run for both children and adults. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers. Before and after the run, attendees will have the opportunity to visit booths sponsored by local nonprofits offering a variety of activities, resources, or treats. After visiting a predetermined number of booths and activities, attendees will be eligible for prize drawings. Julie’s Hot Dogs will also be on-site.

The one-mile Fun Run is $15 per person. Registrations purchased by May 21 include an event T-shirt. Children under 9 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the event can be purchased through the SCIP website at scipnebraska.com, and online registration closes on June 2 at 3 p.m. Registrations also will be accepted at the event. If you want to attend but not participate in the Fun Run, admission is free. To ensure the health and safety of participants, masks will be required except during the Fun Run. Social distancing and sanitation measures will also be implemented.

School Community Intervention & Prevention works with schools throughout Nebraska by providing tools and resources to address behavioral and emotional health issues that impact children, adolescents, and their families. Money raised at this event will help SCIP provide needed resources to schools and families throughout the state of Nebraska. For more information about SCIP, visit scipnebraska.com. For details about the Fun Run, contact Valerie Hotsenpillar at vhotsenpillar@lmep.com / (402) 327-6843 or visit the SCIP website. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CALL NOW FOR HELP OR INFORMATION 24/7 Helpline: 402.476.2300

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Local Provider CHOICES Treatment Center 127 S. 37th Street, Suite B Lincoln, NE 68510 402-476-2300

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The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for confidential counseling with certified problem gambling providers to Nebraskans and their families who suffer a gambling addiction.

A list of all GAP-certified counselors in Nebraska is located at

www.problemgambling.nebraska.gov

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

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NONPROFIT NEWS NCF Suggests Giving Back with Stimulus Checks, as Tax Provisions Benefit Donors

NAM Launches Fourth COVID-19 Pulse Poll to Measure Pandemic Effects on Nonprofits

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) recently pointed out how the latest stimulus check and the extended charitable tax provisions from last year’s CARES Act can benefit donors.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to alter daily life for many Nebraskans but a third round of stimulus payments, made possible by the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act, will help navigate the first half of 2021. For the luckiest among us—those who are comfortably retired, still employed, still healthy—NCF urges people to consider reinvesting that money, or a portion of it, into the place they call home. Donating stimulus money doesn’t just benefit the community—it benefits the individual making the gift. In December, lawmakers extended charitable tax provisions from last year’s CARES Act, including:

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) launched the fourth iteration of its COVID-19 Pulse Poll in late March and is encouraging nonprofits to participate in this important survey to help measure the ongoing effects of the pandemic on the region’s nonprofit industry. NAM first measured the impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit community in March 2020, and information gathered through each poll provides comparative analysis about how nonprofits were faring last year compared to today. The results also identify trends and provide government, philanthropy and corporate sector leaders with access to valuable data at a time when the demand for nonprofit services is higher than ever. NAM is encouraging nonprofits in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to complete the survey, at www.surveymonkey.com/r/NAMPulsePoll4, by April 7.

The last COVID-19 Pulse Poll, conducted in October 2020, indicated that the pandemic has had significant budgetary implications for area nonprofits. Approximately 75% of the 248 nonprofit survey respondents reported budgetary implications related to the pandemic’s strains on the economy, estimating a combined total revenue hit of $54 million by October 2020, up $42 million from their estimates in April 2020. While demand for nonprofit services increased, nonprofits were restricted in their ability to respond due to the immediate need for supplies, staffing, volunteers, etc. from government, philanthropic, and business entities.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. For more information, visit nonprofitam.org or contact Hannah Young at Hannah@nonprofitam.org.

1. A deduction for charitable donors who do not itemize when filing their tax returns. If you do not itemize but make a gift to charity, you will be allowed to take a special tax deduction, up to $300, to reduce your tax liability. Joint filers can deduct up to $600.

2. An increase in the deduction limit up to 100% of a donor’s annual income for cash gifts (previously the deduction was capped at 60% of annual income). If you make a gift you will be able to deduct more this year.

Nebraska Community Foundation sees this as an opportunity for community members to do their part in building a stronger, more resilient hometown, better prepared for the next unanticipated event the future inevitably holds. Learn more at NebraskaHometown.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Nebraska Safety Council, Business Leaders Partner to Make a Difference on NE Roads

Wear Yellow Nebraska Celebration Night at Infusion Brewery on Tap for April 30

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is working to make a difference on Nebraska roads, thanks in part to a grant allowing Road Safety Specialist Karen Rehm to partner with business leaders to provide information about road safety as part of their worksite safety initiatives. Funding for the NESC Road Safety Program is provided through the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. The Road Safety grant focuses educational efforts on seatbelt safety, cell phone use, and distracted, impaired, and drowsy driving.

To date, the Nebraska Safety Council has partnered with 24 companies, reaching 3,559 employees and 14,236 family members.

The Road Safety grant continues through September. If your company would like to participate in the Road Safety Program, contact the Nebraska Safety Council office at (402) 483-2511, ext. 104 or email Karen Rehm at krehm@nesafetycouncil.org to let her know how NESC can help you and your team. This is a free benefit for NESC members. For more information about NESC, visit nesafetycouncil.org.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is asking supporters to head out to the Infusion Brewery Southwest, 6271 S 118 St. in Omaha, for their April 30 Celebration Night. On tap for 6-9 p.m. the event brings supporters together to celebrate another successful year of Wear Yellow Nebraska and the Wear Yellow Ride, Run and Walk and kick off what will be a stellar event in 2021! Even though 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, the community turned out to support the nonprofit and its key fundraising event, and Wear Yellow Nebraska wants to say Thank You to their caring supporters and fellow Nebraskans for joining in the fight against cancer.

Pregnancy Center Annual Partnership Event April 27 Features Evening with Kevin Sorbo The Pregnancy Center is excited to announce plans for its April 27 Annual Partnership Event featuring an evening with actor, director, producer, and author Kevin Sorbo. Kevin was born in Minneapolis, MN, is 100% Norwegian, and is proud of his Viking heritage. He is best known for his seven-year series, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, which became the most-watched TV show in the world. He later starred as Captain Dylan Hunt on Gene Roddenberry’s Adromeda and, since then, has starred in more than 45 movies, including Soul Surfer, What If, and the No. 1 independent movie of 2014, God’s Not Dead. Having spent more than 30 years in acting, directing, and producing, Kevin is also the author of the book “True Strength.” He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife, Sam, and their three children.

The Partnership Event will be at the Lincoln Berean Church, 7400 S 70th St., with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. for the 7-8:30 p.m. program.

Tickets—which can be purchased at pregnancycenterpartners.org or at the door—are $10 per person, supporting the ministry of the Pregnancy Center. COVID precautions will be in place with distanced seating, and no food or beverages will be served. Kevin was scheduled to speak at the event in 2020, which was canceled in the wake of the pandemic. He agreed to highlight the 2021 event, and while things will look differently this year, the Pregnancy Center is grateful for his partnership!

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln, just off O Street. Every month, more than 400 young women in the community visit the Pregnancy Center for answers.

These women desperately need love and support, and many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center offers comprehensive information about every option available to a woman facing an unintended pregnancy. They also provide confidential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting classes, and character-based relationship education in school, all at no cost to their clients or taxpayers. For more information about the Pregnancy Center or the Partnership Event, call (402) 483-4247 or email patrick@ pregnancycenterlincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

In honor of maintaining COVID precautions, the event will have the back garage doors open for fresh air—and hopefully warm weather! The Celebration Night will include a food truck beginning at 6 p.m., plus music by Conrad & Nellor, and games in the back room/lot of the brewery. Also available for the first time is a limited-edition pale ale created especially for Wear Yellow Nebraska friends!

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for each individual’s special circumstances. To learn more or register for the 2021 Ride, Run and Walk, visit wearyellownebraska.org, call (402) 965-1699, or email contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.

HopeSpoke Inspires Healthy Futures Through Behavioral and Mental Health Services HopeSpoke is inspiring healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mentQal health services. HopeSpoke also serves adults across the lifespan. HopeSpoke will celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, May 2-8, and the entire month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

“With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, did you know that caring for your mental health is a vital part of living a healthy, fulfilling life?

Caring for your physical health is ingrained in us but not our mental health. That needs to change,” said HopeSpoke Executive Director Katie McLeese Stephenson, MSW. During the pandemic, there have been additional stressors that we are facing and focusing on our mental health is more important than ever. There are a number of very simple ways that you can enhance your mental health and overall well-being. Ideas include: Get enough sleep each night; keep yourself hydrated with more water and less caffeine and drinks containing sugar; get outside daily; and complete some type of exercise for 30 minutes inside or outside. Some exercise is more fun than other exercise, but it all counts. Ideas include taking a walk, playing outside with your children, enjoying a bike ride, etc.

If you find that you need a professional to talk to, HopeSpoke is here to help. For more information about services or to make a donation, go to www.hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

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NONPROFIT NEWS TeamMates Mentors Safely Stay Connected with Students Throughout Pandemic Parochial and public schools across Lincoln have empowered more than 1,300 students to stay connected with their Lincoln TeamMates mentors.

Masked and distanced, more than 650 students and their volunteer mentors have held 6,750 in-person meetings since school started.

“Without the welcome of volunteer mentors in schools, so many young people in Lincoln would have lost ground in these important relationships,” says Jim Bennett, coordinator. “Support of schools has been critical in navigating the pandemic.”

Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, Dr. Steve Joel, described his decision to approve TeamMates mentors in schools this way, “When we look at our graduation rate, when we look at our student success rate, when we look at our student hope rate, we attribute a lot of that to our community partnerships, none as important as TeamMates.”

Parents have played a key role in facilitating mentorships for students attending school via Zoom, making sure they have everything in place for virtual mentor meetings. To date, TeamMates staff have hosted 2,800 Zoom meetings connecting more than 450 remote matches.

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln makes a meaningful impact in the local community and beyond by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. Matches meet once a week in school or twice a month for remote learners and/or mentors who request to meet virtually instead of in person. For more information about TeamMates or to inquire about becoming a mentor, please visit LincolnTeammates.org.

Friendship Home Seeking Volunteers to Support Their Mission in Various Positions Friendship Home relies on volunteers to support their mission, and they are encouraging anyone who is interested in helping victims of domestic violence and their children, to reach out to the organization.

They strive to have each volunteer in a position that showcases their individual talents and strengths. Open volunteer positions include:

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• Welcome Home Volunteer: Create a foundation for the women and their children in shelter by preparing a safe, welcoming environment for them.

• Digital Engagement Volunteer: Spread awareness about Friendship Home’s lifesaving mission and promote events through social-media platforms and other means of web-based communication.

• Facilities Volunteer: Help keep facilities and landscaping looking beautiful all year long, including pulling weeds, planting flowers and plants, raking leaves, etc. Group and individual opportunities available.

• Hospitality Volunteer: Provide Friendship Home residents and their children with premade, oven-ready frozen meals. Not a fan of cooking? Assist in pick-up and delivery of groceries to all being sheltered at Friendship Home.

Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call Friendship Home's 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Rainey at (402) 437-9367, or go to friendshiphome.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Goodwill Invites Neighborhoods to Participate in Neighborhood Challenge

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach Staff Engages in Diversity, Inclusion Workshop

Lincoln Goodwill invites neighborhoods to participate in their 9th annual Neighborhood Challenge, which is a competition among Neighborhood Associations in Lincoln that encourages neighbors to donate leftover items from garage sales or clean-ups. Goodwill will provide convenient and free pick-ups for participating neighborhoods from April through August. Pick-ups can be scheduled any day of the week, from a centralized location for the entire neighborhood. Each participating association will also receive advertising and marketing materials, upon request, to aid in organizing and promoting their events. The top three Neighborhood Associations (in terms of pounds collected) that gather donations exceeding 2,000 pounds will win a cash prize.

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach staff members recently participated in a workshop facilitated by Inclusive Communities of Omaha about creating inclusive work environments. Topics covered included identity, intersectionality, systems of advantage, socialization, and implicit bias. During the workshop, staff members reflected on their own and others’ visible and non-visible identities, recognized the role of socialization in shaping personal beliefs/biases, and explored ideas of privilege in the workplace and community.

In 2020, Goodwill diverted 2.2 million pounds of materials from Lincoln landfills through community donations. Donations directly support Goodwill’s partners, including the Community Justice Center, Lincoln Literacy, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and YWCA Job Outfitters, as well Goodwill’s Job Connection and Retail Organizational Employment program.

Goodwill Lincoln’s annual Neighborhood Challenge presents an opportunity to provide a convenient donation location for the community, help the environment, and support employment programming in the Lincoln community. Contact donate@lincolngoodwill.org, call 402742-8456, or visit lincolngoodwill.org for further information about participating in the Neighborhood Challenge.

“I’ve been with Matt Talbot for more than 20 years and welcoming diversity has historically been a strength,” said Executive Director Susanne Blue. “As we begin a strategic planning process this year, one of our goals is to build and sustain an inclusive community. This workshop is a critical first step to creating a space with mutual trust, acceptance, and respect for all.”

Everyone is welcome to walk through the open doors at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and get a prepared meal two times a day. While at the facility, guests learn about other outreach and homeless prevention services available, such as housing, case management, tenant education classes, assistance with acquiring vital identification documents, substance use services, shower and laundry services, and assistance with basic and emergency needs.

It is a safe and welcoming place where those who struggle with poverty, homelessness, or addiction can find respite and hope.

Learn more at mtko.org.

Space Available in Variety of Terrific Bright Lights Summer Camps in 2021 Registration is open for 2021 Bright Lights Summer Camps, with space remaining in a variety of half-day and full-day camps for your students this summer. From robotics to rock climbing and cooking to coding, they have something for everyone! Bright Lights Summer Camps gives youth the opportunity to focus on their talents, strengths, and interests in summer camps that will make the most of their out-of-school time. It’s an ideal way for K-8 students to maximize the fun of summer vacation while reassuring parents that their children are avoiding “the summer slide” learning loss.

Bright Lights camps take place in five week-long sessions: June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2, and July 12-16. Want to make it a full day of fun without registering for a full-day camp?

Just choose a half-day morning camp at Holmes Elementary, and then add Lunch Care and a half-day afternoon camp at Holmes. If you need to drop kids off before you head to work, Bright Lights also offers Before Care beginning at 7:30 a.m. at select sites. Simply choose it during the online registration process.

To register for 2021 Bright Lights Summer Camps and learn more about available camps, visit BrightLights.org and click on the registration link. You can filter the camp results by the grade your student is in this spring so you can see all the half- and full-day camps from which your particular student can choose. If you have older students (8th grade and up), they can also gain some resumeworthy experience and fun volunteer hours by applying to be a camp assistant. These valuable volunteers provide support to teachers in each of Bright Lights’ 90+ camps, enriching the experience for everyone involved. To apply to become a camp assistant, visit brightlights.org/assistants. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS The Bridge Behavioral Health Raising Funds Community Action, Econic Working Together to Replace 17-Year-Old McQuay HVAC System to Make a Difference in Lincoln Community The Bridge Behavioral Health, a nationally accredited substance use treatment center that provides safe passage from addiction to sober living, is currently raising funds to replace their 17-year-old secondfloor McQuay heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

This is a large, industrial unit, and will take a crane to replace from the roof of the building. The Bridge is seeking support from the community to help fund this project, with an estimated price tag of $200,000. To date, the fundraising campaign has raised more than $66,000 toward that total, with special thanks to support from Pinnacle Bank, Union Bank & Trust, The Lee and Debbie Stuart Foundation, Cornhusker Bank, and an anonymous donor.

The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the Lincoln community’s safety net since 1984, connecting people suffering from addiction and related mental-health issues with support and treatment. The Bridge provides caring substance use, trauma, and mental-health treatment services. The individuals seeking safe passage from addition to sober living find it at The Bridge through a variety of support and treatment options, including medically supervised detoxification, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and a variety of recovery support services. If you are interested in being a part of this campaign or have questions about it, please reach out to Brianna Georgeson at bgeorgeson@thebridgenebraska.org. To learn more about Bridge Behavioral Health, visit thebridgenebraska.org.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a greater-than-ever need for services provided by Community Action, and thanks to philanthropic assistance from Econic and other community partners, they’ve been able to answer the call to fight poverty throughout the pandemic. Econic, a Lincoln-based business, actively seeks opportunities to give more.

“One of our core values at Econic is to give more,” said Anna Lopez, a member of the operations team there.

“This means that we actively choose to have a mindset of abundance and to search for opportunities to give in our relationships and our communities. We are proud to be able to support the important work of Community Action, whose empowering poverty-fighting services are so critical for the long-term stability of our community.”

The need for Community Action’s services has been significant. Requests for rent and utility assistance from Community Action between July 2020 and February 2021, for example, were almost double year-on-year.

Community Action’s Gathering Place has also observed greater than average demand for meals; in September, the soup kitchen served the highest-ever number of meals every in one month: 4,158.

For more about Community Action, including how you can help, visit communityactionatwork.org. To learn more about Econic and its services, visit econic.co.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Registration Open for Junior Achievement Golf Classic on June 7 at Wilderness Ridge

Fresh Start Shares 30 Wishes to Celebrate 30 Years of Service to Women in Need

Registration for the Junior Achievement (JA) Golf Classic now is open! Presented by Lutz and on tap for June 7 at Wilderness Ridge, the JA Golf Classic will deliver a full day of golf and networking while inspiring and preparing a generation for success. Corporate, team, and hole sponsorships are available, in addition to player slots for the first 144 golfers who register. The event includes breakfast, a shotgun start at 10 a.m., lunch, appetizers, beverages, a silent auction, awards, door prizes, and loads of fun!

Fresh Start is turning 30, and they’re sharing 30 wishes and stories between now and August to celebrate their history of serving women experiencing homelessness. Fresh Start first opened its doors in 1991 and its mission has remained the same–to provide a safe, caring, supportive environment for women to change their lives.

Thirty years later, Fresh Start is still here encouraging, celebrating, and helping women do the hard work of creating a better future for themselves and their families.

Junior Achievement of Lincoln empowers kids to believe in themselves and have a sense of purpose so they can achieve their highest potential. JA Lincoln has been impacting students’ lives for 50 years.

Get details about sponsorships and benefits and register for the Golf Classic by visiting lincoln.ja.org/events. Support the JA Golf Classic to help continue changing students’ lives for the next 50 years! If you have questions, contact Special Event Coordinator Kim Pramberg at (402) 467-4479 / kpramberg@jalincoln.org.

CBMC to Host Upcoming Business Luncheon, Lunch and Learn, 20th Annual Golf Classic CBMC Lincoln recently announced three upcoming events and opportunities for the business and professional c o m m u n i t y, i n c l u d i n g a Business Connection luncheon on April 27, a free Lunch and Learn event on April 28, and the 20th Annual CBMC Golf Glass on July 26. The Business Connection will be at Suite One Eleven, in the Clocktower shopping center in east Lincoln. It provides an opportunity to gain insights about life and work, network with others in the Lincoln business community, and learn how faith in Christ can impact your life. The featured speaker is David Watson, founder and CEO of RentVision, a full-fledged, industry-innovating digital marketing agency. Their mission is to make renting of their clients’ apartments easy by delivering a predictive leasing platform that optimizes marketing and revenue management.

On April 28, CBMC will conduct a free “Lunch and Learn” event for men at the CBMC office (1065 N 115th St., STE 100) to learn about the organization’s Peer Advisory Groups. Three types of groups are available: Trusted Advisor Forums, Young Professionals, and Executive Roundtables. At the luncheon, CBMC leaders will demonstrate, explain, and enable participants to experience the Peer Advisory Group process. These groups provide Godly counsel, mutual support, accountability, and insights to business and life challenges. To learn more, contact Ed Nix with CBMC at enix@cbmc.com. Finally, save the date for a special 20th Annual Lincoln CBMC Golf Classic on July 26 at Wilderness Ridge Golf Course. The event includes a golf scramble and luncheon with a featured guest speaker. The luncheon portion is open for anyone to attend.

CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others positively. To learn more about CBMC Lincoln, call (402) 540-1093 or visit Lincoln.cbmc. com. Follow them on Facebook at (@cbmclincolnne). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

To follow the 30 wishes from staff, alumna, residents, volunteers, and board members, follow Fresh Start on Facebook (@ FreshStartHomeLincoln). It takes a village to make Fresh Start successful and each person gets involved with the program for a different reason, and you’ll hear about those reasons firsthand. They are excited to share all of their stories with you!

Fresh Start’s mission is to empower women experiencing homelessness to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency by recognizing and using their strengths. They are more than a shelter; they provide a goal-oriented program designed to support women who are working diligently to improve their lives. Fresh Start is grateful for the community for walking this journey with them. Your support makes it all possible. Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome. org. To donate or volunteer, contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@FreshStartHome.org.

Walk Together, But Apart, in 2nd Virtual American Heart Association Heart Walk With the coronavir us pandemic continuing to keep Americans distanced, the American Heart Association (AHA) is embracing the new normal and moving its iconic Lincoln Heart Walk to a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. On Saturday, May 15, Heart Walk participants and teams will remain physically apart but together in their efforts to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, encourage physical activity, and raise lifesaving funds for AHA, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Get moving at home and around your neighborhoods, follow along with the fun on Facebook (@HeartNebraska), take a walk outside, get the whole family involved with an indoor dance party, try out some new strengthening exercises, create an at-home circuit workout, or do whatever gets you moving for heart health!

“We know that COVID-19 has made it even more challenging for people who are at risk for heart disease and stroke to get out and be active,” said Lincoln Heart Walk Director Cori Lamm. “This virtual format allows everyone to continue to have fun and support our lifesaving mission, while remaining safely distanced. We are grateful for the support from our community.”

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn more or register for the virtual Lincoln Heart Walk, visit www.LincolnHeartWalk.com. Stay up-todate by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app, and encourage friends and family to join in via email or social media. On the day of the event, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirts and post pictures and videos to document their activity using #LincolnHeartWalk. Money raised funds research, advocacy, CPR training, and promotion of better health.

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NONPROFIT NEWS CenterPointe Providing Beacon of Hope via Vision Maker Media Launches EnvironmentPrograms More Tailored to Youth, Families Themed Programs to Celebrate Anniversary Among the newer services offered at CenterPointe’s outpatient facility are ones specifically tailored to providing a beacon of hope to youth and their families. That includes outpatient therapy, family therapy, Parenting Magic 1, 2, 3, and group therapy. For all youth and family services, walk-ins are welcome, or you can call to make an appointment. And when it comes to results, nothing speaks louder than firsthand stories from people who have already participated in CenterPointe’s youth and family program, like this one: “I came to CenterPointe after being hospitalized,” an individual participant said. “There was a lot of buzz going on in my head, and I was really struggling with day-to-day functioning. Coming home from the hospital, even with the partial programs provided, seemed daunting.

Having a supportive network of peers and staff to meet with so often, when coming out of such a vulnerable place, was exactly what I needed in order to adjust back into my surroundings. Being alone at the time would surely have only made things worse. The skills I learned during my time in the group continue to help me see things through a different lens and give me new options on how to approach my mental health.

I am so grateful for the time I spent going over these skills and for the people who I met along the way.”

CenterPointe offers a broad continuum of nearly 40 care programs for the disadvantaged, individuals and families facing homelessness, and those with mental health challenges. For more information, visit centerpoint.org. To make an appointment for youth and family services programs, call (402) 475-5161.

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Vision Maker Media (VMM) is launching its first environmentthemed program as part of its 45th Anniversary and in acknowledgement of International Earth Day via an online film-streaming event. “commUNITY: Environment is Sacred” is a curation of five films, featuring themes of water, energy, Indigenous food, and health. These themes highlight important environmental issues that have a direct effect on Native lands and an Indigenous philosophy for the world to better understand. The films will be available for worldwide streaming 24/7 at visionmakermedia.org throughout April. This event is free and open to the public, though registration is required at visionmakermedia.org.

VMM also is presenting two online events about environmental issues, including a social media challenge asking everyone to contribute to the environment by doing a trash pick-up challenge around their local community. Vision Maker Media will also present a moderated panel in collaboration with Indigeneity, a Native-led program within Bioneers that promotes Indigenous approaches to solve the earth’s most pressing environmental and social issues. Bioneers is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote practical and innovative solutions to global environmental and bio-cultural challenges.

Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit established in 1976 with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Nebraska Educational Television (NET). Their mission is to empower and engage Native people to share their stories. Learn more at visionmakermedia.org or follow on Facebook and Instgram (@visionmakermedia).

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HEALTH NEWS Tobacco Free Lancaster County Celebrating Cancer Control Month with Tobacco Messages April has been celebrated as Cancer Control Month since 1938, and Tobacco Free Lancaster County is doing its part by sharing anti-tobacco messages and providing information about assistance for quitting throughout the month. That includes information about one of the best ways to reduce tobacco use and exposure—initiation of tobacco-free policies in the workplace. Businesses can ensure cleaner, safer air, and support quit journeys by prohibiting tobacco use (including e-cigarettes) on their campuses and in vehicles while reducing costs from custodial services, insurance premiums, and lost productivity.

While it is common knowledge that tobacco use causes lung cancer, many people are not aware that smoking can cause cancer in almost any part of your body due to the damaging effects at a cellular level. Tobacco Free Lancaster County offers FREE support to implement or improve tobacco-free policies at your business and is encouraging businesses that already have a successful tobacco-free policy to share how your business is making a difference by applying to be a 2021 Tobacco-Free Business Champion during Cancer Control Month.

Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster County is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. If you’re interested in receiving a toolkit to get started on a tobacco-free policy, get answers to technical questions, or apply for FREE custom tobacco-free signage to help champion your new or improved policy, visit tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/business/ and apply by April 30, 2021.

Turning Pointe Chiropractic Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Serving Lincoln Turning Pointe Chiropractic marked their 20th anniversary of providing wellness services to the Lincoln community with a party on February 15 and a month-long celebration. Dr. Linn Erickson, owner of the practice, grew up in Lincoln. He developed an interest in chiropractic as a result of his own personal interest in natural health care. Growing up, he had the privilege of learning about the role that lifestyle played in helping people get and stay healthy in his own family, especially from his mother. As a high school athlete, he eventually suffered from a recurring injury in basketball that kept him from playing until he went to a chiropractor (Dr. Rick Rohrs, DC) for the first time. As a result of this care, he was able to return to sports within a month, playing pain-free and a higher level than before.

Dr. Erickson has seen a shift in health care, “During my 31 years in the chiropractic profession, there has been a transition in what people want from their healthcare providers and cites families in particular as looking for alternative methods for containing health care costs while increasing their wellness lifestyles.”

Chiropractic is the fastest growing form of alternative health care in the world and is no longer known as just a method of relieving back pain, but a comprehensive wellness and preventive care program, which many families are making a regular part of their wellness plans.

On a weekly basis, Turning Pointe Chiropractic offers educational workshops that are open to the public in-person and online. These workshops are offered to local businesses, houses of worship, schools, and civic groups as a way to educate, inspire, and support their wellness initiatives. These community organizations can then provide community-focused awareness and programs around healthy lifestyle choices. For more information, please visit TurningPointeChiro.com.

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HEALTH NEWS People’s City Mission Guests, Staff Now May Receive COVID-19 Vaccines, if They Choose

Clearwater Counseling Observing Stress Awareness Month with Stress Coping Tips

People’s City Mission (PCM) is excited to announce that all of their guests and staff who choose to do so can now receive their COVID vaccines. This is great news for the nonprofit, due to the difficulties they have experienced with keeping large numbers of people in tight quarters during the pandemic. Fortunately, however, they have yet to have a major outbreak of the virus. In fact, PCM is one of the only shelters in the state not to. Since March 2020, they have required staff and guests to wear masks, taken temperatures in the dining room during meals, and daily disinfected all major surfaces.

Clearwater Counseling, PC is observing Stress Awareness Month throughout April to help inform people about the dangers of stress and harmful misconceptions about stress in society, as well as offering information about successful coping strategies. Clearwater encourages individuals to be aware of their mental health and stress by way of mindful exercises, including practicing meditation, maintaining self-care, and speaking to a professional mental health provider when needed.

Stress can be debilitating at times and, unfortunately, can affect anyone. In fact, nearly everyone feels occasional stress. It’s important to note that people who are stressed—especially those prone to chronic stress—are more susceptible to a variety of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease. Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, relationship issues, stress, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, codependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, and more.

Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Omaha and Grand Island areas. They work to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance quality of life. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org.

The Lancaster Health Department also provided key assistance with helping PCM separate men into two different locations for a number of months. With the availability of the vaccine, they hope to weather this entire pandemic without a significant mishap. What’s more, they are inviting all of their volunteers to please come back! There are so many ways to help make a difference. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Beneen Allen at ballen@pcmlincoln.org.

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. For more information, visit pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303.

Connect Pediatric Therapy Celebrates Two Years, Announces New Clinic Opening in Fall Connect Pediatric Therapy is thrilled to celebrate two years of serving children and families in Lincoln and the surrounding areas. In addition, Connect Pediatric Therapy looks forward to joining the Village Gardens Community when their new clinic is completed later this fall. They will also be adding physical therapy and speech therapy to the services that will be offered.

Occupational therapist, Dr. Kristen Pfeil, founded Connect Pediatric Therapy in 2019. She saw a unique need to serve children differently from the traditional clinic based models she had been part of for the last 16 years. Instead of therapy services being confined to a clinic, Dr. Pfeil designed a community-based practice. Children can receive therapy services in their home, the Connect clinic, or somewhere in the community. Instead of staying in a waiting room, parents and caregivers are encouraged to be an active part of all treatment sessions.

Another aspect that sets Connect Pediatric Therapy apart besides their service delivery model is their intensive model of therapy. With traditional models of therapy a child is seen once per week. An intensive model allows a child to work with their therapist multiple times per week. With an intensive model, the momentum of progress occurs much quicker. Parents are equipped to make changes at home and families can get back to living, instead of spending months and even years on end attending therapy.

Connect Pediatric Therapy specializes in the treatment of children with sensory processing challenges which have resulted in feeding, movement, and behavioral difficulties. This summer, in addition to individual treatment sessions, they will also offer summer camps for handwriting, self regulation, and motor skills.

To learn more or get in contact with Connect Pediatric Therapy, please call (402) 413-1356 or visit their website at www.connectpediatrictherapy. com. Dr. Pfeil’s email address is kristen@connectpediatrictherapy.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

ACCESS TO YOU.

ALL THE TIME.

Dr. Todd Johnson · Access Family Medicine is Lincoln’s only membership based, primary care clinic. · Provide your team with healthcare & peace of mind · Employees will receive all of their primary care needs for one low monthly rate!

Reduced, flat-rate plans available for businesses!

Krystal Jackson, PA-C

Stop by our location in Legacy Square today!

8101 O St., Suite 302 • AccessFamilyMedicine.com • 402-858-1510

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HER C I E L B BEN 9 0 3 6 9 1 4 402Nationwide, the best time of year to sell a house is considered the beginning of May. Homes that are listed at the end of spring and beginning of summer not only tend to sell faster but also for higher prices. So, reach out today to discuss how to maximize your profit and upgrade to the home of your dreams!

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INVESTING • LEASING

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap Ordering off the menu at Stauffer's Cafe & Pie Shoppe is always a treat as they offer so many classic favorites. Attendees at last month's Friends4Lunch networking enjoyed dishes such as the cinnamon raisin Frenc h toast—yes, they ser ve breakfast all day—club sandwich, patty melt, pork tenderloin, and many of us were in the burger mood! They also had some good soup of the day options. The cheesy potato soup was delicious! Pretty much everything is made from scratch. We were seated in the back private room which is a great space for small groups or organizations to get together. It was a fun time to come together to network and strengthen current relationships while also forming new ones. Plus, we love giving people the opportunity to support the local restaurant industry.

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Visit our website to get the app!

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402-441-4800 402-441-4820 www.TracysBodyShop.com

Please join us at Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina by Venue on April 9, 11:30 a.m.

We would like to invite you to our upcoming Friends4Lunch event on Friday, April 9, at Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina by Venue. The restaurant is located at 5500 S 56th St., STE 1. Cactus is a familyoriented restaurant that utilized fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to dish out innovative modern Mexican cuisine. Some of the restaurants amenities include a cantina bar, private dining room, and spacious patio! From fajitas to flautas, the Cactus lunch and dinner menus have a mouth-watering array of options for even the choosiest diner.

Friends4Lunch attendees will have access to the full menu, with selections of taco platters, signature tacos, giant burritos, saucy enchiladas, salads and bowls, and much more. Items on the lunch menu range in price from about $8 to $14.

Plus, it's Friday! That means it's totally acceptable to order yourself a margarita or whatever refreshing beverage suits your fancy. Cactus has delicious cocktails and sharable pitchers!

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

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6201 S 58th St., STE A | Lincoln, NE 5elementsne.com | (402) 617-7992 APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Family Dentistry at Star City Dental At Star City Dental, located off of 84th and Pioneers Blvd., your healthy smile is their top priority. They will take the time to listen to your needs and concerns, and they use gentle, efficient cleaning techniques. You can expect to be taken care of by highly trained professionals. Their experienced team of specialists are invested in meeting all of your dental needs; from calming anxieties to teaching good habits, from regular check-ups to sophisticated dental implants.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums is an important part of life. A beautiful smile not only looks good, but it is also an indicator of your overall health. Studies have shown that systemic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are directly linked to oral health complications like periodontal (gum) disease. At Star City Dental, their goal is to help you maintain excellent oral health and improve your overall quality of life. Their services include:

FAMILY DENTISTRY + RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY + COSMETIC DENTISTRY + EMERGENCY DENTISTRY

MEET THE DOCTORS

DR. MELANIE FULTON

Dr. Melanie Fulton received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. She began her dental career as a faculty member at UNMC College of Dentistry. For the last 20 years, Dr. Fulton has been in private practice.

Even though she enjoys the technical aspects of dentistry, her favorite parts of the dental profession are the friends she works beside each day and the relationships she develops with the patients she serves.

DR. MEGHAN HUNGERFORD

Following her undergraduate studies, Dr. Meghan Hungerford attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center where she received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree. After dental school, Dr. Hungerford practiced in Louisville, KY, for a few years. She strives to provide the most advanced dental care to her patients by expanding her knowledge through continuing education. Fun fact: Dr. Hungerford was a member of the UNL women’s soccer team while she completed her bachelor’s degree in nutrition science!

DR. MIMI LONG

Dr. Mimi Mebarek Long grew up in Overland Park, KS but considers Lincoln her forever home. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating with distinction, from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 2014. Dr. Mimi is happily married and has one daughter, Lila, who takes up the majority of her free time. She also loves going on walks around Lincoln, cooking and baking, watching KU basketball and Chiefs football, and spending quality time with her family and friends.

“Studies have shown that systemic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, are directly linked to oral health complications like periodontal (gum) disease.”

4525 S 86TH ST. #A | (402) 858-0525 | WWW.STARCITYDENTALNE.COM 50

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Election Season is Here Once Again When one election cycle ends, another begins, and another is upon us at the local level with seats on the Lincoln City Council, Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education, and Lincoln Airport Authority Board being contested this spring at the polls.

Though the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce does not endorse specific candidates, we strive to educate our members about the issues important to our community and are committed to connecting them with valuable resources throughout election season. Each year, we compile candidate questionnaires and make the responses available to anyone interested in learning more about the candidates by posting them on our website at lcoc.com/VoteLNK. At the Chamber, we continue to be your voice, advocating for pro-business policies in local, state, and federal policy. We feel it is vital for our members to understand how the candidates view issues related to taxes, the needs of the business community and how to positively grow our city for the future.

We hope you take a moment to review the questionnaires to find out where each candidate stands on issues important to the business community such as job creation, infrastructure investment, and Lincoln’s tax climate. Other voting resources are on our website, including how to register to vote, a voting guide for Lancaster County, and a link to the Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s website.

Following the April 6 primary election, the general election will take place on May 4. In the days between the primary and general election, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce will feature a city council candidate forum on Wednesday, April 14. That forum will be held virtually as part of our monthly Face the Chamber series. We are excited to see how the six remaining candidates will present their message and answer questions and look forward to presenting this robust forum. Once this forum is completed, we will have a recording of the event available on our website at lcoc.com/events.

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While it is typical for local elections to see lower turnout than national and statewide elections, according to the Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s results, Lincoln and Lancaster County voter participation was up in 2019. At 36%, our 2019 voter participation results were nearly double what they were in 2017. It is so encouraging to see the results trending in the right direction and we are confident this trend will continue this spring.

Once again, we are expecting to see a high number of ballots returned early, consistent with the 2019 local elections.

We have a strong community with much to offer and a high quality of life because we all care about how the future, both near and long term, looks for Lincolnites. I applaud everyone who takes the time to remain civically engaged and I know great things will continue for our great city. I encourage every member of our community to make your voice heard on both April 6 and May 4, as great things will continue for Lincoln as we remain fully invested in its ongoing and future successes.

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The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

JAYSON BECKER Here for You with All Things Real Estate Give me a brief synopsis of what your company does.

I help sellers and buyers navigate through what can sometimes be an intimidating process. I represent home builders, developers, and commercial clients.

How long have you been in Lincoln? I was born in Doylestown, PA but moved back to Lincoln when I was two.

Lincoln is definitely my home.

past 3-5 years have changed peoples perspectives. Homes last hours now instead of days, and we are also seeing escalations on most properties as well.

What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced? Every year I’ve been in this business, I have experienced growth. I have always tried to handle everything on my own, but I have come to the realization that it can no longer be handled by just me. It’s a good problem to have but it does add stress to my life.

What was the biggest turning point in your business?

When I decided to emphasize new construction. I knew that when I put my efforts into building this segment of my business, success would likely follow me. New construction is my passion. I love everything about the building process and working with not only the builders but their clients as well. I feel with my construction background, it gives me a definite advantage over my competition because I know the process so well.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? I primarily work off of referrals from family/friends and past clients.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln? I have lived in Lincoln for so long that it doesn’t take me long to put together a connection with someone that we may have a mutual relationship with. Lincoln is the largest small town in America!

“Wonderful person, expert agent. Easy to work with and most importantly, got the job done! Knowledgeable about the process. Guides in repairs needing done. Cares about his clients. Highly recommend Jayson as your next agent!”

- JENNA H.

What kind of community organizations/groups is your business involved with? I’m proud to be associated with Catholic Social Services. I will also be involved with Cornhusker Bank this year gathering new and used shoes for the One Day Without Shoes program. In addition, I’m a part of my neighborhood HOA and past board member for Lincoln Right to Life.

“Jayson was great to work with. Highly available via text or phone call. He has a background as both a realtor and builder which is very helpful when seeing homes with him. He definitely has my full recommendation.”

– TREVOR G. What is your business philosophy or mission statement?

60% of the watermelon is better than 100% of the grape.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? I remember getting into this business and selling a home could take up to six months.

People were very happy selling their home in that time frame and were also happy to get 95-97% of their asking price. The

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know? How diversified I am in the real estate sector.

What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish? To start a successful mentorship program. I can’t do this forever—I want to pass my hard work and efforts down to the next person and help them be successful.

(402) 610-1013 | jbecker@bancwise.com | bancwise.com/agent/jayson-becker

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

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

Napoli's Italian Joins the Historic Haymarket

Napoli’s Owner Rifa Hoti has lived an Italian food lover’s dream: he grew up learning how to cook at his uncle’s Florence restaurant, Villa La Malva, among the Tuscan mountains.

After years of experience and taking over the restaurant, he met his wife, who happened to be from Nebraska, in Italy.

They moved to the U.S. in 2013.

Rifa quickly fell in with fellow Italians opening restaurants across Nebraska, including his business partner, Goni, who he’d known for years.

Napoli’s restaurants are family-owned and operated by Chef Besim Shala, who learned to cook in fine European restaurants before settling in Nebraska.

Napoli’s had great success in the Hastings mall, and was the last business standing before the mall shuttered its doors for good in June 2019. Two other Napoli’s locations are currently operating in Grand Island and in Lincoln on south 48th street.

It made sense to expand to the Haymarket, and Rifa joined the chain by officially opening a Napoli’s location at 800 Q St. at the end of October 2020.

“We are both cooks,” Goni said. “He grew up cooking. I was hanging out with all those guys all the time, going over there and helping at the restaurant. You learn that way. I love to cook. But he's a better cook than me, he has more experience.”

Rifa said his favorite dish is Napoli’s carsoni: fresh sautéed mushrooms and broccoli in a rich, creamy pesto sauce over spaghetti with chicken.

If your mouth isn’t watering already, Napoli’s also prides themselves on making everything from scratch—sauces, bread, pizza dough, and the works.

“We don’t have frozen anything,” Goni said. “We prep for two or three days and we cook fresh.”

The menu is comprised of Chef Besim’s award-winning recipes made with fine ingredients.

Napoli’s customers can vouch for the good food. Goni said he’s always being asked when a new location will open again in Hastings (for now, they haven’t found the perfect spot).

Rifa and Goni are also big wine people, and probably have a great suggestion to pair with any dish you choose. The selection is huge behind the new, custom-built bar at the back of the restaurant, most of it coming straight from Italy.

Circumstances haven’t been lucky for a restaurant opening, and after working day and night to transform the restaurant in time for the pandemic numbers to wane and Husker football season to start, Rifa and Goni were disappointed to see Nebraska’s COVID numbers reach an all-time high by the winter.

“We built the bar, put in all the stones and bricks, and did a lot of work,” Goni said. “We didn’t open at the best time, but you have to start somewhere.”

You can support Napoli’s from home by ordering takeout via slicelife.com. And if you stop in, be prepared to need a to-go box—the portions are huge.

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

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

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Three Generations of Quality Service that Customers Can Count On Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated company that’s proud to have the third generation of the Biggerstaff family serving customers in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. Grandfather Keith Biggerstaff started the company in 1957.

The success of Biggerstaff relies on the reputation they've earned for reliability, professionalism, and providing top quality care in a timely manner. Their experienced technicians have proven to be efficient, helpful, and friendly when assisting customers. You'll enjoy working with their sales team as they offer knowledge and advice on the industry’s top brands.

As most have experienced at one time or another, when plumbing, heating, or cooling problems strike, having a great local plumber and HVAC contractor that you can trust to contact is critical. You never know when a toilet might back up or your A/C may break down, and these types of situations need immediate attention! When the unexpected or unwanted happens, you can count on Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air to be there for you. With reliable 24/7 emergency services available, there’s always a specialist who is just a phone call away and ready to help.

Biggerstaff offers the following services for residential and commercial customers: Plumbing

"We LOVE the folks at Biggerstaff!

Super reliable and we are very satisfied with their services. We especially love having Jake come to the house. He has always really gone out of his way to make sure our mechanical stuff is in tip top shape!

We highly recommend Biggerstaff."

- Sara V.

"Yesterday, for the second time this year, Biggerstaff was able to come out and help with a plumbing emergency on just a few hours notice Thank you so much for all you have fixed for me, this year.

Also, thanks for being very efficient on the job and very nice people."

- Gregory C.

• • • • • • • •

New Installation and Remodeling Service and replacement Faucets and sinks Toilets and urinals Showers and tubs Disposals and drain lines Dishwashers and water lines Water heaters and sump pumps

• • • • •

Sewer camera Main sewer line Toilet clogs Kitchen and bath drains Downspouts and yard drains

Sewer & Drain

Heating & Cooling

• Furnace service and installation • AC service and installation • Thermostat service and installation • Indoor air quality service and installation • Geothermal system service and installation

Did you know all three brothers started working at Biggerstaff Plumbing & Heating Inc. at the age of 18!

"When our heater went out on one of the coldest days of the year, Biggerstaff worked quickly to arrange someone to come out to take a look. In the meantime, they talked us through ways to keep the house warm. They checked in the next day with additional information.

Biggerstaff's friendly and helpful service exceeded our expectations!"

- Katie H.

Biggerstaff was voted one of the Best of Lincoln for 2020 and Expertise Best HVAC Professionals for 2021!

Schedule a service appointment or a free estimate today!

(402) 466-8118 | www.biggerstaffs.com 54

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

An Economic Boost After a year of shutdowns and cancellations, the return of the girls and boys state basketball tournaments to Lincoln brought forth a sense of the return of “normal activities.” Over the course of the months leading up to the tournament, there was a sense of worry throughout the business community while very public discussions of whether state basketball would be in Lincoln again this year, or if a move to another city was going to happen.

Thankfully for Lincoln, we kept the 2021 tournaments here.

The Nebraska School Activities Association and Lincoln Public Schools invested a great deal of time and effort to put measures into place that follow the local guidelines while creating a friendly environment for all who attended both tournaments. The move of the tournament to a five-day schedule instead of the traditional three days in order to spread out the games brought and kept people in Lincoln. Safely hosting state basketball tournaments is a complex undertaking and because of thoughtful and intentional planning by the NSAA and LPS, Lincoln provided thousands of basketball fans an unforgettable experience.

Our local businesses are some of the best imaginable when it comes to hosting guests from other communities. I enjoyed and appreciated the feel of state basketball weekends in Lincoln.

Local stores were seeing the impact of our guests from out of town out and about as well as our restaurants seeing more traffic.

Having dealt with many difficult circumstances over the past year, serving guests from every corner of the state brought a revived energy to our city and a strong sense of encouragement we all need. We could feel it in the air.

We are seeing more and more events coming back—people will be going back to the ball park, our kids are able to participate in more activities than at times last year. Most important, things are feeling like we are getting back to more of the activities we feel are normal. We will continue to be doing in-person activities at LIBA to allow our members to connect in-person.

LIBA PAC Endorsements This spring Lincoln will be having elections for City Council, School Board, and Airport Authority. These elections are important for our community. Primary Election is on April 6 and the General Election is May 4. These groups all have a tremendous impact on our day to day lives and pocket books. We must show up and make our voices be heard.

For the Primary Election, the LIBA PAC (Political Action Committee) endorsed the following candidates for City Council: Tom Beckius, Roy Christensen, Mary Hilton, Elina Newman, Trevor Reilly, and Bennie Shobe. For School Board, LIBA PAC Endorsed Kathy Danek in District 1. In the Airport Authority race, LIBA PAC endorsed Jason Krueger and John Olsson. Following the Primary, the LIBA PAC will review candidates who qualify for the General Election and make announcements of further endorsements. Most important, we all must show up and participate in this election!

The future of our city depends on our participation.

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Pollack & Ball, LLC

Attorneys at Law Sanford J. Pollack John C. Ball Heather S. Colton

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COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL WINDOW TINTING

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Protecting people and property, providing additional time to escape dangerous situations and conditions.

“Wonderful experience! My windows look brand new with the new tint! Everyone was friendly. I would highly recommend these guys for all your tint needs!”

- Rose M.

LOOKING TO HAVE YOUR COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PROFESSIONALLY TINTED? GIVE US A CALL! LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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WWW.PRO-TINT.NET

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Come see how we are reimagining education for the 21st Century!

ANOTHER DAY IN THE OL’ CLASSROOM

Your child will thrive at this private K-8 school as they discover and grow their unique strengths.

actonacademylincoln.com

Build Character, Encourage Faith, & Have Fun!

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SUN VALLEY LANES AND GAMES

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Especially in the wake of extensive isolation and more time than ever spent at home for so many families during the last year, kids really need to get out and have some fun this summer. As you make plans for your own kids, it’s essential to look for a mix of activities that not only keep your children busy but also keep them thinking, discovering, and developing their skills. The right combination of educational fun and socialization can help cultivate initiative, discipline, patience, and tolerance, which are skills they will apply daily when they’re back in school in the fall and as they grow.

Get Out and Play!

Keeping kids active and away from constant screen time is crucial in summer, and sports is one way to attend to their overall health and wellness, provide them with physical challenges, and help with mental acuity, all while helping them develop positive social skills. Play It Again Sports offers everything you need to keep your kids active in sports this summer. Whether it’s for baseball, softball, football, soccer, golf, rollerblading, disc golf, skateboarding, or another sport or fitnessrelated activity, they’ve got a great selection of high-quality new and used sports equipment and attire for affordable prices, and they have a knowledgeable staff that truly enjoys helping customers find the right items and the right fit.

“We love to support the youth athletic programs in the area,” said Owner Diane Hesson. “We like being a part of a child’s introduction to team activities, fulfilling a social need and building healthy lifestyles.

Our model allows us to do that and families to save money on quality used equipment at the same time. We’re just hoping to get through a spring and summer full of outdoor play. The past year has been hard on everyone, and we just need to bring some Diane Hesson normalcy back into our lives.”

Play It Again Sports Learning Camps For a more immersive kind of experience, Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures offers five weeks of half-day and full-day summer learning camps for K-8th grade students. With more than 90 camps to choose from, their hands-on, engaging, high-quality camps let students learn on the topics of their choice while having fun and making new friends. The majority of Bright Lights camps are taught by certified teachers who share their knowledge on the camp topic with a passion for learning you’ll be challenge to find anywhere else.

“We are so excited to be offering in-person camps again this year, as we know summer learning is going to be more important for students than ever,” said Bright Lights Executive Director Lori Paulsen. “Summer 2021 is our 35th summer of offering summer Lori Paulsen camps, and we can’t wait to kick them off!

Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures

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Bright Lights students get to take a week-long summer adventure into a topic that interests them.

“Bright Lights also offers a flexible schedule with both half-day and full-day camp options, plus we have Before Care and Lunch Care,” Lori said. “And while the students get the adventure, parents get to see the excitement on their faces as they head to camp each day, knowing they are learning and growing while having fun—just what summer should be about!”

Bright Lights Summer 2021 camps take place during five weeks: June 7-11, June 14-18, June 21-25, June 28-July 2 and July 12-16. See the schedule and register at BrightLights.org.

Sparking Curiosity Acton Academy Lincoln is a modern self-directed, peer-to-peer educational opportunity that launched in fall 2020 to serve families who want the best possible independent learning experience for their children, not hampered by an antiquated one-size-fits-all, grade-specific, micromanaged school system. In addition to their school-year curriculum, they host the LNK Kidpreneur Fair at 1 p.m. on May 15. In addition, they host Camp Curiosity, with two one-week sessions (July 26-30, August 2-6). Most of the activities for these events are outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, with the interest and safety of every participant in mind.

“Both of these opportunities will be great ways for kids to spark curiosity in fun and educational settings,” said Co-founder Heidi Harsin. “At the LNK Kidpreneur Fair, area youth will have the opportunity to develop a brand and product, build a marketing strategy, and then open their business to customers for a one-day marketplace event.

This fair will give kids a hands-on experience that will inspire them to continue cultivating their journey of self-discovery.”

Heidi Harsin The week-long Camp Curiosity sessions will Acton Academy Lincoln be an opportunity for kids to experience adventures within the STEM field and the outdoors! This camp will be full of hands-on activities, miniature quests, and team-building activities.

Your kids are sure to leave this experience with a whole new level of curiosity and love for the outdoors!

Character, Faith, Fun If you’re looking for a winning combination of personal and spiritual growth and summer fun for your kids, the Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center can fill the bill! Their camps in June and July are aimed at helping kids feel the joy of childhood but also gain the life skills they will need to develop into productive, happy adults. Carol Joy Holling camps are primarily for kids in grades 1 through 12 and are mostly weeklong programs (Sunday through Friday), plus specialty parent/child and parent/grandchild camps, as well as one camp for special-needs youth and three for special-needs adults. What’s more, they offer a Confirmation Camp and day-camp programs on site.

“Summer camps are the heart of our organization,” said Executive Director Jason Gerdes. “We really believe that kids need to have opportunities to be stretched, have role models, and be in a safe place with a chance to grow—and we do that in an awesome way. Diversity is important, too. All kids are welcome, regardless of where they come from or who they are. Oh, and finances cannot be the reason that a child does not attend. We have a policy that we’ll pay for any portion of the fee for any kids. If they Jason Gerdes want to be here, we’ll find a way!”

Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center Participants in Carol Joy Holling camps get to enjoy activities including boating, swimming, horseback riding, archery, high-ropes courses, zip-lines, and more. They also include a program called Coop that focuses on team-based activities and games that teach kids how to work #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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with a team. New this year is a $3.2 million building called the Hazel Dillon Lodge, which will provide housing for elementary kids at the TrailHead site, a huge upgrade from the platform tents they’ve used since the beginning.

“We are a Christian camp, so we start and end each day with worship or devotion,” Jason said. “That’s a big part of who we are. The heart of our mission is growth for kids by equipping, teaching, and exciting them for discipleship through camp experiences.”

School’s Out! Of course, even if the kids are looking forward to summer break, many parents don’t have the luxury of stopping work for three months. If you’re looking for childcare for your toddlers, World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool provides a safe and supportive learning environment for them throughout the summer months. Their activities are structured to both enrich your children’s minds and to encourage fun social play. For a taste of their summer programming, ask them about their Schools Out and Summer Day Camp for schoolaged children, too. They’ll have the opportunity to have an adventure, but under the supervision of friendly and energetic counselors.

For the older students or the whole family, roll on over to Sun Valley Lanes & Games and enjoy their 32 cutting-edge bowling lands for family, friends, and league bowling. Join a league, have a party, or just bowl for fun. You’ll also enjoy the Splitz Bar and Grill, a full-service pro shop, a recently expanded arcade with a prize-filled redemption center, the new covered patio with two firepits, an indoor Lucky Putt miniature-golf course, and nightly bowling events every day of the week!

New additions to Sun Valley Lanes are three high-end sand volleyball courts, opened as part of their $4 million renovation and expansion.

Summer 2021 promises to be a lot more active and engaging than last summer, and Lincoln is rife with opportunities to keep your kids and family active and learning throughout the summer months. We recommend adding the summer activities featured here to your fun agenda!

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 57

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As the hot and steamy Nebraska temperatures loom on the horizon, it’s time to turn your attention to the landscape at your home or business so you can enjoy lush green grass, bold, vibrant colors, fragrant aromas, and functional outdoor spaces this summer. The options abound for creating a healthy, beautiful landscape for you, your guests, and passers-by to enjoy, but extensive care and planting of your grass, flowers, trees, bushes, and landscape features is crucial to achieving the best results. From lawns to flora, decks, water features, canopies, parks, retaining walls, and other outdoor-living elements, you have the opportunity to create a masterpiece. Landscaping work isn’t for the faint of heart or the Monday morning quarterback, though. Getting it right requires substantial knowledge, creativity, and stamina to bring the visual extravaganzas in your mind to life.

Achieving a Luxury Landscape If you’re looking for a company that can do it all when it comes to creating your masterpiece, give Luxury Landscape a call.

They design and install beautiful and unique landscapes for home and business owners alike. So, even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can have a fabulous, colorful landscape. Just let the professionals make it happen for you!

“Our list of what we do is pretty lengthy,” said Co-owner Jackie Svoboda said. “It includes retaining walls, paver patios, walkways, unique water and fire features, pergolas, gazebos, arbors, privacy options, planting of trees, shrubs & flowers, designing and planting of standalone planters, and landscaping around swimming pools.”

Given all of the negatives we all heard and experienced in 2020, it’s a pleasure to think about brightening up our community with Jackie Svoboda beauty that will flourish—and make us all Luxury Landscape feel a little more positive about our world: “We're so excited to dust off our patio furniture!” Jackie said. “Spring is the perfect time to cut back all perennials and ornamental grasses, if it wasn't completed in the fall. This should be done prior to any sign of new growth to allow the plant optimum potential to grow. Make sure all water feature pumps, tubing and cords are free of debris/dust from being stored, and in good working order.”

Besides their unique, creative designs, Luxury Landscape’s stellar customer communication helps set them apart. They take pride in returning emails, phone calls and texts within the same day, and they understand the excitement in taking the first step to beautifying your home or business because they love to share in that excitement! Among the hottest trends in landscaping in 2021 are outdoor living spaces—and Luxury Landscape can bring your visions for your outdoor spaces to life.

“When we meet with our customers, we listen to every want and need they have when it comes to their outdoor living space,” Jackie said.

“We feel everyone deserves beautiful landscaping, big or small. Our customers want to be able to use every outdoor square inch possible, #PrintProudDigitalSmart

and whether it be entertaining spaces with water and fire features, a quiet and private oasis, or a large area for kids and dogs to run, we’ll make it happen. We love seeing our customers happy!”

Nothing Runs Like a Deere!

The very heart of a live landscape is establishment of a healthy lawn.

No matter how much you invest in fancy plants and trees, they always look their best when they are adjacent to green, lush grounds. Regardless of the size of your yard or your landscaping project, AKRS Equipment can provide an extensive array of John Deere equipment you need to get the job done right. AKRS offers John Deere turf, compact utility tractors, and compact construction equipment, plus a host of attachments, to accomplish any yard or acreage project. Preparing the ground in the spring is critical to bringing it all to fruition, though.

“Be sure to apply the first treatment of fertilizer and pre-emergent to your yard in the spring to stop early-season weeds and get the grass growing,” said AKRS Turf and Commercial Product Manager Travis Harrison. “Rake and remove any large clumps of dead grass or leaves to give the yard access to sunlight and room to grow.

Start your sprinkler system and adjust to cover your entire yard with water. Get all your mower blades sharpened, fresh oil, and air filter, and all tires aired up, so you’ll be Travis Harrison ready to cut the grass as it begins to grow.”

AKRS Equipment When it comes to choosing a mower or keeping up with lawn maintenance, AKRS is in your corner. The John Deere equipment they sell offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry, and their mowers have, over the years, proven to operate longer with fewer repairs, and maintain their value better than any other product on the market. AKRS even has a service available to keep your equipment in top working order.

“AKRS Equipment offers a Ready to Mow Service in the Omaha and Lincoln communities, where we will come to your home or business and perform routine maintenance on-site and ensure that your equipment always performs well,” Travis said. “For larger repairs, we offer pickup and delivery to one of our AKRS locations.”

For commercial mowing, one of the hottest trends in mowers is the John Deere QuikTrak Stand-on Mower, which AKRS offers. These stand-behind movers serve up advanced maneuverability and speed to allow you to mow more and feel less fatigued at the end of the day. On the residential side, the John Deere line of Lawn Tractors provides mowing with a variety of attachments to make landscaping chores simple and easy.

“Customers can stop in at their convenience and learn what equipment best fits their needs,” Travis said. “The earlier they pay us a visit, the sooner we can get them up and running with the guidance and equipment they need to maintain the best lawn in the neighborhood. Come see us and take a test drive on any John Deere product. After all, Nothing Runs Like a Deere!”

Healthy Lawn Practices In establishing a healthy lawn as the base of your landscape, TDK Lawn Care Owner Lee Schumacher taught us some of the most important steps to take in spring: “Spring is an important time if you want your grass to build up the strength to survive a potentially blistering summer,” he said. “One of the biggest mistakes I see people make it cutting their lawn too short.

Mowing at a proper height is the best way to keep your lawn healthy. I personally keep my mower set at 3.25 inches yearLee Schumacher round, but keeping it anywhere between TDK Lawn Care 2.75 and 3.75 inches is fine, too.”

Taller grass chokes out weeds and helps your lawn retain moisture, which will help it prosper during hot summer days in Nebraska. Watering correctly and delivering proper lawn nutrition are crucial, as well. Water #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CONTACT US TODAY! 402.476.8614 www.rayslawn.com APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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Get Your Trees Professionally Trimmed Before Mother Nature Does it for You! Tree trimming is more than just removing dead limbs, stump grinding, and falling trees.

It’s about beautification and protection.

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levels depend on the type of grass and its environment, but a good rule of thumb is adding one inch a week, depending on the weather.

Aerating is also important. Lawns can be finicky, so if you want one that’s always thriving, call the professionals at TDK Lawn Care. They can give your lawn all the nutrients, water, and services that it requires, while also training it to become more efficient and hardier.

If you have an irrigation system, preparing it for the upcoming growing season is crucial, and Hunt Irrigation can make sure it’s ready to go. That includes checking for backflow device for damage, opening the water slowly to avoid damaging your mainline or valves, inspecting each zone and fixed nozzle for possible wear and tear, obstructions, and other damage, and check to see where each nozzle is spraying and make sure not to waste money by spraying sidewalks or driveways. The next thing to do is to program the controller so that the water-flow rate does not exceed the soil’s absorption capability.

“The soil in Lincoln and surrounding communities is mostly clay,” Owner Jeremy Hunt said. “This means the water absorbs slowly and evaporates quickly. Therefore, when programming your controller, it is best to program shorter run times and multiple start times. Most controllers are capable of handling three start times. A good start-time schedule would be 1 a.m., 3 a.m., and 5 a.m.

Scheduling a two-hour break or rest between operations will allow the water enough time Jeremy Hunt to absorb into the ground and reduce runoff.”

Hunt Irrigation Plants and Perennials Making your landscaping both hearty and stunning means including native plants and perennials at the base of your plan—then add a variety of colorful annuals fit for the climate to fill your plant boxes and planters and mix in and around your perennials for added punch and personality! Especially when it comes to perennials, it’s crucial that you use local plants. As noted in research by entomologist Dough Tallamy, native oak trees support more than 500 species of caterpillars, whereas ginkgo bilobas, a common alternative native to Asia, host only five species. If you want beautiful butterflies and moths to visit your lawn, you must provide the native plants for them to interact with.

Using a variety of flowers helps make your yard look unique, and Earl May Garden Center can help you bring it all together. They are a full-service, one-stop nursery and garden-center shopping experience. They carry an eclectic variety of flowers, shrubs, herbs, and trees, in addition to lawn-care, landscaping, and patio products that will enhance your outdoor living space. At the start of springtime, beating weeds to the punch is crucial to keeping them from taking over all of your hard work come summer.

“Pre-emergence is the most important thing to think about in spring,” said Jessica Jasnoch, manager of Earl May’s South Lincoln Garden Center, 5555 S 48th St. “Preventing weeds before you see them will save your time, energy, and money. Use pre-emergent in lawns and in landscape beds in spring, in addition to aerating your lawn. It’s always a good idea to add a soil conditioner to the lawn after aeration, too, to keep the ground from re-compacting over the summer months.

Taking care of our pollinators has become Jessica Jasnoch more popular, too, with the increased Earl May Garden Center awareness of the declining honey-bee populations. People are planting more natives and blooming plants to attract the bees and butterflies and are being more mindful of what and when they spray for pests in the landscape.”

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, stop in at Earl May anytime, and their team members will be able to answer your questions and get you started on your gardening projects. If you want to meet with their landscape designer, stop in or give them a call to set up an appointment. You won’t be disappointed! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Fence Me In! Fencing is a crucial part of your landscape—commercial and residential alike—and if it isn’t done as professionally as your landscape and home are, it can bring down your entire aesthetics. That’s where Empire Netting and Fence comes in. They provide safety and security to your home or business, and they create your fencing with materials that match your style and budget. Empire Netting and Fence also specializes in netting and construction of sports fields and sports complexes.

“From timeless classics to trendy new styles, we have what you’re looking for,” said Marketing Manager Rachel Kroese. “Your fence is an investment in your home, and we love to be involved with projects that will help better the lives of the people in our community.”

Upon spring’s arrival, there are a few tasks to carry out to keep existing fencing working for you—things like doing a walk-around to make sure that any fallen or broken tree Rachel Kroese branches above the fence are properly Empire Netting and Fence trimmed and maintained. You should also clear debris that may have fallen on rails, and trim any shrubs and greenery that may have grown up on your fence. Take a serious look at your fencing to see if it improves your landscape or takes away from it. If it’s time to upgrade, Empire should be your go-to provider. They build fence year-round, but now is a great time to get started if you want to enjoy it this summer.

“We build fence all year long,” Rachel said. “If you are planning to build a new fence, start planning immediately, as the process can take several weeks. The best way to get started is to visit our website and click on our ‘Instant Online Quote’ button. Using our online estimating tool, you will be able to draw the layout for the fence and choose what style you would like. When you finish, you will get an email with a printable

layout including total linear footage, and budget for that specific fence.

We will contact you with more questions regarding your project and set up a time to meet onsite to verify measurements and get a good feel about what you want to achieve with your fencing.”

Empire Netting and Fence is a longtime member of the American Fence Association and adheres to the highest level of professionalism and ethics. They pride themselves on using manufacturers and suppliers that are held to the same standards.

Some of the hottest trends in fencing in 2021 are a FenceTrac system, which include a steel rail frame with the ability to use any type of infill, such as cedar, vinyl, or composite. Another popular option is using a PostMaster Style posts, which is a steel post that can be hidden on both sides and can withstand 73 mph winds—perfect for Nebraska weather!

Paving the Way Yankee Hill Brick is the perfect place to start when you’re looking for clay bricks for your landscape. For more than 120 years, Pacific Clay has led the way in clay brick manufacturing and innovation, and Yankee Hill is helping continue their historic tradition of paving new roads in the brick industry—from pavers to bullnose to mini-brick.

Brick is a timeless, classic building material. Invented in antiquity, brick remains the one exterior building material with a human scale, rich variegated colors, and flexibility of use.

Custom blending of colors is one of the things that Yankee Hill Brick is best known for. Their color-blending capability is unsurpassed in the industry, so you can get the exact brick colors that you see in your mind’s eye. You can choose as few as 10% of one type of brick, blended seamlessly with as many as four others, giving brick landscaping features a choice of colors far beyond the ordinary!

Spring brings with it plenty of landscaping tasks that are crucial to getting right if you want your lawn, shrubs, trees, flowers, and other plants to thrive. We recommend getting in touch with these professionals to make sure you start on the right foot!

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GRADUATION PARTIES A year ago, we watched the Class of 2020 celebrate their graduations virtually or in less-than-personal, socially-distanced and masked fashion.

But things are improving as we approach graduation for the Class of 2021, and we will celebrate our graduates in style, even if it still isn’t with the full-on pomp and circumstance of years past. Hotels and venues are opened and have learned to serve up style and grace in safe ways to honor and celebrate our graduates and their guests. Believe it or not, it’s time to be planning those celebrations now, and Lincoln businesses are ready for you.

The time is now to lock in hotel rooms for your out-of-town guests. The Kindler Hotel offers discounted blocks of rooms for families and friends traveling to Lincoln for graduation festivities. The Kindler also offers complimentary scheduled shuttle service and goes above and beyond for their guests in every way.

“The Kindler Hotel associates take great pride in making you and your guests feel as welcome as they would in their own homes,” said Director of Sales and Marketing Cheryl Deiro. “We are conveniently located across the street from the University of Nebraska Lincoln campus, a four-minute walk from Pinnacle Bank Arena, within walking distance of the Haymarket and Railyard, and surrounded by many local boutiques, restaurants, and shops. Just park and walk!”

Cheryl Deiro The Kindler Hotel The Kindler Hotel is different from any other hotel you will find in Lincoln, offering the highest-quality service with Modern Deco guest rooms and décor. In fact, The Kindler recently was awarded the 40th Annual Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design, ‘The Best Lobby—Upper Midscale’ by Boutique Design magazine.

In the wake of COVID, The Kindler expects many families to opt for smaller, more intimate graduation celebrations, which also allows them to offer an overall higher-end experience for their guests. You just can’t overstate the value of an amazing guest experience to brighten the mood of any festivity! Oh, and the patio! It provides a relaxing setting with comfortable seating and beautiful planters, plus umbrellas for those who prefer the shade.

“We will soon also be offering a new seasonal menu, and you can enjoy dining al fresco on the patio, and our Boitano’s Lounge is a great place to hang out and relax,” Cheryl said. “The Kindler Hotel is a getaway not to be forgotten!”

Special Celebrations Turning to the venue and catering for your graduation celebrations, Talon Room is a perfect option. They offer a wide range of services that can assist with the planning process for the event and provide you with a terrific venue, seating, and fabulous food to make any graduate feel appreciated and special.

“Talon Room is a great venue with full seating and AV equipment,” said Owner Matthew Rogge. “Talon Catering also can satisfy all of #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Life is a journey make it amazing!

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the catering needs for your graduation celebration, within Talon Room or at a separate location of your choosing. Our gourmet appetizers and entrée options can meet any budget and time of day, and for libations, our bar services can be brought to your event or you can use our full-service in-house bar, which has a history of making guests say ‘Wow!’” Talon Room is more than just a venue.

They offer in-house games to help you Matthew Rogge entertain your guests, and they have Talon Room access to a wide range of vendors that offer great options, including trivia and music bingo, which is sure to bring your whole party crew together! For a lower-key event, you might choose a sit-down dinner and cold beverages at Talon Room are a guaranteed way to make your graduates feel special.

Tantalize Their Taste Buds What’s the best way to get to a graduate’s heart? Through their stomach, of course! That’s where The Chocolate Season comes in. They can not only serve up the tastiest graduation gifts you can imagine, but they deliver the gift of connection with their handcrafted chocolates, familyinspired desserts, and memorable moments! They ship nationwide for gifts bought online or in-store, so you can send a little bit of Lincoln chocolate love to the graduates in your life, even if you can be at their celebrations.

“If you want to send an intentional gift but aren’t sure what someone would like, you can never go wrong with a classic box of chocolates, a dozen freshly baked brownies, or some delectable chocolatecovered strawberries,” said The Chocolate Season Owner Erika Jensen. “While most graduates will be appreciative of all gifts, including a personalized message is what they’ll truly remember. Be sure to pay attention to these little details, and let us Erika Jensen help you along the way.

The Chocolate Seaon Take a Ride on the Fun Side!

If a formal graduation party isn’t really your style, consider a night on the town in a fantastic bus with Tailored Dreams Party Buses. This is mostly directed at college grads because you may as well make one of your last nights as a college student count. Celebrate the transition to your next stage in life by spending a great night in a luxury party bus with the people you were able to meet along the way. Tailored Dreams is Lincoln’s premier party-bus company, known for their friendly drivers and for creating an experience tailored to your particular group. Just reserve your bus ahead of time, and then tell your chauffeur where you want to go when you arrive for your party, and they’ll get you there and back safely. You can treat your party guests to a night out with cocktails, snacks, or a full-on meal with cocktails and know everyone will be cared for like royalty.

“Tailored Dreams started in March of 2012 with one limo that my husband, Tyler, and I parked in our driveway,” said Owner DeeDee Loomis. “Now our fleet consists of six party buses—including the only Pink Party Bus around! The biggest bus can fit up to 45 people each (though that number might be somewhat smaller under pandemic restrictions at the time of your party), so you take along the whole gang to honor your graduate. People love getting a party bus for any occasion, and DeeDee Loomis we’re the only bus company in the area that Tailored Dreams Party Buses has wheelchair accessibility.”

We want to congratulate all graduates, along with the friends and families who have supported them through the years, and hope you will celebrate the Class of 2021 in style! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STARTING A BUSINESS Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have an idea that could add to the commerce and personality of the Lincoln community? Do you feel empowered to take things into your own hands and seek out new opportunities? If so, you’ve probably dreamed of owning your own business and putting your spirit to the test. Is it a little intimidating? Sure it is, but if you have the dream and the spirit to follow through, why not test your ideas and give it a try? Just be certain that you are truly dedicated before taking the plunge, because starting a business can be a bit of an arduous and highly detailed process, but the rewards can cover the price of entry.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a 10-step plan for starting a business, which includes: conducting market research; writing a business plan; funding your business; selecting your business location; choosing a legal structure for your business; choosing your business name; registering your business; getting federal and state tax IDs; applying for licenses and permits; and opening a business bank account. As part of this entire process, we suggest working with a business coach who is a good match for you, hammer out some details, and test your grit. We talked to some savvy business experts in the Lincoln area to get some tips for walking the path to business ownership and outfitting your business and employees for success.

Don’t Get Bogged Down in the Details Starting and growing a business come with extensive responsibilities.

With this in mind, it’s important that you focus on your strengths and hire the right experts to handle the parts of starting a business that are otherwise specialized. That’s where SP Group, PC comes in.

“Starting a business can be an intimidating process to tackle on your own,” said SP Group CPA Chris Robinett. “We strive to alleviate some of the headaches that come with getting started, including business planning, entity selection, payroll management and bookkeeping, and financial-statement preparation. Having a trusted CPA firm at your disposal will let you focus your time on the things you truly do best, instead of getting bogged down in the details.”

One of the crucial steps in the process of Chris Robinett SP Group, PC starting a business is choosing an entity type, and it’s a step that often is missed by first-time business owners. You must choose whether your business is a sole proprietorship, limited-liability company, partnership, or corporation.

“This is a critical decision from a legal and ownership standpoint, but it can also have far-reaching implications from a tax perspective,” Chris said. “Consulting with both an attorney and an accountant about your entity selection before you start your business is a wise step in the planning stages of your new business.”

Engaging an accountant in the planning stages of a new business allows an entrepreneur to leverage that professional’s experience and knowledge to address both short- and long-term concerns. An accountant that serves business clients is aware of the potential pitfalls and blind spots that a new business owner may face and helps navigate the complexities of the tax code and tax planning, as well as, the more day-to-day tasks of bookkeeping and payroll processing.

“SP Group values long-term relationships,” Chris said “Our strength is knowing you and your business over many, many years. We provide you #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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advice based on a complete understanding of your personal, family, and business goals, and taking that journey together. We succeed when you succeed.”

Location, Location, Location!

Selecting a location for your new business depends on a wide variety of factors to find not only the right building configuration but the best place for your business to be accessible to your potential clientele.

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate can help you get the right space to meet all of your needs. “ We a s s i s t b u s i n e s s ow n e r s a n d entrepreneurs with decisions related to their commercial real-estate needs,” said Greenleaf Director of Brokerage Services Brett Harris. “Most new businesses require some type of commercial real estate to get started and we work with entrepreneurs to identify the best space to meet their requirements. As real-estate professionals, we have experience helping clients through the process of finding the right location for their business and negotiating the best Brett Harris terms for a lease or purchase.”

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate It’s also important to be certain that you have not underestimated the cost of getting your business going. After all, you don’t want to get started and run out of money before you’re even up and running.

“Starting any new business requires capital,” Brett said. “Many entrepreneurs underestimate the amount of start-up capital required for rent, build-out, equipment, and operating expenses. We can help them to understand their expected real-estate expenses and create a realistic budget.”

Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate is unique in the industry because they are a boutique real-estate firm that enjoys working with smaller entrepreneurs and startups, as well as larger, established companies. In addition to their brokerage activities, Greenleaf also provides propertymanagement services for a variety of commercial property owners, and they strive to provide each client with the same level of service, regardless of their size or requirements.

Shared Entrepreneurial Spirit An entrepreneurial company at heart, Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC was built on the desire to help other would-be business owners achieve long-term success. They go the extra mile to help business startups learn about all the options and find the perfect location for their venture, and they offer property-management services, as well as delivering resources for other associated needs.

“As we work with prospective entrepreneurs, we want to learn as much as we can about the vision they have for their business and where they are in the startup process,” said Guiderock Broker and Property Manager Cathy Kottwitz, CPM. “We help new and small businesses learn about leasing and buying commercial real estate, but we know that our service is only a part of what new business owners need. We often hear from clients that they may not know about resources available or there may be areas Cathy Kottwitz that they need help thinking through.”

Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC The Guiderock team helps business owners make strategic decisions about the locations they use, in addition to helping communities and landlords understand trends and assets to build strong business climates. She recommends that entrepreneurs start the search for a location with plenty of time to find the perfect space.

“One of my primary roles as an agent is to help clients select a site that aligns with both their current needs and their future goals,” Cathy said. “I commonly see business owners not giving themselves enough time to find a location. I typically recommend getting some general #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Just starting out in business?

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ideas for locations and costs about a year in advance and planning to start actively looking six months in advance of their projected opening date. This allows time to assess options, negotiate terms, and remodel a space if needed.”

For business owners who want the benefits of a professional space but are unsure about the costs, Holroyd Investment Properties (HIP) Realty offers an excellent alternative to the more expensive and traditional route of leasing or purchasing a standalone location. HIP OffiCenters offered by HIP is a very low-risk way of getting your business started.

They offer a wide range of lease terms to meet your commitment level, and they have a variety of office sizes and styles, with the option of furnishing the office for you if you desire. Tenants of HIP OffiCenters enjoy the assistance of a full-time receptionist, conference room, and modern office equipment. HIP OffiCenters is a great way to convey a professional image to your clients without the financial commitment of staffing an office yourself.

Your Built Environment So you’ve made it through all the brainstorming, paperwork, strategizing, funding, locating, building, and minutia to start your business. Now it’s time to make it a place that people want to work safely and happily and customers or clients want to frequent. We know the next step: Contact AOI Corporation to ace the built environment! They offer comprehensive services for new construction, renovations, and expansion, provide furniture options that leverage environments to create greater value for businesses, and offer an entire line of sustainable prefabricated modular interior construction.

“AOI focuses on the built environment, whether that be in your home office, a small business, or a corporate tower,” said General Manager Penny Johnston. “We have everything from Herman Miller highly ergonomic task chairs to DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) modularly constructed walls, and everything in between.”

Integrating technology needs for growth is crucial to starting a business. You’ll save a lot of time and effort down the road if you plan for long-term technology needs in spaces Penny Johnston AOI Coporation like huddle rooms or meeting spaces. AOI can help you strategize your built environment for now—and when you grow, considering your specific needs.

“Every buyer’s situation is so different, which is why our furniture consultants are trained on things like ergonomics and warranty, to help you make the best product decisions,” Penny said. “Our design professionals are trained on local codes and life-safety issues within the built environment, as well. To that end, we also have online shopping available through our various manufacturers, so if you do not need personal help just yet, we have other avenues for you. We help you make the most informed decision possible, whatever your situation.”

Among AOI’s newest products are Framery Pods, which are soundproof pods that make a perfect place to have meetings, brainstorming sessions, and important one-on-one conversations in private without disturbing the entire office—or the office disturbing them. AOI is also a certified dealer for Herman Miller furniture, which transforms ordinary spaces into collaborative, innovative environments for the 21st century.

“AOI is the only full-service Herman Miller dealer in the state of Nebraska,” Penny said. “As a company, AOI can build your building, add the offices and meeting spaces, then outfit all of it with amazing furniture that will grow and change with your business!”

Managing Your Technology The better you manage your budget and monitor your financial situation, the more successful your business will be. By having an accurate handle on your budget, you can measure performance against expenditures and ensure that resources are available for initiatives that support the growth and development of your business.

One of the initiatives that you can’t afford to overlook in the digital world in which we live is technology. Data is everything, and Lutz #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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“Technology is critical to the success of your business operations,” said Lutz Audit Manager Scott Sunderman. “It’s important to invest in solid IT equipment to help ensure that processes are running efficiently. Our IT professionals can help you assess your business technology needs and recommend the best options for you. Our Lutz Tech team can provide your startup with everything from managed network and IT services to custom software and application development to help your organization function optimally.”

Showcasing Your Brand With a new business, marketing is crucial. Signage and promotional items showcasing your brand will always be terrific ways to put your name and branding in front of potential customers. Sign Pro of Lincoln has been providing local businesses with the best in signs and graphics for more than 25 years. Many businesses throughout southeastern Nebraska have benefited from the eye-catching signs they deliver. Whether you require something for a one-time event, signage for a construction site, or if you are opening a new business, you can depend on Sign Pro to meet your needs. For promotional items to hand out to clients, potential clients, and at trade shows, turn to Flicker Promotions. Locally owned

by Amy Doele, Flicker Promotions can keep you stocked with truly useful swag that people will keep and use, showcasing your brand whenever they do. Handing out fun, useful items with your logo on it is a foolproof way to let people know about your new business.

Starting a business is an exciting venture for dedicated entrepreneurs, and the options are endless. It’s no simple task, though, and we recommend working with some of these experts to get it right the first time—and to help you achieve ongoing growth!

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UNPLANNED LIFE CHANGES As Heraclitus put it so wisely, the only constant in life is change, and while change is inevitable, that doesn’t mean it’s always a pleasure. Unplanned life changes can give rise to emotions of every ilk—from shock to anger, fear, helplessness, or disorientation.

That said, if you have the right people in your corner to guide you through unplanned life changes—both rehabilitation and the need for senior-living assistance—can translate to growth and a journey to a thriving new life chapter.

For seniors and their loved ones who find themselves unwittingly faced with an unexpected situation, life can, at first, be uncomfortable. We believe, however, that there is great comfort in human experience and knowing we are not alone in life’s journey.

Take, for example, the COVID pandemic. It meant tremendous change and was, at first, shocking and disturbing to everyone’s routines. As a community, however, we made the adjustments we needed to create a new normal—at least for the time being.

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Maybe no group of people has faced more challenges during the pandemic than seniors and people hospitalized or at home dealing with illness or injury. Senior communities and rehabilitation centers and advisory services in Lincoln did an amazing job of keeping life as comfortable as possible for residents, including those faced with sudden changes and moving to senior living amid the pandemic. Seniors in the region are uber-blessed to have access to such an incredible senior-care, rehabilitation, and legal-support system that can guide seniors and their families through unplanned change and make sure they never feel alone in their journey.

Medication Care As we age, or when we deal with sudden injury or illness, we inevitably deal with the need for medications, which can become a huge hassle, and finding a pharmacy you can count on can be

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a challenge. That’s why we recommend Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

Recently expanded into a new location, just off 40th and Normal Blvd., LTC pharmacy was founded by Fairbury native Shannon Shultz in 2011, when she recognized a need in the community for a pharmacy that did more than just count pills and slap labels.

With that in mind, the goal of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is to continue to offer the “small-town” level of service while providing the highest level of care for their patients.

You’ll notice the high level of care from your first call to the pharmacy: No automated systems, no punching in prescription numbers, just great personal care. They want to help you with your or your loved one’s medications and preserve your independence, providing everything from free-adherence packaging, free delivery, in-home consultations, medication reconciliations with your physician, and more. They provide individualize patient care that increases safety and prolongs your independence at home.

One Call Does it All Oasis Senior Advisors of Lincoln can help you navigate the sometimes-complicated morass of details to find the just-right care or living situation for your loved one’s specific needs. Of course, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead for senior living whenever possible—at least when you first start recognizing that your l oved one might have increasing needs for assistance. Oasis can walk you through all of your options, including in-home, independent, assisted, and memory-care communities—and all of the services from Oasis Senior Advisors are free!

“The realities of 2020 taught us a lot about expecting the unexpected, said Oasis Senior Advisors Lincoln Franchise Owner Beth Friesen. “One thing for sure, it's not fun. When it comes to senior living, we encourage people to plan ahead! If you have a loved one with dementia, don't wait until there is a crisis to select the appropriate living or day-stay community when or if that time comes. If you or your loved one is experiencing physical c hallenges Beth Friesen that are making staying in the home Oasis Senior Advisors more difficult, select an assisted living community BEFORE it becomes a crisis situation. Calm heads tend to make better decisions.”

Unfortunately, however, we cannot plan for every scenario, and despite our every effort, things happen that care is needed suddenly. When that happens to you, someone you care for, or perhaps a patient of yours, call Oasis.

“In addition to senior housing, we can connect you with many resources across our community,” Beth said. “Some examples include in-home care, skilled nursing, home health, veterans’ benefits, elder-law attorneys, and so much more. One call does it all when that call is to Oasis! We do more than just help you find a place for your loved one. We welcome you into our Oasis family, provide resources, advocate for both you and your loved ones, and provide a listening ear and shoulder to lean on. You don't have to do this alone. We do this because it is our calling to serve those around us, and there is never a charge to you or your loved one to use our services.”

While families worried about their loved ones in senior living throughout lockdown during the pandemic, but Beth said studies prove that assisted-living and other forms of senior living were actually some of the safest places for COVID-19-related illnesses.

“In Lincoln, I applaud all our communities for doing an absolutely outstanding job caring for their residents and keeping them safe,” Beth said.

Building a Bridge Another fabulous option for navigating the search for senior care, removing the associated guesswork and frustration is Bridge to #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Care that Promotes Maximum Independence & Dignity Call Today for a Tour 402-488-8191 3110 South 48th Street, Lincoln OrchardPark.us

Better Living. They consult with seniors, their families, and loved ones to connect them with all levels of senior-living communities.

They are there to make the process comfortable and specifically tailored to your or your loved one’s needs. The choices for seniorliving retirement options are transparent with the no-cost-to-clients assistance of the Bridge to Better Living team. Thousands of lives have been changed with their unique one-on-one approach, with gratitude at the core.

“My mentor and retired transition consultant Robbie Nathan once said, ‘We all need to remember there is so muc h to be grateful for,’” said Margaret Burnham “It’s not what we don’t have; it’s what we still have. Age may decrease hearing, vision, or agility, but the memories seniors have, the life events they’ve experienced, affect how others’ lives evolve. Each person of age should feel valued, so do not hesitate to ask questions until you have an answer.

Margaret Burnham Bridge to Better Living finds seniors to Bridge to Better Living be inspirational, and we have the latest technologies to continue to serve seniors and their loved ones throughout COVID and whatever lies beyond.”

Of course, a ‘Plan B’ is best formulated before unexpected changes occur, not when, but Bridge to Better Living is there regardless of the situation to provide assurance and stability for seniors facing the transition of moving to a new community.

Care, Comfort, Cost—and Cooking When it comes to senior living that has weathered the pandemic with poise, Orchard Park Assisted Living is a superstar. They have had not a single positive case of COVID-19 among staff or residents since the pandemic began, and they’ve gone the distance to provide residents with safe engagement throughout.

Orchard Park is perfect for those seeking 24-hour, long-term care for your loved one but don’t need “fancy.”

Founders Virgil and Jan Carner didn’t set out to create a fancyliving facility or nursing home with resort-style amenities and gourmet chefs that came with a big hit on the wallet. Instead, they saw the need for a community where seniors could simply continue living the way to which they were accustomed. By keeping their focus on what they believe is most important, they can offer a cost for care that’s more affordable to residents who want to preserve more of their nest egg and make it last as long as possible. They pride themselves on focusing on what matters most: care, comfort, and cost. Oh, and cooking!

Orchard Park’s creature-comforts approach includes their renowned home-style cooking and hobby opportunities to keep memories alive. The cooks’ goal is to create dishes that remind residents of the favorites they’ve been cooking and eating their whole lives. They serve up the kind of comfort-food classics that APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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will make your loved ones feel right at home, and whether it’s growing tomatoes every summer, playing a few hands of gin rummy, crafting, or just enjoying some quite time with a favorite TV program, they also make it easy for residents to continue the habits they’ve always loved.

Compassionate In-Home Care If you or a loved one is not ready to move into a senior-living community but needs a little help to stay safely at home, we recommend considering Visiting Angels. Although home-care requests are usually planned and families need the time to research and evaluate many solutions, Visiting Angels is able to respond quickly to those families and clients that require a faster response in situations that result in immediate care. They’ll learn everything they can about you and walk you through developing a care plan that is specifically tailored to your loved one’s needs.

“When you choose Visiting Angels as your home care provider, we begin by reviewing your loved one's needs,” said Owner Natalie Leon. “We will meet with involved family members and, when necessary, consult with the physician(s) of the care recipient, social workers, hospitals, or nursing home staff. Our goal is to get a complete picture of your loved one's in-home care needs. Home care can be a great support allowing one to maintain their lifestyle and continue their Natalie Leon routines in the comfort of their homes.”

Visiting Angels Visiting Angels offers loving and experienced caregivers for home care as an alternative to an assisted-living facility or nursing home. Many seniors have a network of friends and family, and most important, a routine that actually helps them thrive and be happy. Retaining this standard of living is a positive part of their continued health, and studies have shown that seniors do well remaining in their homes. Some of the services available through Visiting Angels include bathing assistance, dressing assistance, walking assistance, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping, medication reminders, joyful companionship, respite care for family caregivers, and more. Temporary or long-term care is available, as well as weekend, holiday, and 24-hour care.

“By choosing Visiting Angels for all your home care needs, you will be met with a personalized approach to our home care services, as we treat each client with the utmost respect as we establish a comprehensive care plan,” Natalie explained. “Get started with our elder services today by giving us a call. We will help you schedule a free, no-risk care consultation for your loved one, in the comfort of their home. Whether this is a decision that must be made urgently or if you are planning ahead, you can rely on Visiting Angels for compassionate, in-home care. Our family is here to help yours.”

Partners in Care Management For seniors who are facing health and wellness changes, Home Care Partners provides a terrific avenue for keeping seniors at home, thanks to their extensive team of caregivers and care managers. The mission of care managers is to oversee in-home care management to improve patient care and reduce the need for medical services by enhancing coordination of care and help patients and caregivers effectively manage health conditions. The care manager coordinates with your transitional care team, provides communication, interventions, and education.

They support a hospital discharge or transition, explain the reasoning for health changes, and educate the client and family on conditions.

“Care managers at Home Care Partners monitor changes in health conditions by using technology to understand the daily health and wellness status of our clients,” said Managing Partner Andrew Carlson. “Real-time care management with electronic #PrintProudDigitalSmart

documentation helps clients reduce hospitalization or rehospitalization and provides a better understanding of how they are doing emotionally. When we see someone having a bad day emotionally or a change in their health condition, we quickly react to that. When facing an unplanned life change, knowing that a care manager is closely monitoring you or your loved one’s condition adds a level of comfort and safety.”

Home Care Partners has made the Andrew Carlson Home Care Partners planning process easier with their online resources, which include a Prepare to Care guide that explores starting the conversation, forming a care team, and making a plan.

Whether you are in the initial planning stage or ready to start care immediately, they are available to answer your questions, discuss the care needs for your loved one, and create a customized care plan to improve their health outcomes and provide safety, comfort, dignity, and companionship at home.

“Being in a familiar environment, among one's own possessions and memories, is the best place to promote health and healing,” Andrew said. “During this time of COVID-19 safety measures, seniors' emotional ties to their familiar environment are increasing.

Due to the additional emotions, individuals are searching for ways to delay moving out of their home to receive care and have found the answer to be Home Care Partners. We help alleviate this stress by providing care within the home.”

Full Spectrum of Care Tabitha offers a full range of senior-care services, including results-driven rehabilitation, accessible-at-home health care, innovative living communities with life-enriching programs, and compassionate hospice services. When your loved one is faced with the sudden need for additional care, Tabitha can guide you through to develop the perfect fit.

“Start with Tabitha,” said Senior Living Advocate Aubrey Paulsen. “We can help you navigate the options available in your community and ensure you make informed decisions. We are industry experts, and my role as a senior living advocate exists to help seniors and their families find the best options.

We will listen, lear n and provide expert guidance to best fit your unique situation.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly Aubrey Paulsen changed the landscape of health care Tabitha and has added another layer of stress on families already facing the challenges of caregiving. Tabitha is one of the few nonprofit, for-purpose organizations supporting seniors in Nebraska “in the right way, for the right reasons.” You can contact Tabitha experts with any question, free of charge or obligation.

“Our strong Continuum allows us to seamlessly work alongside you as your needs evolve – whether needing to find rehabilitation after recovering from an illness or planned surgery or answering questions about senior living, we’ll find the right answer for you, even if that means utilizing a resource other than Tabitha,” Aubrey ensured.

The Captain of Your Own Ship With sudden change, you might sometimes feel like you are out of control of the situation, but Legacy Retirement Communities is available to calm your fears and frustrations. They provide seniorliving options spanning the spectrum, including independent, assisted, and memory-care living. They believe it’s crucial for everyone considering senior-living options to know that they have a choice in choosing an option that works perfect for their specific situation. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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“While change is difficult, remember that you always have a choice,” said Legacy Retirement Living Advisor Kyle Yates.

“When life events happen that feel out of control, figure out what you can control.

If moving into a retirement community for additional care is highly recommended, what do you want that lifestyle to look like? Do you like being part of an active community with enric hing activities available? Is location important to you?

When you start to think about questions Kyle Yates like this, it’s easier to stay in the driver’s Legacy Retirement seat and achieve a lifestyle that supports Communities your overall well-being.”

Rather than view the stress of a pandemic an “increased” stress, Kyle recommends looking at it as a different type of stress with different obstacles: “When it comes to change, we have and continue to focus on empowering the individual, whether that’s a current resident or someone who is considering moving to one of our communities. Seniors and their families are going to feel more comfortable making decisions when they align with their personal values. If we can help the individual recognize that they are the captain of their ship, our retirement living advisors can be their expert navigators and get them to a place where they can feel safe and confident in a choice of lifestyle that best supports their well-being.”

Focus on What You CAN Control Speaking of choices, keep in mind that maintaining an appropriate fitness regime—regardless of one’s level of abilities—is crucial to seniors’ long-term health. Right Foot Forward Fitness has extensive experience working with senior health and fitness, and the good news is that it’s almost always something that you can control.

“The pandemic and its ramifications, especially around activities and social distancing and isolation have had a pretty profound impact on all of us,” said Right Foot Forward Fitness Owner Jeff Madsen. “One of the most effective ways to deal with feelings of isolation and loss of control is to focus on things you DO have control over.

You can impact your health and fitness profoundly by making small changes to your routine, from both a diet and exercise standpoint.”

Right Foot Forward Fitness can help you achieve this through in-person or Jeff Madsen remote training options—or a hybrid Right Foot Forward Fitness approach. They also have video-ondemand offerings that make it easy for anyone to work out at home and get professional results, but they focus mainly on people who are 40 years old and older.

“We are not focused—as many other are—on helping a superb teenage athlete become even better,” Jeff said. “We want to help folks who are transitioning, from careers and kids all the way to retirement, travel, and grandkids, achieve their goals. We are here to help and cheer you on. We offer all the traditional oneto-one services and expertise, but we do that while also using digital-service platforms and video-on-demand. We have four ACT certified personal trainers who care deeply about helping people recapture and maintain their health and fitness.”

Aging at Home Another superb option for in-home care is CCA Home Care. They are the area’s most affordable home-care solutions and screen and refer certified nurse assistant (CAN) level caregivers who work privately for clients in their own homes. CCA caregivers #PrintProudDigitalSmart

are available to help with things like morning and evening routines, companionship throughout the day, medication reminders and administration, and transportation to and from personal appointments. Throughout the pandemic, CCA Home Care has helped seniors adapt to change and thrive.

“The pandemic has changed everything we were once used to,” said CCA Home Care Owner Kyle Johnson. “This industry has stayed true to serving our elderly population and has made the appropriate adjustments required to reduce the stresses of change. Many caregivers are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, which should reduce the concerns of transmitting the virus as we begin to return to normal. CCA Home Care is recording all caregivers who Kyle Johnson have received their vaccinations and can CCA Home Care provide that information to any client prior to allowing a visitor in your home.”

CCA also publishes an annual ElderCare Resource Handbook, which is available online at ccahomecare.com and provides an all-inclusive listing of business services for elderly clients. The Handbook includes information about government, financial and legal services, medical support, home health services, living options, and more. CCA Home care can help walk you through the process for home care that allows your loved one to stay in their home—and do so at an affordable price.

“After being in business for 30 years, we know the cost of private care can be overwhelming to those who choose to stay home instead of moving to a care facility,” Kyle said. “Our cost of care ranges from $21.50-$26.50 per hour, which has been the most affordable option in our area since 1991. The level of care available for those hourly rates is unmatched by any other company in the industry.”

CCA Home Care has office locations in Omaha and Lincoln.

Between the two locations, they currently have more than 235 active CNAs on their Home Care Registry. All of them are licensed through the State of Nebraska, privately insured, and bonded.”

Just Like Home Nobody likes unexpected change, but Pemberly Place is a champion at helping make it as comfortable as possible for seniors. They provide the full spectrum of senior-living care and service, including every level of independent and assisted living, as well as memory support, all tailored to the individual lifestyle of each resident.

“Change is difficult and although the transition may not always be easy, we work toward making if feel flawless as if this has been their home for years,” said Director of Marketing Kelly Mans.

“Pember ly Place will come to our referrals and do an assessment, which can be right at your loved one’s home or at our onsite medical clinic, to help predict what the future may look like if you were to move your loved one into a senior-living community. Families feel Kelly Mans reassured that, not only does this allow Pemberly Place for full disclosure, but we can also come up with a plan both financially and medically to give them the reassurance their loved one will be well taken care of.”

The independent-living apartments at Pemberly Place were recently licensed to be used as assisted-living apartments, as well, so they can meet residents’ needs even if a setback occurs, without them having to move out of their apartment. The on-site medical clinic at the community also is a tremendous feature of #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Pemberly Place, where residents have now had both of their COVID vaccine shots, allowing them to finally invite their families to their apartments.

“This had been a huge transition for some of our families,” Kelly said. “They have been waiting to show off their apartments for some time, and now they are able to entertain at their leisure. It is exciting to see increase in foot traffic here and, although we are still wearing masks, we know the residents are smiling from ear to ear on the excitement visitors bring!”

A Save Haven As you consider senior-living options for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia issues in the Lincoln area, don’t miss checking out CountryHouse Residences for Memory Care, which is part of the Agemark family of senior-living communities, with three locations in Lincoln and 26 nationwide. CountryHouse is committed to treating all who live and work in their community like family.

Their philosophy revolves around creating and ensuring joy for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss, while recognizing the difficult journey for everyone involved.

“Our view of those who have memory loss is that, if it comes with physical or cognitive challenges, they’re just challenges,” said COO Mar ty Hug. “We don’t see age. We don’t see challenges. We just see people. And all the people want the same thing—to live a purposeful, well-lived life. So we focus on them individually and use our resources to give them a voice that’s heard. We help them to grow, to have fun, and to life the life they always Marty Hug wanted before their diagnosis.”

CountryHouse Residences for Memory Care CountryHouse works closely with families to learn about what their loved one enjoyed doing before diagnosis and what they wanted to do later in life—then they tailor daily plans toward those things.

“We provide transportation beyond what many communities do,” Marty said. “Most companies will take residents to the doctor, dentist, or grocery store, but what we say is, ‘Tell us where you want to go—within reason, of course. Say someone went out for pie at a certain place every Tuesday. We’ll transport them to continue doing that. Or if they want to go to the zoo, of if they came from a farm and had a garden they want to visit, we’ll go out there with family and let them do some gardening. We want to provide those opportunities they always wanted irrelevant to the challenges.”

Adapting to Change Changes delivered with the COVID-19 pandemic have been difficult enough for seniors, even without the addition of sudden health changes that require immediate adjustments in living situations. The Waterford Communities provide top-shelf assisted-living and memory-care options for seniors and families in need, including the perfect fit for whatever your immediate needs might be.

“The pandemic has absolutely increased the stress of change,” said Executive Director Christy Merritt. “A change of environment alone is difficult, but then throwing in so much uncertainty just takes things to a completely different level. I believe that The Waterford Communities has helped lessen the stress of that change because we have communities that are easy to navigate with lower average populations, which expedites the process of getting acclimated to a Christy Merritt new home.”

The Waterford Communities #PrintProudDigitalSmart

New residents and families can quickly learn the names of the team at their community and develop relationships with other residents, which helps diminish some of those fears the first few weeks after moving in. What’s more, The Waterford Communities provide short-term respite care that allows families to test the water.

“I believe respite care is a great option to families just trying to get things figured out,” Christy said. “Respite services are daily services that allow families to place their loved ones in a community or a temporary period of time. This allows for their loved ones to be safe and families to have time to really sort through what would be the best solution to move forward. The Waterford Communities offers respite care services at all of our communities. We have no minimum stay and can often transition someone into respite care very quickly.”

First-Rate Creative Care Windcrest Assisted Living offers a fabulous option for firstrate care, both for planned and unplanned life changes. They work collaboratively with you, your family and, when needed, their team of caregivers, to design a custom, person-centered approach to nurturing the whole self. Their amenities, active social community, and delicious culinary options create a genuine, meaningful experience. The safety of the residents and team members at Windcrest on Van Dorn is their top priority.

“Windcrest is known for particularly impressive restaurant-style dining with a large selection of fantastic foods,” said Executive Director Kylee Graham.

“On the tenet that food connects us, brings us joy, and can be a creative outlet, the residents are invited to get into the action with food, via bakeoffs, organized recipe exc hanges, and working together safely on fun cooking projects. When it comes to other amenities, residents love our Kylee Graham comfortable lounge with a big-screen TV, Windcrest Assisted Living activity center stocked with games, wellstocked library, computer area for keeping in touch with family, and our on-site salon for both men and women.”

Windcrest was recently chosen on SeniorAdvisor.com as one of just three 2021 Best of Senior Living assisted-living communities in Lincoln. The award recognizes senior-living communities that receive consistently high ratings and positive reviews from their residents, families, and visitors. This exclusive designation is awarded to less than 3% of communities across the United States and Canada, and Windcrest on Van Dorn is excited to celebrate this recognition, especially during pandemic times!

Gramercy Hill also offers both independent and assisted-living housing and services in Lincoln. Located on six acres of luscious gardens and floral walking paths, the community invites residents to enjoy comfort and relaxation while taking advantage of exceptional services. They offer residents a vibrant lifestyle that encourages health and independence through innovative recreational, educational, health and wellness programs. Spacious apartments provide peace of mind and thoughtful safety features, while also offering residents sought-after amenities and privacy.

Similarly nestled among mature trees and natural surroundings, Carriage Glen is also an excellent location, close to shopping, dining, medical facilities, and area activities, yet comfortably removed from the hustle and bustle. They are a community serving Lincoln’s active 55+ community and host a wide variety of activities for residents, ranging from games to fitness classes, which help residents keep feeling young and lively. They’ve also upped their safety measures in the wake of COVID to include an electrostatic machine, which is used to mist the high-touch surfaces throughout the community multiple times a day. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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w w w. H u s k e r R e h a b . c o m Servicing all of southeast Nebraska.

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Your Recovery Specialists If you or your loved one is in need of Physical Therapy Rehabilitation after an accident, surgery, or other temporarily debilitating acute injury or chronic pain situation, Husker Rehab can help get you moving, feeling better and back to daily activities. The compassionate staff are movement therapy experts understanding the biomechanics of the body and work with your other health care providers to integrate your medical care to achieve the best outcomes possible. With two locations in Lincoln, their physical-therapy and wellness services are designed thoughtfully to support your goals with a customized program based on the initial evaluation and presentation to the clinic with ongoing reassessments to restore the functional alignment.

“Our therapists have the expertise to evaluate, restore mechanics with movement therapy specific program, restore ergonomics and functional daily living activity and develop a home exercise program with functional emphasis on restoration and stability while continuing to reassess and repeat the program at the clinic and at home to manage it independently,” said South Lincoln Husker Rehab Director and Physical Therapist Michael Zalman, M.S.P.T. “We will Michael Zalman progress the plan of care and work toward Husker Rehab the goals that are important to the patient to get back to normal life and important activities.”

Husker Rehab employs a variety of techniques to decrease pain associated with injury or post-surgery, including Graston, dry needling, electrical muscle stimulation, and postural restorative care. Their therapists continue to be progressive in the care they provide by attending continuing-education programs, which allows them to provide the most up-to-date care.

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“Our clinics are all easy to access and have flexible hours,” Michael said. “We have wonderful bright open spaces and our staff is energetic, positive and committed to providing the highest level of care. Let the experts at Husker Rehab help you to get moving and feeling better.”

Another terrific option for short-term rehabilitation care is Hillcrest Firethorn, an exceptionally innovative provider in Lincoln. With a new building featuring all private suites and one of the area’s largest rehab gyms, Hillcrest Firethorn is focused on helping aging adults recover from surgery, illness, or hospital stays until they are able to return home. Often, the rehab guests at Firethorn receive health services from Hillcrest Home Care, which provides continuity of care and therapy under one provider. Hillcrest Firethorn also has a limited number of long-term accommodations for seniors who need 24-hour skilled nursing care.

Also be sure to include Old Cheney Rehabilitation in your search for a facility to provide a short regiment of rehabilitation therapy following a recent hospital stay involving surgery, injury, or a traumatic event or illness. There is a constant need for short-term rehabilitation following both planned and unforeseen hospital stays, and Old Cheney offers a close-knit team of caregivers to ensure quality patient care is provided. Their therapists and nursing staff strive to understand your goals, motivate you to reach your full potential, and return you to home and life activities.

Catastrophic Events, Injuries Life changes are often unpredictable, but injuries caused by an accident or someone else’s negligence can be especially devastating. When those incidents result in the need for increased care services, getting the right care comes first, but you’ll also want to be sure to engage a dependable, trustworthy law firm right away—and Berry Law is there for you. They provide legal advice and support, handling the day to day details of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.

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“Berry Law is one of Nebraska’s premier providers of legal services for people who have experienced a catastrophic event,” said Berry Law Attorney Susan Napolitano. “We pride ourselves on going beyond the average law firm to handle every aspect of our clients’ recovery so our clients can focus exclusively on regaining the life they knew prior to their accident. There is a lot of detail work and negotiation with insurance companies following an Susan Napolitano accident, and Berry Law can help ease Berry Law that burden. Let us deal with insurance companies, hospital bills, and debt collectors for you. We recognize that you’re injured, not broken.

We stand ready to help you rebuild. We fight for our clients’ to recuperate and thrive in every sense of the word.”

Berry Law Firm will advise clients of their rights, obligations, and options with respect to managing mounting medical bills for treatment of catastrophic injuries. The important thing is to get the treatment you need and let Berry Law handle the rest.

“Many people may not even know that they have med-pay coverage on their auto policies, for example,” Susan said. “Or they may not understand what they are entitled to with respect to uninsured or underinsured parties. When you have been in a serious accident, you will want to be certain to get the most from your policies to cover expenses.”

Handling bills that feel urgent can add a significant amount of unnecessary stress to your recovery. Most treatment providers should offer at least 90 days from the date of service before threatening collection actions. During this time, injured people can try coordinate a sustainable payment plan with their providers if necessary, and Berry Law will negotiate for a reduced settlement of outstanding bills.

Accidents can divert your plans at any time, but with the right legal team, you can get back on track and be compensated for your loss.

Planning for the Unplanned It’s never a comfortable conversation and often overwhelming and awkward, but if you have loved ones in senior living, planning ahead for what they want when their time on earth ends is such a crucial thing to do. Wyuka Funeral Home is there to help decide upon and record both your loved ones and your own end-of-life wishes.

Pre-planning can help every individual make an informed and thoughtful decision about their funeral, choosing sentimental things they want included, comparing prices, and helping your family.

Wyuka offers a pre-planning checklist with all the information you need to start the process, and they’ll help walk you through the entire process before a catastrophic event can force the issue.

When you or a loved one passes away, your family will be making numerous important decisions, while also grieving. Pre-planning can help your family plan with ease when the time comes. Your family can confidently put a loved one’s plan into action, knowing that these were their wishes. Working with Wyuka to create a plan in advance also leaves your loved one with the peace of mind that their family has been relieved of making burdensome decisions during their time of loss. Once completed, you can rest assured that you and your loved ones’ plans are in the hands of trusted individuals—without forcing anyone to make decisions in a hurried manner. You do not have to pay for a plan in advance, unless you choose to, so it’s never too soon to get started.

The pandemic has taught us over and again that change can be difficult, but it’s always better when you have someone on the journey with you. Fortunately, when it comes to senior living and other unplanned life changes, Lincoln is home to so many amazing providers to support you and get you the services to fit your particular situation to a tee. Look to these folks for help when you need it most! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

THE

Windcrest on Van Dorn COMMUNITY

Providing Support, Preserving Independence Now more than ever, we are a vital place for seniors who may otherwise be isolated at home with limited access to resources and assistance.

Our assisted living community offers 24/7 staffing and apartments that strike the perfect balance between safety and comfort.

Call 402-486-0011 or visit windcrestonvandorn.com to learn more!

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Shannon SchultzHammerschmidt is the owner and founder of Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

Shannon has spent her entire life in Nebraska and has worked in many different pharmacy settings before settling into her passion here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

"Here at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, everything is about YOU," said Shannon. "We are a locally owned 'concierge' pharmacy that specializes in compliance and adherence as well as simplifying the medication process from start to finish. Our attention to every little detail decreases hospitalizations while prolonging our patients' independence by keeping them at home.

We offer a free in home consultation, free blister packaging of medications, and free delivery. We accept all insurance plans, so what is not to love about our program!"

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is off to a great start this year as they approach their 10-year anniversary this spring! There is no better time to join the Nebraska LTC Pharmacy family than now. Learn more online at www.neltcpharmacy.com or call the Lincoln office at (402) 328-0231.

Farmers Union Midwest Agency provides insurance protection to individuals and business of all sizes across the Midwest. They strive to build better communities by protecting where you work, where you live, what you own, and the ones you love. It is their individual and organizational goal to provide quality products and the highest level of customer service to not just meet their customer’s expectations, but to exceed them!

Jennifer Larabee joined Farmer’s Union Midwest Agency in August of 2018. Her insurance career originally started in 2005 at Assurity Life Insurance where she worked in multiple positions for 12 years and then with State Farm for nearly two years. When she was given the opportunity to start an agency at Farmer’s Union Midwest Agency, she knew this was the right fit.

“I have always been passionate about insurance," said Jennifer. "I enjoy helping people find the best coverage that fits their needs and I want to be there for my clients by helping them understand their insurance benefits.”

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Whether you need help with your individual life or health related needs or need assistance with your employee group benefits, Jennifer is happy to help! She can be reached at (402) 560-0047 or visit www.fumafinancial.com to learn more.

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“Artistry, teamwork, and a little bit of hairspray” is the tagline for The Barnes Group, which consists of Cost Cutters, Supercuts, and SmartStyle hair salons.

The Bar nes Group was established by Doug and Liz Barnes in 1979 and has grown to 45 locations. Their daughter Jess Cottingham joined the family business in 2013 alongside her brother Rich. Jess enjoys being involved in all areas of the family business to continually strengthen the amazing team that makes up the Barnes Group.

“To be part of an industry that is largely made up of women is encouraging," said Jess. "It is such a pleasure to not only see our talented stylists work hard each day to provide the best hair care services to their guests, but to also watch them grow professionally is even more amazing.”

The Barnes Group prides themselves on providing ongoing advancement opportunities to their stylists. Since they are a family-owned business, they work hard to spread that family feeling across all of their salons and stylists. This helps create a culture that can’t be duplicated or found in any other salon. To learn more, visit www. barnesgroupne.com. Jess can be reached at (402) 423-9599.

Jamie Peters MSN, APRN founded Health at Home Consultants, LLC in 2009 as the first Nurse Practitioner owned house-call practice in the state of Nebraska. The Health at Home Consultants team has found a perfect business niche in homecare.

They can perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and all other injections; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries; prescribe medications and other treatments; and manage a patient’s care while maintaining continual communication with the primary care physician. Residents best served by house calls are the elderly, chronically ill, people with disabilities, and psychiatric conditions. When you work with Jamie and her team at Health at Home Consultants, you can count on compassionate, coordinated, and cost-effective care, and they are available to see patients wherever they call home including assisted living, memory care, and skilled facilities.

Jamie is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Academy of Home Care Physicians, and the Nebraska Nurse Practitioners. She is described by her peers as fun-loving and caring—she has the ability to make families feel at ease as she looks after their loved ones. When Jamie is not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children.

The goal of Health at Home Consultants, LLC is to provide home care medicine in one of the most rapidly expanding areas of healthcare. To learn more, visit healthathomeconsultants.com or contact Jamie at (402) 875-2500 / jpeters@ healthathomeconsultants.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Megan Leikam took over ownership and the executive director role at Associates in Counseling & Treatment in January 2020. Megan has her alcohol and drug license, provisional certified gambling license, and is certified as a domestic violence counselor. Alongside her duties as executive director, she serves the Lincoln community by conducting substance abuse evaluations, facilitating group, individual and family counseling sessions, and strives to resolve the mental health and substance use issues that affect our community in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner. She believes that good mental health is essential for the well-being of individuals of all ages.

“Modern life can provide a variety of stresses that can have a negative impact on people. Problems can arise at any stage and our therapists can assist with helping you and your family with mental health and substance abuse,” said Megan.

Megan has worked hard to maintain much needed services in the Lincoln community and hopes that every individual that struggles with addiction, mental health, or domestic violence issues has an opportunity to get the help they need to recovery. To learn more about Associates In Counseling & Treatment, go online to actnebraska.org or contact (402) 261-6667 / information@ actnebraska.org.

Ali Evans and Meg Stice will be finishing out their second season as co-owners/directors of Elements Dance Concept this June with their spring dance recital. Ali and Meg met while teaching dance together and realized how well they worked as a team.

Ali has danced recreationally since age three and competitively since age seven. She graduated from Concordia University where she danced for four years, was captain for two years, and then went on to be assistant coach for three years. Ali is also a photographer and loves mixing her love of dance with photography.

Founded by Becky Rea in 2016, F r i t z + L l oy d I n t e r i o r s i s a Nebraska-based interior design studio specializing in high-end, fullservice residential interior design.

They are THE Lincoln design studio that truly partners with you to make your home beautifully unique. How, you might ask? With their crazy organized systems, NCIDQ certified designers, and tons of great product sources to fit your style.

Big news! Fritz + Lloyd will be moving into their new studio soon and launching their newly expanded retail boutique—F+L Modern Home—the Midwest’s only source for quality modern furnishings, art, and accessories for your home! Fritz + Lloyd is a local boutique for those loving a livable modern style, as they call it “Midwest Modern”. Follow on Instagram (@fritzandlloyd) for updates and upcoming sales! If you have any questions about services, please contact (402) 261-3616 or visit www.fritzandlloyd.com. Visit the miniboutique before the move, open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I am proud of the woman I am today, because I went through one hell of a time becoming her.”

Emmy Gorman is the owner of Blush Bridal Boutique in Lincoln.

Alongside being a business owner, Emmy is also a mother, a wife, and a pro-women powerhouse.

She opened the doors of Blush in 2012 and has since changed the lives of thousands of women by providing them an unparalleled shopping experience.

Emmy has 11 employees at her boutique, all of whom are women. She leads the team as not just a boss, but also as a mentor and guide through the world of bridal and business. She provides her staff with in-depth hands-on training to make sure every bride gets the best care possible.

Meg has danced recreationally and competitively since she was five years old. She earned her bachelor's in dance in 2015 from UNL, and then her associate's degree in graphic design from SCC in 2017. Though owning her own dance studio once seemed like a pipe dream, her love for the art motivated her to teach it to others—and her students walk away having learned much more than just dance techniques.

The wedding dress shopping experience is unlike any other, and when asked why she wanted to start Blush, Emmy said, “This boutique has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and its flame was fanned in 2006 when my own wedding dress shopping experience fell flat.”

Located in Milford, Elements Dance Concept is an award-winning dance studio that offers high-quality dance classes for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who are looking for creative self-expression, exercise, and social opportunities through dance.

Summer classes begin June 15 and registration opens online April 17. A Summer Open House will be held May 2.

Visit elementsdanceconcept.com for the schedule and more information.

Ali & Megan #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Emmy and her employees pride themselves on the care they show their brides. With hundreds of positive reviews online, dozens of awards, and thousands of brides served, it is no question that Emmy and her team define women empowerment. They showcase what women in business can do. Emmy can be reached at (402) 261-5615 or emmy@ blushbridalne.com.

Due to her own lackluster search for her wedding gown, Emmy wants to make sure every single bride leaves Blush with not only their dream dress, but also memories to last a lifetime.

For more information on Blush Bridal Boutique, please visit www.blushbridalne.com.

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John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning was started by John Henry (Jack) Zohner and his wife Deb Zohner. In August 2019, t h e i r d a u g h t e r L i n d s ey Reinke took over as one of the owners. Lindsey has been working at John Henry’s for 19 years in different areas to fully understand how the business runs.

“John Henry’s has always been my passion. It was started out of our family home, which my husband and I purchased 12 years ago, and I still see my parents working on the business in spaces that we have made our own,” said Lindsey.

“Owning a company in a predominantly male industry encourages me to grow it with the same family values that were instilled in me from day one of John Henry’s. Our slogan is ‘Our Family Serving Yours’, because that is what we want you to feel every time you call us!”

Learn more about the John Henry’s family at JHLincoln.com! You can also reach Lindsey at (402) 435-5555 or LReinke@jhlincoln.com.

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

– Mark Antony “Respect for EVERYBODY”...Kellie Johnson and Payton Springer, a mother-daughter team, had a vision for a clothing boutique that empowers women and offers inclusivity for EVERYbody.

Kellie has always had a love for fashion. After working in the mental health profession for over 20 years, she decided to create a safe shopping space, to empower women of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. She’s been able to combine her eye for fashion with her love of helping others.

Payton’s background in business and marketing was the perfect addition for their partnership. She identified a great need for a boutique that catered to EVERYbody. This completed the vision for BeKá Boutique.

BeKá Boutique, 4702 Prescott Ave., opened in College View in November 2017. The boutique offers unique styles from business professional to very edgy clothing, along with personal styling, Private Ladies Shopping Nights and beer and wine while you shop! They cater to sizes Small through Women’s 3X and receive new merchandise weekly.

BeKá Boutique is a destination and an experience! Learn more online at www. bekaboutiqueclothing.com or visit their Instagram (@bekaboutiqueclothing).

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Discover the difference…

Crystal Collins is 100% owner/ operator of Oak Electric, Inc., a premium contractor with a tradition of exemplary service.

According to the National Electrical Contractors Association, less than 10% of electrical contractors nationally are owned by a woman. As the leader of Oak Electric, Crystal’s top priority is to ensure everyone on the team has what they need to be successful— anything from a new tool in the field to skills and safety training to administrative support.

“Train people well enough so they can leave; treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” – Richard Branson. What sets Oak Electric apart from other contractors is not only the belief, but the initiative that if you take care of your employees, the employees will take care of your business.

Their team of experienced electricians not only care about precision and craftsmanship, they also value the real relationships that come with working with their customers.

Oak Electric, Inc. prides themselves on delivering quality customer service on every single job and finding the best solution by tackling every problem with creativity and experience. Learn more at oakelectriccompany.com or call (402) 440-5969.

“Life is an adventure… enjoy the ride!” This is a favorite motto of Mary Jo Cassner, owner of Transworld Business Advisors of Lincoln. She and her team of brokers and staff have been helping buyers and sellers of businesses connect since 2014. Since this is such a male-dominated business, Mary Jo chose to use her initials “MJ” in the workplace.

MJ previously was the owner and director of LearningRx of Lincoln and Norfolk, NE for nearly a decade. When she sold her own businesses, she realized how important having a business broker to assist in the process was. MJ received training from the Transworld Franchise Headquarters in West Palm Beach, FL and has trained brokers under her and sold nearly 100 businesses in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. She has a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and is certified to sell franchises as well as businesses. She enjoys assisting and educating people on the benefits of owning a business.

"My faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is truly my anchor for success," said MJ. "I believe ethical standards and compassionate care for people in a vitally transitional time in their lives is crucial for success."

MJ’s passion for excellence in business is evident in her company’s success and contributions to the Lincoln community. MJ can be reached at (402) 413-1095 / mjcassner@ tworld.com. If you have considered selling your business or would like to own your own, find out more about available businesses at Transworld.com/Lincoln. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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f o t r a p a u o y ’s y r Are n e H n h o !

J ? s b u the l C p i h s r Membe Plumbing Membership Club Security Whole Home Plumbing Systems Inspected by Professionals Check bathroom plumbing systems, toilets, showers, drains, sinks Add on options to meet your needs Check kitchen plumbing systems, disposal, and faucet Check outside systems, hose bibs, sprinkler including water heater, sump pump, softener, drinking water system, washing machine hoses

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Request work online at: #PrintProudDigitalSmart www.jhlincoln.com