Strictly Business Lincoln Magazine - March 2021

LINCOLN • MARCH 2021 TM

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

BEN BLEICHER

WOODS BROS REALTY, PRG TEAM LEAD

SELL YOUR HOUSE! TAGLINE • SPRING CLEANING • WORKPLACE WELLNESS • COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION • JOINING ORGANIZATIONS CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • JETSPLASH • CRUISE & ASSOCIATES • GREENLEAF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE • IDEAL PURE WATER

STACY SVOBODA

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)

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

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

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Stauffer’s Café & Pie Shoppe

SHANNON SCHULTZHAMMERSCHMIDT

JORDAN SCHOENEFELD

HOLLIE MESSINGER

JOSEPH PECK

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy

ALLO Communications

Hillcrest Firethorn

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Happy 15-Year Anniversary to Our Strictly Business Omaha Publication!

This month, our sister company—Strictly Business Omaha—celebrate 15 years with a special anniversary cover. September is our official anniversary month, but this is truly a great time to be celebrating, not only because of the milestone, but also because there are many exciting things in the works right now and strides being taken to remain a top-notch local news source and strong advertising tool.

When I celebrate a milestone anniversary, I get overwhelmed when I think about every year that got us here. The highs and lows along the way all feel worth it when I'm able to look around at everything we've accomplished and how much we've grown since we launched Strictly Business in Omaha 15 years ago and in Lincoln almost 28 years ago. Taking the leap into Omaha was a big deal for us. We had been wanting to do it for a couple years, especially after seeing the meaningful impact we were making in the Lincoln business community—it made us eager to do it on an even bigger scale. It took a lot of faith and prayers.

Crawford. Dillon came on board within the past year and has been a lot of fun to have around. He's been a great mentor to our graphic design intern, Emma Tuzicka. We're all so proud of how much she's developed her skills as a designer since she started working here!

Diane Gumaer is our extraordinary writer. With 30 years of writing experience under her belt, we sure feel lucky to have her on our team and clients love her. In addition, Tegan Colton is on board as an assistant writer and social media strategist. Tegan initially came on to do sales for the magazine, which she still contributes to those efforts, and now she is doing more writing—which is where her passion really lies—and overseeing social media posts for our clients. Also on the social media front is our most recent addition, Meg Stice, who has already helped us established a brand guide and will be carrying engaging team posts and giveaways on our social media accounts.

Both Tegan's and Meg's positions are a testament to the importance Strictly Business is putting on the digital presence of the magazine. We are also currently redoing our website, which is very exciting for us. We want the content we create and First issue in Omaha (2007) and our publish for our clients to be easily accessible 15-year anniversary issue! online—on both desktop and mobile I'm grateful for all the amazing staff view. So stay tuned—in the next month or so strictly-business.com and members Shayne and I have had throughout the years—way too many strictlybusinessomaha.com will have a whole new look and feel! to name—and many of them have gone on to start businesses of their own, which makes me very proud!

I want to extend a big "THANK YOU!" to our awesome readers and clients. It's an honor to work with you and for you. It's our pleasure to Our current staff consists of Hannah Hundley, who has been with promote local businesses in Lincoln and Omaha, and we're always thrilled Strictly Business for over three years now. Hannah acts as editor when we bring new businesses/organizations into the fold. and director of operations, which encompass as many different responsibilities as the titles suggest. Our current art director is Dillon Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social media.

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

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

35 Nonprofit 45 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 48 JetSplash

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance COLUMNS 20 Star City Six

50 Cruise & Associates 52 Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate 54 Ideal Pure Water

49 51 53 55

FEATURE STORIES 57 Spring Cleaning

Strictly Business Magazine

61 Workplace Wellness 65 Commercial Construction 77 Joining Organizations 4

Strictly Business MARCH 2021

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

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

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2021 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

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ABOUT THE COVER

Sell Your House!

Professional Realty Group (PRG) of Woods Bros Realty is led by experienced REALTORs Ben and Andrea Bleicher. Here is their expert advice for buyers and sellers based on the housing marketing in Lincoln.

The current housing market in Lincoln and surrounding areas is seeing incredible highs and lows for the first quarter in 2021, and we're anticipating things will get even better as second and third quarter are likely to continue upward trends and records! The highs we mention are the numbers sellers are fetching for their homes, and the lows are the historically low interest rates/ultra-low inventory. This means there's great reason to sell, buy, or both! While there can be hurdles doing any of those things in a market like this, we have methods for achieving success on either side of the equation. Professional Realty Group (PRG) of Woods Bros is here to help!

FOR THE SELLERS

FOR THE BUYERS

Sellers likely have more equity in their homes than they can imagine.

Inflation has been mostly driven by a lack of inventory plus heaps of buyers hoping to take advantage of the great interest rates.

Many sellers not only get over-asking offers but unbelievable terms to boot. With the help of PRG, we can ensure you get the absolute most profit possible, easiest terms, and a seamless transaction that will leave you smiling all the way to the bank! Since the market can change at any time, we encourage you reach out sooner than later (even if it is still winter) and have us do a CMA (comparable market analysis) on your home. This will uncover what it's worth, how quickly it should sell, and gives an opportunity for us to analyze the condition of your home/make recommendations should any repairs need completed prior to listing.

Buyers have more purchase power than they've had in prior years because of the ridiculously low interest rates. Simple math tells us that if you have a budget of $1,500/month that the difference between 3.75% and 2.75% is very impactful. A buyer may be able to afford a home worth tens of thousands more, for the same price with a lower rate.

Already this year we've seen mortgage interest rates in the 2–3% range, and even some under 2% with modified terms like shorter mortgages/ buying down the rates. Not taking advantage of these rates seems crazy even if you're just doing a refinance, so we are encouraging you talk to your lender, or have one of our lenders reach out. Buyers who also have homes to sell may feel intimidated and have concerns with selling high, just to buy high. We have tools that can show you whether it's a smart move to do so, but for most scenarios, it definitely makes sense to grab the equity that's in your existing home. Many times, we're seeing sellers buy a home that is larger/more expensive than the one they bought just five years ago and keeping payments the same or less.

MEET THE TEAM:

Ben Bleicher

Andrea Bleicher

Brandon Elwell

Kim Erickson

Mark Salak

Zach Brandl

Alyssa Kaufhold

The PRG Team specializes in all areas of real estate, including: residential, commercial, development, industrial, leasing, investments, and more. We would be honored to assist you, and hope you have an amazing 2021!

For more information, visit PRG-NE.com, call/text Ben at (402) 419-6309, or email ben.bleicher@woodsbros.com.

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

Hannah

Dillon

Tegan

TO REQUEST A FREE SUBSCRIPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS...

Email: Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Online: www.Strictly-Business.com/subscribe-strictly-business

www.Strictly-Business.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Diane

@sbmaglincoln

StrictlyBusinessMagazine

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

5

BUSINESS NEWS EMPOWER YOUR CHILD FOR LIFE An Educational Journey With Unlimited Possibilities.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

Windcrest on Van Dorn Assisted Living Honored Among Best Senior Communities Windcrest on Van Dorn Assisted Living is honored to have been chosen on SeniorAdvisor.com as one of just three 2021 Best of Senior Living assistedliving 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!

The mission of SeniorAdvisor.com is to equip families with the best information available at no charge, so they can make confident choices about senior care and services. Winners must achieve a 4.5star rating or higher (on a scale of five) and must have received at least six new reviews on SeniorAdvisor.com during the award period.

Windcrest on Van Dorn offers assisted living services, featuring spacious apartments, a dedicated staff 24 hours a day, and a warm community filled with the most sought-after amenities so residents enjoy the best years of their lives. Residents are warmhearted, interesting people who enjoy the freedom of assisted living—the freedom from the worries and dangers of solitary living and cooking and cleaning in surroundings that are kind and gracious—with the knowledge of knowing someone is always at hand if help is needed. For more information, visit capitalsenior.com/community/ the-windcrest-on-van-dorn or call (402) 486-0011.

AOI Corporation Launches Framery Pods that Promote Employee Productivity, Happiness AOI Corporation in Lincoln recently announced the launch of a new product—Framery Pods—geared to promote employee happiness and productivity.

AOI is Nebraska’s authorized dealer for Framery, a globally recognized brand known for offering innovative workplace solutions to many of the world’s leading companies, including Microsoft, Puma, LinkedIn, and Tesla. In fact, 40% of all Forbes 100 companies use Framery!

Framery soundproof pods are a perfect place to have meetings, brainstorming sessions, and important one-on-one conversations in private without disturbing the whole office—or the office disturbing them. Based on automotive technology and design, the much-admired signature design Framery pods and office phone booths fit naturally into open offices. Framery offers modern color schemes and accessories to fit all styles and needs. Sustainable highquality materials guarantee a quality user experience. Whether you’re a small business or represent a global enterprise, Framery has a fully customizable pod solution for you. When noise is reduced, work becomes more efficient. Without further ado, Meet Framery One, the world’s first connected soundproof pod. Framery One is not only stylish and super smart, it incorporates the latest technology, leading sound insulation standards, and echo-free acoustics.

Soundproof like Framery, futureproof like no other. Framery One. 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, visit aoicorp.com or contact Penny Johnston at (402) 476-0055 or pjohnston@aoicorp.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Luxury Landscape Unveils New Website with Easy Navigation, Vibrant Photos In mid-February, Luxury Landscape unveiled a fabulous new website that is cleaner and easier to navigate than before, and it’s rife with information about their services and a host of vibrant photos showing their expert residential and commercial landscape design and construction. What’s more, the site includes a new payment portal to make it easy for customers to pay online! You’ll also find photos and fun bios of Owners/Founder Ken and Jackie Svoboda and their Luxury Landscape “family” of experts.

Luxury Landscape designs and installs unique and beautiful landscape for residential and commercial properties.

Ken and Jackie started the business because they had a passion for creating unique and creative landscapes to offer to clients, using their 40+ years of landscape experience. Ken has designed, created, and completed countless landscape projects, ranging from beautifying planters on the front porch to the development of comprehensive landscape projects, including creating an oasis around in-ground swimming pools. The couple always dreamed of working side-by-side and made it a reality with Luxury Landscape. Check out their new website at luxurylandscape-llc.com and schedule an appointment to plan your 2021 landscape projects. You’ll be thrilled with the outcome!

HBAL’s March 12-14 Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show to Feature 150+ Exhibitors The Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s (HBAL’s) 49th Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show is on tap for March 12-14 at the Lancaster Event Center, where more than 150 exhibitors will deliver great ideas for landscaping, decorating, remodeling, or building a new home. With admission of just $8 per person—or $7 if you bring a nonperishable food item for the Lincoln Food Bank—hours are 1 to 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Exhibitors will be in Pavilions 1 and 4, featuring the latest products on the market, both for the do-it-yourselfer and for people who want to hire a professional for their home projects.

Many exhibitors are focusing on building green and on increased energy efficiencies. Whether you’re looking to meet and talk to builders or see new products, the Home & Garden Show is an outstanding opportunity to get ideas!

To provide a safe environment for exhibitors and guests, HBAL has made several adjustments to the 2021 Show. The Lancaster Event Center has provided guidelines for attendees, which can be found at lancastereventcenter.org/plan-visit/covid-healthguidelines. Social distancing and wearing a face mask will be required inside the buildings at all times, and HBAL appreciates everyone’s cooperation.

Since 1951, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln has been working to promote the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln. For more information or a list of 2021 Home Show exhibitors, visit hbal.org or call (402) 423-4225. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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New Fitness Machine Technicians Franchise Supports Equipment Maintenance, Repair On F ebr uary 2, entrepreneur Alex Pearson launched a Fitness Machine Technicians franchise to provide equipment maintenance and repair in the Lincoln, Omaha, and southwest Iowa region. Passionate about fitness himself, Alex is familiar with the frustration of broken and underperforming equipment and wants to solve the problems he’s witnessed in the gym firsthand.

Fitness Machine Technicians provide equipment maintenance and repair for residential and commercial customers alike, from homes to gyms to hotels, apartments, assisted living facilities, high schools, colleges, property management companies, and anyone else who has a fitness business or exercise room. Alex’s goal for the business is to be the No. 1 service provider in the area—the go-to, onestop shop for businesses and individuals to depend on for reliable service and customer care time and again.

“It’s very frustrating when the machines you rely on to get a good workout in fail,” Alex said. “I can recall several times at the gym when I’ve had to switch up a routine because a piece of equipment was out of order—and then it stays in that way for far too long.

Our goal is to get machines up and running as quickly and safely as possible to alleviate this all-too-common problem. I want to be part of the solution, and there’s a big opportunity out there.”

Fitness Machine Technicians offers as-needed services, as well as preventive maintenance contracts, through which businesses can contract to make sure all equipment is running smoothly and provide preventive services like belt tightening and lubrication of moving parts on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. The goal is to extend the life of your existing equipment, so business owners don’t face the burden of purchasing brand new machines prematurely.

Fitness Machine Technicians is certified as an independent contractor with about 50 different manufacturers to repair and maintain virtually all brands of exercise machines on the market, including service and warranty work.

Alex is not new to business. In fact, he is an entrepreneur to the core. When he was just 16, he and a friend started their own landscaping business, which they operated throughout high school and college, until he sold his half to his business partner in 2019.

With a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from the University of Nebraska Omaha, he is excited to help local residents and businesses keep their fitness equipment running in top shape.

Fitness Machine Technicians specializes in the maintenance and repair of fitness equipment for commercial and home exercise facilities. The company’s award-winning franchise currently has locations in approximately 100 territories across the country. For more information, visit FitnessMachineTechnicians.com/omahalincoln or call (402) 871-4735.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS James Arthur Vineyards Sells Out World Famous Murder Mystery Dinner

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Kevin Harrington

MKAVAN@FUMAINSURANCE.COM | FUMAFINANCIAL.COM

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

A testament to its popularity, James Arthur Vineyards sold out its world famous murder mystery dinner, which is set for March 12.

This is a fun chance for guests to become Sherlock Holmes for an evening and attempt to solve a “who dunnit” during a thrilling evening of fine dining, wine, and murder. James Arthur Vineyards has a variety of creative and engaging events throughout the year, both outside by the vineyard and inside the tasting room. There is a car show, painting classes, a Junk Food & Wine event, holiday-themed events, stargazing, live music, and yoga, to name a few. The vineyard is taking the necessary precautions to ensure all guests have a safe and happy time during their visit!

James Arthur Vineyards began growing grapes near Raymond and officially opened the winery in 1997. Under the ownership of the Jim and Barb Ballard, the winery has won numerous international awards for its wine and has created a destination site that has brought thousands of visitors to the vineyard from around the country, as well as the world. For more information, please call (402) 783-5255 or visit www.jamesarthurvineyards. com. You can also check their Facebook page (@James-ArthurVineyards-306375211621) for more upcoming events!

Choices Treatment Center Highlights Sports Betting Risks for Gambling Awareness Month March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and Choices Treatment Center in Lincoln is highlighting the increased risk of sports betting, particularly with the NCAA basketball championships on the horizon. During the month, calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at (800)-522-4700 are expected to spike significantly. With sports betting now legal in many states, research demonstrates that young males and athletes have an increased risk of developing a gambling problem, so Choices Treatment Center is joining the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in dedicating the month of March to helping people affected by problem gambling.

Using the tagline #AwarnessPlusAction, the NCPG developed Problem Gambling Awareness Month to raise awareness of the prevention, treatments, and recovery services available to individuals adversely affected by gambling. This grassroots campaign brings together a wide range of stakeholders to work collaboratively to publicize issues, such as how to identify if someone has a gambling disorder, how to get help, and the fact that treatment works. Participants share the information via a link at ncpgambline.org/pgam. Problem gambling, gambling disorder, and gambling addiction are formal terms used to describe a spectrum of gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits.

Choices Treatment Center is certified with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) and provides a confidential 24/7 helpline at (402) 476-2300. The helpline is always staffed by licensed counselors.

At no cost to the client, they provide assessments, consultations, and interventions for problem gamblers and their families, as well as financial counseling and individual treatment. For more information, visit choicestreatmentcenter.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

Exclusively at Arnie’s Pet Food Store

Center Sphere Continues to Grow Nationwide Center Sphere continues to increase its reach from coast to coast, recruiting members in new cities nationwide week after week. After solidifying its imprint in the Midwest over the last few years, the organization is now seeking to impact local businesses in new markets, focusing mostly on those who see the need for a different networking experience than currently exists in their region. Some of the most recent states to extend the Center Sphere footprint include Texas, Florida, Minnesota, and Ohio.

“Our members understand that a network of professionals doesn’t have to be limited to their own city or event state,” says Center Sphere Founder and CEO Brett Boyer. “There are so many opportunities to gain referrals and make lasting connections when they are able to expand their reach into new areas. We love hearing the success stories our members are creating for themselves by reaching beyond their local bubbles.”

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 about Center Sphere 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.

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The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) encourages employers to apply for their Short-Time Compensation (STC) program and/or On-the-Job Training Reimbursement Program.

The STC program helps prevent layoffs by allowing employers to uniformly reduce affected employees’ hours by 10%-60% while permitting the employees to receive a prorated unemployment benefit. The program is available to businesses that are looking to retain their workforce during a temporary slowdown and allows employers to voluntary reduce the hours of staff in leu of layoffs. Employees of business approved for the program receive a partial unemployment benefit to help them offset the loss of income.

From July 2019 through June 2020, the STC program helped avert over 6,000 layoffs. Over 450 employers were approved for the program, which paid out nearly $2.98 million in benefits. To learn more, go to dol.nebraska.gov/STC. In addition, NDOL is offering an On-the-Job Training Reimbursement Program for employers who are planning to hire a worker who was impacted by a layoff. Employers who are willing to provide training on the job may be eligible for a 50–75% wage reimbursement up to $10,000. On-the-job training helps employers recruit more efficiently, hire better-prepared employees who understand workplace expectations, and reduce their training costs. These programs also help jobseekers quickly reenter the workforce while increasing their skills and earning a wage. Contact one of NDOL’s job centers to speak to a reemployment coordinator or email NDOL. EconomicTransition@nebraska.gov.

Learn more about the Nebraska Department of Labor and additional programs/resources they offer by going online to dol.nebraska.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Berry Law Receives Veterans Appeals Law Firm of the Year Award Third Year Running Berry Law has been named the Veterans Appeals Law Firm of the Year in The Lawyers Worldwide Award Magazine’s Innovative Lawyers 2021 awards program, for the third consecutive year.

The awards celebrate the leading, most prolific firms that have continually displayed a high degree of quality, tenacity, and the ability to stand out distinctly within their area of specialization. The award is determined via a thorough, global poll of the magazine’s readership, which asks the voting readers to forward nominations for firms that embody “Innovative Lawyers” in said specializations. The Lawyers Worldwide Award Magazine provides their global readership with a comprehensive guide to winning firms in each category.

“As a firm dedicated to helping Veterans, it is an honor to be recognized and shows that our hard work is paying off—but we still have a long way to go,” said Berry Law CEO and Army Veteran John S. Berry, Jr. “Veterans throughout the country have been denied disability benefits for injuries that occurred in service, and our job is to get them the benefits they deserve. While awards are a nice bit of recognition, our real satisfaction is in helping Veterans obtain benefits that allow them to lead better lives.”

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney and Vietnam Veteran John Stevens Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience, Berry Law is well-equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. Reach the Veterans line at (888) 8832483 or visit their Veterans website at ptsdlawyer.com. For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com or call (402) 466-8444.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 9

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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 WISB to Host Monthly Meeting at Venue Restaurant & Lounge Wednesday March 10 The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, March 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at Venue Restaurant & Lounge in the Lancaster/ Nebraska room at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100. They will first hold a regular business meeting, followed by a presentation from Brett Ebert. Brett is an attorney with Ball, Louden, Ebert, & Brostom, LLC, a boutique law firm in Lincoln that specializes in estate and business law. 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 firsttime guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business. Please register on the WISB Facebook page (@wisblincoln).

Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer business women in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an all-female setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join their group. To learn more or inquire about membership, call (402) 472-8675 or visit wisblincoln.org.

MyLink Human Services App Available with Additional Features and New Communities The MyLink app and website provide infor mation about nonprofit and government services to ensure that families utilize local and available resources. With increased need and services available statewide due to COVID-19, the MyLink app and website provide an invaluable tool for families that have never needed services before to understand local and federal services available in their area. In Lincoln, the app has been downloaded over 10,000 times and has over 1,000 monthly users.

The free app is available on the Android Play Store and iOS App Store.

The app, once downloaded, works without cellular or Wi-Fi service for families that may have a smartphone but do not have regular service.

The website includes the same information at mylnk.app. The app and website now include additional features and services.

Families can select their region and then utilize a searchable database of services, for example “rent assistance,” or select categories such as Food, Childcare, Veterans, or Legal. Families can enter their address to see services nearby or view a daily calendar of free medical care and food distribution. Families can also find services nearby by entering their address using the map feature. Finally, the app translates into Arabic, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese.

In addition, MyLink is now available for residents of Central Nebraska (Adams, Buffalo, Dawson and Hall Counties) and the Sandhills region (Blaine, Custer, Garfield, Greeley, Loup, Sherman, Valley, and Wheeler Counties).

Local nonprofits and services can add their information or update their information through the app or website or by contacting the email below.

The app and website were created by Don’t Panic Labs in partnership with Leadership Lincoln and the Center for People in Need. The app and website are updated by local organizations. Contact Bryan Seck, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, at lnkupdates@mylnk. app or (402) 436-2365 for updates or additions to the website and app. For more information, contact Chris Whitney, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, at (402) 436-2376 or cwhitney@lcoc.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Arnie’s Pet Food Store Offers Free Spot Farms Treats for Joining Loyalty Program Ar nie’s Pet Food Store’s Astro Loyalty Program is saving customers money on pet foods, treats, chews, pet healthcare products, and more every day. Throughout March, they’re stepping up the savings even more, giving you a free 10-ounce bag of Spot Farms Treats just for signing up for their exclusive money-saving loyalty program. That’s a value of $14.99, and these treats are 100% all natural, human-grade ingredients made in the United States using regionally sourced, high-quality ingredients. You can choose your pet’s favorite flavor from beef, turkey, chicken, and duck options.

Then, all you have to do is download the Astro app and check out the weekly special offers at Arnie’s. Use the app to track your pet food purchases to get a free bag of your favorite dog food. No more saving UPC labels, and there’s no other pet loyalty program like Astro, offered exclusively at Arnie’s Pet Food Store.

Arnie’s is your neighborhood family owned pet food store, where they care as much about your pets as they do their own. Stop in at their store, located in the Alamo Plaza at 56th & Hwy 2, or shop online at shop.arniespetfoods.com. They offer in-store or curbside service, as well as free deliveries on orders of more than $25. For more information, visit arniespetfoods.com or call (402) 904-3573.

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Tobacco Free Lancaster County Celebrates Business Champions, Offers Assistance The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is excited to announce that Tobacco Free Lancaster County (TFLC) is accepting applications for 2021 Tobacco-Free Business Champions. Last November, during the Great American Smokeout, Speedway Motors was celebrated as the first-ever Tobacco-Free Business Champion.

TFLC wants to continue recognizing local businesses for doing their part in creating a healthier, tobacco-free community.

What makes your business a champion? Some examples include having strong policies that limit exposure to secondhand smoke and aerosol from e-cigarettes, offering cessation resources for employees that want to quit tobacco, and fostering a supportive environment throughout the quit journey.

Need some help becoming a champion? TFLC offers FREE support to businesses, schools, and multi-unit housing properties who want to implement or improve their tobacco-free policies. Contact them for a toolkit to get started, answers to technical questions, or no-smoking and e-cigarette use signage. You can even apply for financial assistance for resources, like custom signage to help champion your new or improved policy.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

Funding is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. TFLC wants to help as many people as possible, so all small businesses and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply. Learn more and share how your business is making a difference by applying to be a 2021 Tobacco-Free Business Champion by April 30 at tobaccofreelancastercounty.org/business. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Heartland International Holds 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 Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminars on tap in Kansas City in March and April. The one-day 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 programs take place on March 25 and 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 March 10-12 and April 7-9.

For more information about the Heartland International, Inc. training programs, please visit thesecureroof.com.

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Kinetic Business Brings New Wave of Growth, Innovation via Enhanced LAN, Cloud Wi-Fi Clearwater Counseling Celebrates Women’s As businesses in all industries Day and Women’s History Month in March pivoted during the last year to lean more on tec hnology, broadband and network services, Kinetic Business by Windstream delivered a new wave of growth and innovation with enhanced LAN and Cloud-based Wi-Fi. A reliable, secure, high-speed broadband and strong network continues to play a crucial role in how businesses operate, and as 2021 evolves, businesses have seen how powerful a reliable telecommunications partner has become in helping them succeed during a pandemic. As the need for mobility grows and looks to be here to stay, employees will continue to use Wi-Fi exclusively when accessing their company network. Kinetic Business cloud-based Wi-Fi and analytics provides companies with the ability to monitor and troubleshoot networks and devices from anywhere at any time.

When it comes to partnering for your communication needs, it is imperative to find an expert that takes the time to understand the goals and needs of your business. Kinetic Business Enhanced LAN & Wi-Fi provides real-time customer support using industry knowledge to deploy and manage the right solution for each business individually.

From cloud-managed switches to cloud-based Wi-Fi, Kinetic Business is a trusted partner that has been serving the Lincoln community for years. The thought of more capabilities within a network might cause some undue heartburn but, with Kinetic Business, they do the heavy lifting. Leave the installation, monitoring and maintenance to Kinetic Business, so you can focus on strengthening and building your business.

For more information about Kinetic Business by Windstream services, visit kineticbusiness.com and follow them on Facebook (@ KineticBusinessByWindstream), Twitter (@KineticSMB) and LinkedIn (@Kinetic Business by Windstream). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

As a women-owned and operated mental health practice, Clearwater Counseling, PC is excited to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and Women’s History Month throughout March.

These observances are intended to commemorate and celebrate the history of women’s impact in the world and to raise awareness of issues women are facing globally today. Throughout the month of March, Clearwater will share a series of social-media posts that highlight the crucial role women play in society. They encourage individuals to study, observe, and celebrate International Women’s Day and its 2021 theme— #ChooseToChallenge—as well as National Women’s History Month.

Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents and adults in the Grand Island, NE and Omaha, NE area. They work with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. They 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 Clearwater Counseling staff, services or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment, or for more information about mental health services, please call 308-2108487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 13

If you know of a local, woman-owned business, tell Strictly Business about them!

APRIL 2021 ISSUE

Calling all Women-Owned Businesses!

In the April 2021 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our biannual “Women-Owned Businesses” feature to highlight the businesses in Lincoln that are proudly owned and run by women.

“The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” – Amy Tenney

FEATURE INCLUDES: Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 10,000 businesses in Lincoln 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.

Photo of owner(s), business logo & 150-word write-up/quote

To participate or nominate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

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BUSINESS NEWS Limited Tickets Available for LIBA Annual Free Enterprise Convention and Auction The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) is excited to a n n o u n c e t h a t t i c ke t s n ow a r e available for their annual Free Enterprise Convention and in-person auction, which are on tap for Thursday April 29 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton. The LIBA convention typically brings in more than 600 business and community leaders. This year’s celebration will be a little different as LIBA has a limited number of tickets available due to social-distancing requirements. If you plan to attend, it is crucial to order your tickets as soon as possible; tickets for individuals, couples, and corporate tables are available for purchase at one.bidpal.net/liba2021. Early-bird pricing is available through April 7.

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The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) provides leadership and educational opportunities to Lincoln’s business community. Their goal is to educate the public concerning the vital role of business in the creation of meaningful jobs. LIBA continues to encourage Lincoln to Be Bold, Be Responsible, and Shop Local, reminding our community to support our local economy while being safe. To learn more about LIBA or to become a member, call (402) 466-3419 or visit liba.org.

Christine Dwinell of Transworld Business Advisors Brokers Sale of The Lincoln Metro Christine Dwinell, business broker with Transworld Business Advisors, is excited to announce the sale and acquisition of The Lincoln Metro, a long-standing, direct-mail business in southeast Nebraska. The change of ownership has Pictured (L-R): Sourasak (Sang) Phachit, given three brand new Laurie Lewis, Brandi Blum, and Bree Gilbert. entrepreneurs their first step into business ownership and the print marketing world. When Laurie Lewis decided to retire, she knew The Lincoln Metro had to be passed into the right hands. Fortunately, Sourasak (Sang) Phachit, Bree Gilbert, and Brandi Blum were looking to start their first business and Christine was able to bring them all together.

The sale of the business took place on February 4 and the new business owners look forward to their first edition which will be coming out in spring. Keep your eye out for this familiar, beautifully formatted, full color, glossy, and uniquely crafted piece that stands out from other mail.

What Sang, Bree, and Brandi recognized was that as household targeting ability continues to improve, so does the effectiveness of the direct correspondence industry—and big advertising says, as digital continues to grow, the personal touch of the mail piece will be appreciated even more for its relevancy. Not to mention the fact that they also have an expertly designed website and sleek, userfriendly mobile app to offer! If you would like to hear more about advertising in The Lincoln Metro, call (402) 303-3545.

Transworld Business Advisors is the worldwide leader in business and franchise brokerage. If you would like to buy or sell a business, or buy or create a franchise, call Christine at Transworld Business Advisors at (402) 802-2288. Visit www.tworld.com to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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The Lerner Company Announces Construction to Begin on NorthStar Crossing Retail Center The Lerner Company has announced that construction is set to commence on NorthStar Crossing, a large retail and commercial development located at 27th and Folkways Boulevard in Lincoln. The site fronts on 27th Street, immediately in front of North Star High School. The project occupies fifty acres and will ultimately include up to a half million square feet of commercial space.

Jay R. Lerner, president of The Lerner Company, said “It has been almost 30 years since we opened the very successful Lincoln Crossing Shopping Center at 27th and Superior Street in Lincoln. In 2020, Lincoln Crossing was ranked the No. 1 shopping center for customer traffic in the State of Nebraska. Located only one block north of Lincoln Crossing, this site has been sitting vacant for the past 30 years.

When fully developed, it is likely to provide the city with $50 million annually in taxable sales, $100 million in additional property tax valuation, and over 1,000 new employment opportunities."

The estimated 2020 three-mile trade area included over 26,000 households with a total population of just under 65,000. Projected population growth will increase the trade area population to nearly 70,000 in the year 2025.

The Lincoln Planning Department approved the Administrative Amendment to the Use Permit on January 8, 2021 to allow for the project to proceed. The first tenants are expected to open in early 2022. Negotiations are currently underway with numerous national, regional, and local retailers, which will locate or relocate to NorthStar Crossing.

The Lerner Company, celebrating its 35th anniversary, is a commercial real estate company. Serving a five state area, they specialize in the retail marketplace, offering full-services including tenant representation, brokerage, property management, investment sales, and development. Learn more online at www.lernerco.com.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln Airport Announces TSA Executive BBB Shares Business Tips on Small Order Requiring Masks Throughout Airport Business Growth Strategies to Adopt The Lincoln Airport Authority announced a TSA Executive Order that went into effect February 2 requires travelers to wear face masks at airport screening checkpoints and at all times throughout the airport. Failure to comply with The Executive Order Promoting Safety in Domestic and International Travel will result in denial of entry to the screening area and may result in penalties. The Lincoln Airport has signage on the doors and information on their website to remind passengers, tenants, and airport guests about the mandate, and they have free masks available for those who might forget to bring theirs. The TSA order is expected to remain effective until May 11, but all commuters and airline travelers—including those considering international travel— should check the CDC website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ travelers for requirements prior to taking any trip.

Throughout the pandemic, TSA has closely coordinated COVID-19 safeguards with industry stakeholders, federal partners, and local law enforcement. This coordination will continue for swift and consistent implementation of this order across the transportation network. To read details about the TSA order, visit tsa.gov/new/press/releases.

Ideally located in Lancaster County, five miles northwest of downtown Lincoln, the Lincoln Airport 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, visit lincolnairport.com.

According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), business growth is essential in any year, but 2020 produced unique difficulties. Now more than ever, small business owners need to try new approaches to see continued growth and success. Here are some ideas from the BBB: 1. Market penetration allows you to gain a larger market share by competing with others in your industry.

2. Customer loyalty programs work because customers enjoy signing up for them and will go out of their way to shop at businesses that reward their loyalty.

3. Market development requires you to find new places or ways to sell your product or service.

4. Strategic partnerships with another small business can benefit both by giving each access to new clientele.

5. P roduct expansion allows you to upsell to your current customer base.

6. New sales and marketing tactics may be done with a marketing campaign you've never even considered.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information, visit bbb.org/ nebraska or call (800) 649-6814. For more ideas about growing your business go to bbb.org/article/business/23745.

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BUSINESS NEWS Local Family Opens Independent School, Acton Academy, to Serve Lincoln Families The Harsin Family identified t h e n e e d fo r a m o d e r n self-directed, peer-to-peer educational opportunity in Lincoln and took action by opening Acton Academy Lincoln in fall 2020—and it has become an instant success for learners and parents alike! Now, they are enrolling K-8 for 2021 to serve more 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. So far, they have 13 students—about one third each drawn from private schools, homeschools, and public schools, and are planning to more than triple enrollment for the 2021-22 school year.

Like most parents, Founders Zach and Heidi Harsin were learning to parent their three children, Haddie, Sawyer, and Milo, and wanted to give them an educational opportunity that would foster joyful, curious children by developing their individual passions. Then Zach watched an Acton Academy video “that changed everything.” He could hardly contain his excitement when he wrote a text to his wife including a statement he never thought he would write: “We are going to start a school.” For the long-time Lincoln entrepreneur—former co-owner of Pink Gorilla Events and now a full-time real-estate investor—it was a light-bulb moment.

“It definitely was not something I saw myself going into, but when you find Acton, you can’t un-see it and you run with it,” Zach said.

“The life-changing video was about Acton Academy, an 11-year-old micro-school model in Texas. Acton is a learner-driven education, so specific grades don’t really matter, because students all learn at their own pace. We create customized plans for each student to work toward, and we are here to guide and coach them through it.

We can give our children and families an education option that was not even dreamt of when we were school-aged.”

The goal of Acton Academy is to maintain a community of like-minded families seeking a modern approach to education that will help equip their kids for the 21st Century using a blend of Montessori elements, Socratic questioning, and learner-driven education that allow students to discover and develop their God-given passions and unique callings in their lives, learning through quests and apprenticeships, and developing mastery of reading, writing, and arithmetic using the latest technology and self-paced learning.

Acton Academy’s early success stems from Zach’s understanding from the business world that micro-management doesn’t work: “It’s about hiring the best people they can as guides (Acton’s term for teachers), then empowering and encouraging them, but not getting in their way,” he said. With current students ages 4.5 through 14, the Harsin family plans to add a high-school level program by fall 2022, so that their oldest existing students will comprise the first graduating class, prepared to take the world by storm their way. That includes having completed 15-20 (yes, you read that right) internships and/ or apprenticeships with real-world experience, and starting their own businesses each year for the Acton Business Fairs by the time they graduate high school!

Acton Academy Lincoln is located at 8400 Cody Drive. For more information, to request an information kit, or to schedule a tour of the beautiful studio, visit actonacademylincoln.com, email hello@ actonacademylincoln.com, or call (402) 858-5151. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Nebraska Repertory Theatre Announces Changes to Spring 2021 Season Nebraska Repertory Theatre has announced its Spring 2021 Season.

Like many other performing arts organizations, Nebraska Rep has made adjustments to their performance season in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For the safety of our audience, actors and crew we have transitioned our 2021 Spring Season online with virtual streaming performances. It was a difficult decision, but we feel it is the right one for the current times,” said Christina Kirk, executive director of the Nebraska Repertory Theatre. “All three shows have been professionally recorded.

Additionally, as a show of unity with our theatre-going community during these difficult economic times, Nebraska Rep is offering our entire Spring 2021 Season free of charge—further advancing our mission to be ‘The Theatre of All Nebraska.’”

The Spring 2021 Season began February 17, 2021, with a revival of the critically acclaimed 2019 production of A Thousand Words, a devised theatre piece featuring large-scale puppetry, spectacle, and the moving story of lifetime. In April, Nebraska Rep presents Home by Samm-Art Williams. Home is directed by Ron Himes, founder and producing director of the Saint Louis Black Repertory Company and is presented as part of Nebraska Rep’s multi-year collaboration with The Black Rep. Home runs April 7–11 with all shows beginning online at 7:30 p.m. CST with the exception of a matinee performance on Sunday, April 11, at 2 p.m. CST. The season concludes in May with Dracula: Mina’s Quest, Stephen Dietz’s adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic, which tells the tale from the perspective of a strong female heroine. Dracula: Mina’s Quest features Nebraska Rep’s apprentice company and is directed by Associate Professor of Theatre David Long, who makes his Nebraska Rep directorial debut. The show runs May 6–9 with shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. CST online with the exception of a Sunday, May 9, 2 p.m. CST matinee.

“I know our audiences will enjoy this season from the comfort of their homes, but we’re really looking forward to the day when we can all enjoy live theatre again,” Kirk said.

Nebraska Repertory Theatre tickets for the virtual streaming performances can be reserved through NebraskaRep.org. For those who purchased season tickets, a direct communication will explain options available to redeem season passes. For additional questions regarding ticketing or the season, call (402) 472-1619.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 17

BUSINESS NEWS Local NAWIC Chapter to Celebrate Women in Construction Week March 7–13, 2021 The Greater Omaha Chapter #116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) along with over a hundred chapters and thousands of members across the nation will this year celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 7–14. Throughout WIC Week, the NAWIC Greater Omaha Chapter #116 will promote and cohost or host daily activities. It is also a time for the chapter to give back to their community, which they already do a wonderful job of throughout the year.

The focus of Women in Construction Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

To learn more about the National Association of Women in Construction or WIC Week, please visit www.nawicomaha.com.

Reach out to Chapter President Ashley Meirose at (402) 836-9701 / Ashley.meirose@unmc.edu with any questions.

February Marks 4-Year Anniversary for Leadership Harbor Leadership Harbor, locally led by Brian and Kris Peterson, celebrated four years in February. Brian and Kris are joined by Chris Hansen and Cameron Meter, coming together to form a dynamic group of thought leaders. In honor of the anniversary, they have been offering specials on coaching. It’s their way of saying thanks to their clients for believing in them.

“You have been the reason that we are at this point, and we want to thank you,” said Kris, leadership, parenting, family, and youth coach and an executive director with The John Maxwell Team. “You, who have been a part of our business growth and have believed in us, yet more importantly, you believe in yourselves! This is obvious because you’ve chosen to invest in yourselves through Leadership Harbor with both time and money. Your investment puts you in the top 10% of the world’s population—you are part of an elite group because only people who are growth-minded choose to invest in themselves and take control of their journey to become all you were meant to be.”

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

They offer individual, group, and business coaching; mastermind groups; and workshops. To learn more, visit www.leadershipharbor. com or call (402) 580-0947 to start living your legacy.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS NEWS Barrymore's Booze Boxes Gain Popularity Barrymore's, Lincoln's favorite backstage bar behind the Rococo Theatre, came up with a creative way for people to enjoy festive cocktails during COVID shutdowns and limited-capacity guidelines while still supporting a local business: Booze Boxes! Carrying all the ingredients for a Barrymore’s drink for two—garnishes and all—these hand-crafted drink kits made the perfect gift during the holidays. There were five different specialty cocktails to choose from: Old Fashioned Christmas, Merry Manhattan, Cosmo-ho-ho, Yule Mule, and The Grinch. The Barrymore’s team expected to sell about 30 of these Booze Boxes leading up to New Year's Eve but ended up will over 400 orders! It's an amazing testament to Barrymore’s commitment to their patrons and the community's eagerness to support local establishments when they need it most. With growing popularity, it'll be no surprise to see these Booze Boxes available throughout the year with other seasonal-themed drink options.

Opened in 1974, Barrymore’s is one of the staples of downtown nightlife. It was originally the back stage area of the theatre where the Rococo is now located. The light board and curtain pulleys are still attractions to this day. With the entrance located in the alleyway between O and P Streets, it is a quaint out-ofthe-way place for dates, after work meetings, or just a fun night out. Barrymore’s specializes in martinis and cocktails, but also boasts a great beer selection. Learn more at rococotheatre.com or follow on Instagram (@barrymoreslincoln).

HRAM Partners with LHRMA to Conduct Biennial Wage/Salary & Benefits Survey

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Today’s economy demands that businesses maintain tighter control of their finances.

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Human Resource Management Association (HRAM) is partnering with Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA), their local SHRM affiliated chapter, to conduct their biennial Wage/Salary & Benefits Survey of local human resources jobs, with the participation window ending on March 29. By partnering, the organization will be able to reach a broader audience to collect customized and localized data beneficial to all Nebraska companies. The survey provides accurate and customized salary information for the entire spectrum of local HR jobs, ranging from top executive to entrylevel positions. The salary information is collected from nearly 100 participating organizations and helps members and companies formulate competitive compensation programs. The more companies participate, the more robust the survey results are. Pre-orders of the results will open up online beginning in April, and will then be published in June 2021 and made available for purchase (survey participants receive a discount).

Brock Shelton 402.323.8902 bshelton@westgate.bank

Mitch Glause 402.853.7321 mglause@westgate.bank

Lindsey Kirkendall 402.434.7810 lkirkendall@westgate.bank

HRAM offers a sponsorship of the survey to a company each production year. This is an opportunity to receive a full-page ad in the survey and exposure to the HRAM membership through online and event recognition.

The Lincoln Human Resource Management Association helps provide the interchange of ideas, experiences, and methods concerning the relationships between management and employees, and to promote professional ethics and acquaintanceship among those involved in professional human resource management. The organization represents over 350 human-resources professionals in Lincoln and the surrounding areas and is a great place for education and networking.

For more information about LHRMA, visit lincolnhr.org. To participate or sponsor the biennial survey, go online to www.hram.org/page/ Salary-Survey or email HRAMSurvey@ACSsurveys.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Fashion Week Goes BEYOND THE RUNWAY for Spring Season O m a h a F a s h i o n We e k (OFW) is going BEYOND THE RUNWAY this season!

Join OFW March 22–27 for a week-long series of events to celebrate fashion and creatives.

The traditional runway shows will transform into thought-provoking conversations featuring industry experts and local Omaha panelists.

In the first conversation of the week, guests will hear from Omaha's industry experts about how they are tapping into creativity and inspiration as we enter the darkest days of the pandemic. They will share what has helped them through the isolation, fear, and social changes that have been the hallmark of the past year.

Industry specialist, James Scully, will speak on his experiences across many areas of fashion, from editor to casting director, and the significant changes being made to bring justice to mistreated models.

Fashion designer and Nebraska native, Thakoon, will discuss how he has shifted his design process during the pandemic and how to stay creatively inspired during these unprecedented times.

Omaha Fashion Week is pleased to present this season free of charge. To register to attend this exclusive event, please visit www. omahafashionweek.com/tickets.

Lied Center Announces Spring 2021 Season The Lied Center for Pe r f o r m i n g A r t s i s presenting one of the most diverse programs of events in the nation this spring, featuring the world’s top artists. Responding to the C OV I D - 1 9 p a n d e m i c , nearly all spring season events will feature both in-person and virtual attendance options.

From Tony Award-winning Broadway stars to virtuosic musicians and headline entertainment, the Lied Center’s 2021 Spring Season provides something for everyone in a time when the arts are needed more than ever.

Season highlights include the Lied Center debut of the virtuosic Silkroad Ensemble (founded by Yo-Yo Ma) on April 15, the return of GRAMMY Award-winner Chris Thile on March 24, and a special online concert for Lied audiences with the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra on March 20. Broadway star and Tony Award®-winner Kelli O’Hara will perform at the Lied on June 12, and comedy superstar Paula Poundstone returns on July 24.

Including the previously announced Lied Live Online series of concerts, more than two dozen separate events are coming to the Lied this spring.

Through continued collaboration with the Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department and the University of Nebraska, all shows with in-person audiences will feature socially distanced seating, and masks are required inside the Lied Center. Since the Lied Center reopened to the public in July of 2020, dozens of events welcoming thousands of patrons have been presented safely

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

Tickets for Lied Center for Performing Arts spring shows went on sale to the public February 9 at liedcenter.org (where the full line up can be found), by phone at (402) 472-4747, or in person at the Lied Center box office. Patrons who purchase tickets to four or more shows will get a 20% discount on their entire order. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

by Brian McPike President, ComPro Insurance

An End to Surprise Billings!

Have you ever had this happen to you?

You’re in an accident and in need of emergency care but you are unable to use an in-network provider. Or, since it was an emergency, you have to use an out-ofnetwork provider. Have you ever received elective non-emergency care at an innetwork facility but were inadvertently treated by an out-of-network health care provider? These all have the potential of happening and can be very unsettling.

Although the ACA guidelines state that “true” emergency care is paid as an in-network benefit, you can still run into “surprise billings”. As an example, you receive emergency care at an outof-network facility feeling confident it will be covered by your insurance, but then you receive a bill from the Emergency Room physician and think, “What is this all about?” This is additional billing that is coming from that particular out-of-network provider.

If this has happened to you, here’s some good news! In July 202O, Nebraska joined with other Midwestern states to regulate “surprise billings” by passing LB997 (the Out-of-Network Emergency Medical Care Act) that went into effect on January 1, 2021. This now means you have protection from the out-of-network providers billing you over what the in-network charge was determined to be.

LB997 applies specifically to: • Emergency medical care provided at: o A general acute hospital o A satellite emergency department o An ambulatory surgical center • Professional services provided at the facility, including: o Emergency room physicians o Surgeon, assistant surgeon, anesthesiologist o Ancillary medical professionals that provide laboratory, pathology, or radiology interpretations Other benefits of LB997: • Insurers are required to hold enrollees harmless for amounts beyond the in-network level of cost sharing • It prohibits out-of-network professionals and facilities from billing enrollees for any amount above the in-network level of cost sharing LB997 also does not cover: • Ground or air ambulance service • Non-emergency services, home medical equipment/durable medical equipment, and services tied to emergency care • Enrollees of self-funded plans (some insurance companies are paying this benefit the same as a fully-insured plan) How does LB997 impact non-emergency procedures? It is important to note that this law applies only to emergency services using a fullyinsured plan. If you have a procedure done at an in-network facility and, unbeknownst to you, an out-of-network provider is used, they are allowed to balance bill you for this procedure.

With all the scenarios you can encounter regarding your health care, it is wise to know the benefits and coverage of your health insurance plan and to keep up-to-date on how medical claims will be paid. You can always find help with this by talking with the customer service department at your insurance company. Or, reach out to one of the agents at ComPro Insurance and they will be glad to help you!

Note: A federal law was passed in December 2020 approving additional changes to “balance billing”. These will become effective in 2022. We will provide more details on this in a Strictly Business article later this year. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

I SPY...

...See page 33 “ YOUR GARDEN, OUR PASSION”

Spring has almost sprung and our schedule is filling up.

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Ken & Jackie: luxurylandscape.ne@gmail.com 402.430.9430 | 402.640.6034 | luxurylandscape-llc.com

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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Rustic, Urban Charm IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

STAR CITY SIX

STACY

Stacy Svoboda

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA (FNBO) From event setup to a full-service bar, the Talon Room will meet all of your event needs to go above and beyond.

Let us execute the event of your dreams.

Call Matt today to book your event!

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To reserve your lot contact Jayson Becker at Bancwise Realty 402-610-1013 | Jbecker@bancwise.com Gardenviewcommunities.com 22

Strictly Business MARCH 2021

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska.

First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $23 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Stacy Svoboda is the branch manager at FNBO. Tell us a little about your business. - FNBO is the family-owned, “great big small bank” that’s passionate about improving our customers’ financial well-being by doing what’s right for them and the communities we serve. We’ve been helping to build strong communities for over 160 years through individual and business banking, mortgage, investments, and more.

How did you get started in the business? - I was working in a retail store and always thought it would be fun to work at the local bank, so I applied for a part-time teller position and was hired. My passion for banking and serving others has kept me in retail banking for over 30 years.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Seeing the career and financial successes of so many talented young professionals and customers I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and mentor through the years. They are the reason I come to work every day.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Rob and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. We are empty nesters with three children; Tyler, Elizabeth, and Jessica, plus our son-in-law Trevin, and we can’t leave out our grand dog Finley.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The day I accepted I was created for a greater purpose.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Sitting outside by the fire with my husband and or family and friends. My husband and I also enjoy regular hiking trips to the mountains.

Who inspires you? - My children. They are each innovative and steadfast leaders within our community, and they’re always teaching me something new.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I have two. The first is the famous Maya Angelou quote: “I’ve learned people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My second favorite quote is actually from Clark Lauritzen, chairman and president of FNBO: “The biggest impact we can make in the world is with our customers. We have this ability to change lives and collectively change our communities.”

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

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Hosting social/family gatherings.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Anxiety-free public speaking.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I’ve always dreamed of being a chef.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? The collaboration between our nonprofit organizations in Lincoln is very special and the Lincoln community is fortunate to have them all, however, HopeSpoke, United Way, and CenterPointe are very close to my heart.

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

- (402) 323-5301; ssvoboda@fnni.com; www.fnbo.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

SHANNON

A Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Firm

Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt NEBRASKA LTC PHARMACY

Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is a locally owned pharmacy that provides a wide array of services in the Lincoln and Omaha areas.

Shannon Schultz-Hammerschmidt is the pharmacist and owner at Nebraska LTC Pharmacy.

Tell us a little about your business. - We offer much more than the average retail pharmacy. We offer free blister packaging and free medication delivery. We will even do an in-home consultation to assess your medication situation and help you sort through current and old medications, and dispose of anything that the customer is no longer needing or that may be expired. We offer a very high-touch level of customer service and are more of a “concierge” pharmacy.

How did you get started in the business? - I was hired on to a company as a float pharmacist out of pharmacy school, which meant that I filled in at their various locations across the state when they needed help. I enjoyed the many different people and settings I worked in, but along with that came some down sides. The customers did not have the same level of trust with me as the other pharmacists there, even though we had the same knowledge and education. I also didn’t ever get to know any of my patients/customers well because I was at a different store each day. With that, I decided that there had to be something more fulfilling out there for me, and if I couldn’t find it, I would create it! I started this pharmacy nine years ago, and I have never looked back.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - It has, at times, been a challenge to compete with the dominant corporate and large chains. They make certain aspects of pharmacy very difficult for us as the “little guy” in the game.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Building Nebraska LTC Pharmacy from the ground up! I started with five patients in a very tiny little office space. We are growing at a very quick pace right now, and I am so proud of everyone we have been able to bring onto our team due to our growth!

Tell us a little about your family. - I have a nine-year-old son, Liam, who is my entire world. He loves coming to work with me as there are often lots of long days and late nights here.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am an avid marathon runner and have competed in the Boston Marathon six times.

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

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If you could have a super power, what would it be? - My son and I always talk about how cool it would be to be invisible.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A professional athlete. I absolutely love the challenge of hard physical work, fitness, competition, and setting goals high!

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I got connected with the Lincoln Tree of Hope once COVID hit. I saw they had this amazing program where they were packaging food bundles for low-income families who would no longer be getting their main meal at school. That really hit me hard, and I knew I wanted to do something to be a part of that.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 328-0231; neltcpharmacy@gmail.com; Facebook (@ NebraskaLTCpharmacy). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

YOUR CITY. YOUR AIRPORT. When our airport thrives, so does Lincoln.

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

JORDAN

Jordan Schoenefeld HILLCREST FIRETHORN

Hillcrest Firethorn offers post-acute rehab and long-term care services. Jordan Schoenefeld is director of recreation at Hillcrest Firethorn Tell us a little about your business. - Recognized with five stars from CMS in quality measures and named among the Best Nursing Homes for 2020-21 by U.S. News & World Report, Hillcrest Firethorn provides a comfortable environment for guests recovering from an illness, injury, or hospital stay. With an in-house team of therapists, our focus is on recovery and providing consistent and reliable care throughout a guest’s stay. Led by an executive chef, our culinary team prepares made-to-order specialties that are unmatched in the health care setting. At Hillcrest Firethorn, we get to personally know each guest and so much can be learned from their experiences. Hillcrest Firethorn understands that providing creative activities and compassion when family members aren’t always able to be there is extremely important, and I have really enjoyed working here.

How did you get started in the business? - I followed my heart and felt drawn to aging adults. I have a four-year degree with more than 200 hours of field experience, 100 hours specializing in gerontology, and was in the first class to graduate in a new curriculum field of recreational therapy, totaling more than 500 hours. I had valuable internships in recreational therapy and have a renewable five-year certificate with continuing education requirements. I chose Hillcrest because I wanted to find a place to work that valued recreational therapy and how it can help on the road to recovery. Hillcrest Firethorn values each guest and their independence. They support me by allowing me to implement unique ideas to keep our guests engaged and active.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? COVID-19 has been extremely challenging for our team members and guests, but recreation has helped get us through these difficult times.

Since visits are restricted to protect our guests and residents, family and friends rely on recreation to keep everyone engaged and active.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Providing emotional and spiritual support for aging adults and being there for special moments.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am from Lincoln and attended Norris High School. I received my bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from Northwest Missouri State University. I have been married for two years to my husband Ty, and we have a new daughter, Brinley.

Included in our family is our dog Oakley, who is a German Shepherd/ Mini Australian mix. I also have a sister who lives in Hawaii.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with family, being outside, kayaking, and going for walks.

Who inspires you? - My mom. She is the reason I got into gerontology. Her volunteerism and love for the elderly influenced my decision to serve others.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - God has wonderful plans for you if you let Him lead and comfort.

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

What is your favorite TV show? - Anything true crime.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Tandoor Indian Cuisine.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 682-6825; hillcrestfirethorn.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

SYDNEY

Sydney Stauffer

STAUFFER’S CAFÉ & PIE SHOPPE Stauffer’s Café & Pie Shoppe, located off of 48th and Highway 2, serves delicious, home-made meals. Sydney Stauffer is the front of house manager at Stauffer’s Café & Pie Shoppe.

Tell us a little about your business. - Stauffer’s Café was started in 1996 by my dad, Thad Stauffer, and my grandma, Claridy Stauffer. Using grandma’s recipes, they created the now famous Hot Beef Sandwich and over 50 different kinds of pies. Since then, more family has joined the business, including my uncle, my sisters, my cousin, and my hardworking grandpa. It is a true family-run establishment. For those who have not experienced the charm of Stauffer’s, I invite you to dine with us or order curb-side delivery/carry-out.

How did you get started in the business? - I was three when my dad started Stauffer’s Café and I don’t remember my life without it. I started bussing tables at 14, hosting at 15 and waiting tables at 16. Now at 28, I’m managing the front of house operations.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Dealing with the changes that came with COVID has been tough, but our staff has adjusted to the new protocols seamlessly.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally?

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Tell us a little about your family. - Both of my parents are entrepreneurs. They are incredible role models. They taught me about love, kindness, saying what you mean, and the importance of keeping your word.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - My boyfriend and I are big board game players. As long as the dog is in my lap and I have cards in my hands, I’m happy.

Who inspires you? - My sister and my grandpa. They are the hardest working people I’ve ever met.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? -“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” – Wendy Mass If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Loyal.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Armor” by Sara Bareilles.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would multiply myself so that I could handle a variety of tasks at once.

What is your favorite movie? - There are so many good ones to choose from, but I’d say a movie I’m always down to watch is Two Weeks Notice. Around Christmas time, it’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey.

What is your favorite TV show? - It’s tied between Psych and Scrubs.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Well, I obviously love Stauffer’s, but my second favorite is Ramos Pizza.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Tina Fey. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- (402) 423- 2206; staufferscafe@gmail.com; staufferscafe.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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STAR CITY SIX

Pollack & Ball, LLC

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

ALLO Comm unications provides the technology that works for your business starting with phones, internet, and TV. Hollie Messinger is a business sales leader at ALLO Communications.

Tell us a little about your business. - ALLO’s 100% fiber network delivers the speed, reliability, and 24/7 support your business needs to move forward in a quickly changing world. Our core values put our customers first: local, honest, hassle-free, and exceptional.

How did you get started in the business? - A good friend introduced me to the world of data and technology in 2011. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and become resilient in an ever changing economy. Since then, I have enjoyed developing personalized solutions for customers all over the great state of Nebraska.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Learning how to accept and welcome change. Change continually benefits my professional progress and better refines my skills.

Ultimately, it has led me to the amazing job I have today!

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband and I will celebrate our 21st wedding anniversary this year. We have two beautiful children: Sloan (11) and Blaise (8). We also have a lovely cat named Cleo.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors and vacations to other states. We really enjoy visiting friends and family in Oregon and Colorado.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I love writing and reading poetry. In college, I co-founded Mistry Guild, a poetry, art, and photography journal with a friend. I also self-published a book of poetry titled Prairie Ghosts.

Who inspires you? - Because of my love of literature, I find a lot of inspiration in writers such as Toni Morrison, Walt Whitman, Zora Neale Hurston, Margaret Atwood, Henry David Thoreau, Maya Angelou, Sharon Olds, and so many others. I am especially inspired by our very own Nebraska Poet Laureate Ted Kooser!

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." – Maya Angelou If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Compassionate.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Don’t Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - It would be writing and publishing. I spent some time with small press organizations like Calyx and Storyline Press in the Mid-Willamette Valley in college. I also considered an MFA in Creative Writing post-graduation from Oregon State University.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Book of Joy was the last great book I read by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams.

What is your favorite movie? - The Silence of the Lambs.

What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld and The Simpsons.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hacienda Real.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 781-0545; hmessinger@allophone.net; www. allocommunications.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

JOSEPH

Joseph “Joey” Peck

WYUKA FUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery is a nationally recognized historic cemetery and a vital living piece of Lincoln’s history.

Joseph "Joey" Peck is the funeral director/embalmer at Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Tell us a little about your business. - Our funeral home offers the families who have experienced loss a safe place to come and feel welcome. We will go to extreme lengths in order to honor their loved ones and to personalize the service specific to each family. We also offer a peaceful place for them to come and spend meaningful time with their loved ones in the cemetery.

How did you get started in the business? - I decided that if I could give a family comfort and compassion in a trying time, that's what I would do. Ultimately, my love for people inspired this career path.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I look quite young, so I have to really show people how serious I take my passion and show them I have the competence to handle stressful situations. I just take everything head on.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Earning my license after working so hard for it. I'm proud of all the lives I've had the opportunity to honor as a result.

Tell us a little about your family. - I come from a single-parent household. It was just me and my father. He’s my rock and the reason I became the man I am today.

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

- The day my uncle passed away. He also played an integral role in my upbringing. His death is what inspired me to pursue a career path in funeral service.

Lincoln Rises

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Have a BBQ and some cold beverages with friends.

I can see a day of gold ahead,

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was a clown in the Shrine Circus for a few years.

But I’ll get there, I’ll get there,

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "You've got the world by tail with a downward pull, you'll do well kid." – My grandpa

I will stay strong, I’m never giving up faith,

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

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

This is where these winding roads have led, Can’t be done, impossible they’ve said, I will rise up, I will not fall, I will stand up, I will not fall, I will go on, go all the way, This will be the day, This will be the day.

“This will be the Day,” by Lady Bri

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Playing the drums.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Federal prosecutor.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I'm a Freemason with aspirations of becoming a Shriner.

What is your favorite movie? - Sweeney Todd.

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

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

- (402) 474-3600; jpeck@wyuka.com; www.wyuka.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

LCOC.COM MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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MARCH IS PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH Don’t let the roll of the dice determine your future

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

800-522-4700—Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling 833-238-6837—Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program Choices Treatment Center is certified with GAP 127 S 37th St., Suite B Lincoln, NE 68510 402-476-2300

402-476-2300—Choices Treatment Center These 24/7 helplines are confidential and will direct you to a certified counselor who can provide immediate help. The Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program (GAP) pays for the assessment and treatment of problem gambling for Nebraska citizens.

For more information, go to www.ChoicesTreatmentCenter.com or www.ProblemGambling.Nebraska.Gov 28

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PERSONNEL NEWS

k!

West Gate Bank Promotes Clay Blank, Stacy Hall, Kelly Lutomski The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors has elected Clay Blank to mortgage officer/ Jr. TPO account executive for the West Gate Bank Correspondent Mortgage division; Stacy Hall to vice president in her role as a TPO account executive for the West Gate Bank Correspondent Mortgage division; and Kelly Lutomski to vice president, Mortgage Talent Recruitment & Development.

Originally from Wilcox, NE, Blank joined the Correspondent Mortgage Services department at West Gate Bank in 2018 as an account manager after attaining his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

In his new role, Blank will manage a client base, while playing an integral role in the team’s marketing strategy. He will continue to maintain current Correspondent Mortgage relationships while fostering new relationships with existing and prospective clients. In addition, he will be creating new training and informational materials for clients and facilitating new processes and applications within the department to improve efficiency.

Blank can be reached at (402) 853-7026 or cblank@westgate.bank.

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Clay Blank

Matt Talbot Recognizes Buck, Drozd for Milestone Anniversaries, Promotes Wilson

Stacy Hall

Hall joined the Correspondent Mortgage Services department at West Gate Bank in 2016 with nearly 20 years of banking experience. She will continue to establish and maintain Correspondent Mortgage relationships with new and existing clients, identify prospective new clients, and facilitate the new application process.

In addition, Hall will provide training to correspondents regarding West Gate Kelly Lutomski Bank’s policies, procedures, programs and technology as it relates to Correspondent Mortgage. Located in Tulsa, OK, Hall is a member of the Oklahoma Mortgage Bankers Association, Iowa Mortgage Association, Nebraska Mortgage Bankers Association, and Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota.

Hall can be reached at (918) 706-6005 or shall@westgate.bank.

Originally from Grand Island, Lutomski earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Nebraska-Kearney.

She joined West Gate Bank in November 2012 as a Mortgage Banking Specialist, with more than 25 years of banking experience. In 2017, she was promoted to assistant vice president (loan operations). In her new role, Lutomski is responsible for training and development of staff, talent acquisition, employee retention, and coaching leaders to focus on growing an inclusive and diverse team for the Mortgage Department. Lutomski is an alumnae member of the Gamma Kappa Chapter of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and previously served as President of the House Corporation Board for the Pi Chapter for the Sorority at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Lutomski can be reached at (402) 434-7815 or klutomski@westgate.bank.

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

Matt Talbot Kitc hen & Outreac h is celebrating milestone work anniversaries of Janet Buck and Vicky Drozd and the promotion of Susie Wilson to director of marketing and communications. All three women are team players, helping in all areas of Matt Talbot programming when necessary.

Janet Buck, MS, RD, MNT, is celebrating 15 years as Matt Talbot’s nutrition coordinator, providing medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education, and has overseen gardening activities, as well.

Janet serves on the Action Now Diabetes Prevention Coalition and the Diabetic Support Group, as well as attending the Partnership for a Healthy Lincoln Coalition. Nutrition is her passion, which she uses to help the underserved!

Vicky Drozd is celebrating 10 years as Matt Talbot’s event coordinator, through which she has significantly expanded fundraising efforts, provided workshops on event planning for the nonprofit community, and assisted in processing donations through their donor database. Vicky is a tremendous organizer, smoothly adapted to virtual events needed during the pandemic, and recently moved to a full-time position.

Janet Buck

Vicky Drozd

Susie Wilson, MSPH, has been promoted to director of marketing and communications.

She has been with Matt Talbot for 11 years and has excelled at communications, marketing, and grant-writing efforts. Susie is currently participating in the Nonprofit Marketing Guide Communications Director Susie Wilson Mentoring Program, which is a six-month program focused on marketing strategies, tactics, and leadership.

She is part of a cohort of 16 communication professionals from the United States and Canada in the program, which is led by Kivi Leroux Miller, founder and CEO of Nonprofit Marketing Guide.

The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to serve the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of Lincoln’s working poor and homeless through outreach, advocacy, education, and the provision of food and shelter. To learn more visit mtko.org.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 29

PERSONNEL NEWS The Bridge Behavioral Health Welcomes Bree Glause as Director of Finance and Operations

HBAL Installs Kinning as 2021 President, Welcomes New Board Officers, Directors

The Bridge Behavioral Health welcomes Bree Glause as Director of Finance and Operations. A Grand Island native, Glause brings six years of experience from a public accounting firm. Her areas of expertise are not-for-profit accounting, budgeting, grant tracking, and financial reporting.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) recently installed Matt Kinning of Kinning Design Build as their 2021 association president, and welcomed their 2021 officers, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors.

The 2021 HBAL Executive Committee includes Kinning as president, plus Fred Hoppe as president elect, Lori Wellman as first vice president, Perry Haralson as second vice president, Ryan Trausch as secretary, Bob Bryant as treasurer, Herb Reese as immediate past president, and Michaela Schwarten as executive vice president.

The 2021 Board of Directors includes Mark Aksamit, Bryce Bornemeier, Beau Daffer, Megan Dreyer, Kelly Krueger, Hayley Lane, Dan Loeck, Pam Magner, Jereme Montgomery, Blake Pittack, Tyler Reynolds, and Brett Sundberg. Sue Eaton is serving as chair of the Remodelers Council, and Sam Swartz is president of HBAL’s Young Building Professionals Council.

Past Presidents include Jerry Boyce, Jim Christo, Steve Fulton, John Hoppe, Jr., Justin Johnson, Bo Jones, Mike Kinning, Dan Klein, Sr., Matt Kleinschmit, Rick Krueger, Dan Kubr, Sam Manzitto, Mike May, Roger Reynolds, Mike Rezac, J. Greg Schwinn, Bob Stephens, and Denny Van Horn.

Since 1951, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln has been working to promote the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln. To learn more, call (402) 423-4225 or visit hbal.org.

“We are thrilled to have Bree join our leadership team,” said Executive Director Tammy Stevenson. “Her knowledge, experience, and forward-thinking are huge assets to The Bridge. We are excited to see great progress within the organization, thanks to her innovative approach to her work.”

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. For more information, visit thebridgenebraska.org or call (402) 477-3951.

Did you know our office is bilingual?

Being able to communicate with our patients is a top priority!

Now accepting new patients!

Family Dentistry • Restorative Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry 4525 S. 86th Street, Ste. A | Lincoln, NE 68526 starcitydentalne.com | (402) 489-7806 30

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PERSONNEL NEWS Jim Toof Joins Lincoln Federal as Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Jim Toof has joined the lending team at their corporate office location, as Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer. With more than 20 years of experience, Jim has a knack for being creative and overcoming obstacles in the home-buying process. He talks about the moment these obstacles vanish: “Everyone has their own unique situation, and seeing their faces light up with excitement knowing their mortgage goal will be a reality is one of the greatest aspects of my work.”

Community involvement is a large part of Jim’s life. He is involved with The Chamber of Commerce, Board of Realtors, LIBA, Rotary, BNI, and Center Sphere. He is also a youth sports coach through the YMCA and the Youth Saltdogs. Jim says his wife, Tamera, is his hero.

She is the mother of their five children, including one set of twins, and is a Realtor in Lincoln. In their free time, they enjoy attending events for the kids and watching college athletics.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home-equity loan products, commercial real-estate loans, and deposit services.

The Corporate Office is at 8400 Maddox Dr. (84th & Van Dorn). If you’re ready to realize the reality of homeownership, call Jim today at (402) 325-4805!

Lincoln First Realty Annual Awards Banquet Recognizes Agents for 2020 Achievements During its Annual Awards Banquet on February 23, Lincoln First Realty recognized several agents for exceptional achievements in 2020.

Steve Taylor was named the Top Producing Agent; Lea Barker was recognized for the Most Closed Transactions; Rachel Rentschler was recognized for the Most Improved Closed Volume; John and Melvina Ball achieved the Highest Average Closed Transaction; and Kali Klassen was named New Agent of the Year. Finally, Lincoln First Realty presented the 5th annual Founders Award of Excellence to Carol Morrow. This honor, awarded by a vote of her peers, goes to the Lincoln First Realty agent who displays a high level of professionalism, positively interacts with fellow Realtors®, is involved with real estate related and community activities, and meets high production standards.

Lincoln First Realty congratulates these individual agents and all other Lincoln First Realty agents for their contributions to Lincoln First Realty’s market-share growth. Out of the now 51 agents who are affiliated with Lincoln First Realty, several agents also had their best year of their careers in real estate during 2020.

Lincoln First Realty agents joined together to support numerous organizations in their community in 2020, as well, including Friendship Home, NeighborWorks Lincoln, Home Buyers Assistance Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, RUFF Rescue, Lincoln Littles, The People’s City Mission, and many other local philanthropic activities.

Lincoln First Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cornhusker Bank and is a full-service professional real estate company with three offices, located at 7575 S 57th; 5701 S 34th, STE 101; and at 1101 Cornhusker Highway, STE 200. For more information, please contact them at (402) 434-2222. You can also find them on Facebook (@lincoln1st), Twitter (@LNKFirstRealty), and Instagram (@ lincolnfirstrealty) or check out their website at LincolnFirstRealty.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

OLE’S Boot & Shoe Repair Are you ready for winter?

Artic Grip from VIBRAM is back for another winter!

Soles, Heels, Elastic, Velcro, Repair & More!

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Transform Your Outdoor Space Imagine your ideal outdoor space and start living it with the help of Eagle Nursery! We are a full service company dedicated to quality work, materials, & integrity service.

Patios | Walls | Water Features | Fire Pits | Trees | Shrubs | Annuals Perennials | Ornamental Grasses | Landscape Lighting | Potted Materials

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Start your outdoor transformation today!

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CountryHouse Welcomes Jennifer Galdamez as Executive Director at 84th Street Location CountryHouse recently announced the hiring of Jennifer Galdamez as the new executive director of the Pine Lake location, at 6616 S 84th St. Jennifer started in her new position in mid-January and brings with her 20 years of experience in health care, including the last eight years as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). She has always had a goal to work as an executive director in senior living and spent the last decade in roles at various senior communities, including stints working in dining, as a nurse’s aide, as a director of nursing, and in marketing, admissions, and administration. Jennifer has been married to Fred for almost 20 years. They have a 15-year-old son, Bobby, who Jennifer says has been their greatest joy. She lives next door to her parents, with whom--along with her brother, Mike--she is very close. Jennifer grew up primarily in El Salvador and has been blessed to travel to many parts of the world, thanks to her father’s work with the American Embassy. She feels at home at CountryHouse, though.

“I chose CountryHouse because working for a company that has a ‘working with a servant’s heart’ work ethic and is well-known and respected in our community is very important to me,” Jennifer said.

“It has been a beautiful experience to be part of the CountryHouse family. I feel the love and feel at home here.”

CountryHouse at Pine Lake is a memory-care community owned by parent company Agemark Senior Living. Other CountryHouse communities in the area include two more in Lincoln, plus locations in Council Bluffs, Omaha, Grand Island, and Kearney. Agemark Senior Living also is the parent company of The Meriwether in La Vista and The Kensington in Beatrice and Hastings. For more information, visit countryhouse.net or call (402) 421-1300.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Unlimited Sports Solutions Brings Max Westerholt on as Lead Project Manager

Strictly Business Brings on Megan Stice as Social Media Guru

Unlimited Sports Solutions (USS), headquartered in Waverly, is pleased to announce the addition of Max Westerholt to the team as lead project manager. Max comes to Unlimited Sports Solutions after a successful tenure as a project manager with USS sister company, Empire Netting & Fence.

Max’s attention to detail, understanding of sports construction, and customer-centered focus will prove to be very valuable to the USS team. As evidence of Max’s dedication to his customers, he was recently honored by the Nebraska Sports Council for his “hard work, attention to detail, and overall service.”

“With projects stretching across America and Puerto Rico, Max’s experience and dedication to his customers will be a great asset to our continued growth,” said Unlimited Sports Solutions President Ron Dubas.

Unlimited Sports Solutions designs and builds safe, dependable, eye-appealing, sports construction products by aligning innovation, experience, integrity, and customer service. They offer free shipping in the continental United States, saving hundreds of dollars; financing options are also available, with a lifetime warranty on structures.

To learn more, visit unlimitedsportssolutions.com, or follow them on Facebook (@unlimitedsportssolutions).

In an effort to stay active and engaging on social media, Strictly Business has added Megan Stice to the team. Megan will be working part time to spearhead internal social media efforts for the magazine. In this role, she will create fun content such as giveaways, team spotlights, client testimonials, event promotion/coverage, and much more.

Megan's previous experience includes three years as a graphic designer for JEO Consulting Group, and she also owns and teaches dance at Elements Dance Concept. She obtained her degree in dance from UNL and then went on to earn her design degree from Southeast Community College. Strictly Business is thrilled to have Megan on board as she brings a lot of energy and fresh ideas to the table. She's looking forward to helping the magazine grow their online following.

Strictly Business is reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Omaha, creating and publishing captivating content in print and online. To reach the magazine, call (402) 466-3330 or learn more on the website strictly-business.com. Strictly Business is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Google, and Alignable.

Websites Mobile Apps SEO Social Media Branding Blog Writing TapOnIt

402.420.5101 go-tnt.com 32

Strictly Business MARCH 2021

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PERSONNEL NEWS

DAILY TACO SPECIALS? 200+ TEQUILAS? 32 DRAFT BEERS?

Associated Builders & Contractors Adds Michelle Auman, Carter Klute, Rhea Barfield Anne M.N. Klute, president and CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) in Lincoln and Omaha, has announced new additions to the staff: Michelle Auman as executive assistant and office manager, Carter Klute as director of member services, and Rhea Barfield as grant administrator and education liaison.

Michelle joined the ABC team in March of 2020—and she stuck with them through the insanity of COVID-19. Although she is new to the construction and education arena, Michelle Auman she has vast experience as a manager and professional executive assistant. Michelle is now the voice of ABC when you call the State Office in Lincoln. She loves spending time with family and spoiling her nieces and nephews, playing board games, movie nights, and hanging with her dog.

Carter has been with the team in this roll since October 2020. Many may recognize him as the ABC photographer, which is a role he will continue to manage. As director of member services, Carter is here to be a partner in Carter Klute everything ABC. Carter works out of both Lincoln and Omaha offices. Outside of work, Carter is an avid outdoors man, photographer, and volunteer firefighter. He has a degree in International Rescue and Relief. He enjoys travel and believes in the merit shop principles and values that ABC holds dear.

Rhea comes to ABC with a background in the construction industry as well as corrections. She has been with ABC since October of 2020.

Rhea works with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services assisting inmates with Rhea Barfield education supporting an opportunity for a career in the crafts upon re-entry. In addition, she also works with instructors and students at the Lincoln Training Center.

When she is not working, Rhea enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and doing anything that involves her being active and outdoors.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development. They are located at 830 Westgate Blvd. in Lincoln and their hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. An additional location is at 10640 Burt Cir., in Omaha and their hours are 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8 a.m.–11:30 a.m. on Friday. For more information about ABC, call the State/Lincoln location at (402) 477-4451 or the Omaha location at (402) 344-4258 or visit www.abcnebraska.org.

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WHERE HOME IS...

Sharing a laugh with a loved one.

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

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402.480.6950 | www.thewaterford.net MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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PERSONNEL NEWS Lincoln Community Foundation Welcomes 4 New Board Members, Announces Officers The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) recently welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors, including Dr. Marko Barker, University of NebraskaLincoln; Connie S. Edmond, WRL CPA; Aaron Hilkemann, Duncan Aviation; and Sändra Washington, Lincoln City Council.

Officers for 2021 include Board Chair Kim M. Robak, Mueller Robak LLC; Vice Chair JoAnn Martin, retired Ameritas; Treasurer Ryan Beckman, Olsson; Secretary Linda Major, retired University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Past Chair Tom Smith, D. A. Davidson & Co. Finally, Max Rodenburg, Rembolt Ludtke LLP, will serve as board chair for NextGen, LCF’s giving circle for young professionals.

The Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The Foundation has distributed more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. For more information or to donate to the Foundation, visit lcf.org or call (402) 474-2345.

Community Action Thanks Gail Steen for Decade of Service, Welcomes New Officers Community Action recently recognized Gail Steen for 10 years of service— including four years as president of the Board of Directors—and welcomed new officers and Board members. During her tenure as president, Steen oversaw the implementation of many significant events in the agency’s history, including the opening of Community Action’s Lincoln Head Start centers and a satellite office in Wahoo.

“Community Action thanks Gail for her innumerable contributions over the past decade—not only to our agency, but to the entire Lincoln community,” said Vi See, executive director of Community Action. “Gail is committed to making community-minded decisions as a leader, and her support of our mission is exemplary.” Steen is succeeded

by Lisa Hale, vice president of customer services at Lincoln Electric System, who was elected president of the Community Action Board of Directors on January 26.

“Community Action’s mission of empowerment and poverty alleviation has always been important, but it’s especially relevant given the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Hale said. “Many in our community are struggling. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside my fellow board members as well as staff, volunteers, participants, and community members, to advance work that is more important than ever.”

In addition to Hale, Brodey Weber, vice president of client relations at Mid America Casing Supply, was elected vice president of the Community Action Board. Lorene Bartos currently serves as treasurer, and Amy Jensen is secretary. In November 2020, Community Action also welcomed two additional members to its 15-member Board of Directors: Grant Buckley, CPA at Buckley and Sitzman CPAs, and Carl Eskridge, retired Nebraska Office of Public Counsel Ombudsman.

Community Action’s mission is to empower people living in poverty to reach economic stability. For more information, visit communityactionatwork.org.

34 Strictly Business MARCH 2021

Cruise & Associates Welcomes Justin Schultz Cruise & Associates is excited to welcome their new accountant, Justin Sc hultz, to their Lincoln office. Originally from Cottonwood, AZ, Justin ear ned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bellevue University. Prior to joining Cruise & Associates, Justin held various accounting positions. He also has a strong expertise in business start-up and manufacturing accounting.

Justin is active in the Lincoln community. He belongs to Capital City Kiwanis and is also an umpire with Elite Umpires. Justin and his wife Megan have two daughters. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing golf, and riding ATVs. If you are in the neighborhood, please stop in at 1650 S 70th St., STE 200 and meet Justin.

Cruise & Associates is a regional accounting firm with additional offices in Albion, Columbus, Grand Island, Omaha, and Wayne.

Their offices have been working with individuals, businesses and farm clients for 30 years taking care of their income tax, business and financial service needs. To learn more about Cruise & Associates, visit cruise-associates.com. If you would like to chat with Justin, call (402) 466-1969.

SP Group Introduces Tax-Season Interns, Fairbanks, Janssen, Roesler, and Miller S P G ro u p, P. C . , a g row i n g entrepreneurial accounting firm, is excited to introduce their taxseason interns: Jessica Fairbanks, Natalie Janssen, and Jackson Roesler, who currently attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Madilynn Miller, who attends Nebraska Wesleyan University. All are majoring in accounting.

Pictured (L-R): Natalie Janssen, Jessica Fairbanks, Jackson Roesler, Madilynn Miller.

Jessica Fairbanks, is currently wor king toward her master’s degree in professional accountancy. She serves as a student strengths coach, mentoring students around their top five Clifton Strengths, and networking as a member of Beta Alpha Psi. Natalie Janssen hails from Holdrege, NE. Growing up in a family-owned business, Natalie realizes the importance of teamwork and building long-lasting relationships. An active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, her favorite part is being involved in the philanthropic work they support.

Jackson Roesler is a senior and a Papillion native. An active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, he served as the executive house manager. Jackson brings his previous internship experiences in tax and audit to the SP Group team. Madilynn Miller calls Hastings her hometown and is a junior. Driven to succeed in academics, she will complete her Bachelor of Science degree in less than four years and plans to continue her education by pursuing her master’s degree.

As a member of Professional Business Leaders and Colleges Against Cancer, she serves as the chair of the fundraising committee.

SP Group, P.C. serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest, with the goal of making sure that their clients have the support they need to feel confident about their financial future. For complete bios on the SP Group team, visit spgrouppc.com/meet-the-team, or follow SP Group on Facebook (@ SPGroup,P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC) or call (402) 420-7758. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Pemberly Place Welcomes Sophie Hoelz to Team as Exercise Specialist for Residents

Clearwater Counseling Looking to Expand Grand Island Staff by Adding New Therapist

Pemberly Place is happy to welcome Sophie Hoelz to the team as a new Exercise Specialist.

She will be working one-on-one with residents and leading group exercise classes. Sophie is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Nebraska on a track scholarship to Concordia, graduating with a degree in psychology and behavioral science. Sophie began her career in senior care as a housekeeper at an assisted living community and loved the senior population, so she decided to venture out and work one-on-one with each resident to keep them strong both physically and mentally through exercise.

As the need for mental health services continues to rise nationwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Clearwater Counseling, PC is looking to expand its Grand Island office, which will include hiring another mental health therapist. The practice, which expanded to include an Omaha location in 2019 continues to grow to meet the needs and has plans to continue expansion well into the future.

Sophie is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling through Concordia and hopes to one day add that to her abilities in helping the geriatric population cope with whatever life throws at them. Pemberly Place looks forward to watching Sophie grow with the residents and help them achieve their individual goals by challenging them to hold a healthy lifestyle by keeping active. Outside of work, Sophie loves to exercise, especially outside with her Golden Retriever, who loves playing outdoors in the snow and is very active all the time.

Pemberly Place is known throughout Lincoln for their creative service planning and attention to each resident’s individual needs. Their care is designed to meet and exceed the quality benchmarks set by the National Center for Assisted Living. Locally owned, the Pemberly Place community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. To learn more, call (402) 413-9770 or visit pemberlyplace.com.

True North Technologies Welcomes Alexandra Coffelt-Bush as Team’s New Project Manager True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Alexandra Coffelt-Bush onto the team as project manager. Known around the office as “AB,” Alexandra has joined the True North team to leverage her years of customer-facing and management experience into the project manager role. Counting Connectedness, Strategic, and Individualization among her top Gallup strengths, AB possesses the ability to bring out the best in both people and processes with her unique perspective. She balances empathy and drive to facilitate high-quality, timely deliverable production while encouraging the True North team along the way. AB thrives in the fast-paced environment she has found at True North and enjoys the opportunity to flex her creative problem-solving skills to help clients meet their business goals.

AB has lived in Nebraska since 2013 after spending her formative years moving around the country due to her father’s Air Force career. She currently resides in Bennet with her husband Eric and their small pack of rescue animals. Outside of project management, she enjoys cooking, kayaking, and painting. AB is eager to continue growing her knowledge of the digital marketing industry and True North’s clients’ specific needs.

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

“The demand for mental health services is at an all-time high right now,” said Co-owner and COO Nikki Frenzen. “Everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and it is our hope that by adding another therapist we will be able to serve even more individuals.”

Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, relationship issues, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To learn more about staff, services or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@ clearwatercounselingne.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS JA Hosts Trivia Night at Robber’s Cave with Fresh Start Gave 64 Women a Fresh Start Craft Axe Throwing, Lincoln Escape Room in 2020 with Modifications for Pandemic Junior Achievement (JA) Lincoln’s Yo u n g P r o f e s s i o n a l s B o a r d announced plans for JA Trivia Night on March 25, presented by Craft Axe Throwing and Lincoln Escape Room, at Robber’s Cave. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with trivia based on a “decades” theme, with questions highlighting music, sports, pop culture, etc. of the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and 2010s. The night will include appetizers, desserts, a cash bar, silent auction, raffles, and cash prizes for the top teams. Individuals can sign up to play for $30, and teams of four can register for $100. Turn out for JA Trivia Night at Robber’s Cave and show off your knowledge of the last four decades and support JA’s mission to empower local young people to succeed!

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices to achieve their highest potential.

For more information about JA Trivia Night or to reserve your spot, visit lincoln.ja.org/events. If you have questions, contact JA Special Event Coordinator Kim Pramberg at kpramberg@ jalincoln.org or (402) 467-4479.

Register by March 7 for CBMC Understanding Worldviews Workshop with Krish Dhanam Register by March 7 for CBMC Lincoln’s workshop with renowned speaker, a u t h o r, a n d Z i g Ziglar protégé Kri sh Dhanam on Saturday. On tap for March 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Carol Joy Holling Center near Ashland, the workshop is titled “Understanding Worldviews: Learning about Comparisons, Contrasts and Contradictions to the Infallible Word of God.” The workshop is an in-depth look into prominent belief systems and how they compare with Christianity. Worldviews to be presented include Humanism, Secularism, Pluralism, Scientism, and Atheism, and how each compares with Christianity. The format includes four segments with a presentation and Q&A. Registration of $29 includes lunch and workshop materials.

Krish Dhanam was born and educated in India and migrated to the U.S. with his wife Anila in 1986. Krish joined the Zig Ziglar Corporation in 1991 and eventually became their VP of global operations. Personally trained by Zig Ziglar, Krish has spoken in more than 50 countries and his client list is the “Who’s Who” of global enterprise. Today, he is the CEO of Skylife Success and serves as global ambassador for the Ziglar Group of Companies. Krish also is the author of multiple books, and he and his wife live in Texas.

Learn more at krishdhanam.com.

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 register for Understanding Worldviews, go to Lincoln.cbmc.com/events.

If you have questions, call (402) 540-1093. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Since its inception, Fresh Start has given a “fresh start” to nearly 1,800 women who were striving to live a better life. In 2020, they served 64 women and provided 18,990 meals and 6,330 nights of lodging to women in need. The number served during the year was lower than average, due to the pandemic. In line with COVID guidelines, they reduced occupancy to leave a couple of quarantine rooms available to maintain a safe and healthy home.

Fresh Start is a transitional shelter for women experiencing homelessness. Its 24-bed home shelters women for up to one year.

The nonprofit provides real resources and assistance for women as they work to turn their lives around. Women who enter Fresh Start’s program and do the work are on their way to a stable, self-sufficient future. A common goal on their Individualized Goal Plan (IGP) is to secure employment. In 2020, Fresh Start had 9% of residents employed at entry and 71% employed at exit.

Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media, including Facebook (@FreshStartHomeLincoln) and Twitter (@FreshStartLNK).

To donate or volunteer, Contact Audrey at (402) 475-7777 / audreyb@FreshStartHome.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS A Warmer Day Plans Coat Distribution, Seeks Community Help to Hold Drives A Warmer Day is planning a fifth coat distribution for Lincoln area families this winter, at a time when the need is greater than ever. This has been a difficult winter for A Warmer Day, as they were forced to cancel several coat drives due to COVID in 2020. Still, they managed to complete four distributions this winter season, thanks to having many coats in storage from previous donations. To ensure they can make a fifth distribution, A Warmer Day is encouraging area residents and businesses to hold coat drives to collect warm outerwear for community members in need.

The all-volunteer nonprofit organization has used zero tax dollars and zero payroll dollars to distribute thousands of pieces of winter apparel to more than 1,000 families during the current winter season, but they depend on the kindness of businesses, individuals, neighborhoods, and volunteers to provide a warmer winter to those who are less fortunate but need to keep their families safe and warm.

A Warmer Day is an all-volunteer charity whose mission is to provide coats and winter apparel to Nebraskans in need. You can support their mission by holding a coat drive or donating new or gently used coats, hat, gloves, scarves, mittens, and boots. You can also make a financial impact by becoming a member for just $10 per month. If you are interested in membership, please sign up on their website at awarmerday.org. For more information, call (402) 261-0096 or email info@awarmerday.org.

Your wellbeing has people

Lowe's to Give 100% of “Be the Change” Donations to Habitat for Humanity

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Lowe's Home Improvement, a committed partner of Habitat for Humanity’s mission, has announced that from January 1 through March 31, 100% of all donations made through Lowe’s “Be the Change” campaign will be directed to Habitat for Humanity International. Retailers are struggling with a national coin shortage. To help put coins back into circulation, Lowe’s is inviting customers to donate their change at the registers to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Lowe’s will run the “Be the Change” campaign in all 1,727 Lowe’s locations in the U.S., including Lincoln's 6101 Apples Way location.

Every day, more and more families are struggling to find and keep a decent roof over their heads. With unpredictable rent increases, overcrowded conditions, or lack of access to affordable financing, these families live with the constant stress of uncertainty and fear. Habitat knows that a safe and affordable home plays a critical role in helping families build strength, stability, and self-reliance.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization that brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat welcomes volunteers and supporters from all backgrounds and also serves people in need of decent housing regardless of race or religion. They have built or repaired more than 162 local homes; housing more than 750 men, women, and children. To learn more, visit lincolnhabitat.org or call the local office at (402) 477-9184. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Angels Among Us Celebrates 15 Years, Schedules 2 Key Fundraisers for 2021

Arc of Lincoln Highlights Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in March

Angels Among Us is celebrating 15 years of service to pediatric cancer families in Nebraska. Upon launching their mission to provide financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer families in 2006, Angels Among Us supported five families in their first year. Fast forward to 2021, and they have touched the lives of more than 500 families with a total of more than $2.8 million in support. The funding they provide goes directly to the families’ creditors to pay rent, mortgage, utilities, auto payments, medical bills, and the like.

Marc h is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and Arc of Lincoln is hosting activities to shine a spotlight on the importance of including people with development disabilities in all areas of community life and highlighting the barriers that people with disabilities still sometimes face in connecting to the communities in which they live. Research indicates that about one in six children are identified to have some type of developmental disability, but they can live normal lives as long as they have the proper supports. President Ronald Reagan signed the National Developmental Disabilities Awareness proclamation in 1987 to bring awareness to that reality.

To celebrate this important milestone, Angels Among Us has scheduled their two key fundraising events for 2021, as they play a crucial role in meeting the need of the pediatric cancer community in Nebraska. Mark your calendars for Monday, July 12 for a golf outing at Champions Run Golf Course and for Friday, September 10 for the 15th Anniversary Gala event at Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista.

Nebraska ranks No. 1 among the 12 Midwestern states for incidences of childhood cancer, constantly increasing the need for financial backing for Angels Among Us. Any family whose child is battling cancer and living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska is eligible for support. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved with Angels Among Us, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org.

Arc of Lincoln kicks off Awareness Month with a March 1 fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Don & Millie’s, 8150 O St., during which 20% of each order will be donated to Arc of Lincoln—just be sure to mention the Arc of Lincoln when ordering! They’ve also scheduled a March 28 training opportunity, “Division of Developmental Disabilities Services and Eligibility,” from 5 to 7 p.m. on Zoom [#919 3631 9377, passcode 2021]. The training will be led by Joyful Stoves, a developmental disabilities program specialist for the State of Nebraska.

The mission of the Arc of Lincoln is to encourage and provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential. For more information, visit advocacypartnership.org or contact Michelle Johnson at (402) 421-8866 or arclincoln.org.

Time to Enroll Your K-8 Students in 2021 Bright Lights Hands-on Summer Camps!

Registration now is open for Bright Lights summer camps, which are sure to provide kindergarten through eighth-grade students with unique, hands-on, learning opportunities in summer 2021, and older students with the chance to serve as Camp Assistants. Enroll your students today at BrightLights.org and you’ll know they will have a fun summer, while also avoiding learning loss during their time away from school.

Check out the 90+ half-day and full-day Bright Lights camps available, including everything from robotics to rock climbing, cooking, and coding, that are sure to provide the perfect matches for everyone! Camps are scheduled over five weeklong sessions: June 7-11; June 14-18; June 21-25; June 28-July 2, and July 12-16. Scholarships are available; simply apply during the registration process.

If you have an older student who is interested in gaining some résumé-worthy experience and fun volunteer hours, they can join the fun by becoming a Bright Lights Camp Assistant. These valuable volunteers (ages 8th grade and older) provide support to teachers and enrich the experience for students in each Bright Lights camp. Applications are being accepted starting March 2 at BrightLights.org/assistants.

Bright Lights is a nonprofit organization that has taken learning beyond the classroom by providing youth with unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunities for 35 summers now. For more information about 2021 summer camps, visit BrightLights.org or call (402) 420-1115. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS HopeSpoke’s Psychoeducational Video Series Serves Up Important Community Resource

Friendship Home Hosts 22nd Annual Stuff the Bus to Support Victims of Domestic Violence

In October 2020, HopeSpoke introduced a psyc hoeducational video series in an effort to create online educational resources for community members.

This video series, hosted by Outpatient Therapist Cambria Beirow, MA, PLMHP, covers a variety of topics, so far including: Anxiety in Children, Boundaries, Coping During COVID-19, Distance Learning, Effective Communication Skills, Psychoeducation, Healthy Social Media Use, and Trauma 101.

Friendship Home, StarTran, and Alpha Media are excited to partner for the 22nd Annual Stuff the Bus, a two-week event, running April 5-18. For the safety of the community volunteers, supporters, and Friendship Home staff, this year’s event will be a virtual experience, and Friendship Home invites you to help raise $50,000 for highly needed items for the women and children in shelter. Donations from Stuff the Bus will allow families served at Friendship Home to receive the everyday essential items they need while rebuilding their lives—free from domestic violence.

Since many of these families enter through Friendship Home’s shelter doors with no more than the clothes on their backs, Stuff the Bus is critical to support their needs as they begin this journey.

In the first video, Cambria highlights the importance of the psychoeducation series, noting that the goal is to help people better understand topics and subjects tied to the world of mental health: “Evidence-based research explains that by utilizing psychoeducation, people feel much more in control of their mental-health conditions,” Cambria says. “…They are much more prepared to move through their therapeutic process.”

HopeSpoke has been inspiring healthy futures for children and their families through comprehensive behavioral and mental-health services for more than 70 years. They provide help for youth at risk for suicide and behavioral challenges, and they provide schoolbased therapy for public-school students. For more information about HopeSpoke, call (402) 475-7666 or visit hopespoke.org. To view the video series, follow HopeSpoke on Facebook (@hopespoke) or visit their YouTube channel.

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Many of us take the comfort and safety of home for granted in this time of social distancing, but for some, home is the most dangerous place on Earth. Domestic violence definitely didn’t stop for COVID-19 and, in fact, oftentimes escalates due to additional stressors. With this in mind, Friendship Home provides crisis services, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to victims of domestic violence and their children. For more information regarding Stuff the Bus visit, www.friendshiphome.org or contact Dani Bryant at danib@friendshiphome.org. If you, or someone you know, is experience domestic violence, please call Friendship Home's 24/7 crisis line at (402) 437-9302.

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NONPROFIT NEWS RISE & Shine Online to Learn More About RISE Academy at 8 a.m. Friday, March 5

CSS Immigration Specialist Drew Miller Retained 225+ Immigration Cases in 2020

RISE Academy is hosting is RISE & Shine Online via Zoom from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, March 5. This casual, open-table gathering is where the RISE staff loves to meet new people, catch up with volunteers, answer questions, and tell anyone and everyone in the community about their programs and events. If you’ve ever been curious about what RISE does or would just like some casual community time with staff and past volunteers, this is a great way to connect—and you can start off your ‘Casual Friday’ with a smile.

Catholic Social Services (CSS) of Southern Nebraska has been recognized by Department of Justice (DOJ) to practice immigration law since 1999, and in 2020, CSS Immigration Specialist Drew Miller retained over 225 cases. CSS accredited immigration specialists like Drew legally represent immigrants and their families in their cases with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A hallmark of this recognition from the DOJ is the mission to serve low-income immigrants and vulnerable refugees so they may maintain legal documentation as well as petition for family members abroad to join them here in the United States.

RISE Academy’s mission is to help people find freedom from cycles of incarceration. They work with incarcerated individuals, include pre- and post-release. Their inside-out model bridges incarceration to the community and considers all the critical steps in that journey.

RISE Academy prepares and trains people for each phase through intensive character development, employment readiness, job creation through entrepreneurship, and case management. To learn more, visit seeusrise.org. To get a link to the March 5 RISE & Shine Online, contact Chantal Randall at crandall@seeusrise.org or (531) 233-9348.

Down Syndrome Association Hosts Virtual World Down Syndrome Day Celebration The Down Syndrome Association for Families o f N eb r a s k a ( D S A F ) i s planning a virtual community celebration in recognition of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. World Down Syndrome Day is a global awareness day to signify the uniqueness of the third copy of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome. Participants are encouraged to wear their craziest socks and join DSAF in spreading awareness and encouraging acceptance by celebrating World Down Syndrome Day! The 2021 celebration will include a variety of virtual and DIY activities, including a citywide scavenger hunt, cooking demonstration, story time, singing, dancing, and more. Be on the lookout for information and how you can participate at dsafnebraska.org/WDSD. “People with Down syndrome are your neighbors, friends, coworkers, student peers, and family,” said DSAF Executive Director Jamie Bertucci. “They can and do play a vital role in Nebraska communities. Our world is a better place thanks to people with Down syndrome, and we want to recognize their importance.”

DSAF thanks the following partners who support this event: Enable Savings Plan, UBT, Children's Hospital & Medical Center, Nelnet, Dental Designs, Digital Sky, Eclipse, Inc., Family Health & Wellness Center, P.C., Froggy 98.1, HBE, Images for a Lifetime, Morningstar Counseling, Pediatrics PC, Pinnacle Bank, Premier O & P Inc., Rock n’ Joe Coffee Bar, Runza, Sid Dillon of Lincoln, The Printer, Warrior Family, West Gate Bank, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Eagle Nursery LLC, ENT Specialists PC, Hy-Vee, Indigo Bridge Books and Café, Liberty First Credit Union, Lovegrove Homes, Lovegrove Racing, Party Inflators, Q2, Realty Works, Schneider Electric, Thomas M Fritsch, DDS, and Weers Motorsports.

For more information about the Down Syndrome Association for Families of Nebraska, please visit dsafnebraska.org or follow them on Facebook (@dsafnebraska.org). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

As a bi-lingual representative, Drew helps Spanish-speaking clients, as well other refugee and immigrant clients, access affordable legal services without having to file on their own or pay the high costs of a private attorney. Some of the most common cases CSS takes are DACA, naturalization (citizenship), Adjustment of Status (Green Card), Employment Authorization Documents, and family reunification. Such legal representation allows individuals to find dignity in work and maintain their family.

Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska is a nonprofit agency of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln that performs works of mercy in response to the call of God. To learn more, visit csshope.org/ immigration or call (402) 474-1600.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Mark Your Family Calendar to Watch JDRF’s NAM Hosts Affinity Groups for Executive 2021 Promise Gala LIVE on Monday, April 17 Directors, HR Professionals, Nonprofit CEOs Mark your calendar for the virtual 2021 JDRF Promise Gala, airing LIVE at 7 p.m. on April 17. Get comfy on your couch and make it a special night with your family. By joining in virtually, YOU control the guest list, the dress code, and more. The Gala promises to be an incredible event, with a goal of preserving the beloved elements of the Gala programs that you have come to know and love, including an online auction and inspiring giving opportunities. This year’s theme, Stronger Together, honors our resilient community, which has come together to fight for cures and therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Gala—Stronger Together will be an unforgettable evening uniting the T1D community to share progress made, celebrate this community’s philanthropic spirit, and remind the world that we won’t stop until we cure this disease! Watch Party Packages for the Gala are available at $400, $2,500, and $5,000, and sponsorships are offered at $10,000, $15,000, and $25,000.

If you are unable to attend, you may make a 100% tax-deductible donation to research through JDRF’s Fund a Cure Program.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Their goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D. For more information or to register for the JDRF Promise Gala, call (402) 397-2873 or visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa and scroll down to “Events.”

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is highlighting its Affinity G ro u p s fo r E xe c u t i ve Directors/CEOs of nonprofits a n d H u m a n Re s o u r c e s professionals who are members of NAM. The Executive Director/CEO networking Affinity Group gives nonprofit leaders a chance to connect, brainstorm ideas, and problem solve, while the Human Resources networking Affinity Group is aimed at those working in HR or nonprofit leaders who want to learn more about nonprofit human resources. The group gives leaders a chance to discuss relevant HR topics from a nonprofit perspective, including a mix of skill levels among participants to maximize the networking and mentoring opportunities.

The meetings are currently being offered virtually due to COVID-19.

The Executive Directors/CEO Affinity Group Roundtable meets the first Tuesday of every month, from noon to 1 p.m., with the next meeting on tap for March 2. The HR Affinity Group Roundtable meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, from noon to 1 p.m., with the next meeting slated for March 24.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands represents more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Their goal is to strengthen the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout the region. To inquire about joining NAM or an Affinity Group, contact Kelly Koepsell, director of membership and operations, at Kelly@nonprofitam.org or visit nonprofitam.org/events.

DreamCatchers Ride Schedules First Public Info Session to Highlight Services March 15 DreamCatchers Ride, Inc. invites the public to its first informational session at 6 p.m. on March 15. As a new nonprofit, they want to answer people’s questions about what exactly it is that they do, who they can provide services for, and how your financial support can help them succeed. The first meeting is the kickoff for informational sessions on the third Monday of each month for both potential participant families and community members who are interested in learning more about what they do. These introductory sessions will be held at the barn, because part of the fun in learning about horse programs is meeting the horses! The sessions are expected to last about an hour, and registration is required via a sign-up link on their website or Facebook page.

As a nonprofit, DreamCatchers is able to seek sponsors and accept donations for the care of the horses involved. The nonprofit recently expanded their services to include bringing horses to those in need of companionship or emotional support—including people in retirement communities, rehabilitation facilities, after-school and/or mentoring programs, and mental-health and civic organizations, to name a few.

Jodi Freeman founded DreamCatchers Ride in 2018 based on the knowledge that there are many people in Lincoln who have a passion for horses but whose families simply cannot afford the time or financial commitment a horse requires. They provide a safe place where, through learning about equine companionship and care, people can be comfortable and able to express themselves. For more information, to donate to the program, or to register for an informational session, visit dreamcatchersride.org, call Executive Director Jodi Freeman at (402) 679-3996, or follow them on Facebook (@DreamCatchersRide). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Lincoln Goodwill Collects 5,054 Pounds from 100+ Donors in Electronics Drive

‘commUNITY: Herald Native Women’ Marks Vision Maker Media’s 45th Anniversary

On Saturday, January 9, Lincoln Goodwill held its fo u r t h a n n u a l E l e c t ro n i c s Drive to celebrate National Technology Week, and thanks to the generosity of more than 100 donors, collected 5,054 pounds of donations, marking their second-highest collection in a single drive. All donations, from the smallest battery to the bulkiest computer, were either resold, refurbished, or responsibly recycled through Goodwill’s partnership with Dell Reconnect. First-time donor Sherri Macfee was excited to learn about the convenience and benefits of electronic recycling at Lincoln Goodwill. After reading Goodwill’s blog post, she gathered her family’s old laptops, DVD players, Wi-Fi router, and phones for donation.

In commemoration of its 45th anniversary, Vision Maker Media has launched its first online program for 2021, titled “commUNITY: Herald Native Women.” The online program celebrates Women’s History Month with the community-themed online film streaming event. The celebration will be a panel discussion and a program of films available for streaming 24/7 throughout March, both free and open to the public.

“It felt good to know I was helping out just by donating our unused items,” Macfee said. “It was super easy to pull right up to the truck, which was easy to find in the parking lot. Great helpers met us to unload our items, and that was it. We were done.”

Lincoln Goodwill accepts electronic donations year-round at all retail locations and plans on hosting its next electronics drive in August. Sign up for their newsletter and follow them on social media to stay upto-date on upcoming events. Support the Goodwill and their belief that technology wasn’t made for landfills; it was made to change people’s lives. Learn more at lincolngoodwill.org.

commUNITY: Herald Native Women is the culmination of six documentaries all produced or directed by Native women. The program portrays Native women in leadership, coming of age, and language revitalization. All the films will be available worldwide. In partnership with Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO), Vision Maker Media is presenting a moderated panel with Native women leaders who are among the more than 250 graduates of AIO’s Ambassadors Program.

For more than 50 years, AIO advances, from an Indigenous worldview, the cultural political and economic rights of indigenous peoples in the United States and around the world.

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 stories. Currently, Vision Maker Media has 28 projects in various stages of production and 34 films in public-media broadcasting, five of which were added in fiscal year 2020. To learn more about “community: Herald Native Women,” visit visionmakermedia.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Jersey Mike’s Subs to Donate Proceeds to TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln March 31

LCF Lincoln Littles Giving Day Raises More than $1M for Early Childhood Education

Both Jersey Mike’s Subs Lincoln locations will donate 100% of their proceeds to TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln on its annual Day of Giving community fundraiser March 31. Throughout the month of March, Jersey Mike’s holds their Month of Giving, during which patrons can donate between $1 and $5 to TeamMates at any Jersey Mike’s location and receive a coupon for free chips, a free drink, or a free sub. The fundraiser culminates in the Day of Giving on March 31. Jersey Mike’s locations in Lincoln are at 5001 O Street and 2801 Pine Lake Road.

“We are honored that Lincoln Jersey Mike’s selected TeamMates as their beneficiary,” says Audrey Watson of TeamMates. “It’s rare for a restaurant fundraiser to donate an entire day’s sales rather than a percentage, so we thank Jersey Mike’s for their generosity and hope the community can join us!”

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln provides students in grades 3-12 with mentors across the city’s public and parochial schools. Matches meet once a week in school during the academic year. TeamMates also offers Zooms twice a month for remote learners and mentors who request to meet virtually instead of in-person. For more information or to inquire about becoming a mentor, please call (402) 436-1990 or visit LincolnTeamMates.org.

The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) raised $1,066,205 for early childhood education in Lincoln during the third annual Lincoln Littles Giving Day on February 12. Inspired by the Prosper Lincoln Early Childhood community agenda goal of increasing accessible and affordable highquality early childhood education, funds raised will be used for tuition assistance, allowing more children in need to access quality early childhood education. This year, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird issued the “Mayor’s Big Challenge for Lincoln Littles” to encourage community donations. The city identified one-time funds of $500,000 from the recent federal stimulus bill to contribute to Lincoln Littles. Matching sponsors provided backbone funding and, together with the community, surpassed the mayor’s challenge to raise an additional $500,000.

“Hats off to you, Lincoln!” said LCF President Barbara Bartle. “The community stepped up for our little ones during such a critical time, and your generosity was absolutely heartwarming. We extend our gratitude to the mayor for this incredible commitment and show of support. Our matching-fund sponsors and generous community answered the call with their donations. These funds will help so many working families and will give our littlest residents the best possible start.”

The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), established in 1955, strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The Foundation has distributed more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organization that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. To learn more or to donate to LCF, call (402) 474-2345 or visit lcf.org.

Unrestricted Endowments Growing Across Nebraska Community Foundation Network Five communities in the Nebraska Comm unity Foundation (NCF) network recently raised a combined $3.75 million to pursue hometown dreams. By the end of 2020, NCF affiliated funds in Howells, Columbus, Imperial, Keith County, and Stuart had each met a $500,000 fundraising goal. Their success means each will receive a $250,000 match, for a grand total of $750,000. That money goes straight into their affiliated fund’s unrestricted community endowment—a savings account that grows forever and provides perpetual annual payout, which offers volunteers opportunities to award locally-controlled grants for community betterment.

Currently, 80 NCF affiliated funds are building community unrestricted endowments—46 of which have an annual payout of more than $10,000. Altogether, these unrestricted endowments total more than $60 million—a substantial increase from $12 million in 2012.

Grants from unrestricted endowments are creating change that may otherwise not occur across the state. Some examples include affordable housing development in Keith County, early childhood development in Boone County, non-traditional scholarships in Nebraska City, K-12 curriculum enhancement in Shickley, entrepreneurship and small business development in Valley County, youth engagement in Norfolk, and leadership development in Brown County.

Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns in every corner of the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 272 hometowns in 83 Nebraska counties. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $393.1 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HEALTH NEWS Lincoln Medical Education Partnership Introduces Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists On February 1, the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) announced the formation of Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists (LPH) as part of its network of programs. LPH is a collaborative effort with Bryan Health, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, and Children’s Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha. Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists provides 24-hour in-hospital care of pediatric patients, from newborn to age 18, at Bryan Health, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, and Madonna.

“The support and collaboration we are receiving with these four excellent regional medical centers allows us to leverage our pediatric expertise and further enhance the care provided to children and their families in Lincoln,” said LMEP CEO Dr. Al Linderman.

LPH benefits the medical community by providing readily available access to pediatric specialists who have the ability to quickly react and address problems as they arise. It also improves communication and information sharing with the medical team involved in the patient’s care and expands their ability to care for children with a wide variety of medical issues that require hospitalization.

The mission of the Lincoln Medical Education Partnership is to provide exemplary patient healthcare and the additional resources that individuals need for successful and sustainable health. For more information about LMEP and the new Lincoln Pediatric Hospitalists, visit LMEP.com.

Nebraska Safety Council Announces New Emotional, Holistic Wellbeing Courses The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) recently announced the launch of a four-hour “Addressing Emotional Wellbeing at the Workplace” course and a fourweek Holistic Wellbeing group.

Addressing Emotional Wellbeing at the Workplace will cover how to support your employees in areas Ashley Montag and such as creating policies, providing Katie Bardsley resources, and cultural and physical environment changes. The class will feature education as well as a group discussion about what will work best for your specific company’s needs. The next available training is slated for April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

As many employers are concerned about their employee’s emotional wellbeing, NESC created a new course for employees called Holistic Wellbeing. This is a four-week education-and-support group meeting that will meet virtually one night a week for 30 minutes. Curriculum is developed and taught by Katie Bardsley, PLMHP and Ashley Montag, PLMHP, mental health therapists and founders of Restoration Psychotherapy & Wellness. Classes will be available to join in April.

Located in Lincoln and serving all of Nebraska since 1961, the Nebraska Safety Council’s mission is to provide education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management that reduces health- and injury-related costs, boosts worker engagement, and improves overall worker quality of life while positively impacting an organization’s bottom line. For more information, visit www.nesafetycouncil.org/Worker Education and Events/Training Courses/Addressing Emotional Wellbeing at the Workplace, or contact Nicole Osborne at (402) 483-2511, ext.

102 or nosborne@nesafetycouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

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

531-289-1005 DARINGMINDSTHERAPY.INFO

South Lincoln Family Dentistry Focuses on Overall Health, Education, Comfort If you’ve ever had a bad experience at a dental appointment or just have general fear or anxiety about dental procedures, South Lincoln Family Dentistry—located at 2121 S 70th St.—can help. Dr. Christine Bergman takes the time to make every patient feel comfortable by fully explaining every procedure carefully, answering their questions, and listening to their fears. She helps them to make treatment decisions based on that information, and does so using the gentlest of dental technologies and procedures to help manage their anxiety and improve not just their dental health but their overall health. South Lincoln Family Dentistry is one of six local members of Nebraska Family Dentistry, which was founded by Drs. Brad and Kathryn Alderman, who believe in treating the whole person.

“Overall, Nebraska Family Dentistry and all of the member companies operate by linking oral health to overall health,” Dr. Christine explained. “Patients will hear our doctors not only talk about ways to improve the health of our mouths but also how some dental problems are linked to inflammation, heart disease, and other health risks. We look at the patient as a whole person and not just a tooth.”

What’s more, Dr. Christine’s niche is to calm fears of patients who might have had a negative experience in the past and developed anxiety or fear about seeing a dentist regularly as a result. It’s a fear that she dealt with as a child, and ever since she started in the industry, she has focused on getting those fearful people into the office and giving them a good experience to make them comfortable coming back. With modern technologies in the dental industry, she said there is absolutely no reason that going to the dentist should be a negative experience for anyone. Besides that and her warm heart and gentle touch, Dr. Christine often uses essential oils in the office, offers blankets to create a relaxing environment, and provides headphones/TV for patients to help eliminate distracting sounds. Whatever it takes to make a patient of any age truly comfortable, she’ll make it happen.

South Lincoln Family Dentistry, which opened in June 2020, is a proud member of Nebraska Family Dentistry, which includes Cottington Dental, where Dr. Christine began her career as a hygienist for five years before returning to school to become a dentist. Other members include NorthStar Dental, SouthPointe Family Dental, Lincoln Family Dentistry, and Preserve Family Dentistry. Drs. Brad and Kathryn Alderman work alongside their partners at each location and make themselves available for all member dentists to talk over cases and provide guidance. For more information about South Lincoln Family Dentistry, visit southlincolnfamilydentistry.com, where you can fill out new-patient documents and schedule an appointment online. For additional questions or information, call (402) 413-7700 or email nebraskafamilydentistrylfd@gmail.com.

MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 47

HEALTH NEWS Tabitha Offers a Variety of Support Groups 5 Elements Massage & Spa Celebrates Throughout March Opening of New Studio with Ribbon Cutting Tabitha, Nebraska’s industryleading senior care provider, offers a variety of support groups in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Online grief and support groups are open to anyone in the community and are a great way to find support while sharing common experiences and coping tips in the safety and comfort of your home. Your loved one did not have to be with Tabitha. Participation is free, please register online at Tabitha. org/Hospice/Bereavement.

• “HOPE Book Club,” held every first and third Thursday, March 4 and 18, 10–11 a.m. The support group will read and discuss The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion; a memoir of her first year after her husband’s death. For questions, please call Tabitha Hoffman at (402) 362-7739.

• “Grieving Gracefully Book Club,” held every second and fourth Tuesday, March 9 and 23, 12–1 p.m. The support group will read and discuss Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

by Mary Beth Chapman, a book that focuses on moving through grief with faith. For questions, please call Juanita Steenbakkers at (402) 416-7365.

Tabitha is also offering online hospice volunteer training.

Hospice volunteering is a rewarding opportunity that provides companionship, pet therapy, bereavement support, respite care, and office and clerical support while providing comfort and joy to Tabitha clients and families. For questions, contact Rae Dixon, Tabitha hospice volunteer coordinator, at (402) 486-8577 / Rae. Dixon@Tabitha.org. Learn more at Tabitha.org.

On February 4, 5 Elements Massage & Spa Owner Erin McLenon celebrated the opening of her new studio in the Trade Center at 6201 S 58 St., STE A with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA). The event also had drinks, free chair massages with LMT Victor Zweerink, delicious charcuterie items to nibble on, tours, and other party favors.

There was even a balloon cascade with coupons hidden throughout— attendees were invited to pop balloons for a chance to win discounts on massage and spa packages.

Erin had been searching for a long time for the perfect location.

She knew she wanted enough space to expand her services and her team, and that's what she found at the Trade Center. There are two massage rooms and a room for an esthetician. What wowed everyone the most was the beautiful upstairs couple's massage room!

It is very peaceful and serene. People can expect to walk into a clean, healthy, and happy environment when they visit 5 Elements.

5 Elements Massage & Spa offers the following services: deep tissue, post-natal, Swedish massage, Shiatsu massages, cupping, myofascial release, reflexology, and more. Erin is extensively trained in various treatment techniques from both Eastern and Western disciplines.

Follow the Facebook page (@5elementsmassage) to stay up to date on additional spa services and reservation information or go online to 5elementsne.com. You can also reach Erin by calling (402) 617-7992.

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HEALTH NEWS Hillcrest Health Vaccination Rates Exceed National Average, at 96% by Mid-February Hillcrest Health Services is reporting exc e p t i o n a l l y h i g h C OV I D vaccination rates for residents and team members, achieving vaccinations for 96% of their almost 700 independent, assisted-living, and skilled nursing residents across eight facilities by mid-February. In addition, more than 80% of the system’s 1,500 team members were vaccinated on the same timeline— more than double the 38% average for staff, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control on February 5. In the second week of February alone, more than 1,400 vaccinations were given in clinics hosted by Walgreens and RelyCare. A third round of clinics were underway by the third week of the month to begin providing second doses to team members and first rounds to new employees and residents.

“Our team members understand the importance of getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Anthony Hatcher, the system’s full-time Chief Medical Officer, who has led Hillcrest’s fight against COVID-19. “We have provided extensive education and even one-on-one information sessions about the safety and efficacy of the two vaccines. But more importantly, we have stressed the opportunity we have to enable our residents to see their loved ones again, and that has had a dramatic impact on our teams.”

Hillcrest Health Services offers the Omaha/Lincoln region's largest continuum of health services for aging adults, including independent and assisted living, in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, memory support, adult day services, certified skilled home health and in-home personal care, telehealth services, and hospice care. Hillcrest currently serves nearly 1,400 aging adults daily across 12 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.hillcresthealth.com.

gift yourself some love!

Swedish • Deep Tissue • Prenatal • Reflexology • Sugar / Salt Scrubs • Heated Bamboo • Hot Stone • & More!

self care isn’t selfish! when was the last time you got a massage?

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

American Red Cross Offers Tips to Help Protect Your Family’s Health, Safety After responding to more than 50 fires affecting more than 250 people in the Nebraska-Iowa Region in the first 10 days of February alone, The American Red Cross recently shared some tips to help protect your family’s health and safety this winter. Home fires typically rise during winter as people spend more time indoors, use a variety of heating sources, and do more cooking, all of which contribute to the seasonal spike.

To protect your family from devastating injury and loss, the Red Cross offered the following nine home heating safety tips: 1) If using a space heater, look for a model that shuts off automatically if the heater falls over. Place the heater on a level, hard and nonflammable surface in the home. 2) Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding, curtains, or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces. 3) Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. 4) Keep children and pets away from space heaters. 5) Cut down on heating costs by insulating the home by installing storm windows or covering the inside of windows with plastic to keep cold air out. 6) Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. 7) Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs. 8) Test batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. 9) Develop a fire escape plan and practice it with everyone who lives in the home.

Each day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. To learn more or inquire about donating blood or plasma—which are always needed—call (402) 343-7700 or visit redcross.org/local/Nebraska. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

GET UNLIMITED CAR WASHES WITH A MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP AT JETSPLASH

PREP

At JetSplash—with five Lincoln locations—you can get your car washed as many times as you want for an entire month. It’s simple: choose a plan, swipe your card, and come in any time for a wash—any (or every) day of the month. All with no long term contracts. But if you like maximum savings, we also offer Annual memberships that will give you unlimited washes for an entire year. Plus, enjoy membership perks like half-off upgrades, the members-only express lane, and a members-only Aftercare Area.

WASH

Members-Only Aftercare Area

JetSplash provides a comprehensive exterior wash—but they also give you the tools you need to get a thorough cleaning of your car’s interior too. That includes free vacuums, air, and mat cleaners; and, for members only, you get access to the exclusive Aftercare Area, where you can get a kit complete with: • Interior towel and spray dressing + Use the special microfiber towels and dressing to keep your dashboard, consoles, and all aspects of your car’s interior spic and span.

• Window cleaner and towel + Squirt some window spray on the inside of your windows and windshield to wipe off all those fingerprints and footmarks.

• Micro Ninja heavy-duty disinfectant + Think of Micro Ninja as a hand sanitizer for your car. It’s a heavy-duty deodorizer effective on all hard surfaces, including vinyl, plastic, leather, glass…pretty much anything in the interior of your car. It has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to COVID-19 and the flu.

DRY

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On top of all of these member perks, when you shop at JetSplash, you’re also supporting Lincoln. JetSplash is a Lincoln-owned and operated business—not a franchise like many other washes in town. That means the dollars you spend at JetSplash go right back into the local economy.

“Price was very reasonable.

Staff was friendly and quick. Free vacuums was so awesome. Going back to get a monthly plan.”

- Sarah Miller

“I had a membership at JetSplash when I lived nearby and it was great! They take their time to make sure your car gets clean and there are tons of membership perks (besides just getting your car washed all the time—which is pretty great)."

- Rachel Greifenkamp

“Excellent results, great employees, great rates! I'd give it 6 out of 5 stars!”

- Jeremy McCartney

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap

Thank you to all who joined us last month for Friends4Lunch at Piedmont Bistro by Venue. We love going there because we get to enjoy the lovely Cotner Room, the restaurant's private dining room. We had a delicious select menu which included the Morgan Ranch Wagyu Philly, Salmon Nicoise, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich, Grilled Caesar Chicken Salad, and the Red Reuben. From the layout of their dining room to the chef-inspired menu, everything at Piedmont Bistro by Venue is designed with the guest in mind. We hope you can experience their unique comfort food made from scratch with the freshest ingredients, or stop in to enjoy expertly-crafted cocktails at the Bistro Bar!

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6940 Van Dorn St. # 108 • 402.483.7376 Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe on March 4, 11:30 a.m.

Take a step into grandma’s kitchen with us on Thursday, March 4, for our next Friends4Lunch event at Stauffer’s Cafe & Pie Shoppe.

Stauffer’s truly embraces that hometown charm and their menu is full of hearty favorites.

The restaurant, located at 5600 S 48th St., offers the classic all-day breakfast options, burgers, sandwiches, as well as some local classics like fried chicken livers and Frito pie. They keep it interesting with daily specials and, of course, freshly made pies. To view the wide selection of pies and the full menu, visit www.staufferscafe.com or call the restaurant at (402) 423-2206 with any questions about their catering or pre-ordering.

McKinney's Irish Pub on March 19, 4–6 p.m.

Let the St. Patrick's Day spirit roll right into the weekend with Friends4Drinks on Friday, March 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at McKinney's Irish Pub. There really is no better place in Lincoln to be for St. Patty's Day festivities.

Our group will have the upstairs loft reserved, and we enjoy everyone to stick around for more drinks and food in the bar. The popular Haymarket establishment boasts a large selection of craft beer and Irish whiskeys.

There will be fun holiday-related specials as well.

Friends4Lunch and Friends4Drinks are awesome opportunities to connect with other business and organization leaders while supporting a local establishment!

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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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

We work for people who work.

For over 29 years, community members have trusted Cruise & Associates to take care of their income tax, business, and financial services needs. They focus on education and customer service that best suits their clients' needs and situation. The firm was founded by Robert Cruise and has over 20 amazing team members, serving Lincoln, Omaha, Albion, Columbus, Grand Island, and Wayne, NE.

Business Services

Customized Solutions - With the continuously changing world, people don't always fit into a standardized box of services. This is why Cruise & Associates has developed customized service agreements.

These agreements allow a client to custom-build a package of services that they wish to purchase. This could be something as simple as having your bank reconciliation done for you on your computer on up to full outsourcing of your bookkeeping functions while keeping them in-house at the same time.

Accounting - Cruise & Associates will prepare customized monthly or quarterly financial statements for your specific business and industry. Most accountants try to group all businesses under one set of financial statements. This doesn’t work because all businesses are unique. The experts at Cruise & Associates will also reconcile your bank account and help create a simple internal recordkeeping system.

Bookkeeping - Bookkeeping services offer business owners the luxury of an in-house bookkeeper without the worries of having an employee call in sick or having to pay out benefits. Cruise & Associates can take care of accounts payable and receivable, create invoices, and send out statements, write checks, track vendor’s invoices and credits, and reconcile vendor statements.

Payroll Services - A current report from the Government Accounting Office (Report GAO/T-GGD-91-65) shows that the Internal Revenue Service penalized 34% of all employers who used the payroll depository system for incorrect or late payments of taxes owed. With Cruise & Associates, the only thing an employer has to do is figure hours and then fax, email, or call that information

to their office. Cruise & Associates processes the payroll and prints checks on checks they provide. This leaves the owners with the task of just signing the checks.

The payroll service also includes handling the annual worker’s compensation audit at no extra cost.

Remote CFO - Growing businesses often reach a point where they need professional financial advice but can’t afford a full-time CFO or controller. Cruise & Associates' remote services gives you a professional financial manager who works with you to help guide your business to success. The cost of hiring a full-time CFO can range from $50,000 to $100,000+. This service provides the experience you need at a fraction of that cost.

Educational Programs - Business owners know how to do the job, but don’t always understand all aspects of their business, and this can often be the difference between success and failure. Through our education programs, we can help make your business more efficient and effective, more profitable and improve cash flow. Our services typically range from 2-5 advisory sessions where we help our clients develop a strategy for now and into the future.

We can help those just starting out in business figure out how to survive to those who have been in business for 20 years and who want to take it to the next level.

QuickBooks/Software Consulting - Cruise & Associates has over 20 years of experience in dealing with and supporting various versions of QuickBooks.

They can install QuickBooks and have the system upand-running in a short period of time. Then, continue to support you by simply answering your questions or providing you with one of their full-service programs.

"Cruise & Associates is absolutely a five-star firm. I've used them for many years now. As a matter of fact, when I started my business in 2006, I was using another firm. Two years into it, the old firm told me I owed a large amount to the IRS after our year-end. Needless to say I was devastated. I went to Cruise & Associates knowing I needed a second opinion. They amended my taxes, and I was relieved to know my old firm was wrong. I've been with Cruise & Associates ever since. They are family oriented and make the tax process easy!" - Chad S.

(402) 466-1969 (Lincoln office) cadesk@cruise-associates.com |cruise-associates.com 52

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

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

Agave Mexican Grill: Fast Casual, Authentic, and Locally Owned

When La Mexicana Market & Restaurant was destroyed by a fire in 2015, downtown watched in disbelief as they lost a beloved gathering spot for laughter, memories, and good food.

Instead of rebuilding what once stood, owner Abram Morales saw an opportunity to try something new: a local, fast-casual concept with the same authentic flavor you’d find at La Mex and the other Morales-owned Mexican restaurants throughout Lincoln.

Agave now occupies the corner lot at 1635 P St., and the reworked restaurant’s fresh, open interior and made-to-order burritos, bowls, and nachos fits right into the student-oriented pace of downtown.

Similar to a Chipotle or Qdoba concept, Agave has an assembly line ordering system, where customers can customize their meal with their choice of meat (carnitas, barbacoa, chorizo, and carne asada, along with the usual fare) and toppings like guacamole and queso. Along with their hefty portions, Agave also has an extensive list of flavored margaritas (and yes, you can take them to go, too).

Agave manager Joel Enriquez has been working for the Morales’ at Matzatlan and Las Margaritas since he was old enough, but he’s known the family even longer.

“Their oldest boy is one of my best friends,” Enriquez said. “It’s a huge family, there’s 10 kids. I kind of view them as my family, too. They accepted me, and I’ve been with them ever since.”

Enriquez had prior experience working in a fast-casual setting, so he was tapped by Abram to become Agave’s first manager. He’s been waiting nearly four years for the restaurant to finally open.

“Abram came to me with the idea and asked if I could work with him,” he said. “Obviously, I was going to do it. I’ve known him for a long time.”

Since officially opening their doors in October, Enriquez has seen nothing but positive feedback.

“We make a lot of our own stuff here,” he said. “We make our own adobo for the chicken and steak. We have carne asada. You know, actual carne asada. Overall, our flavor is just 10 times better [than a chain restaurant]. Then we have our margaritas, which I don’t think anyone can compete with. We don’t buy them in a bag or a bottle. We make our own.”

Times have been tough amidst opening during the pandemic, but Enriquez is optimistic about Agave’s future.

In the meantime, you can o r d e r A ga ve o n l i n e fo r pic kup or takeout with their easy-to-use system at lincolnsbestmexican.com.

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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Serving Lincoln for over 70 years!

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MARCH 2021 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Brett Harris, CCIM (402) 429-3114

John Linscott, CCIM, CPM® (402) 314-2338

Don Linscott , CCIM, SIOR (402) 525-7417

Adam Lowney (402) 730-8239

Growing Businesses, Communities, Futures in Lincoln NE since 1973

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Retail For Lease

235 S. 11th Street Medical Office For Lease

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Strictly Business MARCH 2021

Office For Lease

2930 Ridge Line Rd. For Sale

4811 Van Dorn Street

Property Management www.greenleafcommercial.com Retail For Lease

4800 Holdrege Street Dental Space For Lease

3811 Stockwell Street

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

One Idea Away There are many reasons why Lincoln is referred to as being part of the so-called “Silicon Prairie”.

Our desire to innovate, find solutions, and improve our existing way of life is a large part of who we are as Lincolnites and Nebraskans. Innovation happens everywhere, not just in Silicon Valley.

Fortunately, in Lincoln, we have embraced this approach to entrepreneurship and celebrate it every day.

As a progressive hub for tech and entrepreneurial growth, Lincoln has the resources to make our city a great place to grow a company and a career. Despite the challenges of 2020, Lincoln remains at the top of many national lists, including being named the “Happiest City in America” (Men’s Health), third-best city for young professionals (SmartAsset), sixth-best city for business climate (Business Insider), and top city in Nebraska for new homebuyers (Insurify). The reputation certainly precedes Lincoln in a very good way, as both individuals and businesses look for a new place to call home and innovative ways to do business.

Last month, our Annual Meeting saw entrepreneur Marc Randolph drive that point home in his message to the hundreds gathered online to hear his comments as our featured speaker. If one thing is certain, Marc certainly knows a thing or two about taking risks and solving problems, co-founding Netflix and a handful of other startups.

His best-selling book That Will Never Work is sold in over 20 languages and details his work as an entrepreneur, spanning over four decades. He also launched a podcast of the same name, showing his versatility and providing another resource for those interested in the startup realm.

One of the biggest points that Marc included in his book regards how companies can position themselves in a post-pandemic landscape. He says, “for the last year, every company has been forced to think like a startup. It’s a skill that will pay dividends far into the future.”

I could not agree more. The challenges we have faced over the past year have put many of us back at square one when it comes to how our businesses operate, how employees approach and carry out their work and how our customers interact and consume our products and services. While the term “pivoting” is likely overused regarding how we have reacted to new protocols, the notion of businesses being able to solve problems and adjust on the fly remains an important part.

Great opportunity exists for anyone to think of, hatch, and implement the next big thing. Marc’s wisdom is sure to inspire anyone thinking of launching a business or cultivating an idea or two. The level of support combined with the unique quality of life that Lincoln offers provides startup founders an excellent opportunity to transform their young businesses into thriving companies.

2020 is behind us and we are fully embracing what lies ahead for the rest of 2021—thank you as always for your continued support. We look forward to growing Lincoln with every one of you. As Marc notes, “you’ll learn more in one hour of doing something than in a lifetime of thinking about it.”

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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.

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

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Choose Ideal Pure Water of Lincoln for Your Office’s Water and Coffee Needs If you’re a business owner, you know that there are OSHA requirements in place that ensure employers provide drinking water to their employees, but do you know why this is so important?

Furthermore, have you considered the quality of drinking water in your office? Drinking water to stay hydrated throughout the workday is a big part of your employees’ health and self-care.

Dehydration can lead to headaches, decreased memory, and can even reduce job productivity.

So, as an employer, if you give your team easy access to clean, filtered water, they’ll be more productive if they aren’t sluggish from dehydration. It’s also very common for offices to provide coffee and team to their employees. Most people prefer to start their workday with a little caffeine boost! So, why not partner with a company that can meet both your water and coffee needs?

IDEAL PURE WATER of Lincoln delivers the best water and coffee products directly to your business and home with first-class customer service. You can put your confidence in them knowing that they have been locally owned and operated for over 11 years. The family behind Ideal Pure Water is in its second generation.

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IDEAL also provides coffees, teas, FICE COFF E OF brewing equipment, supplies, and condiments to companies of all sizes. They offer a range of flavors, styles, and values to meet all your needs. Choose from IDEAL Colombian, IDEAL Perfecto, IDEAL Robusto, IDEAL Variety Packs (Jamaican Me Crazy, Caribbean Hazelnut, Tropical Vanilla, and Caramel Nut), and blends from coffee brands such as Starbucks Seattle's Best. They even offer Green Mountain Coffee K-Cups.

OVIDER PR

IDEAL’s purified and distilled water is produced utilizing specific processes to ensure the best tasting and most Pure Water free of chlorine, lead, or other impurities.

Their water uses a special regulated formula that ensures every bottled is the best tasting and the most refreshing water on the planet. You can also select Mountain Valley Spring Water based on your preference. This spring water is sodium free naturally alkaline water that has been bottled in glass at the original source for more than 140 years. Health-conscious consumers appreciate the minerals like calcium carbonate, iron, potassium, magnesium, and even a trace amount of fluoride.

More Than Just a Water Company!

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Ideal Pure Reverse Osmosis and Distilled Water

Check out our Arbor Day Coffee, an extension of the Arbor Day Foundation in Nebraska. They grow sustainable shade grown coffee and are dedicated to preserving the Rainforest and planting trees. A great option for anyone looking to go green!

Customer Service Matters Healthy hydration is important, but so is hassle-free water delivery. Choosing a local, family-owned business is a good way to assure you receive good customer service.

Since IDEAL PURE WATER of Lincoln is local to Nebraska and family-owned, there’s no massive call center to wade through to get effective customer service. You aren’t put on hold and toggled from one representative to another.

CALL TODAY AND ASK ABOUT OUR NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL! (402) 420-5181 idealpurewaterandcoffee.com

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Future of Our Power Supply I am making an urgent call to action regarding the proposed climate action plan which will come before the Lincoln City Council with a public hearing scheduled for Monday, March 15. There is no doubt that the preservation of natural resources should be a priority.

Nebraska prides itself on its beautiful grasslands, forests, sandhills, and thousands of miles of rivers. Many of our small businesses rely on a protected environment to provide goods and services to their customers. When considering our preservation of resources, like a good investment portfolio, diversification is the key.

While protecting natural resources is important, the affordability of energy must be our top priority for our community and business owners.

Last year, the Lincoln Electric System (LES) Administrative Board adopted a 100% net decarbonization goal by 2040. LES’s own estimates for a 2030 timeline indicated a very real possibility that service rates will double over the next decade and the costs to businesses would increase on average $1 million every year for the next ten years. If a similarly aggressive goal outlined in the Climate Action Plan is adopted, businesses will be negatively impacted by these skyrocketing prices. The fiscal impact to homeowners, businesses, and the community should be thoroughly understood before adopting this aggressive plan.

Aside from the detrimental fiscal impact, this plan will weaken our electric grid’s reliability. Recently, we saw record-low temperatures that drove energy demands to new peak levels. This led to unprecedented rolling blackouts across much of Lincoln and the Midwest as the Southwest Power Pool struggled to keep up with demand. At 8 a.m. on February 16, when the outside temperature reached -26ºF and families and businesses were depending on delivery of power to heat their homes and run their businesses, nearly 14,000 customers were without power.

Wholesale market prices for energy reached $4,200/MWh, more than 220 times the normal average.

During this time, we experienced a lack of energy supply due to a combination of factors including an overreliance on renewable energy sources. While regulatory bodies continue to mandate and overincentivize wind, solar, and hydroelectric energy production, our most reliable sources of energy are falling by the wayside. Our energy grid faced a perfect storm of calm winds, overcast skies, snow cover, and a supply shortage of natural gas. Because of this, when 14,000 customers were left in the dark, solar panels were only producing at 10% of their potential capacity, wind turbines at 21%, and natural gas at 30%. We therefore turned to more reliable sources of energy such as diesel that was operating at 53% of its potential capacity, coal at 72%, and nuclear at 98%. We must continue to have all possible resources available with a diversified portfolio of energy sources.

Imagine a future where the City divested entirely from fossil fuels, mandated all-electric appliances in every home, and runs on completely renewable energy sources. Now imagine we experience a cold snap during one weekend in February much like what we’ve just experienced.

Calm winds, overcast skies, and frozen bodies of water have suffocated our energy production; coal power plants have been declared obsolete, natural gas supply is artificially limited, and our remaining nuclear plants have been decommissioned. Our community cannot afford to take this risk. This is a threat to the economic security of Lincoln.

We need business leaders to come forward and make their voices be heard. To gather more information on the climate action plan coming before the City Council, please visit www.lincoln.ne.gov/files/ sharedassets/public/projects-programs-amp-initiatives/resilientlincoln/documents/climate-action-plan.pdf.

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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G N I R P S G N I N A E CL There are those mythical few who love cleaning—at least that’s what we hear. Probably the vast majority of us, however, love having a clean house or business, though given the option, wouldn’t choose to volunteer a weekend to climb ladders, squeegee windows or dust fans, torture our backs to scrub or wax our bathtubs, or push around a rental carpet cleaner that really isn’t doing any deep-cleaning at all. Given that your home and business are your biggest investments, it’s positively crucial that you protect those investments by performing deep spring-cleaning tasks that prevent dirt and grime buildup, protect your flooring and other surfaces from damage or dulling, and ensure that you avoid mold and reduce other allergens that could harm your family or employees.

The good news is that you don’t have to do it all yourself. Lincoln is home to some of the best cleaning-related companies around, and these professionals will get it right the first time. They’ll help your homes or businesses look—and function—like new, which is uplifting for your family and/or employees, your business, your home, and your vehicles. The importance of spring cleaning has increased exponentially since COVID’s arrival, too, and we talked to professionals in the Lincoln area who can ensure that your home and place of business are clean and safe for all who enter!

Spring cleaning is a good time to get rid of any critters that have worked their ways into your home or business, for sure.

We recommend considering Arrow Pest Control, which provides

4 PERKS OF HAND-PREPPING Cleans hard-to-reach areas Removes sticky bugs Enhances equipment effectiveness Addresses trouble spots

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customized services for both commercial and residential needs.

They have served Lincoln and the surrounding communities for 20 years, fulfilling insect and rodent removal needs. By choosing Arrow Pest Control, you can rest easy knowing that their employees are highly trained and handpicked for the job. Through the years, they’ve seen it all, and they’ll quickly resolve any pest-control issues you’re experiencing.

Arrow Pest Control is known for their compassionate team. They understand how disruptive critter infestations are to your business and your life. No matter the size of the project, they’ll work with you to eliminate the insects from your business to keep you safe and comfortable. When you work with these pest-control experts, you’ll receive personalized service from their compassionate team.

They’ll help you prevent property damage from pests, including termites, and ensure that your business is safe.

Carpet Cleaning 101 When it comes to cleaning floors, many people tend to just do dusting and wait far too long to clean their carpets. Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too is a facility maintenance company that started out as a professional floor and carpet-care cleaning service and has long been known for their quality carpet and floor-care products and services.

“My carpet-cleaning 101 is that when you can tell that your carpets are dirty, you’ve waited too long and begun to harm fibers,” said Top Spot Owner Doug Neill.

“People who take proper care of carpets won’t ever truly see whether they’re dirty.

We clean some monthly, and it’s shocking how soiled they are even though it doesn’t look like it. If you’ve installed new carpet in the last year, you HAVE to get it professionally cleaned, usually within 12-18 months to keep your warranty. Even Doug Neill if carpets don’t LOOK dirty, you can lose Top Spot Cleaning your warranty. If you can’t prove to the & Solutions Too manufacture that you had a professional steam cleaning within the warranty period, then if you have a problem, they’re not going to honor it. Floors and tile and grout in your home or business are much the same. They might look clean, but if you compare them to sections of the tile that don’t get as much use, you’ll quickly see that they are not.”

Top Spot really diversified in 2020 to meet the needs of the time.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they rolled out a highly affordable chlorine dioxide (CLO2) and SIMIX disinfecting package to help businesses achieve full-scale, environmentally safe sanitizing and decontaminating. SIMIX is a high-pH sanitizing product used to remove the top layers of biofilm. A surface with a high pH continues to fight microbes and viruses. They also provide fogging or gassing services with CO2 to disinfect high-touch surfaces and, with gassing, decontaminate the entire air-handling system for any business that feels their space may have been compromised by COVID-19.

"Given that your home and business are your biggest investments, it’s positively crucial that you protect those investments by performing deep spring-cleaning tasks that prevent dirt and grime buildup, protect your flooring and other surfaces from damage or dulling, and ensure that you avoid mold and reduce other allergens that could harm your family or employees." #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Get the Clean You Want

Top Spot Cleaning

Top Spot Cleaning is a qualified company able to address all aspects of decontamination using Chlorine Dioxide (CL02). With the current rise in cases, we are still one of your most affordable options for complete treatment.

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Soap-Free Procyon (Carpet Cleaner) - 100% Sodium Chlorine Dioxide - More than a Disinfectant - a Decontaminant!

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Call for pricing or go to our website for more info!

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Now is the time to have a professional do your cleaning!

If you find that you need a deep clean of your business or facility, we are equipped to handle it.

We use EPA approved disinfectants which will disinfect those high traffic areas and high touch points.

2626 O Street • 402.476.2194 • servicemasterlincoln.com For Your Health During winter in Nebraska, people keep the windows and doors in their homes closed to keep out the wind and frigid temperatures, but doing so also causes dust to settle and leave the air stagnant.

Though opening the windows might seem like a simple solution, it also lets in more dust and allergens, and the poor air quality in your home can cause respiratory-health problems and allergy flare-ups. That’s why it’s so crucial to have your air ducts cleaned to improve indoor air quality. Cleaning your own air ducts can be time-consuming and difficult, though, which is why we recommend hiring your local Lincoln experts for duct cleaning. It’s also a crucial time to ready your air conditioning for the summer season, and John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is a fabulous choice to get the job done right.

“Spring is the best time to start thinking about summer,” said Owner Lindsey Re i n k e . “ We h i g h l y r e c o m m e n d prescheduling a cleaning on your cooling system to make sure you’re ready for the hot summer days! We can also schedule a duct cleaning for you year-round and add a duct-work sanitization treatment along with the cleaning to ensuring you’re breathing the best air possible. You can conveniently schedule online, or call or text us at (402) 435-5555, and you can Reinke also join our HVAC Membership Club, JohnLindsey Henry’s Plumbing, and we will text you to remind you to Heating & Air Conditioning schedule.”

John Henry’s can clean your cooling system to make sure you’re ready for the inevitable heat outside, either through a one-time cleaning, or by getting you signed up for the Membership Club so that you can receive regular cleanings. You’ll receive special MARCH 2021 Strictly Business 61

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pricing and discounts by signing up, too. Their cleanings can get your indoor air quality up to par before the allergens kick into high gear for spring and summer. John Henry’s will make sure your cooling system is up and running at peak efficiency to make sure you’re prepared for the hot Nebraska days ahead. With the hyper-awareness about health in our minds more than ever during the pandemic, it’s a fantastic way to help protect your family.

“COVID hasn’t stopped people from needing heating, cooling, or plumbing,” Lindsey said. “It has only made people more aware of their health. We can install indoor air quality products to make sure the air you breathe in your home is safe for you and your family!”

In order to prevent getting stuck in the incoming heat, regular maintenance of your air-conditioning unit is essential. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your unit and save you money and trouble in the long run. It’s easy to forget, however, to contact your local professionals to perform the necessary maintenance, as time seems to flow quickly as the weather warms. The John Henry’s membership program takes care of this problem and makes maintenance easy in the spring and all year long!

Friendly, Green Cleaning After the winter weather uses its powers of muck and mire on your home or business, springtime is the perfect time to schedule a deep cleaning, inside and out. ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance (PBM) offers expert deep cleaning of entire offices, as well as standalone services like carpet cleaning and hard-floor refinishing.

“Spring is a great time to clean carpets, detail dust, clean walls, and the like—the things that tend to build up over the year if they aren’t kept up through the winter,” said ServiceMaster Owner Jon Paolini.

“While contaminants can enter your home or business through the air, they can also be carried in on shoes, animals, and even simple human contact. ServiceMaster has an intensive janitorial service available for local businesses, so you can improve the health and safety of your office and Jon Paolini ServiceMaster Professional your employees.”

Building Maintenance

In light of pandemic concerns, many businesses are adding sanitizing to their spring-cleaning tasks, in addition to tile and grout cleaning. Getting those tile floors machine-cleaned regularly makes the process less time-intensive and creates a better cleaning outcome, including a return of the overall beauty of the tile and grout. ServiceMaster can make it shine like you’ve never seen before—and they use products that won’t compromise the air quality in your home or business, protecting all who enter.

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“We always try to avoid heavy-duty cleaning supplies that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs),” Jon said. “It’s much better to use eco-friendly, green cleaners. Green cleaners release a significantly lower amount of chemicals and fumes into the air.

While you may enjoy the clean scent of lemon, most scented traditional chemical cleaning products cause indoor air pollution which can cause long-term health effects if people are overexposed to them. Our natural cleaners degrade over time without causing harmful side effects or additional pollution.”

Jon offers a final piece of advice for all spring cleaners out there: “Some advice I’d give those go-getter spring cleaners out there would be to not forget about the high contact areas you use every day—for example, cell phones, door knobs, keyboards, etc. Even though you use them more than some of the dustier areas of your space, that doesn’t mean that they’re clean.”

If the winter season brought weather inside your home or business, consider contacting 1-800 WATER DAMAGE (formerly Delta Restoration) for help. As one of the rising stars of the $210 billion restoration industry, with more than 100 locations nationwide, they are an industry leader in property restoration. Their team is fully vetted, certified, and insured for your safety, and they’ll return your property to its original condition, while restoring what truly matters—the health and safety of your family and employees.

Protecting Your Vehicles Your vehicles might not be at the top of your spring-cleaning list, but if not, add them to it, as deep cleaning is also essential to extending the life of both the interior and exterior of them, as well as their resale values. It’s never more important to care for your car than at the close of winter, after road salts, including treatments with liquid calcium chloride and sand, plus the moisture from Nebraska storms, can cause your car to rust, which can spread across your entire vehicle over time. We recommend putting locally owned JetSplash in charge the spring cleaning of your vehicles to keep them shiny and protected after the winter months.

“You don’t want to leave salt or brine on your car too long, because it will damage the clear coat that is protecting your car, and eventually the paint, causing rust,” said JetSplash Sales Manager Kendra McDonald. “We prep and hand-dry every vehicle, so we’ll get the salt and snow off of your car first, then hand dry at the end to prevent freezing. We also have JetGloss, which will help restore your clear coat and protect your vehicle from future salt damage.”

Kendra McDonald

JetSplash When you stop into JetSplash, you’ll quickly learn why they’re Lincoln’s premier spot for a spotless car wash. With four wash options—ranging from $9 to $20—they’ve got something for everyone. Plus, all washes come with free access to vacuums, air to blow water and grime out of nooks and crannies, and mat cleaners! If you go the membership route, you can choose a plan and pay an annual or monthly rate and get your car washed as many times as you want.

You’ll also enjoy membership perks, including half-off upgrades, and their members-only After Care Bucket and express lane.

Your business, home, and vehicles are likely your biggest investments, so it’s crucial that you take care of them to protect them. Spring cleaning is essential for ensuring that your investments are not only good-looking but also safe and comfortable. We recommend contacting these professionals to help you get the job done right the first time! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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An increasing percentage of employers across the country are adopting workplace wellness programs because research shows that, when done correctly, they effectively improve the health of employees, which, in turn, increases employee productivity. Workplace wellness programs 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd also have been shown to reduce the number of reported workplace accidents resulting from overweight, tired, out-of-shape, stressed, and sleep-deprived workers. A recent Harvard University research study by economics professors found that every dollar employees invest in workplace wellness programs returns an estimated $3.27 in medical costs and a decrease of $2.73 in absentee-day costs.

For many businesses, the pandemic ushered in big changes to the workplace, with a tremendous shift to remote work. It also elevated everyone’s consciousness about employee health, making it a higher priority. According to Corporate Wellness Magazine, more than 70% of workers have described the pandemic as the most stressful time in their careers—including everything from pay cuts and financial stress, losing someone to the disease, juggling remote work with home responsibilities, and more. The combination of these repercussions has increased emphasis on workplace wellness, for both in-house and remote employees.

A simple but fantastic place to start is with Aqua Systems. In a reality where everyone is hyper-aware of the health, safety, and accessibility of their lifestyle practices, Aqua Systems delivers truly filtered water that can help your employees stay hydrated, safe, and healthy. Their water systems help you forego adding to the alarming environmental impact of bottled water, which is both wasteful and bad for the environment because plastic bottles take more than 1,000 years to bio-degrade and, if incinerated, produce toxic fumes.

What’s more, there are more standards regulating tap water in the U.S. than bottled water, so the quality can be questionable. Aqua Systems filtered water systems can provide the best of all worlds as a solid base for your workplace wellness programs.

The Built Environment AOI Corporation has also recently seen increased interest from business owners in both workplace-re-entry and work-from-home employeewellness support. AOI focuses on the built environment in which people work, regardless of the location because people are heavily influenced by their surrounding environment. It affects their productivity, decisions, and wellness, with factors such as flexibility, collaboration, innovation, and sustainability becoming paramount to achieving the most from a work and business space. AOI provides the full range of solutions for the built environment through construction, furniture, and architectural products.

“At AOI, we are seeing an uptick in inquiries from clients specifically related to workplace re-entry and work from home support,” said General Manager Penny Johnston. “Work for many in the future will be more distributed between home and the office, and business will need to adapt to continue supporting their employees’ health and wellness wherever they Penny Johnston AOI Corporation are working.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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AOI’s Do it Right This Time (DIRTT) team identifies and offers unique product and design alternatives to create both in-office and workfrom-home solutions that also employ environmentally conscientious materials. Their customers benefit from precise design and cost estimating, rapid lead times, and faster, cleaner construction. AOI’s DIRTT solutions include prefabricated construction solutions for efficient and sustainable interiors, low-profile raised access floors suitable for power, data, and building-management technologies, quick-connect, pre-tested, and adaptable electrical solutions, simple systems for incorporating plants into living-wall applications, and dynamic design elements that respond to your space and needs. They are a certified dealer for Herman Miller furniture and offer furniture groups that transform ordinary spaces into collaborative, innovative environments.

Armed with the most credible research and the latest data, their sales and design team provides the expertise to help you create inspiring interior landscapes and work-from-home setups that contribute to overall employee wellness.

“For companies supporting work-from-home options, their employee home offices need to have the same ergonomic features one expects at the office,” Penny said. “Many companies are establishing work-fromhome programs that allow employees to be reimbursed for items such as a good ergonomic desk chair and a height-adjustable desk. Our partnership with Herman Miller allows us the ability to help companies create work-from-home standard offerings and streamline the process.”

Physical Wellness The very crux of workplace wellness is the physical health of your employees. Operating under the direct primary care model, Access Family Medicine is now offering wellness screenings to businesses that enroll in their membership program. Once a year, they visit employees at their business location and offer blood-pressure checks and screening lab work to evaluate for individual health-screening markers. They also provide onsite flu shots for member businesses, as well as physicals and acute-care visits for all employees.

Krystal Jackson “The Direct Primary Care Model is really Access Family Medicine set up to thrive in the type of situation the pandemic brings,” said Certified Physician Assistant Krystal Jackson.

“Much of what we do can be done virtually via Telehealth visits. In fact, many of our patients who previously would have come into the office for a visit now prefer to do virtual visits and appreciate the convenience of being able to communicate electronically. Specifically, I like to reconnect with patients after starting them on a new medication to see how they are responding or tolerating the new medication. This can easily be done through a telephone visit. In general these types of visits consist mostly discussion of how the patient is feeling and responding versus an actual exam. We can do this without the patient having to miss work or physically come into the office, while still getting feedback from them and answering any questions they may have directly.”

Access Family Medicine now has about 40 member businesses in Lincoln that have signed up their employees for health memberships. The cost is far lower than in the traditional healthcare models, so employees can address all of their healthcare needs. Cost savings impact both the employer and the employees. Their goal is to provide a healthcare option helps businesses keep their talented staff by providing a healthcare option that makes sense for everyone.

Tobacco-Free Workplaces Among the most highly promoted workplace wellness programs of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is Tobacco Free Lancaster County, TFLC. Through this program, they offer free technical assistance to businesses and organizations that want to implement or improve their tobacco-free policies. They also have a free toolkit and signage to help support your policy, and they can answer questions about a particular challenge or send you monthly tips, resources, and event opportunities.

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

“More and more businesses are implementing tobacco-free policies, which reduces the risk of secondhand smoke and aerosol exposure, while creating an opportunity to motivate employees to quit tobacco,” said Public Health Educator Sophia Yelkin. “We are seeing businesses raise the bar for tobaccofree work environments by protecting their entire campus with tobacco-free policies.

Tobacco-free work environments save businesses money and helps support the efforts of those who have quit tobacco.”

Sophia Yelkin Lincoln-Lancaster County Ensuring the work environment is tobacco-free Health Department saves money previously lost from reduced productivity and medical expenditures, while simultaneously supporting the efforts of those who want to and have quit tobacco. In fact, the CDC attributes a loss of $3,391 per smoker each year for businesses, while seven out of 10 people who use tobacco products report wanting to quit. Successful tobacco-free policies directly address both these concerns. What’s more, sales from tobacco products have increased during the pandemic, point to even more need to educate and support employees about nicotine addiction.

“People often use cigarettes or other tobacco products as a way to reduce stress, however, it’s the withdrawal of nicotine that feels stressful,” Sophia said. “Nicotine creates stress in the body. Throughout the COVID pandemic, we have worked to ensure accurate information that can be shared easily to employees both at home and on the worksite.”

Emotional & Mental Wellness Emotional and mental wellness also is crucial to building overall workplace wellness, especially in such changing times. Leadership Harbor offers the full spectrum of tools, coaching, and general guidance to help business owners help their employees achieve wellness. One of their highly effective programs is called CALM (the acronym for stay Calm, Ask questions, and actively Listen, Lead, and Move). Leadership Harbor brings it to any business or organization for FREE because they consider it so essential to our community’s wellbeing.

“It’s been a hard year,” said Kris Peterson, a certified leadership, parenting, family, and youth coach with Leadership Harbor and an executive director with The John Maxwell Team. “CALM is a bullying and suicideprevention protocol where we talk about causes, symptoms, getting comfortable about having related conservations, and what to do if someone you know is dealing with bullying or suicidal feelings.”

Leadership Harbor also provides a variety of learning systems and workshops for Kris Peterson individuals or groups that teach employees Leadership Harbor or leaders what might be holding them back and how to tear down those walls to be their best self.

“When we are actively learning, we are literally rebuilding conscious belief systems that are negative in our ears, and relearning to relay those belief systems with positive force literally helps us to find confidence,” Kris said. “We can help with energies and resolve remaining issues associated with a physical return to work, as so many have become accustomed to working from home in the last year and it’s going to be a huge change for them if the time comes to go back to an office workplace with others.

Our individual and team coaching programs can help employers unlock their own and their employees’ potential and help everyone feel more comfortable with being uncomfortable, which is when we grow, change, and get creative.”

Gone are the days that the health and wellness of your workforce holds little responsibility for business owners and employers. Fortunately, Lincoln is home to some tremendous companies that can help you achieve a healthy, happy workforce and maximized production. We recommend you give these folks a call if you’re looking to create a better workplace wellness program for your employees! #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

Get more information today!

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.

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COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION COVID hit many business segments in Lincoln hard and fast in 2020, while the commercial construction industry registered a mixed bag of results but is cautiously optimistic about 2021. Like many other businesses, operations of the industry experienced a number of significant changes during the last year with the increase of remote working, social distancing requirements, disruption in supply chains, and associated reallocation of resources. Even with those adjustments, many local construction companies are busier than ever with commercial construction projects in the area, and they have to stay on their toes, because construction trends and technologies are ever-changing.

Research indicates that the most pervasive trends in commercial construction in 2021 include increased use of biological construction materials, safety features, remote technology, modular construction, artificial intelligence, 3-D printing, design technology, supply-chain alternatives, and a move away from purchasing new equipment and instead renting or buying previously used implements. As we talked to local companies in the commercial construction business, we found some of the most common trends in the industry now include aerial imaging, attention to safety, quality, technology, and environmental impact, prefabricated construction with precision engineering and consistent quality; repurposing of existing buildings, sustainability, advancement in energy-saving designs, and more.

The Power of Experience Having been in business for 97 years, Kingery Construction has an extensive history of completed projects that demonstrate their expertise and provide customers better insight before they begin construction. They provide every contracting option from designbid-build to design-build, construction management, general contracting, and pre-bond/pre-construction services. Quality customer relations is crucial to Kingery, regardless of the project type or size, and their goal is to give customers a high-quality product and spend their money wisely.

“Our partnership with our owners is much more successful when we understand what the expectations are before we begin,” said Kingery President Rod Berens. “Our relationship with our customers goes beyond just completion of the project.

We have many customers that we have done various projects for over several years. It is very rewarding to get a call from one of our previous customers and find out that they want us to do another project with them because of the success Rod Berens of the previous ones.”

Kingery Construction As expected, Rod said, retail and restaurant construction has slowed since the onslaught of the pandemic, but they continue to see a lot of projects in the public sector with various kinds of structures. Recent projects they are working on include several at Northeast Community College (NECC) in Norfolk.

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Center. This fall, they will be completing the new Large Animal Farm Operation and the new Vet Tech buildings at NECC, as well.

“We also worked on the Rocket Carwash on O Street, which was a particularly challenging project because the old building needed a lot of work and the tight working conditions and traffic on O Street added to the challenge,” Rod said. “Another important project is a complete renovation of the 135,000-square-foot Air National Guard Hangar; the project is ongoing and the coordination of daily operations of the military is something that requires special attention every day.”

Curb Appeal When you invest your heart, soul, and finances into a business venture, one of the things that is crucial to tend to in the construction or remodeling process is your building’s curb appeal. Whether you’re repurposing an existing structure or building from the ground up, you want the outside to be welcoming, professional, and make a statement about your business.

It’s amazing what the right paint job can do both for the curb appeal, brand, and interior appeal of your business, and we highly recommend Walter’s Painting for the job.

Walter’s offers first-rate exterior- and interior-painting services, in addition to wallpaper removal, power washing, refinishing of decks and other outdoor areas, re-staining, painting cabinets, and basically any coating removal or application you can think of. They have been proudly offering painting and special-coatings services in the area for nearly 30 years. They offer efficient, reliable service with minimal disruption to your commercial activity—and their record for on-time and on-budget results is sterling.

“Walter’s Painting uses only top-quality products and qualified painting crews experienced with helping clients make the most informed decorating and painting decisions,” said Owner Jeff Walters. “With our team of well-trained and experienced painters, we understand what business owners expect from a painting company, and we are at the ready to deliver.”

Their services include thorough sanding of all surfaces to create a perfect base before painting. The Walter’s service crew does all Jeff Walters Walter’s Painting the heavy lifting for you, too. Their commercial painting services in Lincoln are carried out by a fully insured, licensed, and well-trained painting team for office buildings and schools, hotels and retail stores, apartment complexes, medical facilities, and any industry that requires their services.

“With attendance down at businesses due to the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to focus on new commercial construction and remodeling projects—so contact us to get your project done,” Jeff said.

Relationship-Based Firm Cheever Construction is an employee-owned construction firm that delivers on their promises. Employee owners and experienced, key individuals have maintained the consistent management and character of the company, creating a culture of integrity and commitment toward each project’s success. Cheever projects the full spectrum of commercial construction services, including construction management, design-build, and design-bid-build—all toward their vision of building good futures for their clients, employees, and community.

“Cheever is a relationship-based firm,” said President Justin Kurtzer. “We take pride in building trust with our clients and project partners in all that we do. We have built our reputation on our ingenuity, expertise, and exceptional people. We utilize an effective schedule, coupled with the quality and skill from our subcontractors and combined with our field craftsmen. Cheever Construction Justin Kurtzer takes pride in all of the relationships that we Cheever Construction

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have entered. We strive to make each project the precursor to the next project, while building a lasting relationship with everyone involved.”

In the current marketplace, Cheever has witness a tremendous demand for construction projects at educational facilities, both K-12 and university work, in small and large communities in the area. The pandemic has played a role in that trend, with construction projects being easier to complete when students are doing so much learning from home. Cheever also has seen some manufacturing construction demand, as well as a spike of sorts in requests for specialized construction in labs—both for educational institutions and for science-based companies, including NEOGEN. One super-interesting project Cheever worked on in 2020 was remodeling of a vintage World War II hanger at the Lincoln Airport, including mobile offices and mobile hangers—all in place for just 14-18 months during work at the airport.

Making Buildings Smarter As the leading control technology contractor in Nebraska and Iowa, Engineered Controls has a goal to provide customers with products and services that created efficient, safe, and comfortable building environments. Established in 1994, Engineered Controls offers a complete turnkey building-control solution, including system design, new construction, and owner-direct retrofit sales, installation, repair service, and preventive maintenance work for small buildings. In their 27 years of operation, they have provided innovative and cost-effective building control solutions to thousands of satisfied customers.

“We live in an era in which buildings of any size and shape can become intelligent buildings,” said Pat Killeen, the president and CEO of Engineered Controls. “With open protocol technology, they can connect multiple subsystems together, on one network, rather than operating them all independently— Pat Killeen maximizing energy efficiency, lowering Engineered Controls

maintenance costs, and providing centralized building control. The systems also provide information on problems in the building, allow for computerized maintenance scheduling, are easy and effective for employees to use, and easily detect problems.”

According to Pat, long range analysis shows that there are a number of business sectors that are currently, and will continue to, drive the building automation sector of the building technology industry in the future: “These include the demand for ‘green building technology,’ electrical energy management systems, LED lighting and lighting controls, security and access systems, asset management, smart buildings, and the technology convergence into one, holistic Building Automation and Control System.

In addition, the demand for home automation products will increase the demand for more commercial automation products.”

Restoration Leader When it comes to concrete and masonry repair, restoration, and construction, McGill Restoration is on the job. From highway surface treatment and parking-garage repairs to industrial painting to masonry repair, they’re ready to help you with just about any construction need.

They follow a proven process for each job to ensure that they deliver consistent, high-quality results to all customers. The process begins with a project estimate and proposal and then works through contract acceptance and pre-construction preparation before on-site work begins. They make daily check-ins and strategy updates, and they deliver weekly performance monitoring through to project completion.

“When it comes to restoration, research is key,” said McGill Estimator and Project Manager Jennifer Loukota. “Researching the building, the materials, and the best techniques is essential to providing a beautifully restored building or project. When it comes to the Jennifer Loukota planning and execution of a project, we McGill Restoration

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want to offer our expertise. Most companies know the finer points of new construction, but McGill understands the intricacies of restoration.”

The influx of younger generations into the metro areas is fueling a steady increase in new construction and restoration projects—with the new construction happening primarily in the suburbs and the restoration is happening in the city centers. The trend of restoring older buildings or converting older spaces into modern designs is contributing to this trend. The onset of COVID in 2020 actually increased demand for restoration projects.

“After COVID struck, many businesses chose to get some restoration and other remodeling projects done during shutdowns forced by the pandemic,” Jennifer said. “The timing of the closures actually helped businesses accomplish some crucial work, at a time when they couldn’t run normal operations. Some of the jobs McGill Restoration took on included work on the Bergan Mercy Hospital parking garage, Eagle Parking garage, Southbridge Condominiums, and Nebraska Medical Center.”

In 2020, McGill Restoration also won the International Parking and Mobility Institute’s annual Award of Excellence for Facility Rehabilitation or Restoration for the restoration at and around the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Parking Lot 1. The renovation included a three-level parking structure, a drive-up patient and valet entrance, a helipad, doctor parking at grade level, and a waterproofed plaza system. The scope of the award-winning work included replacement of expansion joints, post-tension cable repairs, masonry repairs, application of traffic coatings, application of penetrating sealer, and painting the interior ceiling surfaces. The project was completed on budget and on time—in less than six months—while never forcing closure of the garage or interrupting valet services at any time.

The Whole Package If you’re looking for a general contractor with a stellar reputation in the Lincoln area, Xtream General Contracting, LLC is another fabulous option. This family-owned and operated business is a licensed general contractor in accredited by 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!

“Some of the recent projects we’ve been proud to work on include the University of Nebraska Bookstore, Furniture Row, Eye Masters, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Metropolitan Community College,” said owner Michael Cubas. “We’re a complete general contractor that makes safety and proper equipment a priority, and we recycle materials to protect the environment. We are a flexible company providing our expertise from concept to completion or working within Michael Cubas the parameters of your predetermined Xtream General scope of work. Over the last three years, Contracting our portfolio of business has grown to include working with commercial businesses, real-estate brokers, management companies, national retail chains, universities and colleges, area school districts, and indoor and outdoor retail shops.”

Michael said Xtream General Contracting’s values are forged by hard work, honesty, and integrity in building relationships with their clients. They are idealists who believe that, by investing time in your local community, it will invest in you. Xtream General Contracting has an amazing team who all share the pride of building quality products. Each team member has to be the right fit, work well with the team, and share the values behind the company. The Xtream General Contracting team has become a big family and each one adds to the whole of the company. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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“We offer quality workmanship, superb work ethic, and competitive pricing which separates us from the rest,” Michael said. “We are confident you will be pleased with work we have done as well as the ability to track projects we currently have in progress. Xtream General Contracting is ready to tackle any of your construction needs. There are a lot of options out there, but we think you'll find that working with us will prove to be one of the best decisions you could make.”

Peak Performance The value of a solid, trustworthy roof over your head cannot be overstated. In fact, the roof just might be the most important part of your building. It provides you protection from the intense Nebraska elements, and if it’s not constructed by a company that uses quality materials and hires only highly qualified professionals, you risk damaging the building itself, inside and out. Neemann & Sons has been replacing and repairing damaged roofs, windows, gutters, and siding for 40 years, and they are locally renowned for being honest, hard-working, and reliable to ensure that every customer gets a personalized solution to their roofing needs. As a family-owned and -operated business, Neemann & Sons takes enormous pride in their work and guarantees their customers’ satisfaction every time.

“We specialize in shingled and flat roofing and are one of the few roofing companies left that can install a built-up hot asphalt roofing system in Lincoln,” said Owner Trevor Neemann. “We are a preferred contractor among many roofing manufacturers, allowing us to install roofs with extended warranty years.”

The proof is always in the pudding, and Neemann & Sons stands the test of time and reputation. One of the most recent projects they re-roofed was Lincoln Southeast High Trevor Neemann School, with a crew of theirs onsite for about Neemann & Sons eight months in 2020. In fact, educational institutions and remodels represent a large portion of their recent commercial requests. They increasingly use satellite technologies in commercial and residential construction alike, to ensure perfect measurement of all elevations.

“One of the biggest changes in the past five years is the quality of satellite imagery,” Trevor said. “We can see a lot of the projects from a computer before ever arriving on site. We now have programs that will measure roof areas with detailed accuracy from satellite. This keeps our estimators much safer and saves a lot of time because they don’t have to walk on tall or steep buildings.”

Exemplary Electrical Service Every part of building construction is crucial to the overall project success and completion, and that includes what’s inside the walls, floors, and ceilings. Oak Electric is an excellent option for your commercial or industrial electrical work. It is a six-year-old 100% women-owned and operated premium contractor with a tradition of exemplary service.

Since 2015, Oak Electric’s team of experienced and creative electricians has been providing meritorious service and craftsmanship to the Lincoln community, building real relationships and establishing solid connections with their customers. Whether you are remodeling or building from scratch, lighting is a crucial element to consider in any business, especially those with office spaces.

“An investment in good lighting yields a more efficient workforce with a higher morale, as well as setting the right tone with your clients,” said Oak Electric Owner Crystal Collins. “By upgrading incandescent lights to LED lights, you may be able to drastically reduce your monthly utility expenses. Also, don’t forget about exterior lighting, such as sidewalks, stairways, and parking lots. We highly encourage you to have a licensed electrician inspect your panel(s) to ensure it is up to code Crystal Collins prior to starting any electrical project.”

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Another trend in commercial construction is installation of interior and exterior security cameras. Oak Electric offers a camera system that is hard-wired to create a more reliable system than the discount WiFi options. Plus, you get continuous recording and NO monthly fees, and you have remote access with your phone or tablet. Oak Electric’s Community Support Program also provides electrical services to nonprofit organizations at a reduced rate, or even free. It’s one of the many ways they have strengthened Lincoln in their first six years in business. They also have expanded their services beyond just repairs and remodels to also include installation of security cameras, electric car chargers, fire alarm systems, LED lighting conversion, parking lot lighting, and more.

“We have the privilege to serve the Lincoln area on residential and commercial projects, as well as to give back to the community through our Community Support Program,” said Crystal said.

Problem Solvers REGA Engineering Group may not physically construct commercial buildings, but the work they do is crucial to the success of any commercial-construction project. Now licensed in 13 states, REGA specializes in engineering and surveying services. As a full-service civil-engineering firm, they offer experience in commercial site development, ALTA surveys, floodplain development, energy efficiency, landscape architecture, and—recently added— investigative engineering. Their multi-state experience has helped them grow in their knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

REGA’s diverse experience in public and private civil engineering projects is evident in the projects they have tackled, including site development and grading, recreational facilities, pedestrian/ recreation trail design, roadway plans, profiles and design, parking lot design, parking arrangement for on-grade and structural configurations, storm and sanitary sewer analysis and design, storm sewer drainage studies, detention facilities, potable water-system design, and soil erosion controls for temporary and permanent installations and utility relocations.

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“We are in charge of surveying and care for things like water quality, stormwater drainage, and this requires construction observance throughout every commercial project we take on,” said REGA President Dan Rosenthal. “Construction observation can be the most critical service provided for any construction project.

Full-time observation by our engineering professionals is the best defense against problems during and after construction. It’s crucial to ensure that management plans Dan Rosenthal REGA Engineering Group for water and drainage meet the needs of everything they affect, including lots and corners, roads, floodplains, and more.”

With more than 40 years of experience in surveying, REGA Engineering Group also provides site surveying, construction asbuilt surveying, and topographic surveying and construction staking.

Their surveyors have broad experience in all facets of large and small projects, including private, commercial, and governmental, facility construction layout, roads, and utilities. The company has worked on many topographic surveying projects for Lincoln, Omaha, Auburn, Columbus, Falls City, Fremont, Nebraska City, and other communities throughout the Midwest.

REGA Engineering Group recently joined the Investigative Engineers Association Member Firm (I-ENG-A), a nationwide network of independently owned engineering firms that provide forensic investigative engineering services. Members of I-ENG-A provide services that investigate, document, test, and secure property/ evidence, allowing accurate reporting for the property and casualty insurance industry. By joining the network, REGA Engineering Group now has access to I-ENG-A’s broad-based knowledge and skill of its other members, including forensic engineering training and a database of information that assists with comprehensive,

cost-effective claims settlement. The new addition of expertise will provide a quicker turnaround time and fewer fees for REGA clients.

“The investigative engineers at REGA reconstruct the events that give rise to property, casualty, and liability claims,” Dan explained. “Services requested by the clients of investigative engineers include: auto/ component failure analysis, cause and origin, scope and damages, mitigation measures, subrogation claims, fire and arson investigation, structural analysis/review, traffic accident reconstruction, slip and fall analysis, product failure analysis, mold contamination investigation, earth movement analysis, and laboratory testing.”

Concrete and Epoxy Specialists Gabel Construction provides epoxy flooring, basement waterproofing, foundation repair, drainage and landscaping, egress windows, and snow removal. Gabel has specialized in concrete pouring, along with these other services, since it began in 1977. Nathan Lee and his wife, Haley, took over ownership of the company in March 2020, with Nathan bringing a 30-year background in epoxy flooring to the company’s offerings.

“I was introduced to the industry at an early age,” Nathan said. “My parents owned their Nathan Lee own company called Midwest Floor Care, and Gabel Construction I started working for them when I was 12. I eventually took over and renamed the company Epoxy Concrete Sealers.

I then went on to partner with my brother, owning a percentage of a company known as Surface Sealers Inc. I was ready to take things to the next level, so Haley and I decided to take over ownership of Gabel.”

Epoxy is a growing trend among homeowners and commercial buildings alike. It’s known for being very durable and, thanks to its endless customization options, can be incredibly modern and stylish as well.

Gabel Construction knows the ins and outs of epoxy application, and

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wants to help you transform your space with this budget-friendly and long-lasting flooring choice. In addition, if you’re looking to shine up existing concrete or smooth out some cracks, Gabel Construction is able to get the job done with the highest level of products and customer service.

Selecting an Electrician Virtually every commercial construction project will require hiring an electrician.

Although many contractors offer electrical services, it’s important to research providers to determine who is most qualified for your particular job. Jon Eicher, project manager for ABC Electric in Lincoln, recommends checking seven key factors about an electrician before hiring one for your project, noting that ABC Electric meets all of these criteria.

First—and regardless of the size of the Jon Eicher project—be sure that the electrician is fully ABC Electric licensed and insured. In Nebraska, electrical contractors are required to have a license that demonstrates they have completed the education and field training necessary to perform jobs safely and correctly. It’s also crucial that licensed electricians have the proper insurance to protect you from getting stuck paying for any possible damages. When you implement construction of your business, one main consideration for you may be energy efficiency—which really comes into play on the electrical side of things. This is why so many businesses have made the decision to convert to LED lighting. Being more “green” is not only great for the environment, it’s great for your pocketbook. It’s been reported by multiple sources that LED lighting uses 50–90% less electricity, which can end up totaling a lot of money’s worth of savings on your annual electric costs.

Second, check into the types of jobs an electrician has traditionally done and make sure the experience meshes with your project: “Some contractors may only focus on residential jobs, while others may specialize in lighting,” Jon said. “If you’re doing a commercial project, you want to identify your project needs and make sure the professional you choose is experienced in that area.”

Third, it’s vital to find out who from a company actually will be performing the work: “Ideally, you’ll want a contractor that uses their own employees, not subcontractors,” Jon said. “Subcontractors may not be covered by insurance or have the experience your project requires.”

Fourth, professional electricians must stay current on their education about ever-changing electric codes. The National Electric Code is routinely updated to address changes in technology and new safety requirements, and your electrician must stay informed of every new rule to ensure that your project is completed in a compliant fashion. What’s more, having up-to-date knowledge about codes can help streamline your permitting needs.

Fifth, you want to choose an electrician who prices services based on the specific materials and labor required to complete your commercial remodel. If the company charges a flat rates, you could end up paying more than you should have. Sixth, you want to choose a provider that offers emergency support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you know they’ll be there in the event of any emergencies during your project duration. You don’t want to wait for a solution. Finally, Jon recommends reviewing an electrician’s guarantee policies: “Warranties and guarantees can protect you from additional costs if you need to fix problems with any work that your electrician provides during your remodel,” he said. “Ask your contractor what their guarantees cover and how long the protection is valid.”

Safety First When you get your commercial construction project underway, there might be times where various contractors are at work simultaneously, which underscores the absolute need to make sure all of them put safety first. The last thing you need is for someone to get injured while working on your business. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Kingery Construction Co. has built a wide variety of projects for educational, medical and religious facilities as well as commercial, governmental, industrial and private owners. We are honored to have constructed several iconic landmarks and developed relationships with owners and architects that span decades.

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Hummer Contracting Owner and President Clint Hummer makes safety his company’s No. 1 priority across the board. In addition to general contracting, custom fabrication, millwright services, and material handling, Hummer Contracting performs a broad range of services, from demolition and remodeling to custom installations of cuttingedge technologies. The company’s licensed engineers promise to meet all of your design needs with a realistic timeline, clear documentation, and the expertise to make Clint Hummer your remodel project a success.

Hummer Contracting “We take pride in providing a better customer experience and take safety very seriously, from beginning to end,” Clint said. “Hummer Contracting is honored to have a top-of-the-line safety coordinator. She takes safety very seriously and customizes all training programs to fit our industry and circumstance. We have a very low accident rate and a high ISN rating (a rating of a company’s stability and ability to manage its business). Hummer Contracting also tries to make safety fun. For instance, once a month, we have ‘Trade a Trade Day.’ A different employee or employees do half-day trainings about their particular specialty area and talk about the safety precautions involved. It’s very hands on. Then, the second half of the day, the safety coordinator does an ISN® training, so we devote a minimum of one full day per month to safety education.”

In 2016, Hummer Contracting joined ISNetworld® as part of its ongoing efforts to raise safety awareness and standards in the industry. ISN connects safe and reliable contractors to hiring clients worldwide.

It streamlines safety, insurance, quality, and regulatory information processes, which saves time and improves safety standards. ISNetworld provides contractor management software and stores contractors’ health, safety, and procurement information, allowing them to complete

the qualification processes for hiring more efficiently and has been documented to lower incident rates on job sites.

“As a member contractor of ISNetworld, we have custom programs for the full spectrum of safety assurances,” Clint said. “Those include everything from confined space entry to fall prevention, fire protection and safety, hazardous waste communication, proper PPE, lead awareness, industrial power equipment, respiratory protection, rigging-material handling, subcontractor management, trenching, shoring, excavating, and welding.

Safety truly is our top priority.”

Hummer Contracting’s mission is to be the foremost commercial contracting company through dependability and integrity, a diligent commitment to excellence, and a pledge to promote safety, service, and value.

Working With What You Have Oftentimes, remodeling your business can be far more efficient all-around than starting from scratch to get the new amenities or space you want to add to your site. Tru-Built Construction Co-owner Bo Jones said that while constructing a new building is beneficial in that it gives you control over every aspect of the design throughout every layer of the building, sometimes the best option is to take an existing building and make improvements.

Tru-Built takes pride in offering premier commercial renovation and remodeling Bo Jones services, with some recent projects including Tru-Built Construction transforming the former The Post & Nickel building into a mixed-use one that incorporates Chase Bank, Lululemon Athletica, and Madida Clothing commercial spaces. It also has condo spaces available for lease on the upper floors. In reality, the building is actually four separate buildings, built side-to-side. That served up some challenges, including varying floor levels, split plumbing and electric, and working on the remodel in the tight confines of the downtown area.

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Broker Opinion of Value

John Linscott, CCIM, CPM®

Don Linscott, CCIM, SIOR

GREENLEAF COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE 300 N 44th St, Ste 112 Lincoln, NE 68503

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Brett Harris, CCIM

Adam Lowney

(402)-467-2525 www.greenleafcommercial.com

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“Regardless of the challenges, we now have a unique building with some fabulous features,” Bo said. “We preserved the original wood floors, the old billboard ads on the brick walls, and restored the big windows that were filled in with brick over the years. The group of owners has committed to a complete renovation, including re-footing the basement, adding new structural walls and beams, supporting the floor joists and roof trusses with steel, installing new wall framing, and new electric, heating, cooling, plumbing, fire protection, drywall, paint, windows, cabinets, and more. It basically will be a completely new building and exemplifies the benefits of using what you have instead of starting from scratch!”

Bo advises special caution to any business considering a remodel: Pay particular attention to the roof: “In addition to negatively affecting the exterior look of your business,” he said, “a failing roof can cause expensive and unpleasant problems with leaking, energy loss, and other issues. It can downright negate all of your work if the roof isn’t in shape to protect it!”

Plumbing Professionals When it comes to protecting your business from damage, the quality of plumbing included in your construction or remodel must be resilient, to code, and able to withstand the dramatic temperature swings in Nebraska. If your plumbing, heating or air-conditioning loses efficiency from a lack of maintenance, utility bills can skyrocket.

Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Inc. has been serving the Lincoln area for more than 60 years. Owned by brothers Doug, Dennis, and Don Biggerstaff, their success relies on their reputation for reliability, professionalism, and providing top-quality care in a timely manner. They will ensure that your commercial construction projects benefit from the efficiencies of sound plumbing, heating, and cooling systems that will save your business money in the long run.

Bob Nohavec Plumbing has been serving the Lincoln community for 40 years. Their plumbing service is built on a solid reputation for fast, reliable, and quality service that meets your commercial and residential needs. They provide full excavating and plumbing services, including visual camera inspection with locating capabilities. Excavating services they provide include septic systems, waterline installation, sewer-line installation, sewer repair, water repair, storm sewers and drainage, underground plumbing, and more.

A Powerful Brotherhood Lincoln is home to another fabulous commercial construction company in Brown Brothers Construction, Inc. Brothers Ray and Jared Brown started the company in 2005, when they began remodeling commercial and industrial buildings between just the two of them.

Now, Ray and Jared are joined by 23 additional employees who are all passionate about building the very best commercial and industrial remodels, additions, roofs, painting, carpet installations, aluminum storefronts, and more for Lincoln businesses.

“Lincoln is small enough that we have a good relationship with most businesses in town, but large enough that there’s plenty of new and exciting projects on the horizon for us,” said Ray Brown.

While Brown Brothers Construction specializes in office remodels and tenant improvements, they have worked with a growing book of Lincoln businesses for a rainbow of different projects over the years. Ray, Jared, and their dedicated employees have built solid relationships with many Lincoln businesses Ray Brown throughout the 15 years they’ve been Brown Brothers in service, delivering the highest quality Construction construction services with a personal flair.

They’re dedicated to bringing Lincoln business owners the best, helping them keep their storefronts and interiors fresh, clean, and modern.

The business owners who keep Brown Brothers as their choice construction company are all extremely loyal—many are return customers. Coowner Ray Brown said a key reason for this customer loyalty is their #PrintProudDigitalSmart

staff. The company distinguishes itself as a company that understands the importance of teamwork throughout a project, and business owners see the team working together like clockwork. In addition to excellent teamwork, the employees at Brown Brothers take special care to develop one-on-one relationships with their clients, giving them personalized attention and advice so that each project is completed with 100-percent satisfaction, no matter what it is.

Building Roofs that Last In Nebraska, our homes and businesses are constantly being hit with rain, snow, hail, and wind. Like our people, Nebraskan buildings are built to be strong, sturdy—to survive the elements and any surprise the world throws at it. But still, like anything (or anyone), damage can happen, and our homes and businesses can wear down and give way to storm damage or regular wear that comes with age. When that happens, Xcel Roofing is there for you. Xcel has been serving Nebraskan residential and commercial communities since 1990, working rain and shine to make sure you and your employees and clients are protected, safe, warm, and dry with a strong, sturdy roof over your heads.

Xcel Roofing offers a range of different services for both their residential and their commercial customers, ensuring they’re educated about each option. Not only will Xcel replace your home’s roof, but they will also replace the siding, gutters, windows, and improve your home’s insulation and ventilation. Dealing with an unexpected expense? Xcel Roofing offers a multitude of financing options, including a deferred payment plan and interest-free financing. They offer free roof inspections and will even do them virtually to protect you against COVID-19. Selling your home? Xcel will inspect your new listing, free of charge.

The Perfect TIme to Build Ironhide Construction President Troy Bridgford said now is the perfect time to build in the Lincoln area.

“Now is a good time for businesses to invest in new projects in the Lincoln and Omaha market due to the projection of both cities’ populations continuing to grow over the next 20 years,” he said. “Both cities are

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expected to nearly double in size. This means that the need for commercial and industrial properties will only continue to grow as we will have more people looking for employment. As we all know, construction of new facilities can be costly, but it has never been as affordable to build as it is right now.”

Constructing a new building is always a significant investment of money, time, and other resources. Because of this, those investing in a project will naturally want to get it right Troy Bridgford the first time and ensure they are using the Ironhide Construction best materials and methods for a high-quality end product that will guarantee a long life for the building. Troy told us about new developments in panels that have improved the level of quality in metal building projects. The products are like sandwich panels with a layer of insulation between two metal panels. This offers a clean look available in varying finishes ranging from polished steel to stucco. The panels are also very energy efficient.

Troy also shared what sets Ironhide apart in the construction industry: “At Ironhide Construction, we pride ourselves on being the best metal building contractor in the area,” he said. “Through our customer-focused approach, negotiated contracts, and accountability throughout the project, we are able to ensure that the finished project is high quality and satisfactory to our clients.”

Commercial Hot Spot Lincoln is a hotspot for the commercial sector, in a state that celebrates its business successes and focuses on economic development for companies of all sizes. Nonetheless, the uncertainty and economic punch delivered by the COVID-19 pandemic has put some strain on the local commercial real-estate market. That said, resiliency is the name of the game, and commercial agents in Lincoln remain resolute and positive about the long-term marketplace.

In fact, Greenleaf Commmercial Real Estate Director of Brokerage Services Brett Harris says that even with the dramatic changes in the marketplace of late, Lincoln has some big commercial projects underway, which provide some stability for the industry as a whole.

The retail and office sectors continue to fluctuate with changing consumer and business practices and habits. “The retail sector has experienced some vacancy Brett Harris and turnover of big-box retail spaces in recent years as online retail continues to Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate change consumer habits and has resulted in established retailers either closing or downsizing,” Brett said. “The office market is also experiencing some changes with more people working remotely and design trends that favor open floor plans and fewer private offices, requiring less square footage per employee.”

Still, the biggest hurdle the commercial real-estate market has faced in recent years is the repercussions of the coronavirus, according to Harris and other local agents: “The COVID pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty in the commercial real-estate market right now,” Brett said.

“In the short term, activity levels slowed down, as prospective tenants and buyers are reluctant to make commitments until they have more confidence in the economy. Existing tenants and landlords are often working together to get through these lean months, but some business closures are likely, particularly in the retail and restaurant sector.”

Commercial construction involves more players than one generally might think, and each one’s role is crucial to creating Lincoln buildings that are safe, stalwart, aesthetically pleasing, and operating with up-to-date technologies and services. We recommend contacting the companies featured here when you’re looking to build or revamp your commercial business. Their reputations are sound and their customer service top-rate!

Building Relationships Through Craftsmanship Services: Parking Garages/Stadium Repairs Industrial Restoration & Coatings Infrastructure Repairs & High Performance Coatings Masonry Restoration

Let’s discuss your project today!

Omaha 402.558.7989 | mcgillrestoration.com | Lincoln 402.438.4110 78

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Joining Organizations The purpose of the Joining Organizations feature is to give our readers the chance to familiarize themselves with some amazing local organizations, especially if they are looking for ways to grow their business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved!

Whether it’s meeting over Zoom or in person, joining a professional organization is vital to keeping your business healthy. After joining one of these esteemed groups, you’ll be intimately connected with other professionals in your industry and beyond. You’ll have a platform to enrich your understanding of your chosen career and the community you serve, and to join others in learning new and innovative techniques, ideas, and practices. There’s also networking opportunities, advocacy events, scholarship programs, and career development workshops to take advantage of. Not only that, but joining one of these groups will grant you visibility in the business community and offer you a chance to grow your reputation among other professionals and consumers. Even if you’re choosing to socially distance, being a part of one of these organizations in any capacity will keep you accountable to your peers and on the path toward success.

Now the question is, how do you find the right organization for you? That will depend on your values and the goals you have for yourself and your career. Each organization has a set of values that they’re more inclined to support, and so doing your research so that you’re in a group around other like-minded professionals is essential. Take the time to consider which one you want to be most associated with based on how much personal and professional development opportunities are offered. This way, you can decide what organization you feel most confident dedicating a portion of your time and/or money to supporting.

Despite the disruptive way the pandemic is keeping us all apart, the following local organizations and associations work twice as hard to keep us all together and to keep the opportunities flowing. Take the time to look through these organizations to find out how they’re keeping the Lincoln business community thriving.

The National A s s o c i a t i o n f o r Wo m e n i n Construction ( N AW I C ) i s a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas.

This year, Women in Construction Week is March 7–13, 2021.

The focus is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. Women in Construction Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.

Information about upcoming meeting locations, topics, and times is available on the website at www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information. The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly BizNet events are free to attend with complimentary snacks and beverages.

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

Call (402) 466-3419 and ask about joining LIBA. A membership staff would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions.

You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.

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The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective, and respected trade association which promotes home building through p ro f e s s i o n a l e d u c a t i o n , member communication, and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental, and industry forums.

With more than 650 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes, and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit the members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.

To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 70-year old association.

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

BNI members enjoy unparalleled business growth. As the world’s largest referral network, with over 10,000 chapters worldwide, BNI passed over 12 million referrals last year, resulting in more than $16 billion in business, and they are on pace to exceed that total in 2020. More importantly, their area members throughout Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wyoming closed over $40 million in tracked business—creating a return of 700 times their investment— most of that supporting other local businesses. BNI celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and has proudly been helping Nebraska businesses grow for over 20 years.

Members increase their exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a local, national, and international network, and sharpen their networking skills with exclusive member resources. Belonging to BNI is like having sales people working for you everywhere.

BNI’s proven structured system of giving and receiving business cultivates deep relationships with other professionals. Their members have the opportunity to substantially increase their business through BNI’s core values of Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition.

For more information about BNI Heartland, please contact the regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit their website at www.bniheartland.com.

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Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has a mission to encourage and develop the creative leadership of women. They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge. They are women in various professions who meet regularly monthly for networking, engaging speakers, and leadership development opportunities. They also meet occasionally in a casual environment to get to know each other better, on a more personal level, and invite guests to join them. Please visit wisblincoln.org for more information or find WISB on Facebook (@wisblincoln)!

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) strives to be a first-class resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization comprises a large network of human resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.

Benefits to membership include: • Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers • Professional networking events • Career development • Collaboration of HR information • Monthly newsletter resources • Membership directory • Professional certification study groups • Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Community and diversity programs…just to name a few. For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.

At Professional Networking Group (PNG), they are all about relationships. It’s the bread and butter to making a business successful.

Through PNG’s five Lincoln locations, bi-weekly meetings, quarterly socials, and donations back to the community of Lincoln, they’re constantly working to network and build relationships with the best and the brightest around town.

Join this networking community and watch how you can impact the bottom line on your business like never before. If the thought of creating a new network makes you a little nervous, take a look at why you should take the plunge.

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

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

• Automatically add 18–25 sales people to your team.

• PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year including over $1,600 to the Food Bank this past holiday season.

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

• The group culture actually allows you to laugh and have fun as you are doing business, all without the use of a stopwatch.

For more information, please visit pnglincoln.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

To b e a L i n c o l n Chamber of Commerce member is to be a partner.

The Chamber honors that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, providing commitment from their team and ensuring every business thrives. They aim for the best environment for your business and the rest of their 1,700 members.

They understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and they’re here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.

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

T h e L i n c o l n Yo u n g Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 2,000+ members, the Lincoln YPG is the largest in the state.

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

To learn more about Lincoln YPG, call Kayla Meyer at (402) 436-2369 or email at kaylameyer@lcoc.com. For more information, please visit www.lincolnypg.com.

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

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

Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a wor ldwide networ k of clubs. Headquartered in Englewood, CO, the organization's membership exceeds 364,000 in more than 16,200 clubs in 145 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org and follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online.

Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska or call (800) 649-6814.

Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24. District 24 is a grouping of over 60 Toastmasters clubs and over 1,000 members from Kearney, NE to Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more about District 24 and upcoming meetings and events by visiting d24tm.org or www.meetup.com/District-24Toastmasters-Meetup. You can also find them on Facebook (@ D24TM). “Come visit us, because we believe that Toastmasters helps you build the confidence and skills to be a better you!”

The Joining Organizations feature is published twice a year—March and September—and any local group in Lincoln is encourage to participate for a low cost. Participation will qualify your organization for six months of free press inclusion. Our news section in the magazine offers businesses and organizations a chance to let our readers know about exciting upcoming events, new partnerships, staff members, anniversaries/milestones, ways to get involved, and so much more. Please reach out to Strictly Business if you're interested in featuring your group in the September issue by contacting (402) 466-3330 / editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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