Strictly Business Magazine Lincoln December 2017

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

LINCOLN • DECEMBER 2017

TY PRUCHA OWNER

MATT TOOMBS

OWNER

JetSplash #5 Coming Soon to 84th & Hwy 2

Serving Lincoln For 15 Years!

• ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT • WINTER DRIVING • SENIOR LIVING • HOLIDAY WRAP-UP CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • ECHO SYSTEMS • BIGGERSTAFF PLUMBING HEATING & AIR

Natalie Leon

Sara Reyes Sudman

Eddie Brown

Jaclyn Howard

John Aguirre

Mary McCombs

Visiting Angels

Fields Floral

Vicente Clothiers

Venue Restaurant & Essentials Ovation Salon Lounge DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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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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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

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

Great Brands That Compete On Value: Get Front & Center

There is such incredible power in the cover of a magazine. It is positioned to be seen by and attract the attention of many, and as practically all marketing minds would agree, it’s the most valuable piece of real estate in print.

The elements of the magazine cover that serve as the focal point – the imagery, the headlines, teasers about what you can find within the pages – are what work together to draw people in and make them take interest, compelling them to want to read more to know more. It’s a call to action that has decades’ worth of metrics to support its effectiveness. With the cover, even if you don’t reel a potential reader in, it’s been seen and made an impression that the person would likely be able to recall at a later date. Occupying that tiny bit of space in a person’s mind could potentially be advantageous in ways that can’t necessarily be measured with accuracy. You never know when the opportunity will arise that this one time they saw you on the cover, and perhaps had the time or interest to read more, will come up again.

When it does, though, it’s likely going to be that person providing what they deem to be useful information or a recommendation based on a question or need, or contributing to a line of conversation where it makes sense to be included. Just like that you’ve entered into the minds of others. This organic process is happening all around you, all the time.

However, Strictly Business isn’t just any print publication; it’s one that focuses all of its content on local businesses, and more specifically, the vast majority of it on its advertisers. So this being the case, our covers are exclusively offered with the campaign tier that gets delivers the most visibility and value, on an extended basis that allows for top-of-mind recognition and sustained momentum. As you’ll often hear me say, it’s been designed for optimal impact.

Every month we take great pride in hearing so much buzz about the businesspeople that grace our covers; the familiar faces that we see serving people right here in our community, many of whom we know from doing business together or through varying degrees of separation. With the nature of Lincoln being a blend of a small town and a big city, it’s

CONTENTS

NEWS 4 27

Business Personnel

36 Non-Profit 48 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

20 Star City Six 56 Client Spotlight: Echo Systems 80 Client Spotlight: Biggerstaff Plumbing Heating & Air

FEATURE STORIES

58 61 66 72 4

Environmental Impact Winter Driving Senior Living Holiday Wrap-Up

Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

a unique marketplace in that aspect. We know it makes an impression on the audience here, so we give our clients the prime opportunity to capitalize on it. The connection our clients make with our readers through the magazine is an extension of their presence. It’s out there working for them to get the word out to even more people about what makes them special, and why you should choose to give them your business.

Now as a result of the digital revolution, the cover of a magazine has a much greater reach too. With access worldwide, this translates into considerably more exposure for those who have a presence on them, and with more opportunities for conversion comes greater potential for return on investment. According to David Carey, President of Hearst Magazines, one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines, “We carry higher CPMs for our brands that are first in print and then go to digital versus those that are only digital. The print product makes it more premium in digital.” This statement lends to the fact that it’s well worth paying for that type and extent of exposure, and that many recognize the significance of it.

As for Strictly Business, the print magazine remains a mainstay at desks, side tables, and waiting room racks as it’s delivered directly to over 10,000 business locations citywide, and has been for coming up on 25 years in 2018. But in addition, we also have a strong online presence and readership, with our website being heaving trafficked each month, and as you might suspect, the cover story is front and center on the landing page. In the past twelve months, our website has charted over 124,000 page views, and just since August, over 1,437,000 Google search impressions, all generated from the editorial featuring our clients.

All monthly content is prominently posted online to be read on-demand wherever and whenever you please, shared on our social media, and can be shared by our clients however they see fit. It is archived, so you can look at all past articles too once you’ve read the cover story.

All told, the value of being front and center in front of your target audience by way of a Strictly Business cover and all that comes along with that investment is tremendous. If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity, let’s talk!

To learn more about how Strictly Business can help you, contact me directly at (402) 466-3330 or visit strictly-business.com/connect. (You can also click on our Staff Letter tab online to view past articles)

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro 26 gear80 54 Lincoln Airport Authority

COLUMNS 47 51 53 55 57

Friends4Lunch Foster Care Lincoln Independent Business Association Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2016 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

ABOUT THE COVER

JetSplash #5

Coming Soon!

8420 Eiger Drive (84th & Hwy 2)

JetSplash started washing cars in 2003 at our first location at Pioneers Blvd. & Highway 2. Approaching our 15th anniversary, JetSplash now operates 4 locations in Lincoln. Our second location opened at 84th & Holdrege in 2009. JetSplash opened our 3rd wash at 27th & Superior the following year. To meet the needs of rapidly growing south Lincoln, JetSplash opened JetSplash #4 at 56th & Pine Lake Rd. in 2012.

Today, JetSplash is busy putting the finishing touches on our 5th Lincoln location. Located at 8420 Eiger Drive (84th & Highway 2), JetSplash will soon be servicing the busy southeast corridor of Lincoln.

JetSplash #5 will feature our longest car wash tunnel at 160 feet. Our newest car wash will closely resemble our other locations, but will have enhancements that will expedite the wash process, allowing JetSplash to wash more vehicles per hour. JetSplash #5 will also focus on guest convenience. JetSplash #5 will have 16 vacuum stalls with air drops to allow guests to blow out residual water from mirrors and other crevices.

JetSplash ‘s focus is to produce a clean, shiny and dry vehicle every time.

JetSplash accomplishes this with attention to every detail of the wash process. JetSplash’s level of service would not be possible without our hard-working staff. JetSplash owners and management team oversee operations on a daily basis. JetSplash has a dedicated maintenance team that keeps car wash equipment and facilities in ideal condition.

JetSplash service advisors greet and assist our guests in selecting the correct wash service for their vehicle. Finally, JetSplash wash line employees ensure vehicles are processed efficiently, resulting in a clean, shiny and dry car and satisfied guests.

JetSplash continually updates and improves upon our services. We have learned a lot about the best way to wash cars in the last 15 years.

JetSplash has not been afraid to make changes and adapt to the needs of our guests. JetSplash added dozens of technological advances to our tunnels, finishing areas and pay stations. JetSplash introduced our very popular free vacuums in 2007 which have become a staple of every JetSplash. JetSplash was one of the first car washes to embrace the membership model to car washing. Memberships provide JetSplash customers unlimited washes. Thousands of JetSplash members wash at their convenience without having to worry about the weather. In 2009, the first automated pay station debuted at JetSplash #2. JetSplash combined our pay stations with RFID tags which allow JetSplash members to quickly get in and out with a clean vehicle no matter the line.

JetSplash has been directly involved with the chemistry of the wash process since 2010. Knowledge of the soaps, waxes, protectants and drying agents is vital to producing a clean, shiny, dry vehicle. JetSplash sets up all of the chemicals in our tunnels to achieve maximum results.

JetSplash uses soaps and waxes that are 100% biodegradable and certified green by the EPA. JetSplash is extremely excited about our new JetGloss, a product unlike we have seen in our 15 years. JetGloss results in an astonishingly smooth surface you can feel, shine and water repellency. JetGloss produces a hand-wax finish during the car wash.

JETSPLASH WISHES EVERYONE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND NEW YEAR! Going on now through January 7, 2018, is JetSplash’s annual Jaw Dropping Holiday Sale. The sale features the lowest prices of the year on JetSplash’s annual, 6-month and 3-month passes. The sale also includes JetSplash’s popular bundle wash cards. The 10-pack bundle cards include 1 additional wash, and 20-packs add 2 washes during the sale. Bundle cards are good on any vehicle and never expire, making a perfect holiday gift.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT JETSPLASH.COM OR CALL 402.420.7760

MEET THE STRICTLY BUSINESS TEAM

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PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Graphic Designer Kristin White - Creative@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Jenna Broulette - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@Yahoo.com

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StrictlyBusinessMagazine DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS

Star City Heating & Cooling Now Accepting Nominations for Annual Furnace Giveaway For the past seven ye a r s, S t a r C i t y Heating & Cooling has been giving a free furnace with installation to a nominated Lincoln resident/family who has fallen on some hard times and could use a little help, or has made a positive impact in the community and now it’s their turn to receive a helping hand.

The furnace giveaway is a great way for someone to bring recognition to the nominee and thank them for the impact they’ve made - Star City Heating & Cooling simply provides a means to make it happen. The company is proud to have aided in relieving burdens while providing hope and encouragement to the past recipients who have been incredibly well-deserving. Although only one winner is selected, every nominee is notified.

To make a nomination, visit the website at starcityair.com and fill out a quick form detailing why you are nominating a specific person or family.

(The giveaway is only available for owner-occupied homes.) For more information, contact Angela McRoberts at (402) 464-7827 / angela@ starcityair.com.

Star City Heating & Cooling is Lincoln’s friendly heating and cooling company that offers a full range of air quality products and services, along with a one-of-a-kind maintenance plan. The professionals at Star City Heating & Cooling focus on going beyond people’s expectations to deliver solutions to every problem and concern to improve energy efficiency, convenience, and even health. Because of these efforts, the locally owned and operated company was honored to have received the 2017 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award!

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The Mirada Opens 2nd Building, Clubhouse The Mirada is excited to announce the recent opening of its second building and clubhouse on the property. The completion of Phase II of new construction was much anticipated, and celebrated with several events throughout the month of November.

Kicking off with a LIBA ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 10th, the excitement within the Lincoln community continued with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on November 16th and finally, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Apartment Association of Nebraska on November 30th. The Mirada property is managed by Krueger Development, which also served as the general contractor for the construction of the complex.

Widely considered to be the most luxurious apartment community in the city, The Mirada offers stylish, metropolitan apartment homes which boast polished interiors. With the opening of the extraordinary 8,000-squarefoot Club Mirada, which features a game room, club lounge with sports entertainment area, kitchen, conference room, guest suite, 24-hour fitness center, private movie theatre, luxury outdoor recreation area, and even a convertible indoor/outdoor pool coming soon, The Mirada has the exclusive amenities to match the lavish lifestyle of its residents.

To find more about the leasing opportunities that are available at The Mirada, contact Leah States at (402) 328-9696 / manager@ themirada.com or visit www.themirada.com.

Prairie Ridge by Eastmont Celebrates Grand Opening Prairie Ridge by Eastmont recently celebrated the grand opening of its Welcome Center, inviting the Lincoln community to join and learn about everything the new 62+ lifestyle community will have to offer its residents.

The event kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, followed by a performance from the 30+ members of the Lincoln Senior Chorus.

The first 50 guests were treated to a swag bag full of holiday goodies.

All in attendance had the opportunity to view the showroom floor plans and interior selections available and to join the reservation list for their custom garden home or apartment residence.

Prairie Ridge by Eastmont is a brand new community designed to offer an active and vibrant lifestyle full of flexibility and choice for seniors.

Here you’ll find innovative living options, with amenities and services designed to support healthy aging, including assisted living and memory care on-site as well as access to rehabilitation and skilled nursing.

The community was developed by Transforming Age, with arCuretecture serving as the architect and Sampson Construction as the general contractor.

Praire Ridge by Eastmont is a place where individuals can thrive in all stages of life. For more information and to begin planning your future at Prairie Ridge by Eastmont, please contact Karla Frese at (402) 4205555. You can also find out more online at www.PrairieRidgeLiving.com, or stop in at the Welcome Center, located in the Yankee Hill Business Center at 8001 S. 15th Street, Suite C.

BUSINESS NEWS

Chamber Ribbon Cutting Marks ALLO’s Newest Location in Gateway Mall ALLO Communications, a subsidiary of Lincoln-based Nelnet, recently held a ribboncutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for its newest satellite location in Gateway Mall. This kiosk will offer a convenient option for those who want to sign up or learn more about ALLO’s services.

ALLO is revolutionizing the way homes and businesses stream, game, and connect by providing fiber internet, TV, and phone speeds starting at 100 megabits per second. With a fiber-optic core, customers benefit from speed and reliability. Since establishing a presence in Lincoln just a year ago, ALLO has hired approximately 350 associates who have worked to build infrastructure and provide exceptional service to new customers.

Thousands of Lincoln residents are now experiencing the difference of fiber with ALLO. To learn more about ALLO or subscribe to services, stop by the new kiosk in Gateway Mall, call (402) 480-6550, or visit www.AlloFiber.com.

DISH Debuts New Seasonal Menu Have you tried DISH’s newest seasonal menu yet? It launc hed in October and will only be available for a limited time. Featuring a fresh new assortment of dishes created by DISH’s talented culinary team, all with locally-sourced ingredients, these will definitely make the chilly days a little cozier!

DISH is a New American restaurant in the heart of downtown Lincoln offering exceptional service and food quality in an upscale, yet comfortable setting. For more information, please visit www. dishdowntown.com

Batteries Plus Bulbs Celebrates Opening of 2nd Lincoln Location Batteries Plus Bulbs recently celebrated the opening of a new location in North Lincoln at 3710 N. 27th Street.

This is the second in Lincoln, joining the original location at 70th & Van Dorn in the same building as Glenn’s True Value. Both are owned and operated by Steve Glenn, who along with his staff, Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise representatives, and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, hosted a ribbon cutting and open house event on Friday, October 27th.

Founded in 1988, Batteries Plus Bulbs is the nation’s only battery, light bulb and phone/tablet repair service franchise. The company offers a comprehensive selection of nearly 60,000 batteries, light bulbs, and related products and services to meet the varying needs of its clientele, from large companies to individual consumers. With a nationwide network of stores, which include We Fix It® Repair Centers in each location, Batteries Plus Bulbs has become the single-source supplier for all battery, light bulb, and phone repair needs. The North location can be reached directly at (402) 782-5008 and the South location at (402) 782-1077. Both are open seven days a week – store hours are Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find out more about Batteries Plus Bulbs online at www.batteriesplus.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Habitat to Host “Guys’ Night Out” Event

Talent Plus, Inc. Introduces Positive 360SM

Habitat is set to host its annual “Guys’ Night Out” event on Wednesday, December 6th from 4-8 p.m.

Talent Plus, Inc. ® (www.talentplus. com) is the leading partner in building and sustaining high-performing, fully-engaged cultures through talent selection, development and analytics. With this mission in mind, Talent Plus is proud to announce the release of the Positive 360SM, a positive experience that turns the traditional employee review into an opportunity of recognition that will lead to individuals feeling emotionally rehired.

Ye a r- ro u n d , H a b i t a t offers a “wish list” gift registry ser vice which allows customers to keep a list on file at the store.

When family and friends are buying gifts for special occasions, they can simply go to Habitat and select a gift from the list. During the holidays, Habitat hosts a special “Guys’ Night Out” event featuring complimentary beer, brats and gift wrapping for those who stop in to shop. All wish lists on file will be on-hand too, making holiday gift shopping as convenient and enjoyable an experience as possible.

Habitat will also be participating in the Holiday Open House event with select businesses in The Shops at 70th & Pioneers on Thursday, December 7th! Make sure to “Like” Habitat’s Facebook page to see the store’s latest posts and to view the updated schedule of events.

Serving the Lincoln community since 1975, Habitat is your local source for a wealth of contemporary, unique, fun, and functional items from all across the world to help you create your own habitat at home.

Habitat is located at 4107 Pioneer Woods Drive #112.

For more information about Habitat, please call the store at (402) 466-1522 or visit the website at habitatgift.com.

The Positive 360 is designed to help individuals understand their key strengths and to gain the perspective of their peers, leaders and team members regarding these same strengths. It is intended to be a positive experience for the individual and their raters while providing the individual with realistic, quality, growth-oriented feedback.

Understanding your own talents and ensuring managers understand the talent of team members is at the heart of an employee’s journey – from a current role to a future one. The roll-out of the Positive 360 will be meaningful to any company looking to augment their performance management and development space by replacing poor, negative or antiquated offerings. The Positive 360 reinforces an individual’s strengths and they are encouraged to pursue them further, leading to greater productivity and engagement.

Talent Plus has been named among the Top 10 Management Software Solution Providers for 2017 by HR Tech Outlook Magazine. It’s an honor to be recognized along with other companies making strides to improve employee engagement and talent management strategies through a technology platform solution.

Polaris Veterinary Center Now Open

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

Polaris Veterinary Center (for mer ly Bethany Animal Clinic) is now open and fully operational at its new location, 2000 N. 112th Street (112th & East Holdrege).

Construction began in April 2017 by the general contractor of the project, Terwisscha Construction of Wilmer, Minnesota.

The new 4,000 sq. ft. ultra-modern, innovate facility owned by Drs. John and Kaz Lionberger features a large surgery suite complete with two fully-equipped surgery tables, state-of-the-art surgery lighting, and the most up-to-date equipment and technology available.

This allows for any type of surgery, including laser procedures, to be performed on all canine and feline breeds. In addition there are four private examination rooms, separate preparation rooms, dental suites, a comfort room, and executive offices. Other features include laser therapy for treatment of arthritis and wound healing, a separate feline boarding area and isolation ward. A built-in storm shelter has also been incorporated into the kennel and boarding section, providing total protection for occupants during their stay.

With Trude’s Dog Motel remaining in use on the property, the Polaris Veterinary Center complex is ideally positioned for serving the needs of clients and patients with its state of the art facility and comprehensive offerings in one convenient location.

Drs. John and Kaz Lionberger invite you to visit the new Polaris Veterinary Center by following Holdrege Street east of 84th Street to N. 112th Street. You may also go to the new website at polarisveterinarycenter.com or call (402) 467-4469.

BUSINESS NEWS Essentials to Host Bed & Bath Donation Drive for People’s City Mission Essentials (essentialshomeservices. com) is giving back this holiday season! The team is collecting gently-used blankets and new bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths to donate to the People’s City Mission this winter.

They are in great need of these items so please come on down and donate from December 1-31! Barrels will be located in the lobby of the McCombs Commercial Realty offices located right next to Texas Roadhouse in the Apples Way Business Park. For more information, please contact Mary McCombs at (402) 473-5325 / mmccombs@ mccrealty.com.

Midtown Body & Paint Completes Exterior Renovation Project Midtown Body & Paint has a new look! The entire façade of the building has been updated with a clean, modern color palette that remains true to the original brand.

It features detail work, including the hand-painted business name prominently displayed to scale that makes the shop much more visible to passersby.

Midtown Body & Paint is a collision repair center with a tradition of excellence, serving clients in the Lincoln area since 1950. Midtown Body & Paint is staffed with professional auto body repair specialists who have extensive experience and training in framework and collision repair. Remaining family owned and operated, Midtown Body & Paint provides quality auto body repair for all makes and models of vehicles. Whether you require major or minor auto body damage repair, Midtown Body & Paint is here to help. Hours of operation are M-F 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only.

To find out more about Midtown Body & Paint, located at 332 S. Antelope Valley Pkwy in Lincoln, please call (402) 474-4818, visit wwwmidtownbodyandpaint.com, or find them on Facebook.

Fareway Opens New Meat Market in Lincoln Fareway Stores, Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on November 15th for its new location at 3033 S. 84th Street in Rockledge Square. The new 6,400 sq. ft. meat market provides for an unmatched, full-service meat counter, serving USDA Choice & Prime beef and all-natural chicken and pork. In addition, the store will offer a seafood section, a selection of artisan cheeses, high quality wine and craft beer, as well as other specialty and exclusive items.

The new meat market will be managed by tenured employee Ryan Zanker. The space was designed by TACKarchitects and offers high end finishes, blending Fareway’s history with a fresh, local perspective. This location will be the 119th store for the Fareway grocery store chain. Visit Fareway.com for more information.

SCC Forms Partnership With Nebraska Wesleyan University Students at S o u t h e a s t Community College now have the option of transferring to Nebraska Wesleyan University with a $15,000 annual scholarship.

The $15,000 scholarship is available to students transferring directly from SCC and who complete a minimum of 18 credit hours. The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters at NWU. Phi Theta Kappa and Kappa Beta Delta students are eligible for $17,000 in scholarships. KBD is a national honor society for business students, and PTK is a national honor society for students at two-year colleges.

Since 2013, 386 full-time students with SCC credits have enrolled at NWU and 231 students have enrolled in the adult degree completion program. The average grade point average of those students is 3.2.

SCC students undergo a seamless transition to NWU because many of the classroom opportunities they’ve already experienced and desired at SCC — small classes, personal attention, and academic excellence — are core to Nebraska Wesleyan’s mission too.

In addition to the $15,000 annual scholarship, the Pathways Partnership also provides a $15 credit hour reduction in tuition for working adults. The main objective is to increase the amount of SCC students who earn bachelor’s degrees.

A representative from NWU has regular hours each week at SCC’s Lincoln Campus in which interested students can visit. Students interested in this scholarship can apply for free at www.nebrwesleyan. edu/apply.

DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS

Introducing 360 Clean, LLC

Rentping to Host Open House at New Location

360 Clean, LLC recently began offering its professional cleaning services to Lincoln and surrounding areas within a 40-mile radius!

Serving the needs of both residential and commercial clients, 360 Clean is a premier cleaning company, with a team of professionals who have the skills and abilities to meet and exceed your expectations. Offering a full spectrum of customized cleaning services, 360 Clean performs a wide range of tasks in homes, offices, places of business, for new construction or rental move-ins and move-outs, cleaning of targeted areas such as windows and carpet, floor care, and more. At 360 Clean, they truly do it all!

360 Clean, LLC is locally owned and operated by Teresa Hodgen, who was the original owner of Hire A Maid for over 26 years. She founded 360 Clean with the mission of going above and beyond the service you’d receive from just your average cleaning company. It’s the special things that 360 Clean does to take their customer service to the next level that you’ll notice when you work with them, and the pride taken in the work that sets them apart. Hodgen and her team of professionals at 360 Clean share a passion for providing the best cleaning experience possible. 360 Clean is committed to a friendly, professional approach with an emphasis in quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

For more information or to schedule your initial consultation, visit 360cleancompany.com or contact Teresa Hodgen at (402) 460-0883 / thodgen@live.com.

Rentping is holding an open house on Tuesday, December 12 from 4-7 p.m. at 1001 S. 70th Street, Suite 201. The public is invited to come take a tour of their new office, enjoy refreshments, and learn more about the company.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

Rentping is a Lincoln-based marketing agency that serves property management companies throughout the U.S. They specialize in online apartment marketing and provide a full-service marketing strategy, from websites, to videos, to marketing analytics software and more. Learn more about Rentping at www.Rentping.com or visit them on Facebook.

First National Bank Announces Community Development Grants First National Bank recently announced its final round of community development grant recipients for 2017, including the following grants awarded to organizations in the Lincoln area: $7,500 to Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Pictured L-R: Jack Weeks, Lead Director, Commercial Saunders Counties Lending, First National Bank; Vi See, Executive and $10,000 to City Director, Community Action Partnership; Andrew Impact. The grants Ritta, Financial Well-Being Administrator, Community support programs Action Partnership; and Michelle St. Clair, Director of Branch Banking, First National Bank. focused on educated workforce initiatives that will help strengthen individual core competencies and lead to improving personal economic self-sufficiency.

Community Action Pa r t n e r s h i p o f Lancaster and Pictured L-R: Lizzie Mattox, Executive Director, Saunders Counties City Impact; Brad Bryan, Founder & Development i s a n o n - p ro f i t Director, City Impact; Jack Weeks, Lead Director, community-based Commercial Lending, First National Bank; and Rich Herink, Market President, First National Bank. organization that has been serving the low-income populations in Lancaster and Saunders Counties in Southeastern Nebraska since 1965. The grant from First National Bank will help to increase the financial well-being of individuals and families through matched savings opportunities for asset-specific purchases and financial education support.

City Impact empowers under-resourced communities through wholistic youth, family and neighborhood development. The grant from First National Bank will be used to promote literacy through one-on-one student and volunteer reading and tutoring in four low-income Title 1 elementary schools in the Lincoln area.

First National Bank awarded a total of $1.8 million in community development grants in 2017 to 104 organizations across its seven-state service area. With its final disbursement of grant funding for the year, First National Bank awarded $694,500 in community development grants to 32 organizations in Nebraska. Grants supporting Educated Workforce initiatives will enable a projected 6,726 individuals in Nebraska to move closer to self-sufficiency.

BUSINESS NEWS

Silverhawk Aviation Breaks Ground on Site of New Hangar Silverhawk Aviation, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Airport Authority, and Hausmann Construction held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 10th for a new Silverhawk Aviation Hangar located at 1766 W. Kearney Ave. in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Silverhawk Aviation is a full-service aviation company providing aircraft charter services, fractional ownership services, maintenance, avionics, and line services. Silverhawk Aviation has been a fixture in Lincoln for the last 20 years and continues to grow and invest in the Lincoln community.

The new 28,375-square-foot hangar and workspace will house the avionics department as well as 10 light to mid-sized jets earmarked to service 50-100 businesses in Lincoln and the Midwest. Businesses will have an opportunity to own 10% & 20% shares of these planes through a fractional ownership program. Using these shares, businesses will be able to grow more quickly and efficiently by simplifying travel and gaining access to over 4,500 airports inaccessible through commercial travel.

This project is slated to be completed in April of 2018 and will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting and open house.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Completion of Square at Forty-Eight Roper & Sons Announces December Events A community event was held to celebrate the completion of Square at Forty-Eight, a new development along N. 48th & Holdrege Streets, on November 7th. The occasion was marked by a ribboncutting ceremony conducted by officials with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Featuring 20,000 sq. ft. of commercial space on the main level and apartments above, both options are now available for lease. 48th Street Investments, LLC is the developer of the north Lincoln property, which is a good anchor development near UNL East Campus and Wesleyan University and will help revitalize the area.

Comprised of six partners from Minneapolis, MN and Lincoln, NE, 48th Street Investments, LLC established plans for the project in October of 2015 and later broke ground on August 24, 2016. Studio 951 served as the architect and Sampson Construction as the general contractor.

Square at Forty-Eight features studio, one and two bedroom apartments ranging in size from 548-1,167 sq. ft. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, 5th-floor outdoor living lounge, community club room with fireplace, secured bike storage, luxury vinyl wood plank floors in every unit, and so much more! On the main level, there are nine mixed-use retail bays of which two have been dedicated as restaurant space and one for a coffee shop. The units all include electrical panels and range from 1,304-9,054 sq. ft.

For more information about leasing an apartment or to schedule a tour, contact Lund Company at (402) 413-9700 or visit the website at www. square48.com. For more information about leasing commercial space or to schedule a tour, contact Donald Linscott at (402) 467-2525 or via email at dlinscott@greenleafproperties.com.

At this month’s Topic Breakfast, being held at 7:30 a.m.

Thursday, December 21st, the group will be joined by Tom Buescher, financial advisor. Tom will share his insight into whether “annuity” is a dirty word, and how to best invest for your future.

Topic Breakfast, held on the third Thursday each month, is free and open to the public. To reserve your seat for Topic Breakfast, please call (402) 476-1225 or email info@roperandsons.com The Grief Program meets weekly on Sundays from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Reception Facility 1st and 3rd Sundays: Guided Group with Facilitator Melissa Thorne, designed for those whose loss took place more than 18 months ago.

2nd and 4th Sundays: Structured Group with Facilitator Tiffany Eisenbraun, designed for those whose loss is more recent than 18 months, who may be addressing some more pressing first-time needs.

2nd Sunday: Art with Anna – a guided art program, considered “creative therapy,” allowing participants to address their grief through more creative outlets such as painting, ink designs, crafts and other artistic mediums. Great for all ages, regardless of artistic abilities.

Roper & Sons will also host a Remembrance Service on Sunday, December 10th to remember those who have passed this year.

Reservations appreciated, (402) 476-1225.

All of these events are open to the public, regardless of whether services were facilitated by Roper & Sons. Please visit www. roperandsons.com to learn more.

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BUSINESS NEWS

CBMC Lincoln Introduces Business Connection CBMC Lincoln proudly presents Business Connection! This series, open to the public, is composed of several events throughout the coming year. The majority will be Business Profiles, where a local businessman will be the featured speaker at a breakfast and a lunch.

Each speaker will share what has helped him grow, both personally and professionally.

The first event in this new series was held in November. It featured Randy Tvrdik of Waddell & Reed, who spoke about the lessons he learned about overcoming adversity after an accident which left him a quadriplegic. There was a good turn-out, and CBMC Lincoln hopes to see each of you at the next one!

There are also several other events currently in the planning stages, including the Annual Golf Outing on July 31, 2018! If you’d like to be kept in the loop about CBMC Lincoln events or anything else that’s going on, such as monthly devotionals or essays about Faith in the Marketplace, please contact one of representatives listed below to get signed up for the newsletter.

When businesses operate according to Godly principles, everybody wins! For more information, please visit Lincoln.cbmc.com, CBMC Lincoln on Facebook, or contact: Ed Nix, Area Director, Leadership Institute, at (402) 730-8797 or enix@cbmc.com; Larry Middendorf, Area Director, at (402) 540-1093 or lmiddendorf@cbmc.com; or Dean O’Bryan, Field Staff, at (402) 440-6816 or dobryan@cbmc.com.

Save The Date: Holthus Convention Center Announces 2018 Bridal Show The 2018 Nebraska Bridal Show will be held Sunday, January 21st, 2018 at the Holthus Convention Center in York. Vendors from across the state will come together to showcase the latest trends and styles in weddings, receptions and more. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the event will end at 4 p.m. Admission is $5. Vendors interested in participating may contact the Holthus Center via the website at www.holthusconventioncenter.com for more information, or Terri Carlson at (402) 363-2675 / tcarlson@ cityofyork.com. Mark your calendars and be sure to watch for more details to be announced leading up to the event!

Mil-tek Central Offers Lincoln Businesses Dumpster-Less Option for Cardboard Ban Based in Omaha and ser ving clients across a three-state territory spanning Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado, Mil-tek Central is an exclusive distributor for Mil-tek DK, a company that has manufactured safe, small-footprint pneumatic baling equipment for the last 25 years. Jeff and Dianna Johnson, who operate Mil-tek Central, have been introducing the equipment to small/medium size businesses in the Lincoln area as an alternative to recycling dumpsters for the cardboard mandate scheduled to take affect April 2018. “Not all businesses have room for additional dumpsters, or want the additional cost, and many don’t like the look of multiple dumpsters on the property, so the idea of a small, safe, clean baler makes a lot of sense,” says Dianna Johnson. “Business owners also reap many other benefits such as labor and operational efficiencies, safety, cleanliness and at the end of the day they own their equipment as opposed to continuing to rent dumpsters and paying for pickups.”

The balers themselves start at the size of filing cabinets and go up from there. This allows businesses to customize the size of the baler with the volume of cardboard they might be producing, optimizing space and resources. Being pneumatic, the balers are powered by compressed air, which is simply an air hose. That means there are no electrical motors, large electrical requirements, or hydraulic hoses/oil leaks that you get with common balers.

Furthermore, the safety record for this equipment is impeccable.

In 25 years, Mil-tek has never had to use their liability insurance to cover any claims of people getting hurt using this equipment.

With the ban on the horizon, collaboration and success are key.

Mil-tek Central also works with locally-owned recycling companies to provide a pickup service for the small bales on a scheduled basis. “We want to provide businesses with a total solution that truly works for them, and working with local recyclers helps tie it all together,” says Johnson. “We truly want to make a difference.”

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To learn more about Mil-tek Central and their products, please contact: Jeff Johnson, CEO at (402) 560-4874 / jjohnson@ miltekusa.com or Dianna Johnson, President at (402) 660-2682 / djohnson@miltekusa.com, or visit the company’s website at www.miltekusa.com.

BUSINESS NEWS

Eat Fit Go Lincoln Locations Drop-Off Sites for Matt Talbot Coat Drive Eat Fit Go has joined other local businesses to help meet the needs here in our community during the winter months and holiday season. Both of Eat Fit Go’s Lincoln locations – 84th & Van Dorn and 28th & Pine Lake Rd. in SouthPointe Pavilions - will be drop-off sites for the annual coat drive organized by Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.

Donations of new and gently-used coats can be made throughout the month of December during the following store hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. While you’re there, make sure to take advantage of Eat Fit Go’s special holiday promotion on gift cards – buy $100 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus card!

For more information about Eat Fit Go, visit www.eatfitgo.com or find them on Facebook.

WISB to Host Monthly Luncheon on Dec. 13th The Women in Sales and Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13th at The Venue in the NE/Lancaster Room at 4111 Pioneer Woods Drive. This special holiday meeting will be focused on supporting the Heartland Cancer Foundation, a local non-profit with the mission of connecting local cancer patients to care and reducing the financial stress that often accompanies cancer treatment. Guests will enjoy networking and are asked to bring donations to bless the efforts of the Heartland Cancer Foundation. During the meeting everyone will be making cards to send words of encouragement to current cancer patients as well as holiday cards to take home!

The meeting starts with lunch at 11:30 a.m. with the meeting following from 11:55 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cost is $18 which includes lunch (cost is $10 if you only attend the meeting). Please register online at www.wisblincoln. org on the events page to RSVP. More information can also be found on the website or by contacting WISB via email at info@wisblincoln.org.

Feya Candle Co. Opens at Gateway Mall As a result of recently winning The Challenge: Battle of the Pop Up, Feya Candle Co. has opened a kiosk location at Gateway Mall just in time for the holidays! A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on October 31st was held to formally mark the occasion. You can now find Feya Candle Co. housed

by Scooter’s Coffee, with all of your favorites along with some exciting new products available for purchase.

At Feya Candle Co., every product presents an opportunity to give back.

For every candle sold, a meal is donated to a child in need around the world. With the newly released soap line, for every purchase, a bar is donated to a mission or homeless shelter. Feya Candle Co. aims to connect you with the world around you.

To find out more about Feya Candle Co., check them out online at www. feyacandle.com or stop by the new location inside Gateway Mall! Feya Candle Co. products can also be found at select local retailers.

Be Our Guest: Hillcrest Firethorn Opens Hillcrest Firethorn, a post-acute r e h a b center, has opened its doors and is ser ving guests in Lancaster County.

A grand opening event, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by officials of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, was held on November 9th. Hillcrest Firethorn is part of Nebraska’s largest post-acute care provider, Hillcrest Health Services, with nearly 30 years of experience enhancing the lives of aging adults.

Hillcrest Firethorn’s nursing and therapy teams are focused on helping guests recover from a surgery, injury or illness and return to their previous level of independence as soon as possible “At Hillcrest Firethorn, we have our own team of therapists, not a contracted third-party therapy company, who provide physical, occupational and speech therapy,” said Joe Kezar, Administrator of Hillcrest Firethorn. “Our large therapy gym features HUR strength training equipment, which is specially designed for aging adults by utilizing air resistance for greater safety.”

Hillcrest Firethorn is exclusively dedicated to short-term post-acute care, and most guests receive services for 7 to 20 days before returning home, based on diagnosis and physician orders. “We’re partnering with hospitals to ensure smooth transitions that result in better recovery and less re-hospitalizations,” said Dr. Tony Hatcher, Chief Medical Officer of Hillcrest Health Services. “We even offer 13 specialty guest rooms with piped-in oxygen, so we are able to accommodate higher acuity guests.” Dr. Hatcher, who recently joined Hillcrest Health Services as its first Chief Medical Officer, is serving as the Medical Director for Hillcrest Firethorn. He has more than 20 years of experience with CHI Health.

In addition to nursing, therapy and social work services, guests benefit from Hillcrest’s unique approach to culinary services. Led by an executive chef, Hillcrest Firethorn is the only rehab center in the area that offers made-to-order dining with a robust menu.

Selections vary from steaks and seafood, to sandwiches, burgers, salads and pizza. Guests may dine in the Stonebridge Restaurant or have their meal delivered to their private suite.

Hillcrest Firethorn is located at 8601 Firethorn Lane in Lincoln. For more information or to learn about pre-planning your stay following an elective surgery, visit hillcrestfirethorn.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Adam Johnson Establishes Farmers Insurance Cowboy Chicken Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Agency in Lincoln Last month Cowboy Chic ken T h e A d a m Jo h n s o n Farmers Insurance Agency recently opened its doors for business, serving clients in the Lincoln community and the surrounding area encompassing Waverly, Valparaiso, Ceresco, Wahoo, and Weston. In celebration of joining the local business community, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on September 1st.

Adam Johnson and his team operate a full-service insurance Farmers Insurance agency with two specialized areas of focus – personal and commercial lines. Their collective goal is to educate clients so that all parties can work together to build an insurance portfolio based on current needs while also planning for future goals. Having been raised in small Midwest towns, Johnson and his staff understand and appreciate the strong sense of community in Lincoln and look forward to continuing to build relationships based on the same values that make this such a wonderful city.

If you have any insurance questions or are looking to start planning for any number of life events, Adam Johnson and his team are here to help you on your journey! The Adam Johnson Farmers Insurance Agency is located at 3201 Pioneers Blvd., Suite 107 and can be reached at (402) 423-2980 / ajohnson@farmersagent.com. You can also find more information online at agents.farmers.com/ne/lincoln/ adam-johnson or connect on Facebook (/theadamjohnsonagency).

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c e l eb r a t e d t h e i r t wo - ye a r anniversary of serving wood fire rotisserie chicken to Lincoln. The restaurant officially opened its doors on November 9th, 2015.

Cowboy Chicken is a fast casual concept known for its fresh, never frozen hormone-free wood fire chicken and amazing made-fromscratch sides. Cowboy Chicken p ro v i d e s c a t e r i n g s e r v i c e s anywhere in Lincoln and delivers to your office or home within a 7-mile radius of its location at 2801 Pine Lake Rd. “Lincoln has seen a great deal of growth in the past two years, and we have had our ups and downs during that time. What I have appreciated the most is getting to know our amazing guests and building these relationships, some developing into strong friendships,” says Joe Armstrong, owner of Cowboy Chicken. “I can tell you that I would not have been able to do this without Ronda supporting me and working alongside me to build this business.” Joe and Ronda Armstrong are the owners of Cowboy Chicken. They believe in giving back to their community through many of their charitable events like Cash for a Cause, which to date has raised money for many local organizations, teams, churches, and schools. Their biggest passion is raising money for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Strides Against Breast Cancer.

To find out more about Cowboy Chicken, stop by or visit them on the web at www.cowboychicken.com.

BUSINESS NEWS EOS/Traction Implementation Firm gear80 Turns One gear80, which helps owners of Lincoln companies get everything they want from their businesses, turned one year old on November 17.

John Fulwider founded gear80, his fourth business, after a lightning-strike moment.

Two of his executive coaching clients at the time said the same thing, the same week, in separate coaching calls: “John, I need tools.”

Their teams weren’t getting results.

“The vision was clear, and the team was healthy and cohesive,” Fulwider said. “But the accountability, discipline, and execution that were supposed to link the two were absent.”

Fulwider’s searched for tools and found Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman. The book described the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): A complete, proven system with simple, practical tools that helps business owners get vision, traction, and healthy. “Traction was the missing piece,” Fulwider said. “After reading the book I said to myself, ‘This is it. I can’t do anything else because this is the answer.’”

Fulwider found EOS far more effective than the disconnected tools he’d used previously to help clients of his nationwide executive coaching, strategic planning, and teambuilding firm. So he closed that business after seven years, trained with Wickman to become a Professional EOS Implementer, and launched gear80.

“My early clients Bulu Box, Bluestem Fiber, and ComPro are the reason I’m here today,” Fulwider said. “I’m so thankful that all I do now is help businesses grow right here in Lincoln.”

National Corn Yield Champion Jerry Cox and Cory Oberlander to Speak in Hastings Dennis Nun, of Yield Champions, has announced the schedule of 12 soil fertility seminars across the Midwest. “We’re excited to be able to bring cutting-edge fertility training to our clients as well as opening up these programs to seed and fertilizer dealers, farm managers, landlords and ag extension specialists. The featured speaker for these programs will be a leading, innovative soil fertility agronomist, Cory Oberlander.

But, for two very special programs we will also have an opportunity to hear from 24-Time National Corn Yield Champion, Jerry Cox of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.”

Oberlander manages the fertility programs for over 150,000 acres in 7 states and shared with several hundred producers in 2016. “With low commodity prices, crop producers are looking for responsible and intelligent ways to reduce their production costs, while at the same time increasing their yields. We’ve have many of our growers achieving 300 bushel per acre, field-average, corn yields and 100+ bushel-per-acre soybean yields in 2017. Some growers are still trying to figure out what it takes to achieve these yield levels. That’s the purpose of these 1-day intensives.”

Jerry Cox will be with Cory Oberlander in Hastings, Nebraska on Friday, December 8th sharing how he has increased his farm average as well as his competition yields over 100 Bushels per acre over the past 12 years.

For more information, please visit www.YieldChampions.com or contact info@YieldChampions.com / (402) 430-7727 (text or call).

New Computer Science Online Certificates Offered by University of Nebraska At a time when computer and information technology occupations are rapidly growing, three online undergraduate certificates in the area of computer science have been added to the University of Nebraska Online’s website – online.nebraska.edu.

Information Technology Administration - Focuses on managing the complex, technical infrastructure of today’s organizations. | Data Management Focuses on managing data-related issues for organizations. | Systems Development - Focuses on optimizing design, the implementation and the use of information systems.

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, projects 546,100 new jobs in this area from 2016-2026. The demand stems from the emphasis on cloud computing, collection and storage of big data and information security.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers all three programs in an online format. These programs are additions to several online programs NU offers in the area of computer science including Information Technology, BMS and Management Information Systems, BMS. U.S. News and World Report named the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Bachelor’s of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) the top-ranked online bachelors program in Nebraska.

Collectively, more than 125 online programs are offered from NU’s four campuses: University of Nebraska at Kearney, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. These online programs can be found at online.nebraska.edu.

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BUSINESS NEWS

The Green Gateau Celebrates 25 Years

SP Group Completes 21-Day Team Challenge

The Green Gateau Restaurant and Catering Company celebrated its 25th anniversary in October. Owners, Eric and Cristi Lemke, would like to sincerely thank all of their many guests, and their dedicated and loyal staff who have made the last 25 years possible. The local support they have always received has been humbling, inspiring, and greatly appreciated.

The Green Gateau was opened by the Bill Livengood family on October 26, 1992, to provide the city with a comfortable, warm, and elegant restaurant serving an eclectic mix of fine food and freshly baked breads and pastries. As the popularity of the restaurant grew, so did its size. The restaurant added three rooms, expanded the hours of operation, and eventually opened The Green Gateau Reception Center at Windsor Stables in the building to the East.

Eric Lemke was hired as executive chef in 2000, was promoted to partner, and is currently sole owner with his wife, Cristi, who acts as banquet coordinator.

The restaurant and reception center serves contemporary American cuisine with European influences. They also offer a full bar, and source local and organic produce, dairy, meat, and wine. Specialties include house made desserts, fresh seafood, Nebraska Wagyu beef, and Eggs Benedict.

The restaurant has been awarded Best Sunday Brunch by the Lincoln Journal Star, Best Restaurant in Lincoln by TripAdvisor, many Awards of Excellence by Wine Spectator Magazine, and many other local and national online awards.

The Green Gateau Restaurant (402-477-0330) is open M-F 11-2/59, Sat. 8-9, and Sun. 8-3. The Reception Center at Windsor Stables (402-477-3444) is available for weddings, corporate events, and holiday parties, as well as offering full service catering.

SP Group PC, a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm, recently completed an interoffice 21-Day TEAM Fitness Challenge. The firm was split into two teams with Team Accountants Kelsey Appleby and Ross Reynolds as Team Leaders.

The goal was to “Get Up and Move for Your Team,” emphasizing one of SP’s core values – TEAM, but incorporating the other three core values: Competitiveness, Relationships, and Life/Work Balance.

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Team members were awarded points for daily workouts and participating in The Lunchtime Walk. Additional points were awarded for The Weekly Team Challenges which included a Basketball Shootout, Putting, Corn Hole, and Doubles Ping Pong.

Team Kelsey took the early lead and continued the streak; however, Team Ross rallied and brought it within striking distance before the final Team challenge – Doubles Ping Pong. After 21 days of individual workouts and 4 Team One-On-One Challenges, the winner was declared: TEAM KELSEY! The Losing Team served lunch to the winners and winning Team Leader, Kelsey Appleby, was rewarded with throwing a pie in the face of losing Team Leader, Ross Reynolds.

Check out the “Pie In The Face” video on the SP Group, P.C. Facebook page. For more information about SP Group PC, please call (402) 4207758 or visit www.spgrouppc.com.

BUSINESS NEWS

Concordia Radio Project Now Broadcasting Concordia U n i v e r s i t y, Nebraska is collaborating with KNNA The Cross, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, on programming for their radio station. KNNA The Cross is completely non-profit and run by volunteers who aim to be a family and Christ-centered station. The Concordia Radio Project recently began recording programs in Concordia University’s campus studio and broadcasting them from Lincoln. The radio show can be heard on KNNA-FM The Cross at 95.7 FM or online at www.thecross957.org. The schedule is posted on that website. There is also a free KNNA app available for download at Google Play or the App Store. Anyone wanting to help with recordings or interested in being on the radio can contact Professor Tobin Beck at tobin.beck@cune.edu.

Thousands of Coats Collected by Raising Cane’s Given to Those in Need With the help of the L i n c o l n c o m m u n i t y, Raising Cane’s collected over 2,500 new and gently used coats for the People’s City Mission and The Help Center.

Beginning on November 7, shelter residents had the opportunity to pick out a coat to keep them warm during this winter season. All remaining coats were made available to the public beginning on November 8 at The Help Center.

Since 2007, supporters have helped donate nearly 18,000 coats to the People’s City Mission. “The generosity of the Lincoln community is truly amazing.” said Jennifer Jones, co-owner of the Lincoln Raising Cane’s franchise. “Thank you to everyone for their support. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you.”

To find out about other community initiatives, follow Raising Cane’s on Facebook (facebook.com/CanesNebraska) or Twitter (twitter. com/CanesLincoln).

Eastmont Towers Joins Forces With Transforming Age Eastmont Towers in Lincoln, NE recently announced its affiliation with Tra n s fo r m i n g Age a Bellevue, Washington based not-for-profit organization with expertise in senior housing, business services, consumer services, technology, and philanthropy. The affiliation will help both organizations enhance their ability to grow their collective impact and transform the perception of age.

As the not-for-profit senior living industry continues to evolve in order to adapt to the changing needs of an aging population, including a growing influx of baby boomers who have a different idea of aging than their parents, mergers and affiliations in the industry are becoming increasingly common.

Founded in 1956, Transforming Age operates 11 communities in the Seattle and Minneapolis metropolitan areas and has a proven history of partnering with other senior service organizations. Like previous affiliations, Eastmont will retain its name, its separate 501 c (3) distinction, while allowing it to maintain its rich culture, history, and mission. Founded in 1965, Eastmont is a faith based, comprehensive senior lifestyle community which offers independent living, assisted living, skilled rehabilitation, long term and end-of-life care.

The affiliation comes at a time when Eastmont is planning to expand its services with an additional community, Prairie Ridge by Eastmont – a contemporary senior living campus. The new community is scheduled to open in 2021 and will include access to a wide range of senior housing and service options.

Ribbon-Cutting Held for Brynn’s Critters A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held o n N o ve m b e r 1 i n recognition of Lincoln Chamber of Commerce member Brynn’s Critters, a locally owned and operated small business coming up on its second a n n i v e r s a r y. K i m Kempkes and Sarah Thompson, owners of Brynn’s Critters, took the opportunity to connect with attendees about the business, but also about their mission to expand their efforts into animal rescue. Plans have been established to start a rescue on an acreage where all kinds of domesticated animals that are sick, injured or abused will have a safe place to recover.

Brynn’s Critters is a pet services company offering pet walking, pet sitting, pet transport, and basic obedience training in pet companions’ homes. These services are offered to any pet that is legally allowed within Lincoln’s city limits. At Brynn’s Critters, “Where Pets Are Family,” all employees are dedicated to providing individualized care. For more information, visit brynnscritters.com or call (402) 904-7548.

DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS

CarePatrol Ranks in Top 1% Among Texas T-Bone Steakhouse Announces New America’s Most Honored Businesses in 2017 Specials C a r e Pa t ro l Franchise Systems LLC wa s r e c e n t l y recognized among the Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Businesses in 2017 by American Registry, receiving this accolade for the second consecutive year.

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. Like all businesses included in American Registry’s comprehensive database, honorees have received significant mentions in the press, honors by recognized trade groups, and/or acclaimed recognition by peers or clients.

CarePatrol is the largest no-cost senior placement agency in the nation, assisting clients with the selection of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities at no cost to the family or senior. Here in Nebraska, the CarePatrol team helps find the safest and best community for each client, matching them by care needs, wants, location and finances. By thoroughly reviewing the state’s care and violation history of every community before recommending them, then lining up the tours and personally accompanying the client to help make sure all the right questions are asked, the goal is to make the process is as easy as it can be. CarePatrol of Nebraska also connects seniors and their families with other local resources as needed.

For more information about CarePatrol of Nebraska, visit www. carepatrol.com or contact Theron Ahlman directly at (402) 580-2116 / therona@carepatrol.com.

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Texas T-Bone Steakhouse is excited to announce its brand new specials available Sunday through Thursday!

Holding tr ue to the saying “everything is bigger in Texas,” Texas T-Bone Steakhouse is well-known for its large steaks, large “Create Your Own Salads,” and large sides. They’ve come to realize that not everyone wants the “Texas T-Bone Size” portions all the time, especially on weekdays, so they are now offering a selection of smaller portions on the “Roadhouse Size Specials” menu. Those who still opt for a Texas T-Bone size steak dinner can also take advantage of another new special and get 5 fried shrimp FREE! With the largest selection of USDA Choice premium steaks in Lincoln, Texas T-Bone Steakhouse also places a major emphasis on value, with the motto “Everything is big except our prices!” The restaurant opens daily at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and opens at noon Saturday and Sunday for lunch with closing hours Sunday through Thursday at 9 p.m. and a later closing of 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For more information about Texas T-Bone Steakhouse, please call (402) 904-4666, visit texastbonesteakhouse.com, or stop by the restaurant at 200 N. 70th Street!

BUSINESS NEWS

Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such Recognized by Chamber at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such is quickly approac hing its first anniversary, and it’s been quite a year! Located at 40th & Old Cheney next to the UPS Store and Ace Hardware, Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such opened its storefront in February of 2017 after much success as an online retailer.

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on September 27 to celebrate the addition of a new business in the community and to recognize it as a new member.

Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such was established by owners Lori Goff and Jillian Fiedler, whose relationship began as teacher and student respectively before becoming business partners, and Kim Goff, Lori’s daughter-inlaw. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift shop featuring an impressive assortment of socks in men’s, women’s and children’s styles and sizes as well as hats, scarves, purses, jewelry, candles, and greeting cards. With the motto - “Let your socks do the talking!” – Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such is best known for the fun designs of the socks it carries, which are unique conversation starters and full of personality. At Lincoln’s one-stop gift shop, there’s something for everyone – nurses, farmers, teachers, musicians, dog lovers, wine lovers…the list goes on and on!

Stop by the store or visit www.jillyssocks.com to check out what Jilly’s Socks ‘n Such has to offer – you’re sure to find plenty of great “socking” stuffers just in time for the holidays!

Union Bank & Trust Managed 529 College Savings Plans Among Best in Industry Union Bank & Trust (ubt.com) has announced that four of its managed 529 college savings plans have received top rankings from Morningstar.

Union Bank & Trust serves as program manager to Illinois’ direct-sold Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan, which was named one of the best plans in the industry, receiving a Gold rating. Only three other plans nationally earned this highest rating. According to Morningstar, the plan received high rankings for its total package, including passively managed age-based tracks and strong underlying funds. The plan was also highly regarded for its low-cost structure. Illinois’ Bright Directions Advisor-Guided 529 College Savings Plan, managed by Union Bank & Trust, received a Silver rating for the third year in a row. Bright Directions was one of only two advisor-guided plans to receive this rating, the highest bestowed on advisor-sold plans. Union Bank & Trust also serves as program manager to Alabama’s CollegeCounts 529 Fund, which was upgraded to Silver, joining only seven other directsold plans with a Silver rating. According to Morningstar, Union Bank & Trust’s involvement increases Morningstar’s confidence that the plan will remain an exceptional choice for the long haul. Alabama’s CollegeCounts Advisor-Guided 529 Plan, also managed by Union Bank & Trust, received the second highest rating for an advisor-sold plan.

Morningstar, a leading provider of independent investment research, announced new Analyst Ratings and reports for 62 of the nation’s largest 529 college savings plans. The plans are evaluated based on five key pillars––Process, Performance, People, Parent, and Price. For more information visit Morningstar.com.

BBB High School Student Video Contest Offers Cash Prizes Better Business Bureau (BBB) annually sponsors a video contest open to all students in grades 9-12 who reside in metro Lincoln and greater Nebraska. Cash prizes will be awarded to students and their schools for entries receiving first and second place. Winners, if they are home-schooled, will designate a community nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to receive the matching funds. Students may enter individually or form teams of two to four participants. The creator(s) of the winning video will be given $500, and $500 will be given to their school. In addition, $250 will be awarded to the second place video, and $250 will be given to their school. Winners will be determined by how well the entry adheres to BBB’s brand, expresses the theme “Start With Trust,” the quality of the video’s production and how many times it’s been viewed on BBB’s YouTube channel.

This competition provides an opportunity for high school students to creatively learn the values of BBB - trust, honesty, reliability and objectiveness – and challenges them to discover how these values can be applied in their everyday lives. Contestants will also gain valuable marketing experience because they are challenged to get the most views on YouTube by promoting their video on social media. Aside from the benefit to the students, this is a wonderful opportunity for their schools.

The video submission deadline is Friday, February 2, 2018, and the winners will be notified on or before March 1, 2018. Complete details about the contest and required forms can be accessed by clicking on the Student Video Contest icon on the homepage of BBB’s website at bbbinc. org. For more information, please contact BBB Senior Communications Specialist Jeff Niebaum at (402) 898-8550, (800) 649-6814 #8550 or at jniebaum@bbbinc.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS Arroyo Roofing Opens New Location Arroyo Roofing recently opened their new office at 3201 S. 33rd Street, Suite E and invited the Lincoln community to j oi n i n the celebration! A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on October 25th in conjunction with their open house.

Celebrating their 35th anniversary in 2018, Arroyo Roofing is a local, family owned and operated business serving residential customers across Nebraska. A testament to the caliber of work performed by the professionals at Arroyo Roofing, the company is proud to have recently been honored with a 2017 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. Arroyo Roofing has maintained a consistent A+ rating with the BBB since 1991 by consistently delivering the highest quality materials, workmanship, and customer service on all projects completed. Also placing importance on giving back, Arroyo Roofing donates a roof once a year to a family in need.

For more information about Arroyo Roofing or to schedule a free estimate, contact Marco Arroyo at (402) 484-8140 / marco@ arroyo-roofing.com or visit the company’s website at www.arroyoroofing.com.

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Haymarket’s Lineup of Seasonal Events Announced The Lincoln Haymarket Development Corporation will once again host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9th. It will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Atrium of the Candy Factory, located between 7th & 8th Streets on P Street in the Historic Haymarket District.

The event will start with breakfast catered by Lazlo’s, coffee from The Mill and holiday music provided by pianist Dorothy Applebee. Children and their families will be able to have their picture taken with Santa and visit Santa’s Sleigh & Reindeer parked outside the Candy Factory.

Elf friends from The Haymarket Theatre will be there to entertain, there will be Toy Trains to view and holiday movies will be playing.

Tickets are $6 for ages 4 years and up, while admission is free for children 3 years and under. Advanced tickets purchases are encouraged and are available at the following locations: The Mill (Haymarket), From Nebraska Gift Shop, Burlington Antiques, The Haymarket Office, Buzzard Billy’s, and Downtown Lincoln Association. Tickets may also be purchased at the door while they last.

Immediately following Breakfast with Santa, experience Haymarket Unwrapped from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Haymarket’s unique array of specialty shops are offering sales, shopping, culinary delights, live music and more! This FREE event will allow shoppers to enjoy special discounts, prizes, treats, live entertainment and special Pedi cab sleigh rides as you stroll through downtown Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket district.

Also, don’t miss Holidays in the Haymarket on Friday nights; December 1st, December 8th and December 15th, with horse and carriage rides and entertainment from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Visit www.lincolnhaymarket.org or connect on Facebook for more details.

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

by Brian McPike, President ComPro Insurance

Health Insurance Options for Small Employers Many small employers want to know if it would be smart to offer group health insurance to their employees. The two biggest factors in this decision are usually cost and the need to offer benefits to attract and retain quality employees. Just two years ago, an individual policy had a lower premium than a similar group insurance plan. That has changed.

Group premiums are now lower.

Here’s a quick look at the changes in group health insurance for 2018.

Micro Group (1-2 employees) The biggest change this year is regarding the micro policies with 1 or 2 employees/owners insured. Last year the floodgates opened and very small companies that previously did not qualify for group insurance were able to enroll as a group. Group policies have lower premiums and better benefits than individual policies so this was a great option last year. The carriers have revised their position on the 1 and 2 person policies due to high losses in this segment.

The requirements for one and two person policies are outlined below: Blue Cross – Two non-owner, W-2 employees enrolling; a spouse of the owner cannot be classified as an employee.

United Healthcare – One employee and one owner or two employees; a spouse of the owner cannot be classified as an employee.

Small Group (2-50 employees) The landscape of small group plans isn’t changing much. Blue Cross and United Healthcare continue to offer a complete package of plans from Gold to Bronze. Aetna (formerly Coventry) will only offer one plan in 2018, a Silver copay plan. While we hate to see the options condensed even further, Aetna hasn’t been active in the Nebraska small group market for a few years due to high pricing.

Rate wise, you can expect to see increases in the 20% range. This will vary based upon your plan and location.

Mid Market (51+ employees) Rates in the mid-market segment are fairly stable. The biggest determinate of your renewal increase will be plan usage and large claims. Aetna, Blue Cross and United Healthcare are all active in the mid-market segment as well as self-funded plans. Self-funded policies may be a good option for healthy groups. If you know of significant medical conditions within your group a fully-insured policy will likely be your best choice.

Are you wondering about group insurance options for your business? Call Brian McPike at ComPro to discuss your questions at (402) 488-5100.

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STAR CITY SIX

NATALIE

Natalie Leon

VISITING ANGELS Visiting Angels, one of the nation’s leading providers of assisted living services for seniors, is now serving clients in the Lincoln community with the recent opening of a local franchise. Natalie Leon is the owner and executive director of Visiting Angels in Lincoln.

Tell us a little about your business. - The services we offer help the elderly continue to live in their homes. Working families are struggling; their days are longer, they barely have time to eat dinner together, and they have even less time to spend caring for their aging parents. Visiting Angels helps ease the daily load by providing non-medical in-home care. This includes helping with basic chores, light housekeeping, personal hygiene, dressing assistance, medication reminders, Alzheimer’s/dementia care, meal preparation, shopping, joyful companionship, or simply providing respite for family caregivers.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been in the healthcare industry for over 10 years now, dating back to high school when I started as a CNA and Medication Aide. My first job was working with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Prior to that, I’d never known anyone with a form of dementia. I fell in love working with the patients and family members, and knew at a very early age it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After graduating with my undergrad at Nebraska Wesleyan University, I helped open an assisted living and memory care community. My most recent experience was with the Alzheimer’s Association, where I went back to my roots and helped provide enhanced education and support to individuals with dementia, their families, health care professionals, and the community. I discovered Visiting Angels while exploring opportunities to open my own business. Through my research, it was evident that with the combination of a rapidly growing senior population, the rising costs of nursing homecare and depleted retirement funds, there’s an urgent need for in-home elderly care.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Starting my own company has now topped the list. I’ve been blessed to be able to find my passion and mission in life at such a young age. The icing on the cake is to be able to make a career out of it.

I get a sense of meaning and purpose in my life by helping others in need as much as I can, and by being the best person that I can be every day. I’ve devoted my life to assisting the elderly and look forward to helping my clients and their families experience the best quality of life possible.

Tell us a little about your family. - I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the support of my loving family, including my wonderful husband, Shane, and my parents, Dan and Diane Nickel. My family has always been an enormous part of my life and an inspiration to me. They’ve made me who I am today and I can always count on them.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Earlier this year, I was able to meet the President of the United States. I was in Washington, DC for the National Alzheimer’s Advocacy Forum. A volunteer, Ann Tillery, and I chose to eat dinner at the Trump International Hotel-DC in hopes of being able to see the President. Lo and behold, the opportunity presented itself to actually sit down with President Donald Trump, his daughter, Ivanka, and son-in-law Jared Kushner and talk with them about Alzheimer’s disease.

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

- Phone: (402) 735-0999; Email: nleon@visitingangels.com; Website: www.visitingangels.com/lincoln.

STAR CITY SIX

SARA

Sara Reyes Sudman FIELDS FLORAL

Sara Reyes Sudman is the new owner of Fields Floral, a locally owned and operated floral and gift shop with rich history serving the Lincoln community for 40 years.

Tell us a little about your business. - This adorable shop has been a staple in the College View neighborhood since 1977. We provide floral arrangements and gifts for special occasions, weddings and just because.

How did you get started in the business? - First of all, I love flowers.

There’s something about them that just makes me smile. As such, I wanted to own a business that made people happy or celebrated life, and Fields Floral does just that. I used to joke with my family and say that if I won the lottery, I would have fresh flowers delivered to my house every week. I still need to work on that…but at least I’m surrounded by them!

Tell us a little about your family. - I am happily married to Shane Sudman. In the fourteen years that we have been together, we have created two beautiful and sassy little girls, Belen (5) and Shay (2).

They couldn’t be any more different in appearance and personality, but they make my life FUN! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Be outside! I love the warm weather and spending the day with my family at the lake or just taking in the fresh air.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was Miss Jefferson County 2003 and Miss Congeniality. I entered the pageant to earn scholarship money for school and it was such a neat experience!

What are you the most proud of? - I am the daughter of immigrants and a first generation college student. Working full-time to pay my way through school was challenging but an accomplishment in which I take great pride. Education is very important to me and I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to get one.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Don’t be afraid to explore every opportunity. If things don’t work out, that’s fine, but at least you tried and you won’t look back and say, “If only I had…”

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I am an English minor, love to write and hope to author a book someday.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Lawyer. I have a passion for standing up for what I believe in.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Hope Crisis Center (because I worked for them many years ago), as it serves victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I am a raving fan of People’s City Mission and CASA. In general, any organization that supports education and kids.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I am currently reading The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F***. I am very open minded when it comes to books and I like to be challenged, so here I go.

What is your favorite TV show? - I really enjoyed watching Sons of Anarchy! It’s over now, but boy, I couldn’t wait to see it every Tuesday night.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - You can always call us at (402) 483-4564 or visit us at www. fieldsfloral.com. Don’t forget to like and follow us on Facebook.

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STAR CITY SIX

EDDIE

Eddie Brown

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

VICENTE CLOTHIERS Eddie Brown is the owner of Vicente Clothiers, a custom clothier offering an extensive portfolio of fabrics, garment types, shoes and accessories along with personal styling services.

Tell us a little about your business. - Vicente Clothiers offers custom clothing designed specifically for men and women looking to enhance their style and confidence! We can take care of your formal, professional, and casual wardrobe, complete with accessories. We go directly to clients for selection and fitting.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve thoroughly enjoyed nice clothing since I was a child, as my mother taught me to always “dress for success!” I’m now 40 years of age and have always been drug and alcohol free; however, clothing has been my vice of choice for all these years. Not a bad problem and trade-off to have, in my opinion. In 2013 I had the opportunity to become an Independent Styling Consultant with a national men’s clothier, which I represented for the next three years. I was introduced to custom clothing, fit, growing a client base from scratch and servicing their wardrobe needs every season. After essentially growing my wings there, I eventually gained the confidence to parlay that experience into my very own clothing brand. In January 2017 I officially launched Vicente Clothiers. I thought about using my name “Eddie Brown” as the company name but my gut wasn’t sold on that, and then it hit me to use my oldest child’s name, which was perfect!

The name Vicente has both Hispanic and Italian origins and many if not most of our luxurious fabrics come from Italy. It also warms my heart daily to see his name on every new garment I’ve created.

What are you most proud of? - My two beautiful and hilarious blessings, my babies! I take pride in my six year (and counting) legal battle to remain in their lives after divorce. Walking away from the legal fight to have an active role with your children is what many dads see as the only/ best route to take. I am thankful for my mental fortitude, and never give up attitude on my children! I also take the utmost pride in my business and styling my clients, helping them look their absolute best for those special days, or just a regular day. The combination of establishing a business that may also be a family legacy is powerful for me. Vicente Clothiers will naturally lend itself to having my children join me, should they choose, to work the family business for generations to come.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’m the youngest (and tallest) of five children, raised by my extremely strong and driven mother. She is truly my hero.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Ha, that’s funny!

What’s that? Seriously, on my days off, I enjoy working and crossing goals off of my list!

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Why We Sing by Kirk Franklin.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - TeamMates Mentoring Program and CenterPointe. I was an original TeamMate in the inaugural class back in 1991. The program put me through college at the University of Nebraska, where I earned a Business degree, and was the impetus to me living my life drug and alcohol free, a decision I made in 8th grade. Today I am mentoring my fourth mentee and he attends Culler Middle School. Regarding CenterPointe, I’ve seen firsthand how substance abuse addiction plays on loved ones, and I’m proud to be working with an organization passionate and dedicated to assisting those needing and wanting to turn their lives around. I am currently serving my 2nd term on the Board of Directors.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - They are welcome to connect with me via the website, www. vicenteclothiers.com.

STAR CITY SIX

JACLYN

Jaclyn Howard

VENUE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Venue Restaurant & Lounge is a locallyowned, upscale restaurant and lounge.

Jaclyn Howard is the Catering & Events Coordinator at Venue Restaurant & Lounge.

Tell us a little about your business. - Venue has been in business for a little over 13 years now. We offer a full-service dining room and lounge, four private dining rooms on site, and off-site catering.

Within the last couple years, we’ve opened The Jasmine Room

by Venue located in the Grand Manse building downtown and Piedmont Bistro by Venue. Our award-winning cuisine is handmade from scratch ingredients, including the freshest farm-to-table ingredients from Nebraska and exquisite seafood from all around the world. We take pride in being Gluten-Free Certified and providing event and wedding catering services to the Lincoln area.

How did you get started in the business? - I got into the food service industry when I came to Lincoln to attend college. Since I was looking for an evening job with a flexible schedule, it was the perfect fit. I love the challenge and the fast pace of working in a restaurant.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The transition from employee to manager was challenging for me. I made this transition right out of college while working at the same restaurant. Gaining the respect and support of my old co-workers took time. It made me very aware of how I presented myself, a skill that has been vital in taking me into my current position.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Starting to work for my boss, Cherie Anderson. She’s an outstanding role model and mentor to me. The skills that I’ve already developed and continue to take away from her are responsible for building a solid foundation for my professional life.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have the most amazing little fraternal twin girls, Lillian and Abigail. They are 6 months old and the light of my world. They have the most different personalities, which is beyond fun for me. I also have an incredible husband, Alex, who truly is my better half.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to be outside. I enjoy swimming, hiking, water sports in the summer. In the winter my favorite thing in the world to do is snow ski so I try to make it out to the mountains whenever I can.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I grew up on a farm and am surprisingly comfortable with animals and hard work. I do not mind getting my hands dirty! Most days I am more of a girly girl though, so it surprises people when I pull my sleeves back and get to work!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - My amazing dancing skills, I love to have a good time!

Which talent would you most like to have? - I really wish I could bake and decorate like our pastry chef, Linda. She amazes me every day.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? TeamMates. What an outstanding organization from our town!

They are moving mountains. Also, Food Bank of Lincoln. We live in a great community, no one should go hungry.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Venue Restaurant & Lounge of course! I also really love Yia Yia’s.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 488-8368 Ext. 203; Email: jaclyn@yourvenue. net; Website: www.yourvenue.net.

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STAR CITY SIX

JOHN

John Aguirre

OVATION SALON

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Meeting all of your beauty needs, Ovation Salon is a progressive, fashion-forward fullservice salon. John Aguirre is a professional hair stylist and owner of Ovation Salon.

Tell us a little about your business. - We offer a wide variety of beauty services for women, men, and children of all ages and style preferences provided by a very talented team of professionals. Ovation Salon is well-established having been in Lincoln for quite some time, but we recently reinvented our image and moved to a brand new location, which we’re really excited to show off!

How did you get started in the business? - I pursued my passion to do hair for a living, which I’d known I wanted to do since I was 14 years old.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I’m blessed to have such amazing clients, and have built my client base to the point that it is often challenging to find the time to fit everyone into my work schedule.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Being a salon owner. It’s everything to me.

Tell us a little about your family. - My two pets Dolce and Coco are my family and I love them dearly.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When I made the decision to focus my efforts on growing my business beyond just my offerings alone. It would have been easy to stay in my comfort zone, but looking back it’s been well worth taking a chance on creating something special.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Be with my dogs.

Anything I do with them makes it a day well lived and fully enjoyed in my book.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m really pretty shy, which is often surprising to people. But I’ve made it a point to put myself out there in order to overcome it.

What are you the most proud of? - My longevity in the business. And not only that the salon is thriving, but that we continue to move forward and evolve.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Stay true to your first instinct.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - We Are Family by Sister Sledge.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Anything to do with the wellbeing and care of animals has my full support. World peace is a cause I’m very passionate about too.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - My favorite book is The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger.

What is your favorite movie? - Also The Devil Wears Prada, I can’t get enough!

What is your favorite TV show? - Will & Grace.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - MoMo Pizzeria & Ristorante.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Call Ovation Salon at (402) 467-4646, connect with us on Facebook, or stop by the new location at 5955 S. 56th Street, Suite 4.

STAR CITY SIX

MARY

Mary McCombs ESSENTIALS

Essentials is a subscription-based home maintenance program now available to clients in the Lincoln area. Mary McCombs is the cofounder of Essentials.

Tell us a little about your business. - To properly maintain your home, you should set and follow a regular schedule. There are monthly, seasonal, annual and semi-annual tasks that need to be done to keep your home in tip-top shape. In today’s get up and go world, who has the time to properly maintain a home? Essentials takes the proactive approach to home maintenance. Every quarter, the Essentials handyman will go through a complete set of tasks that are customized to your home.

An example of these tasks include life/safety checks, indoor maintenance and exterior maintenance checks Proactive maintenance is essential to preserving the value of your home—without it, your home could lose up to 10% of its value. For example, some cracked caulk around the windows may not seem like much, but behind the caulk, water could get into your sheathing, causing mold and rot. Before you know it you’re spending thousands in repairs that could have been prevented by using a tube of caulk.

How did you get started in the business? - We have been in the commercial and community property management business since 2001. We understand the needs of homeowners and have built strong relationships with professionals in the industry, so we knew that our new business would be a good fit.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Bennie and I have two sons and six grandchildren. Our oldest, Jeff, passed away last year.

Chris, our youngest son, has 20 years’ experience in the culinary field and is now a co-founder of Essentials. I also have the most wonderful dog, Miss Lola B, who is such a sassy, lovable Doberman.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Speaking in front of a large audience. It really changed my professional career. It gave me confidence, poise, and the ability to be spontaneous.

But what I loved most was the ability to share, motivate, and help others.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Well, there are several. I love playing golf as often as I can. There’s nothing like playing golf with your oldest grandson, talking and enjoying the outdoors. I also love cooking, making my own jams, jellies and salsas, and of course then there’s baking and gardening too. I could go on and on. Live life like there’s no tomorrow!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I enjoy cruises but please don’t ask me to jump in the ocean. If I can’t touch the bottom then forget it!

What are you the most proud of? - Being a grandmother!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My father always told me if I was going to do something, to give 110%. He said if you fail, get up and do it again. You keep trying until you succeed.

That’s where I got my competitive spirit.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - An interpreter working with the United Nations.

What is your favorite movie? - The Star Wars series. I went to school with Luke Skywalker, Mark Hamill.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Granite City! (shout out to Josh Williams) If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Gene Kelly. He was one of the greatest dancers of all time.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Email: mmccombs@essentialshomeservices.com; Website: www. essentialshomeservices.com.

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ASK THE EXPERT: GEAR80 402-202-2820 www.gear80.co

by John Fulwider, Founder gear80

Resolve to Strengthen Your Business in 2018

What would 2018 be like if all your employees: • Shared your vision? • Gained traction: Executing on that vision with discipline and accountability? • Worked well together as a healthy and cohesive team?

It might seem like you’d need 136 New Year’s resolutions to get vision, traction, and healthy in your business.

Nope, make just one. Resolve to strengthen the Six Key Components of your business. Read these statements to see where you stand: Vision: With a clear vision, everyone rows in the same direction.

1. Our leadership team completely agrees on the vision: Who we are; what we do and why we do it; where we’re going; and our marketing strategy and business plan for getting there.

People: Define great people for your business, because you can’t achieve your vision without great people.

2. All our people are the Right People (they share our Core Values) in the Right Seats (they Get, Want, and have the Capacity to do their jobs).

Data: Bring ego-free, personality-free information to your company.

3. We review our Scorecard weekly: Five to 15 activity-based, leading indicators that predict the quarterly results we want.

Issues: Successful people are just really good at solving their Issues.

4. Every team uses the Identify-Discuss-Solve tool to set Issues up, knock them down, and make them go away forever.

Process: Process makes your business more consistent, predictable, and peaceful, so you can scale it to any size.

5. We’ve identified and documented, at a high level, our six to 10 Core Processes—our way of doing business—and all our people follow them.

Traction: Execute on your vision with discipline and accountability.

6. All our teams meet weekly to hold each other accountable to executing on the plan, and they solve a lot of Issues.

Want to dive deeper? Take a 20-question business checkup at gear80. co/checkup.

Are you resolved to strengthen your business? Get help. You hire a personal trainer to teach you proven exercise and nutrition tools; help you apply those principles and practices to your unique body; and hold you accountable to doing the necessary exercise. You hire a Professional EOS Implementer to teach you the proven Entrepreneurial Operating System tools; help you apply those tools to your unique business; and hold you accountable to doing the necessary work.

Ready for a peaceful, profitable, and fun New Year? Text or call me anytime at (402) 202-2820, or email john@gear80.co.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

PERSONNEL NEWS Christy Merritt Nominated for COAHP 2017 Deb Wagner Celebrating 15 Years in Real Professional of the Year Estate With Woods Bros Christy Merritt, Executive Director of Waterford Communities Assisted Living, was nominated for the prestigious 2017 Professional of the Year Award. The annual awards meeting and breakfast of the Coalition for Older Adult Health Promotion (COAHP) was held on October 20, 2017.

Christy has shown what one person is able to accomplish when their heart is devoted to the well-being of seniors. She has incorporated high standards for staff at all three Waterford locations and has put her personal touch on each facility to make them seem like home to the residents. She has worked tirelessly to streamline the entry process while serving on various boards and organizations. She has no hesitation about bringing community resources, including APS and government contacts into play if she witnesses injustice or abuse with families and residents. Christy never turns away from an opportunity to learn or to teach the value of seniors in our community and our world.

She is respectful, compassionate and fully deserving of the nomination.

The Waterford Communities are comprised of three locations: Waterford at College View, located at 4848 S. 48th Street; Waterford at Williamsburg, located at 3940 Pine Lake Road (both are assisted living facilities); and Waterford at Wilderness Hills (a memory care facility) located at 8939 Keystone Drive.

Feel free to give Christy a call at (402) 423-0000 to schedule a visit to any location or visit the website at www.thewaterford.net.

Deb Wagner has reac hed a career milestone this month, celebrating her 15th anniversary as an agent with Woods Bros Realty. In that time, Deb has worked with many buyers and sellers in Lincoln and surrounding areas. With her focus being residential real estate, including existing homes and new construction, she has been proud to co-represent subdivisions such as Village Gardens, The Bridges, Heritage Lakes and Iron Horse Golf Course in Ashland, NE. Deb has been honored with numerous industry accolades, most notably as a member of the President’s Club for reaching $1M in sales annually since 2002 as well as the Woods Bros Realtor of the Year in 2008, ranking among the Woods Bros Top 10% Club every year since.

According to Deb, “Working in real estate is a wonderful fit for me, and I’ve been so fortunate to have a successful career with great working relationships that have turned in to friendships! I am very thankful to all of my clients and those who I have worked with including fellow agents, lenders, title personnel, and others in the industry who have all supported me and helped me do my job well.

Real estate has also afforded me the flexibility to be present with family and to travel with my husband and be involved in volunteering.

It’s a very humbling and rewarding occupation.”

Deb Wagner can be contacted at HomeSalesByDeb.com or (402) 440-1314.

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PERSONNEL NEWS

Alina Bogatyuk Joins Ovation Salon Ovation Salon & House of Wigs is thrilled to welcome Alina Bogatyuk to its team of stylists! Owner John Aquirre the fashionforward team of professional stylists at Ovation Salon vary in specialty areas and Alina is the perfect complementary addition.

Last month, Ovation Salon relocated to its new space at 5955 South 56th St., Suite 4, just south of 56th & Old Cheney Rd. It will allow for further growth and there are many more exciting things to come!

Adding style and beauty to Lincoln, Ovation Salon is a full-service salon. The well-rounded team of professionals will meet all of your beauty needs, specializing in services such as custom haircuts, specialty and classic hair colors, extensions, blowouts, styling for weddings and special occasions, waxing and spray tanning.

Master barbers on staff offer men’s cuts, classic shapes, and beard maintenance. Wig specialists will help you choose from a variety of high-end styles and colors in a private suite, with custom ordering available as well.

New clients and walk-ins are welcome! Call Ovation Salon at (402) 467-4646 to schedule an appointment or with any questions you may have. Please find Ovation Salon & House of Wigs on Facebook for additional information and the latest specials, and be sure to watch for the new website coming soon!

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

New Talent at Aqua Systems With Addition of Andy Palmquist To handle increased growth and demand, Aqua Systems, a Lincoln-based water treatment company, recently expanded its staff.

Joining the firm as Director of Business Development is Norfolk native Andy Palmquist, a 10-year veteran in the water conditioning field.

“The need is there in both Omaha and Lincoln, so we’re very happy to have Andy on board,” said Jeff White, President of Aqua Systems. “He adds outstanding professionalism to our company as well as a true passion for our industry. Already I’m impressed by his smile and great rapport with our clients.”

“I love interacting with people every day,” said Palmquist. “Not only do I like helping people with their water issues, I also learn on a daily basis. And it feels really good to make a positive impact on people’s lives by improving the quality of their water.”

Serving the Lincoln and Omaha areas for over 20 years, Aqua Systems provides water treatment options for both home and business.

With a no-commission sales philosophy, they offer softeners, drinking systems and solutions for problem water issues, without high-pressure sales tactics. That’s why many people feel Aqua Systems is the source for water treatment. For more information, log onto iLoveMyWater. com or call (402) 466-6800.

PERSONNEL NEWS

Heartland Cancer Foundation Names Heidi Moyer Development Director Heartland Cancer Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Heidi Moyer as its Development Director. She first joined Heartland Cancer Foundation in 2015 as a member of the volunteer Guild to serve in planning fundraising events. Moyer brings a broad background of knowledge including strategy, brand and business development, and team leadership to the table. Her experience in these areas will be a great fit as she supports the Foundation’s growth and future success. Heartland Cancer Foundation is excited to have her join our team!

Heartland Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide practical and immediate assistance to cancer patients so they can focus on healing.

Cancer patients who live in Southeast Nebraska and Northeast Kansas can apply for car and housing payments, gas, prescriptions, medical supplies, and medical expenses such as physical and occupational therapy. For information on how to donate or apply for assistance, visit HeartlandCancerFoundation.org. HCF is also currently seeking corporate donors. To inquire about corporate giving and sponsorships, please contact Heidi Moyer, at heidimoyerhcf@gmail. com, or (402) 261-9974.

BancWise Realty Announces New Agents BancWise Realty is pleased to officially announce the addition of three valuable new team members.

Greg Larsen, Zach McDermott and Caleb Brown have hit the ground running and are already proving to be effective real estate professionals!

These three agents exemplify positive energy, honesty and genuine care for helping people meet their real estate needs that has propelled them to early success through the BancWise Mentoring Program.

Greg Larsen

The BancWise Team is confident these newest team members will continue forward in their real estate careers providing excellent assistance to their clients.

BancWise Realty, located at 6120 Apples’ Way #100, is your full-service, one-stop resource for saving time and money while minimizing stress during the process of buying and selling your home.

Zach McDermott

Their experienced agents provide all of the guidance a home buyer or seller needs with flexible fees and proven results year after year.

The mission of BancWise Realty is to simplify the process, while making a positive difference in the lives of their clients and employees.

For more information about BancWise Realty, please call (402) 323-6777 or visit www.bancwise.com.

Caleb Brown

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PERSONNEL NEWS

Dr. Kenneth Cheloha Demonstrates Strong Commitment to Sumner Place

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP Hires New Associate Alyson K. Bisceglia

Dr. Kenneth Cheloha, Medical Director at Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation, has effectively extended the time he’s available to spend with residents. To accommodate all individuals and their varying needs, he is now onsite rounding daily Monday through Friday.

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP is pleased to announce that Alyson K. Bisceglia has become an associate with the firm. Ms. Bisceglia focuses her practice in the areas of corporate and business law, mergers and acquisitions, trademark law, estate planning, and probate administration. In her corporate and business practice, Ms. Bisceglia works with companies of all sizes, counseling clients as to which type of entity to use in forming the company, day-to-day contract and legal issues, and safeguarding the company’s intellectual property. She also advises clients on merger/acquisition matters as well as business succession planning strategies In her estate planning practice, Ms. Bisceglia advises clients on the best estate planning techniques to protect both personal and business assets.

She also handles the administration of trusts and decedents’ estates.

For the past 22 years, Dr. Cheloha has provided a great example of Sumner Place’s Vision Statement on Quality Care: “We will dedicate ourselves to provide personalized care and services that achieve extraordinary results and exceed the expectations of those we serve.” Dr. Cheloha partners with Sumner Place by making morning rounds during the weekdays. He visits residents, reviews individual medical needs, and provides professional guidance and consultation. His wise council during quarterly meetings and to the quality assurance team is also invaluable.

Thank you Dr. Cheloha for helping make Sumner Place “The Best of the Best.”

Sumner Place is one of 30 facilities owned and/or managed by Vetter Senior Living (VSL) in Omaha, Nebraska. The care center’s administrator and staff develop plans to continuously improve their services and facility with the support from the VHS network.

Operating decisions are made locally to assure that Sumner Place remains responsive to the needs of its residents and community.

For more information, please call (402) 475-6791 or visit www. sumnerplacecare.com.

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Ms. Bisceglia received her Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Bentley University in 2013, and her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law in 2016. During law school, Ms. Bisceglia served as Editor-in-Chief of the Quinnipiac Health Law Journal. She will earn her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Boston University School of Law in 2019. Ms. Bisceglia is admitted to practice in Nebraska, Connecticut, and New Hampshire.

Abrahams Kaslow & Cassman LLP is an Omaha-based law firm that has been providing comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses for over 70 years. To learn more about the firm, visit www.

AKCLaw.com.

PERSONNEL NEWS

Realtor Cheryl Duval Joins With Derek J Kats of Keller Williams Lincoln Derek J Kats, Realtor and co-owner of Keller Williams Lincoln (www.kellerwilliamslincoln. com), along with his entire staff, welcomes the newest addition to their administrative staff and sales force, Cheryl Duval.

Cheryl brings incredible value and experience with a lifelong career in the sales industry, including her most recent venture in real estate sales. Cheryl will be joining Derek J Kats’ sales force and administrative staff working directly with Derek in a dual role in the office and in the field. Derek confidently explains that, “Cheryl will be an integral part of our organization and contribute to our growth by providing us a consistent and experienced co-worker and sales agent that we can rely on.” Derek, his staff, and the agents at Keller Williams Lincoln look forward to watching her future growth and successes.

Located at 5539 S. 27th Street, Suite 206, Keller Williams Lincoln is part of the largest real estate franchise by agent count in the world, with local real estate professionals offering decades of combined expertise and proven results. Derek J Kats can be contacted directly at (402) 770-5021.

CFA Society of Nebraska Announces 201718 Officers and Directors CFA Society of Nebraska (www.cfasociety.org/nebraska) is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been elected to serve on the organization’s board for the 2017-18 term: President - John E. Philo, CFA, Lozier Corporation; Vice President - Curtis R. Caldwell, CFA, Mutual of Omaha Companies; Secretary - Damian L. Howard, CFA, Security National Bank; Treasurer – David H. Craft, CFA, Wells Fargo Private Bank; Past President – Joseph M. Lionberger, CFA, Ameritas Investment Partners; Director – Stacy A. Auman, CFA, First National Bank; Director – Michael R. Gatliff, CFA, Ameritas Investment Partners; Director – Randy D. Jorgensen, CFA, Creighton University; Director – Clinton T. Rushing, CFA, D.A. Davidson & Co.

Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center Welcomes Dr. Joni Tilford Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center is pleased to announce Joni Tilford, MD has joined their team. A Nebraska native, Dr. Tilford, brings almost 20 years of experience to the group of providers that sees patients at two locations in Lincoln.

She began seeing patients at the Pine Lake location starting September 5.

After earning her medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Dr. Tilford completed a three-year residency in internal medicine and a two-year fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Dr. Tilford is board certified in medical oncology and has a broad background in both clinical and laboratory medicine. She has also authored scientific articles in molecular genetics, thrombosis and leukemia.

For 20 years Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center has provided comprehensive cancer care in Lincoln and eleven communities in Southeast Nebraska, combining advanced medical oncology and radiation oncology services at two locations in Lincoln. For more information about Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center, visit leadingcancercare.com or call (402) 420-7000.

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PERSONNEL NEWS

Red Lobster Recognizes Lincoln GM Samantha Madonna Names Dr. Adam Kafka Medical Petzoldt With Company’s Top Honor Director for Lincoln Campus Red Lobster presented Samantha Petzoldt, General Manager of the Red Lobster located in Lincoln, with the company’s top honor – the Lighthouse Club Award.

This prestigious award, which has been an integral part of the company’s culture for over 20 years, is presented annually to General Managers throughout North America. Award recipients are recognized for demonstrating outstanding leadership and living Red Lobster’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Genuine Caring, Hospitality, Teamwork, Excellence and Fun - while also achieving top financial performance in the company’s previous fiscal year.

“Samantha is a true leader who is brilliant with the basics of running a successful restaurant,” said Chip Wade, Red Lobster’s Executive Vice President of Operations. “Samantha embodies Red Lobster’s core value of Hospitality and makes delighting guests a numberone priority. As a result, the Lincoln Red Lobster is among the topperforming locations throughout the country.”

This year, Petzoldt joins an elite group of 32 General Managers selected from the more than 700 Red Lobster restaurants in North America, making this a truly exclusive honor. Petzoldt, who has been with Red Lobster for 17 years, accepted this award on behalf of the entire Lincoln team.

Visit Petzolt and her team at the Lincoln Red Lobster located at 6540 O Street.

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Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals announces Dr. Adam Kafka as medical director for the rehabilitation hospital on the Lincoln Campus.

Dr. Kafka has been a physiatrist with the Alexis Verzal Children’s Rehabilitation Unit since 2009. In his new role, Dr. Kafka will serve as a liaison between the clinical areas and administration. Dr. Kafka is a Lincoln native and graduated with a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. After an internship in internal medicine at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, he completed the physical medicine and rehabilitation residency program at the University of Wisconsin.

As a physiatrist, Dr. Kafka focuses on restoring maximum function lost through injury, illness or disabling conditions. Additionally, Dr. Kafka is the medical director of the occupational health program, providing diagnoses and non-surgical treatment of spine and orthopedic injuries.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals (www.madonna.org) offers worldclass physical and medical rehabilitation and research. Specializing in brain and spinal cord trauma, stroke and neurological conditions for adults and children, Madonna accepts the most medically complex cases. Madonna offers hope and healing and returns patients back to their communities at a higher rate than industry benchmarks.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Lincoln Campus is located at 5401 South Street and can be reached at (402) 413-3000. Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals-Omaha Campus is located at 17500 Burke Street and can be reached at (402) 401-3100.

PERSONNEL NEWS

TAP Welcomes New Program Coordinator Nicolette Ware The Training for Addiction Professionals (TAP) Program has announced the hiring of Nicolette Ware as Program Coordinator.

Nicolette is a native of Youngstown, Ohio and received her B.A. in Social Work from Nebraska Wesleyan University. As TAP Program Coordinator, Nicolette will be responsible for the design, development, and coordination of core trainings for those interested in becoming alcohol and drug counselors as well as continuing education courses for those already in the field.

Nicolette is also available to work with outside organizations to coordinate trainings and conferences.

TAP is a leading provider of educational services for individuals seeking to become an alcohol and drug counselor. TAP is committed to providing high quality education and cultivating values of respect, integrity, compassion, and justice while promoting an understanding and appreciation of diversity and tolerance in the field of counseling.

TAP is a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, 4600 Valley Road, Lincoln. To find out more about TAP, visit the website at www.lmep.com.

Cornhusker Bank Announces Promotion of Matt Brase, Welcomes Heather Smedra Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Brase to Assistant Vice President Financial Operations Officer and the addition of Heather Smedra, Compliance Officer, to its staff.

Mr. Brase joined Cornhusker Bank in 2006 and has been promoted through various positions from Teller to his most recent position as Financial Analyst II. Matt has been responsible for various reporting processes, creation of pro formas and historic financial statements, regulatory reporting and treasury duties.

Matt Brase “Matt is well organized and is a resourceful professional with exceptional critical thinking skills, who builds cohesive, productive teams while managing multiple priorities in a detail oriented environment,” according to Barry Lockard, President, CEO. Matt holds an MBA in Accounting from Bellevue University, a BA in Leadership, and a BS in Computer Information Systems. He is also a Graduate of the Wisconsin School of Banking, and has certifications in the CPA Exam, CMA Exam and CTP Exam. He has Heather Smedra served as Director of Finance/Treasurer for Voice for Companion Animals, is a Young Bankers of Nebraska member, and is a former winner of the “Golden Apple Award of Excellence,” which is a top honor for associates, presented to one staff member a year.

Heather is located in Cornhusker Bank’s new premier Bank Center at 8310 O Street. She is a member of the Adams Elementary PTO Board and currently serves as the Board Treasurer.

Barry Lockard, President/CEO, noted, “Heather is a former bank examiner who brings more than 11 years compliance experience to the position and we are excited she has joined our team.” Mrs. Smedra stated she is “looking forward to working with the team of employees who ensure Cornhusker Bank remains safe and sound as a strong Lincoln community bank.”

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PERSONNEL NEWS West Gate Bank® Promotes Four

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The West Gate Bank® (westgate.bank) Board of Directors has elected Jon Dittenber, Darcie Ross and Kyle Wooster each to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending. Tyler Bates has been promoted to Credit Analyst II. Jon Dittenber joined the West Gate Bank team as a Vice President, Commercial Loans in September, 2010. Dittenber graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Finance degree and has over 22 years of banking experience. He completed the Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Jon Dittenber Program in 2016. Dittenber served at President of the Board of Directors for JDRF Lincoln and Greater Nebraska Chapter and sits on the house corporation for Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Jon Dittenber is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 323-8998 or jdittenber@ westgate.bank.

Darcie Ross began her career at West Gate Bank in 1998 as a teller at the Southridge Darcie Ross branch. In 1999, she moved to the Commercial Lending department as a Loan Processor and was promoted to Commercial Loan Officer in 2005. In March of 2011, she was named Vice President, Commercial Lending. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

She is a graduate of the Nebraska Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking in 2012. Ross serves on the board of directors for the Friendship Home of Lincoln and the Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation.

Kyle Wooster Darcie Ross is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 434-3469 or dross@westgate.bank.

Kyle Wooster began his career at West Gate Bank® in 2004 as a Commercial Loan Analyst intern. He was promoted to Commercial Loan Officer in 2008 and in December of 2013, was promoted to Vice President, Commercial Lending. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Concordia University in Seward and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

Wooster is a graduate of the Nebraska Bankers Association Advanced School of Banking in 2009, Nebraska Bankers Association Leadership Program in 2012, and recently completed the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado.

Wooster is a TeamMates mentor, and is involved with Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Christ Lutheran Church, Lutheran Education Foundation and Lincoln Lutheran Schools.

Kyle Wooster is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 323-8967 or kwooster@ westgate.bank.

Tyler Bates began his career at West Gate Bank in 2014 as a teller at the Southridge branch. He joined the Analyst department later that year as a Credit Analyst. In his new position, he will be developing more process improvements for the Analysis Department, as well as taking part in determining credit risks in the bank’s commercial and residential lending portfolio. He participates in the Tabitha Meals on Wheels program, as well as other bank-sponsored community activities.

Tyler Bates is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 434-3482 or tbates@westgate. bank.

PERSONNEL NEWS CKF Names Megan Bechtold Vice President of Residential Sales C K F, a l e a d i n g k i t c h e n a n d b a t h design firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan Bechtold to vice president of residential sales. This role will oversee residential sales in CKF’s Nebraska and Iowa sales territories.

Prior to this role, Bechtold served as the executive assistant to Sam Marchese, CEO and president of CKF. Bechtold has been with the company for over 15 years working in builder, consumer, and professional sales.

In her new role, Bechtold will be involved in almost every aspect of corporate sales and marketing. She brings an energy level, passion, and qualified support experience to our residential business to continue to grow. She will have direct responsibility over six sales departments.

CKF is the leader in cabinetry, countertops, and home organization in the kitchen and bath industry throughout the Omaha, NE, Lincoln, NE, and Des Moines, IA areas. CKF is the exclusive distributor of Cambria® Quartz in Nebraska and Iowa. For more information, visit www.ckfco.com.

Legacy Retirement Communities Staff Win COAHP Awards The Legacy’s Executive Chef Vic Saltzman was awarded the Professional of the Year Award on Friday, October 20th by the COAHP’s at their Annual Awards Meeting and Breakfast.

This award is given to an individual or group that has made positive contributions to older adult health promotion in Lincoln/Lancaster County.

Vic was nominated for many reasons, including the fact that for the last 19 years, he has always put others Pictured are The Legacy Executive before himself, whether it Chef Vic Saltzman and Robert Darrah, be for “his” residents or the Director of Dining Services. staff he is responsible for and very proud to work with.

Activities Aide at the Legacy Arbors, Kaylee Amato, also received a $500 scholarship from the COAHP during the breakfast. Kaylee is presently studying Gerontology at the University of Lincoln while working part-time at the Legacy Arbors.

The Coalition for Older Health Promotion’s (COAHP) purpose is to facilitate opportunities to promote communication and coordination among providers by sharing information and identifying services and needs which impact older adults in southeast Nebraska.

Legacy Retirement Communities is proud to have many award-winning employees on staff. They are locally-owned and operated and offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care on three campuses in Lincoln.

For more information about Legacy Living please visit legacyretirement. com, call (402) 436-3000 or find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

American Heart Association Welcomes Jodi-Renee Giron and Brianna Georgeson The American Heart Association – Lincoln is proud to announce two new staff additions, Jodi-Renee Giron and Brianna Georgeson.

Ser ving as Corporate Wellness and Development Director, Giron will serve as the lead for the Lincoln Heart Walk, Sioux City Go Red for Women and Sioux City Heart Walk. Prior to this role, Giron served a role with the Lincoln Arts Council. Giron is proudly a Denver-native and has worked in community engagement for the last five years.

Jodi-Renee Giron Georgeson joins us from the Lincoln Journal Star. With the title of Corporate Events Director, she’ll be lending her talents to the Lincoln Heart & Stroke Ball and Kearney Go Red for Women. Born and raised in Lincoln, she has years of nonprofit experience.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association is devoted to saving people from two of our nation’s top killers heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).

Powered by millions of volunteers nationwide, the Association’s goal is to improve the Brianna Georgeson cardiovascular health of Americans by 20% by 2020, while reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke by 20%. Currently, one person dies every 40 seconds from heart disease and stroke. Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women Expo and Heart Ball, that startling statistic can change.

For more information, visit www.heart.org/lincoln.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Nebraska Community Foundation Annual Celebration Draws Record Attendance

Pius X Names New Classroom Wing After Former Superintendent

Two hundred and sixty volunteers representing 41 communities, plus more than 20 community development organizations, and an additional 400 business leaders and individuals passionate about the future of Nebraska gathered in La Vista on Nov. 2 to celebrate the community-building successes of the Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF; www.nebcommfound.org) network.

NCF’s 2017 Annual Celebration – which included training for its affiliated fund leaders, a community expo, and celebratory banquet – drew record attendance representing communities as far as Scottsbluff, as close as Papillion, and dozens of communities in between. Centered on the theme “Together a Greater Nebraska,” speakers and training sessions focused on the importance of building strong communities across the state. Hundreds of community volunteers gathered for a full day of training facilitated by peers in the NCF network, subject matter experts from a variety of Nebraska organizations, and NCF staff members. Topics included community and economic development issues that are important to rural communities like local food in schools, early childhood development, workforce and leadership development, and youth engagement. The Annual Celebration culminated with an expo highlighting the work and successes of communities across the NCF network and a banquet featuring remarks by community volunteers including high school senior Chloe Higgins of Nebraska City, as well as individuals hailing from Omaha, Lincoln, Norfolk, Ogallala, Byron, Albion, and former Congressman Doug Bereuter of Cedar Bluffs.

The new wing of 13 classrooms at Pius X High School will be named the Monsignor James D. Dawson Learning Center. Msgr.

Dawson was a long-time superintendent of the schools in the Lincoln Diocese, and former principal of Pius X.

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The announcement was made by Fr. James Meysenburg, CAO of Pius X, at the school’s annual Grandparents/Founders Day Mass.

Construction is set to begin in the Spring of 2018 and be completed by the Fall of 2019.

“The Lincoln Catholic community has a history of supporting our school’s efforts to build up the Church by forming disciples in a rigorous academic setting,” said school principal Tom Korta. “The number of classrooms and the types of classrooms being added reflect our desire to seek ways to provide a quality education to as many students as we can.”

As the new classrooms are built, existing classroom spaces will be renovated and repurposed. Adding new classrooms and updating the Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Industrial Arts, Fine Arts and Consumer Science classrooms with contemporary learning spaces will help to inspire students for the next generation.

As the state’s largest Catholic co-ed high school and the only Catholic high school serving the city of Lincoln, Pius X is prepared to address the growing demand by providing these 13 new classrooms, while continuing to offer tuition assistance for families.

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Christian Record Services, Inc. Celebrates 1st Anniversary at Trade Center Location

Gifts to The Gathering Place Matched This Holiday Season

Christian R e c o r d Services, Inc., is celebrating the completion of its first year of ministry in its new headquarters location in South Lincoln’s Trade Center at 5900 South 58th Street, Suite M. To mark the occasion, Christian Record invites friends, donors, and business partners to a come-and-go holiday open house on Thursday, December 14 from 1-5 p.m. No RSVP is required. Guests may enjoy a guided headquarters tour, given on the half-hour as space allows, followed by refreshments at The Space, located next door. Those planning to attend should first come to The Space to join a tour group.

On October 25th, The Gathering Place celebrated its 35th anniversary in Lincoln.

The Gathering Place is a soup kitchen and program of Comm unity Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties that serves over 25,000 hot meals to those who are hungry each year.

The Gathering Place’s 35th Anniversary Campaign was kicked off at the celebration. Thanks to generous contributions from Rogers Foundation, Union Bank & Trust, Greenwald Family Charitable Trust, Inspro Insurance, Unico Group, Inc., and Sue Quambusch and Len Sloup, all donations received for The Gathering Place through December 31st will be matched $.87 on the dollar. Community Action’s board of directors gave the first donation at the event to honor the founders, whose collective vision has improved countless lives in the city.

“We are so thankful for our match sponsors and the tremendous support from the community,” said Vi See, Executive Director of Community Action.

“Over 41,000 people in Lancaster County do not knowing where their next meal is coming from. At The Gathering Place, we depend upon community support to keep pace with this need. We hope the community will join our match sponsors in ensuring no one in Lincoln goes without a hot meal.”

The Gathering Place is hoping to receive $35,000 in contributions by December 31st, to claim $30,500 in match funds. To support its work to fight hunger in Lincoln today, go to www.communityactionatwork.org.

In ministry since 1899 and based in Lincoln since 1904, Christian Record provides free confidence-building reading services and summer and winter camp experiences to people who are blind.

Approximately 20,000 people receive these services because of the generosity of individuals and business owners. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord.org or call (402) 488-0981.

Volunteers, Athletes Honored at Nebraska Sports Council Awards Banquet Five top athletes and a dozen volunteers received awards Oct. 26 at the Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) Awards Banquet at the Grand Manse in Lincoln.

Cornhusker State Games (CSG) Athletes of the Year included BMX racer Joseph Mather, 6, of Omaha; chess player/swimmer Jacey Tran, 12, of Lincoln; taekwondo athlete Carl Steffens, 35, of Lincoln; powerlifter Grace Bogner, 24, of Lincoln and badminton player Kaiguo Chang, 56, of Gretna.

Husband-wife volunteer duo Dan and Jan Ericson received the Joe Neal Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award. The retired couple helped out on 10 different Nebraska Sports Council projects or events including: CSG packet stuffing, CSG packet pickup, the Gravel Grinder, Adventure Race, Opening Ceremonies, 5K Race, Triathlon, Bass Fishing Tournament, Mud Run and the Pumpkin Run. Trish Souliere, Director of CSG Fencing which grew in participation for the 9th straight year in 2017, received the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award, which is voted upon by the CSG Sport Directors. CSG Disc Golf Director Anita Jackson earned the John Axe Board Service Award in recognition of 10 years of service on the NSC Board of Directors.

Sport Directors receiving anniversary-year service awards included: 5-Year -- Cliff and Amber Hall - Armwrestling; Todd Johnson Basketball; Colleen Arnold and Aimee Guzman-Jones - Ice Hockey; Thom Sisson - WalkOmaha; John Lefler - Road Bike Race and Glen Williams - Rifle Shooting. 10-Year -- Dave Tunink - Youth Trapshooting; Steve Morrison - Track & Field and Jim Tubbs - Archery. 15-Year -- Keith Stewart - Pocket Billiards.

The following event dates were announced for 2018: Cornhusker State Games - July 20-29, Mud Run – Aug. 25, Pumpkin Run – Oct. 6 and NE150 Challenge – year-long beginning Jan. 1. Events in development with 2018 dates to be announced include a four-person golf scramble and a multi-sport corporate games competition.

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with platinum partners including Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine and LinPepCo. Sponsors for the Awards Banquet include Venue, Lone Tree Brewing Company and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Youth for Christ Expands Juvenile Justice Ministry Program

Child Guidance Center Encourages Holiday Giving

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is excited to announce it recently expanded its Juvenile Justice Ministry (JJM) program to serve teens incarcerated at the Nebraska Correctional Youth Facility in Omaha. Kyle Lindgren is now serving as the chaplain at this facility.

After working for years on Youth for Christ’s Parent Life team (which ministers to pregnant and parenting teens) and teaching within the Lancaster County Youth Services Center in Lincoln, Lindgren felt led to move into JJM full-time.

“When I walk through correctional facilities, I don’t see guards and inmates; I see those who are free and those who are not. I go to set teens free. I get to talk with young men who are literally at the end of the line. Few illusions of what happens next are left; it helps keep the conversations real,” said Lindgren.

Lindgren graduated from the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services training program in October. Youth for Christ is thrilled to send Lindgren to preach hope to the hopeless in the juvenile detention centers.

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area (yfclincoln.org) is a non-denominational, non-judgemental, non-profit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. Through regular programming and special events, YFC Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with God and others.

Child Guidance Center needs you! Child Guidance Center inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health ser vices. Your support will help change lives one child and family at a time! Child Guidance Center is asking for your heartfelt gift TODAY of any size to help ensure that all children and families who need mental health treatment and services are able to receive them regardless of their financial ability.

The Local Impact of MY Gift for Children • $40 will provide two weeks of food for George and Teddy, on-site therapy dogs who provide much love and comfort.

• $111 will provide one hour of outpatient treatment for a child or family who doesn’t have the ability to pay for services.

• $200 will provide clothing and personal care items for one boy in the Therapeutic Group Home.

• $555 will provide art, therapy, and school supplies for therapists to use with children participating in treatment.

• $1,000 will provide snacks and dinner for a month for children participating in the Extended Day Treatment Program.

Gifts can be mailed to Child Guidance Center at 2444 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 or given online at www.child-guidance.org. For more information, please contact Jenny Cardwell at jcardwell@childguidance.org or call (402) 475-7666. Thank you!

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

CenterPointe Accepting Donations for “Coats of Hope” Drive Wa r m a h e a r t a n d give the gift of hope.

CenterPointe’s “Coats of Hope” coat drive officially kicked off on November 27th and will go through Monday, December 18th.

A warm coat can make all the difference for someone working to overcome homelessness, mental illness and addiction.

Donations of clean winter items in good condition are gratefully accepted. Adult coats, hats, scarves, gloves, wool socks are needed.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation may do so at CenterPointe’s Outpatient Facility, located at 1000 S. 13th Street in Lincoln. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Recently honored as the recipient of a 2017 BBB Integrity Award in Lincoln, CenterPointe provides pivotal treatment, rehabilitation, housing and crisis services. CenterPointe aims to meet people where they are and help them gain control of their lives so that they can get better, sooner, for longer. For more information, visit www.

CenterPointe.org or contact Rachelle Brouillard at (402) 475-5161 Ext. 344 / rbrouillard@centerpointe.org.

Tabitha Hosts Fundraiser to Support Elders Community supporters gathered at the Country Club of Lincoln to celebrate and raise funds for Lincoln-based nonprofit and Elder Care industry leader, Tabitha.The annual Signature Event resulted in over $200,000 wor th of contributions to benefit the newest Tabitha Residence, Harbor House.

This innovative model of living provides skilled nursing and longPresident, Jack Struyk and term care in a residential-style Lockton his wife, Polly, prep for the live setting for Elders and neighbors. registry auction to benefit Tabitha Residence—Harbor House.

Harbor House is nestled lakeside in south Lincoln’s beautiful Williamsburg neighborhood and serves up private suites and exceptional care for residents.

It neighbors Tabitha’s successful Cove House and is Tabitha’s eighth living community of its kind. At Harbor House, seniors are supported to live lives of independence and individuality, giving them the ultimate freedom of choice. Tabitha’s renowned Longtime Tabitha supporters Phillip Mullin and Tabitha Foundation quality of care in these familyoriented communities has resulted Board Member, Linda Robinson Rutz in better clinical outcomes, reduced peruse the silent auction in front of hospitalization, a decreased a Slim Hergert original painting. occurrence of depression and loneliness and unprecedented satisfaction among older adults who are proud to call these Tabitha Residences home.

Tabitha is ever grateful to major sponsors for making the event possible including AMPT, Lockton Companies, Dr. Rod and Debbie Basler, Bryan Health, Immanuel, Kidwell, Assurity, Cline Williams, among many other corporate and individual sponsors.

LHRMA Announces December Meeting, Social The Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, December 12th at the DelRay Ballroom. Join LHRMA this FREE year-end program and member social beginning at 3:30 p.m. with a presentation titled More Than a Job: Finding the Worth in My Work by John Harris, Encouragement Unlimited. A member social follows at 4:30 p.m. celebrating a great year with LHRMA members including cocktails, appetizers and door prizes. Members please register online at www.lincolnhr.org by December 8th.

LHRMA’s mission is to be the go-to resource on people management for the community by connecting professionals to solve everyday problems, providing quality education, collaborating with community leaders, and leading change for our industry. For more information, please visit lincolnhr.org.

Local Businesses Help Brighten Holidays for CEDARS Kids Some kids wish for a safe place to sleep. That heartbreaking truth is the reality that CEDARS works every day to change.

Over 300 children will be staying safe in CEDARS care over the holidays. For many, it is because they have no other safe place to spend the night. Many come with just the clothing on their backs. And for many, this is the first time they have spent the holidays away from their homes.

“The holidays are a time of excitement and magic. We want to keep that joy for the kids during this difficult time in their young lives,” said Jim Blue, President of CEDARS. Throughout the month, local businesses are asking employees, customers and clients for help in collecting toys, clothes and other gifts for the children at CEDARS. These donations send such a strong, positive message to the children. Oftentimes, their lives are filled with chaos and disappointment, but these gifts show them that someone really cares for them. “It’s a powerful message,” Blue said.

Anyone interested in helping to #GiveJoy to the children at CEDARS is encouraged to contact Tracy Christensen at (402) 437-8820 or tchristensen@cedars-kids.org.

For more information about how CEDARS cares for children and their families, call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Survivors Rising Announces 2018 Speakers Matt Talbot Celebrates Holiday Season Bureau Opportunities With La Paz Restaurant Survivors Rising has begun sc heduling Speakers Bureau presentations and training sessions for 2018, and has also extended the opportunity to join the collective.

Survivors Rising’s Speakers Bureau is a collective of individuals impacted by sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, dating/domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking who have chosen to share their experience of violence and hope to educate the public, create social change, promote awareness of the prevalence and harm of violence and trauma, train service providers, impact policy and legislation and assist in preventing violence in our communities.

Presentations by survivors are available for training, conferences, awareness campaigns, panel discussions, brown bag lunches, vigils and other speaking engagements. Survivors Rising also provides training and workshops regarding sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, dating/ domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking. Workshops include survivor experience, data and research, indicators and information on identifying victims/survivors or offenders, available resources for victims/ survivors, and suggestions on how to help victims/survivors.

If you are interested in scheduling a training or presentation, or if you are interested in becoming a member of the Speakers Bureau to share your own story please contact Kim at kimsurvivorsrising@gmail.com. You can find out more about Survivors Rising online at survivorsrising.org.

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Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach will have its annual Holiday Fiesta Celebration during the noon meal on December 21.

La Paz Mexican Restaurant will once again donate a traditional Mexican feast for Matt Talbot guests to enjoy.

The dining room will be decorated with an eclectic mix of traditional Christmas fare as well as a Mexican theme. The Fiesta has become a favorite holiday tradition at Matt Talbot.

Rick and Julie Holm, former owners of La Paz, generously donated food for this special holiday event for over ten years. La Paz’s new owners, Andrew Wilson and Jonas Steele, have agreed to continue this compassionate tradition of giving in 2017.

Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a hunger relief and outreach center for those in need.

Annually Matt Talbot provides over 100,000 nutritious meals to the hungry in Lincoln and more than 25,000 homeless prevention services such as housing, drug & alcohol evaluations, life skills classes, nutrition counseling, and help with obtaining vital identification documents.

Learn more at www.mtko.org.

For over 26 years La Paz Mexican Fare and Cantina has brought the best Mexican restaurant dining experience to Lincoln. Located at 321 N. Cotner Blvd., the restaurant offers traditional favorites as well as select dishes unique to La Paz.

NON-PROFIT NEWS

St. Monica’s Launches 100 Days Campaign, Sets Goal to Raise $100K St. Monica’s is working toward an exciting announcement!

After years of searching for the right time and place to house a holistic community campus for ALL of its programs, St. Monica’s is currently in negotiations for a new property. You are invited to help St. Monica’s realize this dream by making your pledge to the 100 Days Campaign. Your donation will help St. Monica’s provide the specialized care and services women need to find their own resilience, overcoming addiction and behavioral health issues.

Strong women build strong families. Please make your pledge today!

In these last 100 days of 2017, you may send your pledge in the provided envelope or visit www. stmonicas.com and click on the 100 days button on the website to convey your support.

SeneGence Intl., Independent Distributors Raise Over $65K for Sammy’s Superheroes On October 26, leaders from Tulsa, OK based SeneGence International, a global leader in the cosmetics and skincare industry, were in Omaha and presented a check for $30,000 to Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation. These are proceeds from their September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month ‘Go Gold’ campaign. Presenting the check, representing SeneGence International is Christopher Simonian (Chief Sales and Development Officer), Leslie Boyd-Bradley (Vice President of Personal Development), and Lara Bolton (Senior Vice President of Global Sales.

Nationally, September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and SeneGence International launched a ‘Go Gold’ campaign and raised a total of $95,000, donating a portion of every new distributor sign-up. A total of four organizations in both the US and Canada will benefit from these efforts. A second check in the amount of $35,497 was also presented to Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation from an online crowdfunding campaign, appropriately titled “SeneSisters GO GOLD.” This effort was organized privately by hundreds of SeneGence distributors across the country during the month of September in an effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer, the #1 cause of death by disease in children.

Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to raise awareness of and funds for childhood cancer research of all types. To learn more go to www.sammyssuperheroes.org or contact Development Coordinator, Alyssa Theilen, at atheilen@ sammyssuperheroes.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Registration Now Open for Theatre Arts For Save The Date: Habitat for Humanity Kids 2018 Spring Productions Announces 30th Anniversary Celebration Theatre Arts fo r K i d s w i l l be presenting t w o ex c i t i n g productions this coming spring: D i s n ey ’ s T h e Jungle Book Kids and Tarzan The Stage Musical!

Registration is now open for both, with opportunities available in three age groups – Rising Stars (ages 3-8), Stage Stars (ages 6-10), and Star Catchers (ages 8-15).

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids rehearsals will take place on Saturdays from January 13-March 3, with performances on Saturday, March 3 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tarzan The Stage Musical rehearsals will take place on Saturdays from January 13-April 14, with performances on Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In F ebr uary 2018, Habitat Lincoln will celebrate 30 years of building affordable homes in Lancaster County. You’re invited to celebrate Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln’s 30th anniversary during an evening filled with festivity, honors, cuisine, cocktails, desserts, and entertainment - including a premiere Toolbelt Fashion Show & Auction!

The event will take place on Saturday, February 3 at Creekside Event Barn in Roca from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Proceeds from the celebration support the purchase of required building materials and subcontractors used in building local Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln homes.

Performances will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, located at 4325 Sumner Street. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at tafk. org. All are encouraged to come see a show to support Theatre Arts for Kids, a local non-profit organization working with hundreds of children each year through musical theatre programs.

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Alongside future homeowners, volunteers, and supporters, Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln helps Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability, and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. To date, Habitat Lincoln has built or repaired more than 150 homes; serving more than 700 local individuals in need of decent shelter.

To register or find out more about the opportunities offered by Theatre Arts For Kids, please visit www.ta4k.com or contact Leah Kolar at (608) 322-4549 / info@tafk.org.

For more information about this event, please contact Christina Zink at (402) 235-8943 / czink@lincolnhabitat.org or visit the website at www.lincolnhabitat.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS TeamMates: Lincoln Students Need Help From Downtown Businesses Working in downtown Lincoln can be a great convenience for some and a major hassle for others, but making a difference in the downtown area can be both hassle-free and convenient. Students at a school near you would benefit from your shared interests and desire to make a difference. People often forget about the many students attending schools in the downtown area. In fact, there are already over 225 TeamMates mentors making a difference right now, but more are needed.

Schools in the downtown area have numerous students waiting for employees like the ones in your company. A relatively small amount of time each week can have a huge impact in their lives. You are just a few steps away from making a big difference. Get started today. Go to www.LincolnTeamMates.org/SB or call (402) 436-1990 to learn more.

Fresh Start Highlights Ways to Maximize Holiday Giving Please remember Fresh Start as you plan your end of the year donations.

Does your employer have a matching gift program?

If so, you can double the impact of your donation at no additional cost to you.

Don’t have an employer match program? There are other ways to support Fresh Start through shopping this holiday season. When shopping online don’t forget to use AmazonSmile, Good Shop, or Ebay for Charity.

These programs help raise money for Fresh Start.

Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that empowers women who are homeless by recognizing and utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Because of the generosity of its donors, Fresh Start has been able to provide basic needs, shelter, and case management to over 1,500 women. Contact Monica at (402) 4757777 / monicaz@FreshStartHome.org or visit FreshStartHome. org for more information. Stay connected: Facebook.com/ FreshStartHomeLincoln | Twitter.com/FreshStartLNK

Strictly Business is Calling All Non-Profits Strictly Business will be featuring a host of local non-profit organizations in our January 2018 issue and we want to help raise awareness for your organization too! As a part of the mission of Strictly Business Magazine, we feel that keeping our readers educated about local non-profit organizations and their unique and important contributions to our community is paramount. This bi-annual feature is an excellent opportunity for non-profits to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the needs of these organizations and the valuable work that is going on in our community.

If you are a non-profit organization serving the Lincoln community and are interested in being featured in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email office@strictlybusinessomaha.com. You may view our past Supporting Non-Profit stories at www.strictly-business.com.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

Friendship Home Announces 2018 Welcome M.A.T Presentations

Nebraska Community Blood Bank: Three Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season

J o i n Friendship H o m e s t a f f fo r a o n e - h o u r, inspirational Welcome M.A.T. (Mission Advancement Talk) in 2018. The presentation is designed to give guests a greater understanding of the work Friendship Home does every day with victims of domestic violence. It truly is a welcome mat, virtually leading guests through the doors of Friendship Home and into the lives of the families they have served. Welcome M.A.T. presentations take place in the early evening at Friendship Home’s confidential Service Center.

Social time is from 5-5:30 p.m. with the presentation from 5:306:30 p.m. Refreshments are provided. Dates for the upcoming presentations are: Wednesday, January 17th; Thursday, February 15th; Tuesday, March 13th; and Wednesday, April 4th. To RSVP to an upcoming Welcome M.A.T, contact Sande at sanded@ friendshiphome.org or (402) 434-0160. More information can be found at www.friendshiphome.org.

Looking for a way to give back that will impact the lives of others in your community? Nebraska Community Blood Bank offers the following suggestions: Become a Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) Blood Donor The holiday season is a busy time, but the need for blood doesn’t take a holiday. Help save a life in our community this holiday season by committing an hour of your time to donate blood. Schedule an appointment at donor.ncbb.org.

Tell Others About the Need for Blood This holiday season you can spread the good news! If you are a dedicated donor and want to make a bigger impact or if you are unable to donate blood, tell friends and family about the importance of blood donation while sharing a story. Find stories of lives saved at NCBB.ORG/lifesaving_story.

Volunteer With NCBB Santa isn’t the only one who needs cookies this time of year – so do NCBB donors at the end of their donation journey. Blood donors know their gifts are helping save lives, and NCBB works hard to provide them with the best possible donation experience. By serving cookies and juice to donors in the canteen, helping at special events, or even folding t-shirts, volunteers play a vital role in thanking donors for their selfless giving. Learn more about becoming a volunteer at NCBB.ORG/volunteer.

Home Builders Make Wooden Toys, Give Back For the 29th year, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) built wooden toys for children in need. The toys were donated to the Lincoln Police Union’s Santa Cop project through the Center for People in Need. This year’s project was 70 sets of stacking blocks.

Jim Christo (left) and Jerry Maher cut the More than 100 boards for our stacking blocks project. These members of the skilled carpenters have been participating in HBAL’s Santa Cop Project for many years. association and their children attended the event which took place Saturday, November 11 at Lincoln Northeast High School. All toys for this project go to children who might not otherwise receive a gift.

HBAL’s annual Santa Cop Project is just one of the many ways its members give back Over 100 HBAL members, their family and to the community. In friends came together to cut, sand and assemble October, HBAL held its 70 sets of wooden stacking block games.

10th Annual Sporting Clay Shoot at Oak Creek Sporting Club near Brainard, NE. The event raised over $6,700 for the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation.

The Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln. The Foundation contributes to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing careers related to the building industry and providing funding for other industry related educational and research programs. Since 2010, the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation has distributed over $137,000 through its community projects and scholarship program.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

FRIENDS4LUNCH

Last Month: Venue Restaurant & Lounge Venue Restaurant & Lounge is an experience that every Nebraskan craves and every out-of-town visitor hears about. Their award-winning cuisine is handmade from scratch ingredients, including the freshest farm-to-table products from Nebraska farms and exquisite seafood from all around the world.

Whether dining in their extraordinary restaurant and lounge, enjoying exquisite chef-inspired catering, or utilizing one of their five event rooms, guests can always count on getting the very best Venue has to offer.

Thank you to all who joined us last month - we were thrilled to have the most friends in attendance yet this year!

This Month: Santa’s Secret On behalf of our entire Strictly Business team, we would like to invite you to our next Friends4Lunch event we are holding...but it’s a secret! If you’re on our nice list, you’ll receive an email with the details. If you’re on our naughty list, don’t worry, you’re still invited - but be sure to check our Facebook page for the details once they are announced. Tis’ the season, so come wearing your favorite UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER!

Friends4Lunch is one of our continued monthly networking events held at one of our favorite local restaurants. The tradition was established in the hopes of offering a casual way to make valuable connections with friends and strangers alike in the area over lunch while supporting our clients and enjoying their amazing cuisine.

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HEALTH NEWS Honor Health & Wellness Opens, Begins Accepting New Patients

Nebraska State Stroke Association Announces Stars Hockey Night Fundraiser

Honor Health & Wellness, Lincoln’s newest family practice clinic, officially opened its doors in October and is currently accepting new patients!

Kristina Saunders, APRN, NP-C, CDE and her team of professionals are dedicated to supporting the varying goals for achieving optimal health and wellness of those here in the Lincoln community. Saunders established Honor Health & Wellness to empower individuals and families and to guide them toward achieving optimal health. Focused on providing education for patients that allows them to make informed decisions regarding their health, the philosophy at Honor Health & Wellness is simple – “We HONOR you, we HONOR your health, and we would be HONORED to be your partner in wellness!”

Located at 1620 S. 70th Street, Suite 104, Honor Health & Wellness provides comprehensive medical services including preventative health care and chronic disease management for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Saunders specializes in diabetes education and management, as well as in care coordination for individuals with multiple chronic illnesses. The practice accepts most commercial insurance, Medicare and Medicaid.

Those interested in learning more about Honor Health & Wellness are welcome to contact Kris Saunders directly at (402) 802-0402 or may visit the website at www.honorhealthwellness.com.

You’re invited to join the Nebraska State Stroke Association (NSSA) for the Lincoln Stars vs. TriCity Storm hockey game on Thursday, December 28th at 7:05 p.m. at The Ice Box, 1880 Transformation Dr. in Lincoln.

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Special priced $15 tickets (regularly $18) are available for NSSA supporters, and proceeds from each ticket ordered online at goo.gl/ U8HQAc (case sensitive) will be donated to the organization. Bring your friends and family, save money, have fun and together we can shut out stroke in Nebraska!

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Nebraska and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. The mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is to serve Nebraskans through stroke prevention, education, advocacy, and support services. Since 1985, NSSA has been providing education and outreach on the signs of stroke and serving as a resource for stroke survivors and their families in Nebraska. NSSA is a 501 (c)(3) organization. To donate to NSSA, find a speaker or share your stroke story, visit www.NebraskaStroke. org or contact Linda Stephen at (402) 484-8131 / hello@ nebraskastroke.org.

HEALTH NEWS Nebraska Community Blood Bank Welcomes New Bloodmobile On October 24th, Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) officially welcomed a brand new bloodmobile to its fleet.

This new bloodmobile expands NCBB’s fleet of bloodmobiles to four, which will help the blood center grow its efforts to collect life-saving blood for our hospital partners.

NCBB bloodmobiles travel thousands of miles each year to host more than 500 blood drives in partnership with area businesses, schools, and community organizations.

The new bloodmobile features pictures of blood recipients from our community, including Kim Short, who needed blood transfusions while she awaited a bone marrow transplant. Kim’s father Bill Short cut the ceremonial ribbon.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosted the celebration at NCBB’S 84th Street donor center, and NCBB staff offered tours of the new vehicle and its facility The need for blood is constant. NCBB needs at least 1,000 blood donors every week to ensure we can provide local hospitals with the blood patients need to survive. All types are needed – especially type O negative (O-). To schedule an appointment or learn more, please visit NCBB.ORG or call (877) 486-9414.

Husker Rehab Celebrates Opening of Speedway Village Location Shortly after the opening of its Nebraska City clinic in September, Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness Centers, P. C . c e l eb ra t e d its expansion with a third Lincoln facility located at Speedway Village.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on October 12th to formally mark the grand opening.

The newest location at 345 Speedway Circle Suite #3 is led by Kelli Reilly, MS, PT, ATC. Husker Rehab focuses on postural imbalances which can exist in the way we move, or don’t move. They don’t have to accompany a major injury – but correction of them can prevent one. The professionals at Husker Rehabilitation and Wellness Centers, PC., pride themselves in introducing you to your perfectly imperfect posture. They are here to provide you with corrective exercise and strategies to help you get back to you. They want to help you restore that balance of movement in all directions.

The mission of Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness is to provide costeffective holistic rehabilitation and occupational health services which exceed their patients’ expectations and maximize functional outcomes in an attractive and caring environment. Husker Rehab has six locations spanning southeast Nebraska, all with the common mission of helping patients stay healthy and meeting the needs of those in the communities it serves. Find out more about Husker Rehab online at www.huskerrehab.com.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

FOSTER CARE: CEDARS

Reasons to Foster a Teen

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS goal is either to reunite children safely with their families or find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals.

In some cases, a child in need of a foster home might be very young, but many in need are teens and pre-teens. Older youth need the love and support of a trusted, solid relationship with family just as much as younger children.

CEDARS asked their foster parents and teens why others should consider opening their hearts and homes to fostering a teen. These are some of their answers: 1. We aren’t in diapers.

2. We sleep through the night.

3. Teens get more involved in independent, outside-the-home activities – primarily extracurricular activities at school and work. Yes, that can mean you’re doing more driving around, but it also means that you’re getting a couple hours of “break” here and there.

4. They are often helpful around the home. Mowing, vacuuming, cooking, even transporting or tutoring younger siblings.

5. You get to teach them the fun stuff that they will use the rest of their life, like driving, budgeting, cooking, and cleaning.

6. You don’t need to find a babysitter for us or send us to daycare.

7. You have the opportunity to form a lifelong friendship.

8. You have the ability to help a teen gain their independence and start their adult life on a positive note.

9. Each and every one of them has taught us something new about ourselves.

10. All kids need superheroes…regardless of how old they are. It’s kind of cool to think that you might be part of the reason this kid goes to college or becomes someone great.

Every day, the CEDARS team is working to ensure that over 275 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they are equipped with exceptional training and have access to the staff team 24/7, support groups, and quarterly gatherings for foster families.

It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family.

CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt and empty nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart and a willingness to reach out to a child in need. The CEDARS team is committed to providing the best experience possible to foster children and foster families.

If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at (402) 890-1410 or apoppe@ cedars-kids.org.

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Strictly Business DECEMBER 2017

LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

by Coby Mach, President & CEO

402-466-3419 • www.liba.org

Controlling Taxes

Every year the Lincoln Independent Business Association Legislative Action Team looks at new ideas to help our community. Often those ideas are centered on making our city and state more tax-friendly. Below are some of the priorities we will be talking to Senators about when they meet in January.

Eliminate the Personal Property Tax on Nebraska Businesses. Although the amount of personal property taxes paid has gone down as a result of LB 259, in 2014, Nebraska businesses paid more than $217 million in personal property taxes. The personal property tax not only costs businesses financially, but it is also costly in terms of the time and effort necessary to complete and file the appropriate tax returns, which are filed individually in each county in which a business owns personal property. Many of Nebraska’s nearby states do not impose any tax on personal property, including Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Indeed, experts report that there has been a national trend to shift away from personal property taxes, including states like Ohio and Michigan that have phased out their personal property tax. LIBA supports the elimination of the personal property tax and asks Nebraska legislators to look for ways to phase out this tax that directly impacts Nebraska’s existing and new businesses.

Prevent the Issuance of Public Debt without a Vote of the People.

There seems to be a trend among local government entities in the Lincoln area where elected leaders are willing to pursue the issuance of bonds – and in turn incur public debt obligations – without a vote of the people. Since 2001, the City of Lincoln has issued more than $40 million of certificates of participation bonds without approval of the public under a special provision in statute that allows them to do this. LIBA firmly believes that public debt should not be incurred except by a vote of the people who will be on the hook for making future payments, with interest. LIBA believes that the continued issuance of bonds by our elected officials without vote of the people needs to be stopped and is committed to pursuing legislation that will limit or reduce this practice, and will work to stop any effort to expand this authority.

Reduce Nebraska’s Income Tax. Nebraska must be competitive when it comes to our income tax rates on individuals and businesses. High income tax rates have a detrimental impact on our economy by reducing the amount of money our businesses have to pay workers and reducing the amount of money we have to spend locally. The first step in improving our economy in Nebraska should be to reduce income tax rates to a level that would make us more competitive nationally.

Increase Transparency for Schools and School Board Members’ Salaries. Nebraska’s schools receive a large portion of property taxes to make improvements to schools and keep them running smoothly.

Adding a line-item budget or check register to public school districts’ websites would increase transparency in how property taxes and other funds are spent.

Allow Government Levies to be Lowered by a Vote of the People.

Give Nebraskans the local power to lower any government levy with a vote of the people. This would truly be local control. LIBA would be willing to discuss a limit on the amount the levy could go down, as well as a limitation that levies could be adjusted only one time per three-year period.

LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community.

If you have an interest in joining LIBA, please call me 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.

LIBA NEW MEMBERS

Blu Velvet Boutique Blu Velvet Boutique is a locally owned and operated boutique that has all of the current fashion must-haves, from clothing and shoes to jewelry, bags and accessories. You can also find specialty items such as candles and skin care, many of which are made locally.

Blu Velvet is now located in the charming Shoppes at Piedmont at 1265 S. Cotner Blvd. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Thursdays when it is open until 7 p.m., and on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Hours are also extended occasionally for special events.

Stay connected with Blu Velvet on social media – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – to be the first to check out new arrivals and find out about promotions!

The Damage Guy The Damage Guy is a locally owned and operated business specializing in the repair of damage caused during moving. Serving both residential and commercial clients in Lincoln and surrounding areas, the company’s offerings include, but are not limited to: drywall repair, hardwood floor touch-ups, and furniture repair and touch-ups.

Owner Marty Marrison has applied his expertise gained from 30 years of experience in the moving industry with Two Men And A Truck’s Lincoln franchise to launch his own business, which will be celebrating its 1st anniversary in the beginning of 2018. Additionally, he’s completed numerous continuing education courses through Mohawk Refinishing, staying up-to-date on materials, applications and techniques.

The Damage Guy is a trusted partner for moving companies to utilize when any damage is incurred during jobs, for property management companies who are repairing damage done by tenants, or for homeowners who are selling or have moved into a new home and need damage repaired.

To find out more about The Damage Guy, please contact Marty Marrison at (402) 310-4646 / mmarrison@yahoo.com.

WonderWild WonderWild is a brand identity + design studio with over a decade of experience.

We are not a full-service agency. We are visual identity & design specialists.

Our goal in every project is to harness the power of smart & beautiful design in a way that uniquely tells your story, makes a memorable first impression, deeply resonates with your tribe and sets you apart for years to come.

Design for impact.

For more information, contact Jameson Rexilius at jameson@ wonderwild.co or visit the website at WonderWild.co.

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ASK THE EXPERT: LINCOLN AIRPORT

402-458-2480

by David Haring, Executive Director www.lincolnairport.com Lincoln Airport Authority

Lincoln Airport Offers Tips for Holiday Travelers The holiday travel season has already taken off, beginning with trips home to celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s traditionally one of the busiest times of year at airports, but that doesn’t mean air travelers need to panic.

Patience is the key. Flights from Lincoln will be pretty full but passenger numbers won’t be significantly higher than usual.

We do tend to see more family and friends at the airport to greet loved ones as they arrive, so there may be some additional traffic in front of the terminal and in our parking areas.

There are some things to keep in mind throughout the holiday season to help make your journey go smoothly: • Allow more time to park, check luggage and go through security. In Lincoln, arrive at least 60-90 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Travelers with returning flights to Lincoln from larger cities may want to get to those airports even earlier.

• If you need assistance at the Lincoln Airport, contact the Red Coats at the service desk near the center entrance.

• Check gifts or other packages with your luggage, if possible.

Do not wrap any gifts or other items that are carried onto the plane. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents may need to inspect them.

• If possible, ship gifts to your destination ahead of time to simplify your check-in process.

• It’s best to pack food items in checked luggage. TSA regulations allow some food items in carry-on bags, but TSA agents have the final say on whether to allow items on planes.

• Pay attention to the weather and flight schedules. Winter storms at connecting hub airports can delay arrivals and departures in Lincoln and elsewhere across the country.

• If you have a smartphone, download your airline’s app. You can use the app to get updates on connecting flights and other travel information.

• Follow Lincoln Airport on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news on airport operations.

A new option for people flying from Lincoln is reserved parking in the garage, which is connected to the terminal by skywalk. A limited number of stalls are available.

Reserved parking costs an additional $3 per day above standard rates. Spots can be reserved at LincolnAirport.com, where travelers can also find the latest updates on flight schedules and additional information on parking and airport services.

More specific information regarding security regulations and procedures is available at TSA.gov.

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From private planes to corporate jets, Lincoln Airport of the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, aviation enthusiasts of all types will find the airport to be a one-stop shop for all their needs. Services such as aircraft storage, fueling, major and minor maintenance, aircraft painting and flight training are available through the airport and/or one of our general aviation partners.

LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Wendy Birdsall, President

402-436-2350 • www.lcoc.org

Hour of Code Today’s world is undoubtedly a digital world.

Since its inception, computers and computer programming have been at the forefront of the world’s leading industries and the focus of a continually evolving job market.

Most of the startup world today revolves around technology, computers, and the foundation they are built upon - digital code. Statistics show that over the next 10 years, computer and technology careers will grow at two times the national average – with over one-million jobs available and less than half-a-million students studying in that field.

If the idea of learning how to write computer code seems impossible, it’s not. Experts say in as little as 60 minutes, coding can go from a foreign language to a newly acquired skill.

I hope you will join me to learn more and take your shot at learning how to code at the nationwide Hour of Code Event. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Hour of Code is an hour-long introduction to computer science, specially designed to demystify code and show anybody can learn the basics and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts.

This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide. This year there are over 51,000 Hour of Code events taking place around the world. The Hour of Code is driven by the Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week Advisory and Review Committees as well as an unprecedented coalition of partners that have come together to support the Hour of Code - including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board. Future coders can choose from a variety of self-guided tutorials from kindergarten-level classes and up. The tutorials work on any modern browser, tablet or smartphone.

The event takes place during Computer Science Education Week.

Lincoln’s Hour of Code will be held on December 9 from 9 a.m. 12 p.m. at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Please visit www.codelnk. org to register.

There will also be an interactive Tech Fair happening at the same time at Innovation Campus. Visit over 20 interactive booths and connect with mentors from local technology companies to help you get started in programming.

Hopefully, you can stop by and see for yourself what the future of America’s workforce looks like.

I have no doubt that as we continue to push forward and educate more people on the importance of technology and education that Lincoln can be home to some of the 21st Century’s best jobs.

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

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Terry Uland, President

402-434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org

Threads Celebrates 5 Years Footloose & Fancy opened in 1975 as the Birkenstock store.

A few decades later, owners Jane and Matt Stricker made the decision to bring in clothing added “Threads” to the store’s name.

The retail store, and longtime downtowns t a p l e, c e l eb ra t e d t h e f i ve - ye a r anniversary of Threads this fall with a sale event.

Stricker said much has changed over the last five years, especially the store’s retail growth.

“We have grown to carrying over 15 clothing brands now,” Stricker said. “Our biggest line of clothing is Patagonia. We now have a 50/50 selection of men’s and women’s items.”

Being located in downtown is a big part of Threads’ identity.

Stricker said there are plenty of benefits to their location, including having people from out of town visit the store.

“Being so close to the University and carrying the brands students love has been great too,” she said. “Being in walking distance for students without cars is important. I have always loved the vibe and hustle downtowns have.”

Stricker said she hopes to Threads continues to see growth and she has high hopes for the store’s future. “[We hope to continue being] a staple of downtown Lincoln and bring in the best brands and selection,” she said. “We want to be a store that people are excited to come in and see what’s new often.”

As for the immediate future, Stricker hopes the community things of Threads and other small businesses when doing their holiday shopping.

“We challenge people this holiday season to think local,” she said.

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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Environmental Impact For businesses and individuals alike, accountability with respect to the impact we each have on the environment is what will determine our collective future. We all have the power to make a difference, and taking action of any kind is a step in the right direction. Many times these efforts also have benefits attached that extend past reducing our environmental footprint, such as creating greater efficiencies or monetary savings, making them worthwhile all around.

Specifically regarding environmentally-friendly practices implemented in business operations, the buzz right now here in Lincoln, NE is certainly the impending cardboard ban. We’ve consulted with a few local business and organizations to find out exactly what you need to know in order to take the appropriate action in the coming months.

Sustainable business practices don’t stop there though, so we’ve also highlighted another prominent business in our community that offers innovative recycling services and green buildings to give you an idea of the possibilities that exist here at the local level.

First though, let’s explore the cardboard ban.

“The cardboard ban will take effect on April 1, 2018,” advises Julie Diegel with the Nebraska Recycling Council. “Corrugated cardboard is the only material that will be Julie Diegel banned from the landfill at the present time.

Nebraska Recycling Council It is defined as three or more layers of paper

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with at least one layer of rippled (corrugated) paper. Cardboard soiled with food wastes or oils, and cardboard that is completely wet, is not recyclable and can be landfilled or composted. Waste haulers are obligated to ensure that cardboard is not entering the landfill, and will be assessed a fee if their loads are contaminated with cardboard. The City will not ticket businesses, only haulers.

Businesses must subscribe to a recycling collection service or take their cardboard directly to a recycling processor. They are not allowed to use the residential recycling drop-off sites scattered around the city.

Businesses have the option of getting financial assistance from the City of Lincoln through their WRAPP program. You can learn more about it online at www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/pworks/solid-waste/recycle/ wrrap/. A rebate of up to $750, in total, is available for start-up costs related to the purchase of containers or physical improvements, waste composition assessments and educational materials, and the cost of monthly recycling or composting collection services for the first six months.

Also, the Nebraska Recycling Council has equipment grants available of up to $15,000 that can be used for recycling equipment as well as container and label purchases. Information can be found at www.nrene. org/equipment-grants. Restrictions apply.

It’s important to note that the ban doesn’t just apply to businesses - everyone whose waste is hauled to the Bluff Road Landfill will be affected by the disposal ban. Residents have the option of subscribing to a curbside recycling collection service or taking it to one of the public recycling drop-off sites. Waste haulers in Lincoln offer recycling collection services, so residents may add the service on to their existing trash collection service or subscribe independent of their trash collector.”

She concludes, “Lincoln has improved its cultural offerings and visual appearance dramatically in recent years, and has developed a reputation as a progressive, attractive city. This culture is appealing to youth, families and businesses. In order to stay on this upward trajectory, it is important that citizens who share these benefits also take responsibility by responding to the challenges of our times. We need to re-think and reduce the negative impacts human beings have on life-supporting natural systems, locally and globally. Keeping cardboard out of the landfill is a simple, but highly effective step in the right direction.”

Implementing a program that works for your business, and your bottom line, is entirely possible. Right now there is time to plan accordingly, so it’s a good idea to consult with a variety of resources to see what they are offering and if that aligns best with your specific needs.

“When discussing waste costs and recycling with businesses, most business owners will know off the top of their heads what their overhead costs run, what their payroll runs, and what the bottom line looks like, but when asked about waste costs they have no idea,” notes Dianna Johnson with Mil-tek Central Recycling and Waste Solutions. “Currently, Lincoln has had the luxury of relatively inexpensive waste hauling as compared to much of the US. And in Nebraska, we have been blessed with having large amounts of Dianna Johnson land for landfills, making recycling less of a Mil-tek Central Recycling concern. Although individual businesses will not and Waste Solutions be directly fined for allowing cardboard into their waste streams, their waste haulers will be fined, and those costs will be reflected back to the business community. Waste costs and recycling then begins to become much more relevant. Waste costs will continue to rise as businesses find themselves adding more dumpsters, more weekly pickups, additional tip charges and fines.

Businesses that are proactive can begin to take a look at their waste costs, operations, and procedures around handling waste. There are a number of different options that can be used to recycle cardboard and many do not include having to add dumpsters in an already crowded alley or trash corral. For example, there are different types and sizes of balers and compactors that can significantly enhance the recycling efforts of all sizes and types of businesses. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to begin to take a look at this as resources will become more limited as deadlines become closer.”

She adds, “Most businesses and individuals don’t really know the full extent of the potential impact recycling can have on our environment.

For example, by recycling one ton of cardboard it saves 46 gallons of oil, 390 kilowatts of electricity, and 9 cubic yards of landfill space.

With 90% of all products shipped in the U.S. shipped in corrugated cardboard, it equals out to more than 400 billion sq. ft. of cardboard annually. That being said, cardboard and paper waste make up 41% of the municipal solid waste stream. If we use recycled cardboard to make new cardboard it takes 24% less energy and procedures than making cardboard from raw materials.

In addition to just knowing the impact that recycling cardboard can have there are a number of things businesses can do to improve their recycling efforts. Putting together green teams within organizations that are focused on making a difference in the world and are dedicated to recycling efforts or just making things cleaner, neater and greener for organizations can have a significant impact on moving businesses toward change. In addition to cardboard, many other things within businesses are recyclable such as but not limited to paper, bottles, plastics, Styrofoam, cans etc.

Become a member of the Nebraska Recycling Council. Keep track of recycling volumes. Celebrate successes. It feels good to save hundreds of trees and gallons of oil. It is powerful to have a certificate in a business that says together we saved 250 trees this year! Collaborate with neighboring businesses in possibly sharing a small baler for baling cardboard. Work with local recyclers. Donate funds generated by recyclables to non-profits organizations to support their causes. Help clean up alleyways and waste corral areas by recycling and eliminating dumpsters. Mil-tek Central offers free waste consultative services to help business save money and recycle, and we’d be happy to help you take a look at how you can implement a program or improve upon your existing one.

In a recent survey customers and employees were asked why they continued to frequent or work at the businesses they do. In the top five answers were safety, cleanliness of the facility, and sustainability efforts. Recycling truly makes a difference in retaining and attracting new customers and employees.”

Kelley McReynolds with Mid America Recycling further emphasizes, “Employee education and involvement is vital to the success of recycling programs. Employers should provide clearly marked receptacles and good visible signage showing pictures of what may and may not go into the receptacle.

Businesses should also encourage employees to recycle at home like they do at work. At Mid America Recycling, we encourage recycling at home as a way to earn points in our health and wellness program.

Kelley McReynolds Furthermore, businesses and residents Mid America Recycling participating in a single stream program should keep an open line of communication with their preferred hauler.

If there is a material that is not accepted by your hauler, there’s a good reason for it. Including materials that are not accepted makes the whole process more difficult. Entire loads of recyclables could end up in the landfill due to contamination from unwanted materials since the sorting and recycling process would more expensive than the value of the recyclables. The City of Lincoln will be doing a nice environmental education campaign in 2018. As part of that campaign, there will be a lot of recycling education to help clear up confusion surrounding which materials are accepted and which are not.

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It is our responsibility to preserve our planet for future generations.

Recycling is one of the easiest and most readily available ways to help conserve natural resources and protect the planet.”

While cardboard recycling has attracted much of the attention of our local businesses, as previously mentioned, there are a multitude of other ways to make recycling a part of your waste management plan, and extending beyond that to other aspects of operations as well.

For example, TCW Construction has a concrete recycling operation that to date has made a huge impact on our environment.

“We crush concrete and turn it into a reusable product for our customers,” explains Joe Delgado with TCW Construction. “The crusher site at 3rd and West P Street has been crushing concrete rubble from projects like Lincoln Airport, Offutt Air Force Base, and multiple city and state projects in and around the Lincoln area. The end product is then used in new construction projects as an aggregate base for new roadways or bedding foundation to lay underground utilities. We also offer crushed concrete for Joe Delgado the aggregate base on parking lots and TCW Construction driveways. This recycling operation alone has eliminated the need to haul thousands and thousands of tons of concrete and asphalt rubble to our landfill, saving valuable space needed for true garbage disposal and extending the life of our landfill.”

He also speaks to the challenges of adopting green practices into his operations and public awareness associated with those efforts, but also to the benefits of doing so. “Showing that we are green as a construction company is often an uphill battle, as sometimes appearances don’t exactly match up with reality. We all enjoy driving our vehicle on a smooth paved surface but unfortunately there comes a time when roads get old and need to be rebuilt or a tree is in the way of a new

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development and it has to come down. Lincoln continues to grow, and supply cannot keep up with demand today. It gives us peace of mind knowing we can recycle concrete rubble and reuse it. We have many customers in Lincoln and the surrounding areas come to our plant to purchase all different sizes and types of crushed concrete to help us integrate reuse of old roads. It doesn’t matter if it’s concrete or just a cinderblock you are looking to throw away, we invite you to recycle with us at TCW Construction.

We also have a Butler franchise, which makes sustainable building affordable. Butler combines the inherent green benefits of steel with the company’s own green systems and practices. The result is a building that: 1) Contains a high percentage of recycled material and is itself recyclable; 2) Optimizes the use of raw materials; 3) Is energy efficient; and 4) Can help you achieve LEED® certification.

Roughly 42% of the waste currently disposed of in landfills from Lincoln and Lancaster County is readily recyclable material, and close to half of this waste comes from businesses, industry, institutions, and multi-family housing complexes, so we should do our part.

Start with the basics of recycling in your business by providing clearly marked recyclable bins for your employees. Soon you will notice that more than half of what was going into our landfill is now being recycled.

The benefits of reducing waste to our landfills, saving energy, pollution prevention, protecting our national resources, keeping our environment clean for generations to come while creating new jobs are all reasons to start recycling today. We recommend that you visit www.lincoln.ne.gov/ city/pworks/solid-waste to familiarize yourself with recycling and utilize our local resources for guidance and assistance.”

As you can see, we are fortunate to have access to a variety of local resources that are here to help as we move towards making a big change in how we handle the disposal of cardboard in the coming year. Be sure to utilize them! Beyond that, there are plenty of other ways you can actively participate in protecting our environment. We are all stakeholders in this and together the positive impact we can have is tremendous, indeed.

Winter Driving Brace yourselves Lincolnites, winter is coming. (Sorry Game of Thrones fans, the actual season we have to experience here in Nebraska. You’ll still have to wait what seems like an eternity for the final season of the show.) While we fared quite well last year with mild temperatures for the most part and only a few incidences of poor driving conditions related to inclement weather, that is not anticipated to be the case this time around as we approach yet another formidable Nebraska winter. Be that as it may, we’re not strangers to it and fully appreciate the fact that it’s always wise to be prepared. To that end, the local professionals in the automotive industry are more than ready, willing, and able to help, and have offered some important things to keep in mind as we approach the inevitable.

the winter months. If you’ve hit a pothole or ran into a curb, take a hard and close look at your tires. We see many customers who have not only had tire problems with these minor incidents, but alignment and suspension problems as well. Just as you think of changing your oil regularly, it’s important to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles for safe, even wear and check your tire’s overall wear and air pressure. Check your tire pressure frequently. In the winter months, tire pressure decreases because of colder temperature.

Be sure to inflate tires to the recommended PSI found on the

Being the part of your vehicle that touches the road itself and is central to safe navigation of it, tires are at the top of the list.

“A key component to safe winter driving is to ensure the safety of your tires,” advises Dan Kester with Big Red Tire Pros. “With a new set of tires, you are stopping faster and shorter than you are on a set of worn-out tires. A few feet can be the difference between being in an accident and stopping. The tires on an automobile are very important, and that’s not to be underestimated. When tire tread depth falls below 5/32, the tire’s winter Dan Kester performance is poor, causing poor traction and difficulty stopping. If they appear Big Red Tire Pros choppy or have uneven wear, there could be many causes including improper inflation, improper rotation, poor alignment, or poor shocks or struts; or they may be simply worn out.

It’s important to take a close look at your tires before winter and check their overall condition. Some vehicles are best equipped during winter with either all-season tires or snow tires.

While you’re checking the tires, also take a look at brakes and suspension. With icy and wet roads, it’s important to make sure your brakes are in good working condition. Check over wiper blades and coolant levels and test your battery. Batteries tend to fail in the winter time from the heat they have been exposed to in the summer.

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placard on the driver door.

This winter, be prepared and plan ahead. Check to make sure you have everything you need if you get stranded: jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, ice scraper, blanket, gloves and a small shovel. One new handy thing to add to your Christmas list is a portable power bank charger battery. For about $70 you can not only jump-start your car, but you can charge your phone or other devices and it includes an emergency LED light.”

Nick Vuko Walker Tire and Quick Nick’s Service Centers

Nick Vuko with Walker Tire and Quick Nick’s Service Centers also notes, “I always caution folks to not be fooled by the ‘All Season’ tire designation, especially this time of year. With a name like that it’s easy to have a false sense of security that it means you’ll be safe in all conditions, but that’s not the case.

All Season tires are not designed for ice, snow, and slush. Instead, we highly recommend All Weather tires such as those made by Nokian, a company that is well-known worldwide for engineering tires that are the safest in inclement weather.

There are still a lot of people who have a preset idea and are sold on the concept and hesitant to change their position on it.

However, I urge you to stop in and ask us questions before you absolutely make up your mind. The major safety issue with All Season tires is that stopping and turning are both a problem.

With All Weather Nokian tires, you can go wherever you want and do whatever you need to do no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. Stop into any of our stores and we’ll show you exactly what we’re talking about – Nokian tires truly are the safest application of any tire we’ve ever sold in our 66 years in business.”

All told, “Giving yourself adequate stopping time and ensuring your tires have enough tread to provide ample traction will greatly help in avoiding the fender benders that commonly occur when the roads are icy and slick,” adds Dan Pape with Midtown Body & Paint. “It also helps in avoiding sliding into curbs or even off the road into mailboxes, poles, or other stationary objects. This causes damage to not only to the body of the vehicle, generally on the fender, but can also Dan Pape damage the tire, impacting the alignment Midtown Body & Paint and suspension and causing even more damage when driven afterward. Every situation is different when there’s a collision, and there can potentially be damage that isn’t visible or apparent until later on down the line, so it’s beneficial to have your vehicle checked out as a result just to be on the safe side.

He adds, “When preparing for winter road conditions and also when you’re out driving in it, all of the small things make a big difference. Pay attention, take your time, and avoid tailgating.

Saving just a few minutes on the trip is hardly worth getting into an accident that will turn into hours of time and a considerable amount of money to fix, and perhaps a legal citation and everything that comes along with it on top of all that. Give yourself a little extra time, keep a little extra space from the car in front of you, and show respect for others on the road; we all want to get where we are going safely.

Sometimes accidents can’t be avoided, so be prepared accordingly. Keep a kit in the car with a blanket, flashlight, small shovel, kitty litter for extra traction, and cell phone charger –

things that will get you out of a bind if you’re on your own or have your kids in the car. Particularly with the phone charger, check to ensure that your outlets will power it when the vehicle is off, and if that’s not the case, have a portable charger available. Also, with the brine mixture that’s used on the roads, washing your car periodically is a good idea. You might not see the difference right away, but a few years or more down the road the effects will likely be more noticeable.

These are all small, simple things you can do that will make a big difference.”

In agreement as to why it’s beneficial to keep going through the car wash during the winter months, Kendra McDonald with JetSplash notes, “Winter is rough on your

Kendra McDonald JetSplash

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car. The brine mixture that is placed on the roads is very corrosive to the surface of your vehicle. Wash your car regularly during the winter, especially after snowstorms when brine is applied to the city streets. It is also important to apply a surface protectant to your vehicle’s surface areas regularly during the winter. This will act as a barrier and protect against the elements and corrosive road treatments. JetSplash recently introduced Jet Gloss, a unique surface protectant available only at our locations. Jet Gloss will protect your vehicle’s surface from the elements, providing water repellency and an astonishingly smooth and shiny surface. Finally, make sure your wipers are in good working condition and you have plenty of washer fluid. Don’t drive with buildup of ice and snow on your vehicle!”

Going back to taking your time when driving during winter weather conditions, Robert Peinado with GP Customs further advises, “A key feature we offer to help keep our clients more comfortable and safe on the road is a remote car starter.

For customers living in an apartment complex, or even having to park their car outside at work, this can be a lifesaver.

We can set it up so when you remote start your vehicle it kicks on your defrost automatically and helps remove the snow, frost, and ice off your glass.

Robert Peinado GP Customs

In fact, one of the most popular items we sell during the holidays is our remote car starters with 2-way confirmation. This allows you to see that your car started and is running in real time. These visible confirmations can be either through a small LED remote attached to your key fob, or even through your cell phone with live vehicle updates. The coolest new addition is through a smartwatch, so you can start your vehicle with a flick of your wrist!

For the person who is always ‘on the go’ or in their vehicle a lot, heated washer fluid is another thing we offer to consider. This is great because it melts the snow and ice off your front windshield almost instantaneously! For those long road trips or across town commutes, we also have carbon fiber heated seat pads. These come with a lifetime warranty and have a high and low switch that will allow you to stay toasty warm during those cold winter drives.

He too emphasizes, “When driving under extreme or adverse conditions, give yourself a little extra time to get from point A to B. This is where a remote start can be most beneficial. Many people hop in their car and want to speed to either warm up their vehicle or get to their destination quickly so they don’t have to be in a cold car. A remote car starter can warm up your car 15-30 minutes before you leave from home or work, allowing for a more relaxed, cautious drive to your destination.

With the winter months coming up quickly, it’s always important to do a safety check on your vehicle as well. Some of the key areas to check are the tires, wiper blades, and brakes. While GP Customs specializes in vehicle electronics, we also have a full-time mechanics on staff who can assist with any of these items.”

Unfor tunately, even for the safest of drivers who have taken all of the appropriate precautions, accidents still happen. As far as items to be aware of in the event of an accident, Matt Moorhead with Shelter Insurance offers the following advice: “The main thing people want to know when they are in an ice-related accident is ‘Do I need to call the police?’ There is not a

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Matt Moorhead Shelter Insurance

black and white answer to this question.

If there is an injury in the accident or a vehicle that is not drivable, I think that you should always call the police. Having this third party involved may result in someone getting a ticket but it will make things much easier in the long run. In certain instances like in a private parking lot, on a day with a high volume of accidents the police may not be able to respond. Other minor fender benders may not need the help of the police as long as both parties agree.

In these instances, without the assistance of police involvement, the more information you can get the better. With smartphones, this is much easier than it ever was in the past. Get pictures of everything possible. Find out the owner of the car involved, the driver of the car involved, and snap a photo of a valid insurance card for the vehicle, registration document, and driver’s license so you’ll have access to that information when you need it. Then be sure to take pictures of the vehicle, including license plates, pictures of damage to both your car and other car, pictures of how cars were sitting after the accident and the orientation with respect to other visible landmarks. To be the most thorough, also get the names, phone numbers, and addresses of all parties involved, even passengers and/or witnesses. The more information you get the faster a claim can be handled.

Sometimes people forget how fast the conditions can change in Nebraska. Of course you are required to have your driver’s license, current insurance cards, current plates and so on every time you’re on the road, but when driving in the winter months, there are certain precautions to take beyond that for the onset of winter weather or emergency situations. Be prepared for the unexpected. If you are to slide off a road due to ice and you are in a rural or even urban area, you need to be prepared to be outside in the elements. You should have adequate shoes, clothes, gloves, coats etc. in the vehicle. Don’t just think of your destination, think of what you could encounter on your way there too.

The most commonly overlooked coverage is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This is coverage for the insured in case he/she is to get hurt and the at-fault party either does not carry insurance at all or has inadequate coverage for the injury that you have incurred.

Many people think of price when buying insurance. It is drilled into our heads every 15 minutes on television and radio. Save money on your car insurance. This leads to many people buying coverage at the state minimums, which is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident liability coverage. What many don’t know is that with this amount of coverage, they also only get $25,000/$50,000 uninsured motorist as well as underinsured motorist. Long story short, if you were to have these coverages and were to get hit and injured by an uninsured motorist, the maximum benefit you would receive is $25,000 dollars. This many times will not pay for the trip to the emergency room alone.

Yes, going with higher limits will be a bit more expensive, but it is your best interest to have the highest liability limits and uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage that you can afford.

Talking with an experienced agent can help you avoid these shortfalls. During this conversation you’ll be presented with all of the options so that you can make an informed decision for yourself and your family, rather than just getting the cheapest insurance you can find online.”

Finally, Sherri Stock with inMOTION Auto Care provides advice as to the basic steps to take to get your vehicle ready for winter, which should be done as soon as possible they haven’t been already.

Sherri Stock inMOTION Auto Care

1. Change Engine Oil - Going into winter

with a clean filter and fresh oil will help your engine start better and help reduce internal component wear in the engine during longer warm-up periods. Our oil change service includes a free 82 point inspection that will cover all of the items below.

2. Battery Test & Inspection – A weak battery may get you through the mild fall weather but could leave you stranded once temperatures start to plunge. Extra amps are needed to crank over a cold engine in cold weather. Any corrosion buildup on the terminals allows a voltage drain on the battery, making it even harder to start.

3. Tire Inspection – Your tires are the only thing between you and the road. Low tire tread (4/32” or less) will have a difficult time getting traction in the snow and slush. Tires with insufficient tread may also hydroplane on wet roads. To further reinforce what’s already been stated by several other professionals, good tires are essential to safe winter driving!

4. Check Engine Coolant – Coolant should be checked for freeze point and mix ratio as well as for cleanliness and contaminants. If the coolant should fail any part of the inspection, it should be serviced. Coolant should be replaced every 5 years to prevent corrosion of internal components due to acidity.

5. Check Wiper Blades – 95% of driving decisions are based on what you see. Replacing worn wiper blades is an inexpensive way to ensure good vision! REMINDER: Washer solvent can freeze, so make sure you’re using a winter blend.

Taking the necessary precautions is essential to your safety on the roads when winter weather strikes. Be sure to take the advice provided by our local professionals into consideration and be safe out there everyone!

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Senior Living Particularly during the winter months and the holiday season, it’s a time of year when it’s important to keep our senior loved ones and even beyond that, our senior neighbors here in our community, in mind. There are many things we can do help brighten a day, meet a need, prepare for what’s to come, and so on.

Kicking it off how the winter weather can impact daily life for seniors and planning accordingly, Natalie Leon with Visiting Angels advises, “Freezing rain, extreme cold, and snowstorms; winter weather can be dangerous. While winter weather dangers vary across the state, nearly all Nebraskans are likely to face some type of severe winter weather. This time last year, we saw record-breaking temperatures, rainfall, and snow across the country. While everyone should be aware of weather Natalie Leon dangers, the threat can be especially dire Visiting Angels if you’re a senior citizen who may be less mobile in and outside your home, which makes you considerably more at-risk during weather emergencies. Seniors can be at greater risk for several reasons. One is existing health problems worsening

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in extreme temperatures. Or, it may be more difficult for them to evacuate or prepare their homes when severe weather threatens.

Winter storms care range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, ice, sleet, and freezing rain. Seniors are the most likely to require assistance, can sometimes need monitoring, in the colder months.”

As such, she provides the following tips for winter storms and extreme cold: Prepare Before Storms & Extreme Cold • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit: • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways.

• Sand to improve traction.

• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.

• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off.

• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

• Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know what to do in case of an emergency.

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supply kit in your vehicle.

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather.

Winterize Your Home • Extend the life of your fuel supply; insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.

• Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.

• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.

• All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside and kept clear.

• Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).

• Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.

As far as wellbeing in other areas is concerned, Leon also mentions, “The most serious, yet most treatable, senior health issue this time of year is loneliness. While Americans tend to associate the holidays with togetherness, sharing, joyful occasions and feelings of warmth and happiness, the season can also worsen feelings of loneliness, disappointment, and isolation for some people - especially older adults. Loneliness is not only bad for seniors’ mental health; it can affect their physical wellbeing as well. Current research illustrates the link between loneliness and the advancement of dementia, deterioration of physical health and shortened lifespans. Conversely, multiple studies show feeling connected and happy is good for your health and can lead to a longer lifespan. What’s more, happiness really can be contagious. In fact, one study by researchers at the University of California and Harvard University found surrounding yourself with happy people can make you more likely to become happy yourself. Emotional ties are even more important for seniors.”

“The lack of socialization and isolation are two issues that affect seniors living in their homes, especially during the holidays and winter months,” Barb Tyler with The Woodlands at Hillcrest also emphasizes.

“It is harder for friends and close family members to get out to see loved ones, as they are all often the same age.

Furthermore, unless medications are mailed to them directly, those may not get re-filled in the appropriate time frame. There are also various recommended therapies that Barb Tyler may be put off if the senior can’t get out The Woodlands at Hillcrest due to health reasons or fear of falling. All of this may lead to depression and anxiety.

Day services are available to seniors, often with transportation provided. Even a respite stay (short term) for the winter months can provide not only the company of others, but good nutrition and activities that are enjoyable. 2018 brings more senior communities to Lincoln; whether an independent living, assisted living, skilled care, rehab, or memory care community, it is important to educate yourself on the different offerings. Learn the differences between them, and know what a loved one needs in the way of care. There DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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can be huge financial saving to a family just by the acuity level that the community can accept.

Moreover, anything that has to do with offering your time and companionship is always greatly appreciated. Consider adopting a grandparent or elderly neighbor during the winter season; it will bring you just as much enjoyment as it will give the recipient, which is the gift of your time and attention! Learn about their past; you may find out some amazing stories about them in the way of their former employment, military service, family members, etc. Help them record their memories as a gift for their family who may live far away, scoop a sidewalk, or bring them a favorite book. Or you could get involved with a program like Meals on Wheels, where volunteers help check on seniors in their homes while providing a delicious meal at the same time. You are the best gift available!

At The Woodlands at Hillcrest, we are starting our ‘dusty shoe’ tours and volunteers are welcome to assist us with families who want to check out our community! They could serve the refreshments that will be offered as the tours occur. Those who wish to volunteer are welcome to call me at (402) 261-0261 or email me at tylerbarb@ woodlandsathillcrest.com.”

In agreement, Amy Fish with Lancaster Rehabilitation Center adds, “Feeling love and compassion is important for seniors to feel every day of the year, but especially during the holiday season. Memories made during the holiday season last forever, and are important for seniors to continue to experience. The holidays seem to be overbooked with parties and activities, it’s important to plan in advance to make that special time happen.

Amy Fish Getting out and about in the winter months can be treacherous for anyone, let alone Lancaster Rehabilitation Center for those who have physical limitations or safety concerns. Therefore, before deciding to make that trip to the store or medical appointment, seniors need to be sure the route will be free of obstacles like snow banks or icy sidewalks. Volunteering to clean the drive or sidewalk for a senior is a kind gesture and may allow them to make even simple trips to the mailbox worry free. Another kind gesture would be offering to assist them with their travel needs, or just stopping by to pass the time.

The cold and dangers of winter can isolate seniors, making simple tasks more difficult. It is important to lean on the many resources our community offers to seniors every day, including things like Meals on Wheels and home health care services. At Lancaster Rehabilitation Center, we also offer short-term respite stays, where seniors can take up temporary residence until spring arrives. That way, they get all the comforts of home, plus an actively engaged activity program, and delicious home-cooked meals!

Often, access to services is directly tied to reimbursement from programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Reimbursement concerns are always high on our list of priorities to monitor, as to ensure our most frail and vulnerable elders are taken care of with the health care services they deserve.

Lancaster Rehabilitation Center is the largest skilled nursing facility in the state of Nebraska. This allows for us to provide for all skilled healthcare services under one roof including traditional long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, along with memory and behavioral support. Call us anytime. We’re here to help! Furthermore, the Lancaster Rehabilitation family is thankful for the many community volunteers who give of their time, talents, and monetary donations to ensure our residents have gifts to open Christmas day. Together we continue to make memorable moments happen on our campus.”

Expanding on the opportunities to make a contribution during the holidays, Sara Sutter with Lancaster Rehabilitation Center adds, “Volunteers play a vital role in the quality of life of seniors during

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the holiday season in several ways. Many seniors do not have family nearby to visit them during the holiday season, so our volunteers help provide comfort during the holidays by visiting with residents, helping out with seasonal events and even donating items to be given to our residents for holiday gifts.

To assist elders in the community, volunteering to take a simple Sunday evening drive around town to see the holiday lights is a Sara Sutter fun, stress-free activity. In addition, there is Lancaster Rehabilitation a variety of holiday musical performances Center and religious offerings to keep seniors active and involved throughout the holidays.

We are fortunate to have several music groups volunteer their time to come and perform holiday concerts for us.

Regarding volunteer opportunities, we are always seeking volunteers to come in and visit with our residents or assist with holiday festivities!

If you are interested in volunteering, you can go to www.lancasterrc. com to print out a volunteer application, stop by the front desk, or contact me at life.enrichment@lancasterrc.com!”

“As seniors look toward the holidays, they often think of their family traditions changing,” adds Robbie Nathan with Bridge to Better Living. “The realization of families being busy with their own children and perhaps less or no opportunity for everyone to celebrate together, especially when members are far away, can be tough.

As such, depression is common during these times. It is important to be active and enjoy holiday celebrations while staying in contact with friends and family. Being socially active Robbie Nathan combats loneliness and living close to peers Bridge to Better Living is comforting. Seniors who have delayed moving into a senior retirement community suddenly realize the winter weather is just around the corner and worry about transportation, the ability to have healthy meals, and home maintenance. Bridge to Better Living, at no cost, lightens their stress and anxiety by assisting them to find the best community for their needs where they are well cared for, warm and safe. We are able to refer local resources to help downsize and organize for moves.

There is a saying ‘The best gift of all is the presence of family and friends wrapped in love.’ Take time to drop a note, phone call or visit those who are unable for any reason to join in the celebrations.

Remember to plan ahead and be certain those you love are enjoying their holidays. Also, it’s advised to plan ahead to find a senior community offering fellowship during the holidays and every day. Living with peers and knowing you are safe and stress-free is a gift in itself. Peace of mind occurs when living with friends who have the same interests and situations as you or your loved one do.

As was previously mentioned, Lincoln will be welcoming several new communities in 2018. Bridge to Better Living will be working with all of them and will know what amenities and services they offer.

Use a consultant such as those at Bridge to Better Living to find the best community that will allow you to maintain your quality of life.”

Seniors look forward to holiday gatherings with family and friends just as much as anyone else, if not more so. Make sure to involve them in activities and gatherings and find things that they are able to help with during your time spent together. Everyone wants to feel needed. It is so important to ensure that seniors don’t feel isolated and lonely during this time. “People with hearing loss gradually begin to isolate themselves,” says Leslie Frank MS, CCC-A with Nebraska Hearing Center. “Your loved one may not even realize they are doing it or that it is due to a hearing loss. Others may assume they are disinterested or being rude. The reality is they just can’t hear.

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Some even start avoiding conversations with that person because they think ‘they can’t hear me anyways.’ It’s a wonderful time for get-togethers with family and friends, and hearing better can make those interactions more meaningful. They want to be actively participating in the gatherings. If hearing aids can make life more enjoyable, it’s worth the investment.

The discussion with a loved one about their hearing loss can sometimes seem like a Leslie Frank difficult subject to bring up. It can be as Nebraska Hearing Center easy as encouraging them to get an annual hearing evaluation as part of their normal healthcare routine. An evaluation allows you to get a baseline and monitor your hearing every year. At Nebraska Hearing Center we offer complimentary hearing evaluations. Give the gift of better hearing to yourself or a loved one this holiday season!”

Keeping your senior loved ones in mind and being aware of and honest about their capabilities, and limitations, is so important in other areas too. Christy Merritt with The Waterford Communities also notes, “I feel like families often underestimate the stress that the holidays can put on their senior loved ones. Many seniors spend their days at a moderate pace, with time for rest and relaxation. When the holidays come, they are expected to be up and ready and out the door operating at a rapid pace. They Christy Merritt are confronted with numerous questions and The Waterford different faces and lots of noise. This would Communities rattle many of us. Be aware that it’s much different from the usual day-to-day life and environment. Don’t judge them, and try to slow things down and connect with them at their pace.

Also, many times families are presented with an emergency situation and have no idea where to start. If you have a loved one who may be needing additional assistance soon, get educated ahead of time on what options are available and what the costs associated with those options are accordingly. Understand what insurance your loved one has - do they have a long-term care policy? Knowing at the very least the preliminary answers to these questions prior to an emergency will help a stressful situation from being completely overwhelming.”

As previously mentioned, there are many concerns that are specific to seniors throughout the duration of the winter season.

“At CarePatrol we know the winter months can be very tough for seniors, especially those who either don’t have a lot of funds or a close-knit family to help them out,” says Theron Ahlman with CarePatrol of Nebraska. “When the temperature drops some can’t afford to have the heat up as much as it should be, or have no way of safely getting out to go to the store or Theron Ahlman even to shovel their driveway. We also see CarePatrol of Nebraska a lot of depression in the wintertime as it is gloomy out, and some don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with or are reminded of celebrating them with loved ones they have lost.

At CarePatrol, we work very hard to help seniors stay as safe as they can be, and to that end, we offer many different senior services as well as senior educational cards to help deal with many different types of issues that may be present or arise. With our non-frozen food program, seniors can have meals delivered to their door so they don’t have to venture out in bad weather. They are dietaryspecific and can be heated up and eaten at any time of the day to help fit into the individual’s schedule. Our live call medication

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reminder program is a great way for seniors to be checked up on when nobody is around to do that, and that can be done one or multiple times a day depending on what is wanted by the family or the senior. These two programs can really help seniors be safe, and their families will feel much more comfortable in knowing their loved ones are getting good food and check-ins during the day at times when no one is available to stop over and visit.

CarePatrol helps find the safest and best care options, so we come out and personally visit with the seniors and their families about either in-home care or finding the proper community that fits their needs, wants and finances so they can be safe and enjoy life with others.

With multiple new communities opening this coming year, we can really help with evaluating options and figuring out what each has to offer, determining which would be a good fit. New is wonderful, but we also want to make sure it is the best option and matches up with the senior’s care needs, finances and wants. As always our services are 100% free to those we help, so it is always worth giving us a call to discuss your options. CarePatrol is more than just a placement service - we truly care about seniors here in our community and currently, their safety in the winter months is our #1 priority!”

Since the holidays are the one time of the year where most families are able to gather together to celebrate, and may well be the only time this happens throughout the year, it’s advantageous to make the most of that time together. Furthermore, there may be things you notice this year that hadn’t been an issue in the past, but are now raising red flags.

“During the holidays, it often becomes more evident that our loved ones may be having health or end of life-related issues, especially when we are only seeing them during holidays, and quite some time has passed since we saw them last,” says Jodi Freeman with Roper & Sons Funeral Care.

“Having discussions about end-of-life plans can be difficult and awkward at any time, however, they are critical. Oftentimes, holidays are the only time families are together, therefore becoming the most Jodi Freeman logical time to have a discussion that allows Roper & Sons everyone to have their wishes heard. It may seem a little awkward to have these discussions over Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas cookies, but when the holidays are the only time families are together, it may be the only time to have critical discussions. While I don’t recommend jumping right in with ‘death talk,’ there are some great tools for starting discussions, including ‘Talk of a Lifetime’ (you can request a brochure from Roper & Sons, either by calling or through our website). This program is a great tool for having conversations about memories and the ways you would like to be remembered, which often naturally leads to discussions about final health and funeral or memorial wishes.

It is very important that loved ones know the details of your estate and funeral plans, including where those plans are located, who your attorney is, what your healthcare wishes are, including how critical illness and the end of life should be managed, and which funeral home you wish to use and all of the plans you have in place regarding a funeral or memorial service. Your estate plan, your healthcare, and your end of life choices are yours, but we do encourage you to seek input from your loved ones when it is appropriate.”

With the onset of winter this month and the fact that we’re already in the midst of the holiday season, keep these things in mind and don’t hesitate to reach out to our local resources if you have questions, need assistance, or would like to offer your time and talents as a volunteer. There is no shortage of things we can do to ensure our loved ones, neighbors, and those in our community are all able to enjoy the happiness the holidays bring safely an in the company of others.

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Holiday Wrap -Up December is quite the month, full of merriment and making memories. During which time, there’s a lot to get done and not an abundance of time in which to accomplish it. Although it can be a tall order to prepare for all of the holiday festivities to come, in the true spirit of the season it’s a time for celebration and to count our many blessings. In order to focus the majority of your attention on the latter of those things and minimize stress in handling the former, look no further than our fantastic local businesses for help with all of your holiday needs!

A little strategic planning sure does go a long way towards getting all of the things done during the holiday season. When planning for

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how you’ll tackle all of the last-minute shopping and arrangements for your parties and gatherings, consider having some fun while you’re at it! Moreover, there are also plenty of ways you can make life easier and save precious time that you can spend enjoying yourself with family and friends. Or, do this all at the same time and truly make some multi-tasking magic happen!

“We always love it when shoppers stop in for lunch or happy hour with us,” says Jaclyn Howard with Venue Restaurant & Lounge.

“Holiday shopping is such an opportunity to bond with your loved ones. Some of my most cherished memories I have with my sister have been going shopping and out for lunch. Venue would love to

be a part of those memories. During the craziness of the holiday season, we all need to stop, slow down, and enjoy those special times. What better way to do that than with a Venue Pecan Bleu Salad and a hand-crafted cocktail? While you are here, be sure to pick up some gift cards. During the holiday season with qualifying gift card purchases, we offer a complimentary percentage back.

Venue also has a delicious assortment of holiday platters, which are a beautiful addition to any holiday party, big or small.

We offer them at a discounted rate and they only need to be ordered 24 hours in advance. You’ll find our most popular items on the holiday platter menu, so they are sure to be the hit at any party this holiday season.

Jaclyn Howard Venue Restaurant & Lounge

Make Venue Restaurant & Lounge your go-to spot this holiday season! With quick pick-up holiday platters and gift cards, it minimizes running around all over town and the stress that goes along with it. Stop in for a glass of wine and let us take care of all of your gift needs.”

As for holiday parties, while there are plenty this month, in line with the recent trend it’s highly likely there will be more coming up in January and February. For those who are debating whether to put together a party in short order yet this month or to begin making plans for one after the hectic holiday schedules become more open for most, Howard provides the following advice: “January is becoming a very popular month for holiday parties!

Attendance at after-holiday parties does seem to be higher as your group has fewer obligations pulling them in all different directions. The biggest problem I see guests run in to with throwing a party together on the fly is attendance. We work a lot of holiday parties and we are able to help regardless of which you choose.

Reducing stress and encouraging fun is always the main goal for every event that we work. My biggest piece of advice is again to just slow down and don’t stress the small stuff. Or better yet hire Venue to cater your event and let us take the cooking, serving and cleaning off your plate!”

In agreement, Sara Reyes Sudman with Fields Floral adds, “The advantage of hosting your party after the holidays is getting to actually enjoy the holidays, without the additional stress of planning something. Plus, it’s always fun to have something to look forward to in January.

Sara Reyes Sudman Fields Floral

That being said, all you need to put together a quick office party or for entertaining guests in your home to celebrate the holidays is great food, drinks, and great company. Of course, adding a few decorations doesn’t hurt either.

If you are crunched for time, let us help you. We can come to your home and decorate your tree or all throughout, and the same applies to your party venue or office space. We decorate several churches around Lincoln and create many centerpieces for various parties.

We also have a lot of seasonal holiday arrangements that make great centerpieces and each Friday, we offer $10 bouquets, so stop in and take one home.

Besides holiday arrangements, we offer gifts for every personality, including drink enthusiasts, cooks, writers, baby, gardeners and DECEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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pet lovers. One of our most popular products is the Organic Grow Kit, which allows you to grow herbs in the comfort of your kitchen.

throughout the year, so don’t feel stressed if you’re limited on possibilities, just get creative.

We can customize any gift or arrangement to meet your needs, so let us help you add a little creativity to your celebration!”

At the Talon Room, we have an ideal amount of space to host large and small groups alike. It’s an intimate venue with a lot of character, which lends well to all types of décor. We offer all-inclusive packages that include the space, food and drinks, decorations, and live entertainment courtesy of our deejay, all at one price. We pride ourselves on the value of what we have to offer and being easy to work with. At the Talon Room, we can handle it all - just call us with your ideas and we’ll make your dream event happen!”

Specifically regarding corporate holiday parties, Matthew Rogge with Talon Room further advises, “It’s become common for events that are focused on client entertaining during the holidays to take precedence during the holidays, with events to thank your employees for their hard work the past year following in January and February. Alternatively, both types could be well-positioned in the beginning of 2018 and even beyond.

Matthew Rogge Talon Room

After the holidays everything has settled down a bit and you have a lot more time to dedicate to your party arrangements and entertaining your attendees. There are a lot more open dates to choose from too when it comes to booking your venue and vendors of choice.

Likewise, your clients and/or employees will be able to enjoy themselves more without having to worry about everything else that’s going on in their lives. Employees may appreciate a bonus before the holidays, but when it comes to an event, I’d say it’s definitely fully appreciated afterward.

If this year was just too crazy to focus on hosting a party in the near future, start planning a spring or summer event and you’ll definitely stand out then! We know how busy the holiday season is for everyone – we’re busy as well. Check our open availability into spring and summer just in case and then evaluate your options accordingly. Many people take the opportunity to do events

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There are many fun places around town to gather with your favorite people during the holidays, whether it’s for a party or just a quick impromptu outing for a few hours.

One such place is the bowling alley and Jennifer Davis-Korn with 48 Bowl offers a few suggestions to consider: “48 Bowl, Inc. centers, Parkway Lanes and Hollywood Bowl, have a lot of great opportunities for family and friend gatherings over the holidays. When kids are out of school, grab your neighbors and come in for our special School’s Out pricing from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on December 26-29 and January 2-5. Get one game and shoes for $5 per person, two games and shoes for $8 per person, or three games and shoes for just $10 per person. Prices are valid for everyone in your group, not just the kids!

If you’re looking for New Year’s Eve fun, we are offering four different party packages this year across our two centers. We have a variety of daytime and nighttime party packages and some geared just towards families! All parties include bowling and shoe rental, and may also include drinks, pizzas, party favors and more! Party packages start at only $60 per lane and are available

now for reservation online at 48bowl.com. Hurry, though, because some parties sell out fast!

Our centers will be open for open bowling throughout the holiday season with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Keep in mind that peak times are weekdays after lunch and again after dinner, as well as Friday and Saturday nights. We may have some special events or leagues going on in our buildings and for this reason, we always recommend calling the center you’re thinking of bowling at and inquiring about lane availability.

For Parkway Lanes, located at 2555 S. 48th Street, call (402) 483-7763. For Hollywood Bowl, located at 920 N. 48th Street, call (402) 466-1911.”

As previously discussed, Jen Miseno with Sun Valley Lanes also notes that parties after the holidays are popular affairs at the local bowling alleys as well.

“The main benefit of waiting until after the holidays are over to host your party is that you are not competing with all the hustle and bustle of holiday prep,” she explains. “When you have your event during an off-peak time, people tend to be more relaxed and are able to really Jen Miseno enjoy themselves without worrying about Sun Valley Lanes their own gatherings. You also give them something to look forward to after the stress of the holiday has passed.”

Giving the gift of a fun experience is also an excellent idea for kids and adults alike, and gift cards are nice because you can do exactly what you like most. Miseno notes, “This season we will be offering a special on gift cards. When you purchase a $25 gift card, we will throw in an extra $5 bonus arcade credit. It’s just another way to help stretch those holiday dollars!”

Related to party planning, gift shopping, and all of the other things on your agenda this month, she offers a few words of advice in closing, stating, “Try to relax and remember that the holidays are meant to be fun! If you need to, make lists, ask people for help and be sure to take time out for yourself.”

Another experience you can give as a gift is a show at the Lied Center for Performing Arts! There are a number of exciting shows coming up, and each season there is so much variety (and an enormous amount of talent) found in the line-up of performances.

Make it a night out on the town and grab dinner and drinks beforehand or afterward since it’s in proximity to so many excellent options.

With the holiday party season in full swing, the Small Business Legal Center at the National Federation of Independent Business has advised keeping celebrations safe by watching out for two problem areas – drunk driving and harassment. Just as much as all of the fun things associated with holiday parties, it’s important to take these things into consideration when planning.

Drunk Driving An increasing number of states require employers to exercise reasonable care to prevent injuries by intoxicated employees leaving holiday parties. To minimize the risk of liability an employer should do the following: • Use professional bartenders, and instruct them not to serve anyone who appears intoxicated.

• Distribute drink tickets to limit the number of free drinks.

• Serve lots of free food to soak up the alcohol.

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• Ask trusted managers and supervisors to be on the lookout for people who have had too much to drink and are unable to drive or need assistance getting home.

• Pay for transportation to take impaired employees and guests home or offer designated drivers.

Harassment Socializing, alcohol, and mistletoe combine to create an environment that can lead to sexual harassment or fighting. Just because it’s a holiday party doesn’t mean you can’t be liable for what happens as an employer. Employee lawsuits can result from voluntary events held outside the office and outside normal work hours.

• Remind employees about company anti-harassment policies before the party.

• If your business does not have an anti-harassment policy, get one! Check out the free sample policy developed by NFIB. Have an attorney review it.

“Transportation service after a party is always a smart thing to provide if you’re hosting a holiday party or gathering,” says Lori Hiebner with Leisure Limousine & Sedan. “Holiday parties with family or work friends can be a ton of fun, that’s for sure! It seems like transportation can sometimes be an afterthought when planning a party or going out with friends.

But since many holiday parties involve alcohol, it’s wise to plan the transportation BEFORE the festivities begin. Your guests Lori Hiebner will definitely appreciate having the options, and can then plan accordingly Leisure Limousine & Sedan ahead of time. I would suggest hiring a limo to pick everyone up and drop everyone off at the end of the evening to alleviate any concerns if someone has overindulged.

• Don’t hang mistletoe.

Or, from the attendee perspective, why not reserve a limo for that special holiday party? If you’re going to go through all of the effort of dressing up, why not rent a limo and ensure it’s a night to remember?

• Ask trusted managers and supervisors to intervene and stop any fighting or inappropriate conduct witnesses or reported.

Don’t leave your holiday party transportation up in the air this year. Make the impression you want to make while enjoying the peace of mind that a professional car service provides.”

• Finally, make sure that all employees understand that a holiday party is a work-related activity and that rules for appropriate work behavior still apply.

She also offers a few ideas to consider for family time, a date night, outing with friends, or hosting family from out of town. “Are you looking to see the Christmas lights in comfort and style? Book your holiday light tour now! Holiday light tours are offered in the evenings throughout the month of December and include a predetermined route of the city’s best light displays. Pack up the kids and enjoy this special time of the year – pajamas optional! Get

Regarding safe transportation, there are several options offered locally that one could utilize. Among those, one that’s popular every year as it’s especially fitting for a special occasion is a limousine!

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together with your favorite couples and have a fun, festive night out. Make it a romantic holiday light tour for a unique date night.

There are many different types of groups that book our holiday light tours and every year there’s so much fun to be had.

Another popular one this time of year is turning shopping into an enjoyable group event. Make holiday shopping less of a chore this year and rent a limo to take you and your friends and family on a chauffeured holiday shopping trip!

Finally, if you have out-of-town guests flying in, set up car service to pick them up at the airport. Air travel can be stressful! Take care of the ground transportation and help your loved ones unwind after a less than relaxing day of travel.”

Entertaining at home is just as common as entertaining at local venues this time of year, and putting together a special soiree can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. There are generally some staples found at any holiday gathering across the board, and I think most of us would agree that one of them is good wine!

“Setting up a wine bar is a particularly great option for those hosting in their homes because it doesn’t require messing with ice,” says Barb Ballard withw From Nebraska Gift Shop and James Arthur Vineyards. “Or, for entertainment at your holiday party, you could buy a number of wines, including those from JAV, put them in brown bags and do a blind wine tasting.

Have guests make notes and have fun trying a number of different styles of wine.

Barb Ballard From Nebraska Gift Shop and James Arthur Vineyards

The winery also makes a great place for an impromptu gathering, especially if family is in town. It’s a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy each other’s company while sipping on wine and enjoying some Nebraska-made food items.”

On the other side of the coin, as a guest in someone’s home during the holidays, it’s customary to come bearing gifts. Bring a beverage of choice along to share with everyone or as a gift for the host, depending on what called for on that particular occasion. With great seasonal wines and limited edition gift arrangements this time of year, you’re sure to find something that will be a big hit at our local retailers.

Ballard suggests, “At From Nebraska Gift Shop in the Haymarket, it’s a one-stop shop for great gifts. We offer all Nebraska products; anything grown or made in Nebraska, from food items, clothing, and art to award-winning wine, the store has something for everyone.

If you’re looking for an easy way to impress, From Nebraska Gift Shop also puts together an absolutely amazing assortment of gift baskets full of Nebraska-made goodies. The great thing about it is that we have pre-made gift baskets that are beautifully created or we can customize a basket to fit any need or budget. If the gift needs to be shipped, we can take care of that as well.

When it comes to our offerings at James Arthur Vineyards, wine always makes a great gift for family, friends or co-workers.

Whether it’s a gift for a host or wine for that special holiday dinner, we can help find the perfect match.

We really try to encourage people to let us take care of all the details and make it as easy as possible for the customer, whether it be party or gift needs. For example, if someone walks into the From Nebraska Gift Shop, all they need is a budget and an idea of what they want and we’ll take care of the rest. Our goal is to simplify the process however possible. And, what better way to reduce stress than sampling some wine while you shop?”

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Located in southeast Lincoln at 70th & Pioneers, Habitat is local retailer where you can find an abundance of great gifts as well as just about anything you could need or want for entertaining in your home this holiday season.

“Creating an experience for our customers to enjoy is what we aim for at Habitat,” says Jana Clark with Habitat. “Our staff members are very knowledgeable and are happy to answer questions, provide recommendations, share tips, and offer as little or as much help as the customer desires.

Stroll through the store and you’ll find a nice variety of unique gift items as well as beautiful and functional serving pieces Jana Clark for any of your upcoming gatherings. For Habitat the cook in your family, we have quite the assortment of items ranging from the kitchen staples to innovative gadgets. In fact, we have a whole wall full of fun culinary gadgets that can be gifted independently or bundled together. We can put together any type of gift basket from our huge selection of goodies, including holiday coffee, caramels, brittle, cocoa, bread mixes, gingerbread house kits, shortbread cookies, olive oil and soup mixes. Another popular gift has been a microwave popcorn popper gifted with popcorn and unique seasoning, like Cracked Black Pepper Asiago or Dill Pickle. Or, we have a great selection of jams and spreaders, which are adorable with a bow and are at a great price point. Harp string bracelets at $14.99 have also been a huge hit, as well as our canvas prints, which are available in a variety of sizes and price points.

Then when you’ve finished shopping, let us do the gift wrap for you!”

Also nearby is Rachel’s Boutique, where you’ll find a nice selection of items perfect for the ladies on your gift list. With complimentary gift wrapping here too, you may be able to get away without having to bust out the tape and scissors at all this year!

“Gifts are our specialty at Rachel’s Boutique,” says Cherie Travis with Rachel’s Boutique. “You’ll find many oneof-a-kind pieces of jewelry, clothing you don’t see at department stores, and we are more than happy to provide personal assistance with gift selection. While shopping for the perfect gift you can also find the perfect outfit or accessory for the holiday season!

We will have special things going on Cherie Travis every week during the holiday season. This Rachel’s Boutique includes several different Brighton gift with purchase promotions. One happens to be a free holiday canvas tote with a $100 Brighton purchase. On December 7th, we will be hosting two special trunk show events.

One will be for Brighton shoes and boots, with the opportunity to special order your size in any of the styles displayed. The other will be for Blo Vintage. Owner Allison Stackpole will be at the store with new and old whistles that she has made into necklaces and bracelets. She will also create one for you on the spot! These are one of the best gifts you can give. It’s not just a whistle; it is a personal safety device that happens to be pretty. Or, shop the new line we recently added this fall, Troll Beads. These are sterling silver pieces featuring hand-blown glass beads, with the choice of a necklace or bracelet. Each bead has a special name and story.

You can create your own story or one for a gift.”

In addition to her recommendations for gift ideas, in order to have the most enjoyable, stress-free holiday shopping experience this

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year, Travis offers the following advice: “Make a list, be open to suggestions, pick stores that provide great customer service, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

The Shops at 70th & Pioneers will be hosting a holiday shopping event, which is coming up on December 7th. Many of the retailers in the area will be participating, offering discounts and specials to shoppers, so plan on a shopping outing then to take advantage!

For all things shiny and sparkling, you could also certainly peruse the impressive selection at Sartor Hamann Jewelers yet this month to find that special something for that special someone.

If you’re weighing your options between selecting a gift, whether it’s an item or an experience, or giving a gift card and letting the recipient be the one to choose, you’re in good company.

Gift cards do get a bit of a bad rap (not to be confused with a bad wrap, which you won’t have to worry about with these babies!) for being sort of a cop-out, but honestly, they make pretty great gifts.

You can give them alone in a card, with an assortment of items in a gift basket, or match them with other gifts for the perfect combination. You can get a bunch from one of your favorite places and spread them around as you please for others to experience what you already know to be amazing, or you could carefully select the gift cards based on what you know each recipient would like. The varying dollar amounts allow you to treat each of your coworkers or clients to something yummy from a local coffee shop or bakery without going broke, or go big and treat your neighbors, parents, the newlywed couple in your family, the couple with kids, etc. to a date night at a nice restaurant or to see a show at a local theatre.

For the pet lover, the sports lover, the book lover, the nature enthusiast, the hobbyist, the fitness guru…this could go on, but you get the picture, a gift card will let them get what they love, which is something you can definitely feel good about. It also gives you the choice between giving the gift of an item with a gift card from a local retailer or giving the gift of an experience with a gift card from a local entertainment venue – or both if the item will be used during the experience. And with so many awesome deals on gift cards during the holidays, you can stretch your funds and give more, or get what you need and keep the rest to treat yourself. So many options!

During the holidays, it’s especially important to be mindful to spread the cheer by supporting local businesses whenever possible. By keeping our money here in our community, it can do the most good for us all. There are so many wonderful places in Lincoln to explore and enjoy!

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