Strictly Business Lincoln June 2016

Strictly-Business.com

Lincoln • june 2016

TM

Pictured L to R Back: Joseph K. Roberts, chad ideus, ryan r. swinton, Robert L. Reynoldson Front: Tony J. Ojeda, LeaAnn M. Moore, Tami Soukup, J. Scott Nelson, Thomas Champoux

• Growing Your Business • Father’s Day • Company Retreats • Senior Health • Commercial Remodeling Michael Holroyd

Rachel Heser

Shawn Wills

Matt Bremer

Matt Svoboda

Troy Bridgford

HIP OffiCenters/ HIP Realty

Engineered Controls

Tranquility Salon & Spa

Care Consultants for the Aging

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital

Ironhide Construction

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

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Creating Conversations by Sharing Your Expertise

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

Welcome to our June issue! While the goal of your marketing efforts is largely to elicit your desired response, whether it’s brand recognition or follow-through on a specific call to action, it’s also often a springboard for conversation between you and your audience.

Particularly with the value of: 1. Storytelling in gaining and retaining interest and 2. Utilizing content to establish expertise and credibility, both of which we’ve covered recently, and of course the integration of online resources and social media into the media mix for a campaign that reaches folks on a multitude of different platforms and devices, using these opportunities to inspire dialogue between the two parties is one of the critical building blocks of a solid relationship.

By extending valuable content that is also thought-provoking and encourages a response, it creates dialogue between you, the business, and your community of followers. This group consists of current clients, potential clients, and last but not least, those who may not fall into either of the first two categories, but will still provide word-of-mouth referrals when a need arises to which you offer a viable solution. In exponentially increasing your points of contact through marketing efforts that are interactive and responsive to feedback, you’re also establishing a bond and encouraging that person to place their trust in you as a go-to resource for any future needs and inquiries.

Sourced from an article by Carl Friesen published by the Content Marketing Institute, “The 5 Types of Content That Grab Attention for the Best Content Marketing”, the following are ways of engaging your audience if employed as conversation starters.

The Trend: A changing situation that’s affecting your customers. This includes anything that brings about problems or opportunities – or both.

The Meteor: Responding to a sudden change or similarly, reinforcing that you’ll be there whenever there’s a problem. To do this effectively, you’ll need to “keep your eye to the sky”, staying on the pulse of your

industry and what’s going on in your community. Watch for news of sudden changes that will affect people in your market and be prepared to move fast to create content that addresses the issue.

The How-To: Exactly how it sounds, but this must also be something that those in your market care about; it’s practical and they have the need or desire to learn more.

The How-To-Work-With: Adding a twist on the last principle, instead of educating on something it’s focused on the “someone” or specific party involved. This may include factors and circumstances that are likely to lead to the best outcomes, or alternatively, roadblocks or problems that can get in the way and suggestions on how to deal with them effectively.

The Case Study: Providing insights that your audience can use in their own reality. When properly developed, it provides compelling facts based upon real-world situations. It then includes the lessons that were learned and/or steps to follow should you find yourself in that scenario.

Arguably the best part about all of the five types of content listed is that they can be used, and highly effectively at that, in virtually any medium you choose. In our publication, for example, the Ask The Expert column provides the opportunity for our clients to explore an impactful topic in their industry in any one of the five ways we’ve listed. It is then placed online and can be shared across any number of platforms, making it an excellent conversation piece with legs.

In this day and age, consumer engagement is highly interactive and therefore, driven by responding to your audience as they speak to you.

As conversation is a two-way street, make sure you are spending just as much time listening as you do talking. Conversation is personal and by establishing a relationship that focuses on empowerment through the exchange of knowledge and ideas, both parties are able to better understand one another and grow together.

NEWS

SPOTLIGHTS

4 Business 27 Personnel

35 Non-Profit 45 Health

To learn more about how Strictly Business can help you, contact me directly at (402) 466-3330 or visit www.strictly-business.com/connect.

(You can also click on our Staff Letter tab online to view past articles.)

20 Star City Six 49 Foster Care

ask the expert

COLUMNS

FEATURE STORIES

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Graphic Designer Tingleska Hallum Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

26 ComPro 43 Sandler Training 50 Cornhusker Bank

55 61 62 66 72

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Growing Your Business Father’s Day Company Retreats Senior Health Commercial Remodeling

Strictly Business JUNE 2016

51 Downtown Lincoln Association 53 LIBA 54 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

SALES TEAM: President/ Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Jenna Hubl - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Accounting Shayne Zutavern - Shayne@Strictly-Business.com

Cover photo courtesy of Corey Rourke Photography

About the Cover

UNICO Group:

Thus far, 2016 has been another exciting landmark year for UNICO Group.

With the merger of UNICO Group and Midlands Financial Benefits in October of 2014, the company has since grown to four locations and more than 125 team members across seven states.

To better accommodate the resulting growth as well as aligning the organization for future growth, UNICO made the decision to relocate its headquarters from its longtime location at 4435 O Street to 1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200 in downtown Lincoln, NE. The move was finalized in early March and a ribbon cutting was held with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, which is housed in the same building, to officially mark the opening of the new office. UNICO also joined two other prominent Capital City neighbors - Rembolt Ludtke LLP law firm and the offices of Senator Ben Sasse - in the 3 Landmark Centre Building. The new space brings UNICO, UNITEL and Midlands Financial into one central location in Lincoln, joining the company’s other unified offices in Nebraska (Omaha, Kearney and Columbus), Colorado, Indiana, Minnesota, Utah and Oregon.

Highlights of the 32,000-square-foot contemporary space includes smart technology meeting rooms, ergonomic workstations, a dining room and state-of-the-art fitness center for employees, and multiple meeting areas for clients.

“The newly designed space is an exciting step for our agency,” says Scott Nelson, UNICO President. “This new location finalizes the merger between UNICO Group and Midlands Financial, providing us one unified office setting where we can work together. We feel that having our Lincoln teams together in one space allows for better collaboration, and in turn, provides a more consistent and exceptional experience for our clients and partners. Our new, state of the art, 32,000-square-foot facility will facilitate the superior customer service you expect and appreciate.”

Meeting the insurance and financial needs of clients ranging f ro m b u s i n e s s owners to families for over 25 years, UNICO’s comprehensive array of services include commercial insurance, workers’ comp, employee benefits, personal insurance, financial planning, human resource solutions and wellness solutions. UNICO is built on the principles of providing superior customer service and quality insurance solutions. As an independent agency, UNICO works closely with select insurance companies that have proven their performance over the years.

UNICO Approach: We take pride in our expertise and know we need to earn your trust. We find our business to be personal, compassionate, and fun. So when we’re building a new relationship, we’re really making a new friend who we can work with to help solve problems, navigate solutions, and celebrate achievements.

Visit the UNICO website at www.UnicoGroup.com to learn more about the services they can provide to you!

www.Strictly-Business.com @sbmaglincoln

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Business News Sunflower Marketing Launches Online Store SCC and Bellevue University Team Up Sunflower Marketing is excited to announce the launch of their new online store, 12ormoretees.com.

The official roll-out of the site took place on Monday, May 9th.

Powered by Sunflower Marketing, 12ormoretees.com is your onestop shop for designing and ordering custom screen print apparel items. As the name of the website indicates, orders placed online must simply consist of 12 or more pieces. To help celebrate, Sunflower Marketing will be offering customers 25% of their order placed on 12ormoretees. com with coupon code 25OFF516, plus FREE SHIPPING throughout the month of June!

Sunflower Marketing provides branded merchandise and apparel to deliver superior marketing results in the corporate, non-profit, and school markets. In addition, Sunflower Marketing has experience with the development and operation of online company stores for a variety of local and national businesses.

To find out more about Sunflower Marketing, please visit www. sunflowermarketing.com or the company’s new online storefront at 12ormoretees.com. You may also call 1-800-337-1097 Ext. 116 or email tmcdonald@sunflowermarketing.com with any questions or inquiries.

Lancaster Event Center Celebrates 15th Anniversary Lancaster Event Center – which hit an all-time high number of events held in 2015 – celebrated its 15th year of hosting the annual county Super Fair and now over 270 events per year with a 2016 Super Fair fundraiser & 15th Anniversary “Shindig” on May 12th. The event was highlighted with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in conjunction with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce near the 84th Street sign to commemorate the recent completion of extensive remodeling, funded

by Lancaster County Visitors Improvement Fund.

Immediately following in the newly remodeled Lincoln Room, the 15th Anniversary Shindig ensued with welcome remarks, live music by Tuna Fish Jones, visual exhibits, and some tasty new items from the new food and beverage menu. An incredible number of local organizations made generous item donations to support the Lancaster County Super Fair which were available in both silent and live auctions including: Husker tickets, Saltdog tickets, a firepit, a $400 equipment rental, hotel stays and numerous gift cards.

The Lancaster Event Center is the Midwest’s premier multi-use facility.

Key features include 400,000 sq. ft. across five inter-connected buildings, full catering and food/beverage service, multiple sponsorship opportunities, 200-site campground, and 160-acre fairgrounds with ample, convenient parking.

For additional information, visit lancastereventcenter.org or call (402) 441-6545.

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Southeast Community College and Bellevue University have joined together to make it easier for Nebraska students to earn a four-year degree.

A ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony was held at SCC’s Lincoln Campus on Thursday, May 12, showcasing the new Bellevue University office. The office will make it easier for students at SCC to make the transition to the four-year university. The office is located in Room 102 of the U Section on the Lincoln Campus.

SCC President, Dr. Paul Illich, and Bellevue University President, Dr. Mary Hawkins, spoke about what this means for both institutions.

“Bellevue University is proud to celebrate the latest enhancement to our long-standing partnership with Southeast Community College,” Hawkins said. “This new outreach location will enable SCC and Bellevue University to better serve students, faculty and staff, and provide a seamless pathway to help students reach their educational goals.”

Students seeking an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from SCC, or those who take a smaller number of transfer classes at the College, will experience a seamless transition to Bellevue University. BU also accepts credits from students who receive their Associate of Applied Science degree from SCC. Transfer advisors are available to assist students with any questions or concerns during the transfer process. The advisors can be reached via email at academictransfer@southeast.edu.

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Debut of Culinary Underground BLINK! Speed Gourmet Catering has officially welcomed guests to experience C u l i n a r y U n d e r g ro u n d , w h i c h i s n ow ser ving up a great variety of craft food and cocktails in the shared Haymarket location at 803 Q Street.

Owners Kevin Knudson and Mark Creglow have brought yet another unique concept to Lincoln, as Culinary Underground offers a selection of new entrees and appetizers from Chef Nick Fraley along with an all-new full bar featuring a wide assortment of barrel-aged whiskeys, craft beers, unique wines and specialty drinks. Culinary Underground is a great spot for casual dining and drinks as well as a night out on the town in the vibrant Haymarket District. Positioned as a hidden gem to be discovered and enjoyed, patrons are invited to enter through the back alley between P and Q for special offers, discounts and free offerings.

To celebrate the grand opening of Culinary Underground, a ribboncutting event with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce was held on April 27th.

For information about BLINK! and Culinary Underground, please contact Kevin Knudson at (402) 817-6510 or at Kevin.Knudson@BlinkEatery. com. You can also check out the recently launched website at www.

CUnderground.com or find Culinary Underground on social media!

Business News Tranquility Salon & Spa Celebrates Grand Opening of New Location Tr a n q u i l i t y Salon & Spa celebrated the muchanticipated grand opening of their brand new location with customers, friends and family on May 5th. Highlights of the event included an official ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, complimentary pampering services such as Aveda hand massages, drawings and giveaways, special discounts, and “swag bags” with any purchase, along with treats and refreshments for guests to enjoy.

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With the excitement of being South Lincoln’s premier full-service hair salon and day spa, Tranquility is positioned in a fantastic location in the Wilderness Hills Shopping Center. Their service line-up includes pedicures & manicures, facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, makeup artistry and more! Among the new features of the salon include a spa boutique, blowdry bar, makeup bar, relaxation room, double massage room and more. Online gift cards can now be conveniently purchased directly from the website too! Tranquility Salon & Spa is open Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and is closed on Sunday.

For more information about Tranquility Salon & Spa, please visit tranquilitydayspaandsalon.com, call (402) 328-0777 or find them on Facebook!

Union Bank & Trust Site Receives Best in Industry Award The Web Marketing Association recently awarded UBTgo “Best Bank Website” in its 2016 Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards.

The annual competition, now in its 17th year, is designed to honor the individuals and organizations responsible for driving excellence in online advertising. Winners of the IAC Awards were selected based on criteria such as creativity, innovation, impact, use of the medium and memorability, as well as copywriting and design.

UBTgo encompasses the many digital banking tools available to consumers to manage their banking on the go. It includes mobile banking, mobile deposit, person-to-person payment, bill payment, online account opening, live customer support, and more. Union Bank’s marketing team, in collaboration with Swanson Russell advertising agency, created the award-winning site that can be seen at ubt. com/go.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned, Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment and trust services. The bank has 38 full service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. In addition to Lincoln and Omaha, branches are located in 21 Nebraska communities. It is the third-largest privately-owned bank in Nebraska with bank assets of $3.4 billion and trust assets of $14.8 billion as of December 31, 2015.

Cheever Announces Completion of Valparaiso Fire Station Cheever Construction is proud to announce the completion of one of the firm’s most recent projects, the Valparaiso Fire Station. Located on the corner of 3rd & Spruce Streets in Valparaiso, NE, Cheever Construction teamed with JEO Architects on this Design Build Project, working in partnership with the Valparaiso Rural Fire District.

Construction of the new station, which more than doubled in size from the previous building, included the following design features: six double loading apparatus bays, storm shelter communication center, offices, kitchen, a large training room, a decontamination room, and space specifically designed for the maintenance and support of fire & rescue gear.

Headquartered in Lincoln, NE, Cheever Construction is an established and recognized construction firm that brings integrity, expertise, and exceptional professionals who deliver quality work to each project. Cheever is committed to providing specialized solutions and services that align with each client’s goals. Working together, Cheever employees have formed collaborative relationships with clients, architects, engineers and subcontractors, supporting the company’s reputation for superior workmanship and performance.

For more information about Cheever Construction, please call (402) 477-6745 or visit the company’s website at cheeverconstruction.com.

JUNE 2016 Strictly Business 7

Business News Herbs & More Offering Delivery During Construction

Escape Lincoln to Debut All-New Escape Room Themes

With the road construction season upon us, and more specifically the ongoing project on Old Cheney Road, it’s become increasingly difficult to get to your favorite local businesses. Not to worry, if you need something from Herbs & More you can get it delivered! For a limited time only, the staff at Herbs & More will be offering delivery services one night a week, to be arranged according to the orders that are placed. To schedule your next order for delivery, please call the store at (402) 423-7733.

This delivery service may also become permanent depending upon the response from customers.

Escape Lincoln is excited to announce the replacement of their current three room themes (The Heist, Alien Abduction, and Cicada 3301) with brand new challenges! Completion is scheduled for this month with the new concepts, which will be available for groups to experience beginning June 13th, to be unveiled prior to that date.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Herbs & More carries a wealth of products that support health and happiness. The locally owned and operated store’s offerings include natural vitamins and supplements, homeopathic remedies, massage therapy supplies, aromatherapy (essential oils) and accessories, natural beauty care products, herbal teas, natural household and cleaning products, a seasonal selection of plants including a wide variety of herbs…and More! Herbs & More also offers services from its in-house massage therapist and esthetician, which can be booked online or by calling the store.

Make sure to check out their Facebook page for upcoming events, including their monthly classes! For more information, visit www. herbsandmorene.com, call (402) 423-7733, or stop by the store at 5740 Old Cheney Road, Suite 8.

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There is still a limited time to try out the current rooms, and for those who already have solved them, all-new experiences for the public to try are coming soon! Stay tuned for the official announcement of the new themes in the coming weeks via Escape Lincoln’s newsletter and on social media.

Escape Lincoln is located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket in the lower level of the Apothecary Building. Participants experience a real-life adventure game where they are locked in a room and use elements around them solve puzzles, find clues, or piece together answers that help them “escape” within a set amount of time.

Escape Lincoln is open for business Saturday and Sunday, with custom bookings available Monday through Friday. Visit www.escapelincoln. com/team for more information on corporate outings.

For more information about Escape Lincoln, please visit escapelincoln. com or reach out via email at info@escapelincoln.com.

DE Guns Reveals Plans for Indoor Shooting Range, Now Offering Coupon Codes for Online Orders There’s a lot going on at DE Guns, including new deals being offered online in addition to the upcoming move to its brand new location.

Along with the continuously expanding inventory found online at DEGuns.net and the popular Deal of the Day promotion, DE Guns is excited to announce the launch of its new coupon code program. With the name Discount Enterprises Firearms Sales & Service, you can always expect to find low prices for quality firearms as well as related products and services. Now with the discount codes are available for use on the company’s mobile-friendly website, customers have access to even better deals, with the opportunity to save up to $500 on a product with the options to have it shipped direct or for in-store pick up. You can contact the Sales Team at (402) 875-6500 or via email at sales@deguns.net to get your coupon code today!

Construction is currently underway on DE Guns new location at 134th and O Street in Lincoln, NE, with the move estimated to be complete by late summer or early fall of this year. In addition to more space, plans are already in the works for an indoor shooting range to complement its existing firearms training program, with construction set to begin after the store itself has opened. Memberships will be available for pre-sale soon, which will largely determine the size of the facility (up to 24 lanes with a maximum distance of 100 yards). Another benefit of the new location is that customers will be able to take advantage of a lower sales tax rate at 5.5%.

Keep in mind that now is the best time to buy your guns and ammunition before prices go up in the fall, and make sure to watch for more announcements coming soon!

Business News

Now Open

Switch Up Media Goes Full Time Tyler Weihe took the leap to go full time with his business, Switch Up Media, which he cofounded in 2014 with Jason Luong.

Your friendly neighborhood lounge

now serving food!

This was a calculated move that Switc h Up Media planned back in mid2015, as the company started growing its clients. Weihe, a Lincoln native, serves as the accounts manager, and has developed marketing and advertising strategies for leading corporations in the heavy machinery industry like Caterpillar and ITR America. Weihe’s background in journalism, business and web development has helped Switch Up Media refine its digital marketing services to provide marketing and advertising for small businesses.

Switch Up Media specializes in video and digital marketing with real-time results for small businesses. To contact Switch Up Media call (402) 480-8111 or send an email to contact@switchupmedia. com. To learn more about Switch Up Media, visit their website, www. switchupmedia.com.

Larsen & Larsen Auction Co. Expands Into Nebraska Jo h n a t h a n L a r s e n , President and CEO of Larsen & Larsen Auction C o. , i s exc i t e d t o announce the company’s official expansion into Nebraska.

After conducting market research and becoming familiar with the Lincoln and Omaha markets during visits over the past year, he is confident in bringing his services to non-profit organizations and educational institutions across Nebraska.

Larsen & Larsen Auction Co. specializes in fundraising auctions as well as offering premier consulting services to non-profit clients. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, Jonathan Larsen has traveled throughout the country to help organizations achieve and exceed their fundraising goals. He is a certified Benefit Auctioneer Specialist, which is a designation that only 1% of all auctioneers have earned, along with having extensive experience in event planning and management.

Jonathan holds a BA in Business Management from the University of Sioux Falls. He was awarded the honorary title of Colonel from the Missouri Auction School and has received his Benefit Auctioneers Specialist designation from the National Auctioneers Association. He is also a member of the Nebraska Auctioneers Association and the South Dakota Auctioneers Association.

Larsen & Larsen Auction Co. recently became a member of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, hosting an introductory lunch and learn event in Lincoln on May 19th. Past attendees have increased their revenue anywhere from $15,000-$60,000 just from what they learned at this very seminar, and more local events will be announced in the coming months.

Those interested in learning more can visit larsenauctioneering.com or call (605) 376-7102

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Texas T-Bone Steakhouse Now Open for Lunch Texas T-Bone Steakhouse recently opened its first restaurant in Lincoln at 70th & O Street, and many have already enjoyed the casual, Te x a s - s t y l e d i n i n g experience. In response to popular demand, the restaurant is now open for lunch Friday-Sunday!

Along with its signature fare, USDA Choice premium steaks and create-your-own salads, Texas T-Bone has introduced its new lunch menu, offering guests Texas Size Sandwiches and Favorites. Among the selection available for lunch are the Monte Cristo, Club, BBBLT, Crispy Pork Loin, and Pork-tastic sandwiches. All Texas Size Sandwiches are served with choice of one side item. Add a light size “Create Your Own Salad” for $2.95 extra or instead of your side item, you can substitute the light size “CYOS” for $1 more. Lunch specials will be available from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

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. Tuesday through Thursday (closed on Mondays) and opens at 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday for lunch with closing hours Sunday through Thursday at 9:30 p.m. and a later closing of 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings.

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

JUNE 2016 Strictly Business 9

Business News

True Value Celebrates Grand Opening of West “O” Store

Guardian Angels For Our Elders Completes Move to Larger Office

G l e n n’s Tr u e Value recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest store, located at 1340 West “O” Street.

Guardian Angels For Our Elders has moved to a new, expanded location! Beginning June 1, 2016 you can stop in to see them at 5600 South 48th Street, Suite 118, Lincoln, NE, 68516.

The event attracted more than 500 families from the area, and a ribboncutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce held on the morning of Thursday, April 7th was a highlight of the festivities. The new retail location is the fifth to be owned and operated by local independent hardware retailer and entrepreneur Steve Glenn, and the fourth in Lincoln. In addition to the special promotions offered to customers as a part of the Grand Opening celebration, raffles were held for a patio furniture set and grill. Janell Folkerts was the winner of the patio table, chairs, and umbrella and Larry Reza was the winner of the Weber propane grill.

True Value Company (www.truevaluecompany.com), based out of its Retail Support Center in Chicago, is one of the world’s largest retailer-owned hardware cooperatives. The True Value cooperative represents independent retailer locations worldwide with retail sales in their communities totaling approximately $5.5 billion. The Glenn’s True Value West “O” location can be reached directly at (402) 4350560, and more information about the local stores can be found online at www.glennstruevalue.com.

Director Larry Gadeken stated, “We are very excited to relocate to a larger office space where we can provide great service to our clients in the Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska area. It is a great way to celebrate over 13 years as a locally owned and operated company.”

Guardian Angels For Our Elders provides exceptional, affordable, in-home care to elders and others so they can remain independent.

Their services include assistance with meals, medication reminders, showering, dressing, grooming, personal care, light housekeeping and transportation.

The office staff would like to thank their clients and caregivers, some who have been with them for the entire 13 year journey! Case manager Christy Sueverkruepp explained, “Our caregivers are the heart and hands of our work. Their desire to recognize and honor the value of each person we serve is what drives us forward. Families are blessed when their loved ones can keep a high quality of life in spite of the challenges that aging can bring.”

Guardian Angels For Our Elders can be contacted at (402) 474-4000 or visit their website at www.guardian-angels.us.

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Business News

LHRMA Announces June Meeting The Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, June 14th at the SCC Continuing Education Center. The luncheon topic is Retention of Documents & Cyber Risk, beginning at 11:30 a.m. presented by Rick Jefferies with Cline Williams, followed by a workshop at 1:15 p.m. titled Policies in Your Handbook That Are Stupid. Register online at www.lincolnhr.org by Friday June 10th.

Be sure to mark your calendars to attend LHRMA’s Strategic HR Forums being held July 12th, August 9th and October 11th.

LHRMA is the go-to resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization is comprised of 400 Human Resources professionals from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members. For more information, please visit lincolnhr.org.

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Join the Jerky Celebration at Smoking Gun Come celebrate National Jerky Day with Smoking Gun Jerky on Sunday, June 12th! Smoking Gun Jerky will be open special hours from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in observance of this national event. Join Smoking Gun Jerky for a “Jerky Celebration” featuring their delicious and nutritious jerky in over 40 different flavors and a variety of heat levels. As Smoking Gun Jerky is produced in the store, you’ll also be able to see how the jerky is made in their kitchen along with the opportunity to register for special prize drawings!

Want a snack while you shop? Smoking Gun Jerky will also be cooking up famous “Wahoo Wieners” on the grill. You can sample new and old favorite BBQ sauces, and try a variety of Nebraska-made sauces, seasonings and spices. Blazn’ Grills, direct from Beatrice, NE, will be on display and Pitmaster Hardwood Smoking Pellets made in Fremont, NE are always in stock at the best prices in Lincoln.

Dave, Kris, Rian & the Smoking Gun Jerky Crew welcome you to stop in, taste test the best jerky around, enjoy a snack or two, and make sure to pick up a gift for Dad! To find out more about Lincoln’s very own SPECIALTY JERKY - Smoking Gun, located at 443 N. 48th St., please call (402) 467-6315 or visit www.smokinggunjerky.com.

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Bryson’s Airboat Tours Adds 14-Passenger Airboat for 2016 Season Bryson’s Airboat Tours in Fremont, NE is excited to announce the addition of a new airboat to its fleet!

The new airboat seats 14 passengers and for the thrill enthusiasts out there, it’s powered by an impressive 850 HP supercharged engine and propelled by 18 propeller blades. Now Bryson’s Airboat Tours is the only company of its kind in the Midwest that can start and stop on dry land with large groups seated on the airboat, which makes boarding safe and easy for passengers of all ages.

At Bryson’s Airboat Tours, the guides customize your experience based on your group’s preferences. If adventure is wanted, adventure will be delivered; however, if riders are more interested in seeing the scenery at a slower pace, a peaceful and relaxing ride will take place. Thinking about doing a team outing and wanting to do something different?

Check out the company’s website at www.brysonsairboattours.com.

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Business News

NDOL Reports on Computer Ownership Trends According to a recent ar ticle

by Jodie Meyer, Research Analyst for the Nebraska Department of Labor, there are several key trends in computer ownership that would be of interest to businesses statewide.

“Among the data collected by the US Census Bureau is information on ownership of different types of computers. The number of people who reported owning a desktop or laptop alone went down in every state between 2013 and 2014 according to the American Community Survey. In Nebraska, the number of people owning just a desktop or laptop decreased by 25.3 percent, slightly more than nationally.

Not surprisingly, the use of handheld computers is increasing.

According to the Census, overall ownership of smart phones and other handheld wireless computers went up in every state and increased nationally by 10.9 percent. The rates ranged from 6.0 percent in the District of Columbia to 16.2 percent in Wyoming. Nebraska ranked 5th with an increase of 13.9 percent.

The fastest increase in ownership occurred for those indicating owning a handheld computer only. Nationally, the rate of increase from 2013 to 2014 was 31.9 percent. Ownership went up in every state, with the slowest rate of increase occurring in South Dakota at 14.4 percent to the fastest in Hawaii with a rate of 75.1 percent. Nebraska’s rate of change was 41.2 percent, faster than the national average.”

For similar articles from the Nebraska Department of Labor, check out the Nebraska Workforce Trends online magazine at dol.nebraska. gov/trends.

Concordia University to Host Early Childhood Conference Early childhood specialists and teachers are invited to gather for “The Young C h i l d ’ s Wa y ” Early Childhood Conference on June 15th at Concordia University, Nebraska. The conference is open to the public, and registration is open until the date of the event.

Dr. Ann Meeker, author and musician, will deliver a keynote address titled “Developing Language and Literacy the Young Child’s Way Through Music and Play” during the conference. Meeker is a music therapy consultant. She focuses on helping educators learn how to playfully embed music in the lives of young children to support communication, self-regulation and social connection. She is the author of the “Baby Sing and Sign” book series and her CDs earned National Association for Parenting Publications (NAPPA) and Parents’ Choice Awards.

The conference will also feature Rev. Terence Groth, who teaches New Testament, doctrine and ethics at Concordia University, Nebraska.

Groth, who will speak at the luncheon, has a love for music and poetry.

In addition to keynote speakers, the conference includes a Scholastic Book Fair and two breakout sessions with a variety of topics available, including faith development, social/emotional development, music, art, literacy and leadership.

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The conference cost is $55 after June 1 and an additional $13 for those who plan on attending the luncheon. Housing will be available also. For a complete list of sectional topics, to register online, or to access a printable registration form for the event, visit cune.edu/ecc.

Business News

A1 Automotive Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New Location A1 Automotive is excited to announce that a ribbon-cutting celebration was h e l d fo r t h e n ewe s t s t o r e location at 1117 L St. on May 6th with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. The public was invited to attend and guests received free gifts (koozies, ball caps, t-shirts) and much more for showing their support! Attendees were entered in for an opportunity to win two free oil changes for the rest of the year on any year/make/model vehicle and three free transmission services.

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A1 Automotive is a local, owner-operated business, with the mission of ensuring that everyone who walks in the door feels valued and at home. With quality workmanship as a priority, A1 Automotive guarantees their labor, along with most parts used having at least a twelve-month warranty and some much longer. At A1 Automotive, honesty is their #1 priority. Priding their service on small town values, everyone is treated with respect and all repairs are completed knowing that you trust A1 Automotive to keep you and the ones you love on the road. Can’t wait for a repair? No problem. A1 Automotive can usually get your car back to you within a day, and will even wash and vacuum it on request. They also offer a free pick-up and drop-off service for your vehicle! For more information about A1 Automotive, please visit www.a1autolincoln.com, call (402) 477-4660 or email kendall@a1autolincoln.com.

Talent Plus® Named to 2016 List of Best Workplace in Consulting and Professional Services Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work have named Talent Plus, Inc. No. 18 of the 2016 Best Workplaces (#BestWorkplaces) in Consulting and Professional Services. Talent Plus is honored to be recognized along with the top five companies, including: The Boston Consulting Group, Cooley, Kimley-Horn, Plante Moran and CHG Healthcare Services.

Talent Plus considers this honor exceptionally notable because the recognition is based on companies who outperformed roughly 70 industry peers in our ranking – enjoy higher levels of cooperation, loyalty and employee willingness to go the extra mile.

“We have always known that if you select the most talented people that fit your needs, and they love what they do, they will produce more consistent value for your company in the long run, and continue to grow your company,” stated Kimberly Rath, Co-Chairman and Founder, Talent Plus. “To be recognized as a place where talented consultants and professionals will find growth and opportunity is an honor and proof that The Science of Talent® works.” (#TalentedConsulting) “As consulting and professional services evolve to tackle the people side of the business, the industry itself must raise its game,” says Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work®. “The Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services get this, have built great workplace cultures and are seeing a payoff in business results.”

Find the award announcement and more about Talent Plus at www. talentplus.com.

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Business News Greg Joyce of Legacy Retirement Communities John Henry’s Named Among Best Places to to Speak at Senior Living Summit Work in Lincoln Legacy Retirement Communities’ CEO, Greg Joyce, will be a primary speaker at the 20th anniversary of the Best Practices Senior Living Summit being held June 27 & 28th in Jupiter Beach, Florida.

The goal of the summit is to raise the bar in the senior living industry, especially in sales and operations. This conference will bring together industry thought leaders to advance the quality of the industry.

Joyce will be speaking in regards to the Legacy Retirement Communities’ success in holding at 98% capacity for the last several years. Legacy Retirement Communities is a leader in Senior Living in Lincoln, providing Independent Living and Assisted Living and also memory care at The Arbors.

For more information about Legacy Retirement Communities or to learn more about their first-ever upcoming Capital City Culinary Classics Event, which will spotlight some of Lincoln’s famous recipes on Wednesday, June 29th, please visit www.legacyretirement.com or call (402) 436-3000.

Lied Center Announces 2016/2017 Season of World-Class Artists The Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska—Lincoln proudly announces another stellar season highlighting the greatest artists in the world in every art form.

The Lied Center’s full 2016/2017 season includes: Sounds of China (Special Event) – September 28; An Evening with Idina Menzel – September 30 (tickets available early June for Broadway Fan Club members); “Once” – October 7–8; Travis Wall’s Shaping Sound – October 12; The Capitol Steps – October 21; Clint Black – October 23; Twyla Tharp: 50th Anniversary Tour – October 25; Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show – October 28; Ingrid Fliter, Piano – November 13; Sara Watkins – November 30; “Rhapsody in Black” – December 5; Brian Regan – December 9; Canadian Brass Christmas – December 10; Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis – December 20; Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” – January 27–29; Lucas Debargue, Piano – February 7; “Late Night Catechism” – February 8–12; “Into The Woods” – February 16–17; Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play” – February 22; Gabriel Kahane – February 23–24; “Mamma Mia!” – March 3–5; Heather Henson’s “Crane: On Earth, In Sky” – March 9; Trinity Irish Dance Company – March 17; An Evening with Buddy Guy – March 18; Riders in the Sky – March 24; Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra – March 26; Taikoproject: “Interlocking Rhythms” – March 31; Richard Goode, Piano – April 2; Momix “Opus Cactus” – April 4; The Midtown Men – April 7; “Defying Gravity” Starring Stephen Schwartz – April 20; Itzhak Perlman, Violin – April 22; Russian National Ballet Theatre: “Sleeping Beauty” – April 30; Joey Alexander Trio – May 18; Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical” – May 31–June 3.

Season ticket orders (four or more events) can be placed online now at LiedCenter.org, by phone at (402) 472-4747, or in person at the Lied Center Box Office, 301 N 12th St. If the performances are not sold-out through season ticket orders, any remaining tickets will be available for single ticket purchase starting August 16.

14 Strictly Business JUNE 2016

Wo o d s & Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star, and the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association, founders of the Best Places to Work in Lincoln list, announced in April 2016 that John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning has been named to the 2016 list in the medium company sized category.

The Best Places to Work in Lincoln program, which was started in 2013, recognizes local companies who, through a third party administered employee survey, rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices.

John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning was acknowledged for creating an enjoyable corporate culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. “We are excited to be named one of the Best Place to Work in Lincoln this year. Making the list is truly an honor that undoubtedly provides all of our employees with a sense of pride,” said John Henry (Jack) Zohner.

For more information about John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, please call (402) 435-5555 or visit www.jhlincoln.com.

HIP OffiCenters Adds Lease Options for Executive Office Suites HIP OffiCenters is excited to announce that there are now several lease options available for the Executive Office Suites located in central Lincoln at 5000 Central Park Drive, in Lincoln, NE. As HIP OffiCenters places an emphasis on accommodating its clients and realizes that flexibility is important to businesses, whether they are established or in the process of transition, office space is available for long-term, short-term, and month-to-month time increments. This arrangement also allows busy professionals to take a tour, sign a lease and start working in their new office all in the same day!

Centrally located in a high traffic area, HIP OffiCenters Executive Office Suites also includes a host of amenities: professional receptionist with personalized phone answering, an attractive receptionist area, all utilities paid, phone system, convenient on-site free parking, building directory listing, mail pick-up, janitorial services, complimentary coffee, conference room and break room facilities.

HIP OffiCenters is a full-service company offering the tools needed to help a business grow and be successful, beginning with an ideal office environment that’s a productive, inviting and professional space to conduct business.

For more information about HIP OffiCenters, please visit www.hiprealty. com/office, call (402) 466-3932 or email office@hiprealty.com.

Business News Farm Bureau Now Accepting Applications for 2017 Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge Farm Bureau has announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge - the nation’s first business competition for agriculture-related entities.

Applications are open until June 30, 2016 and Farm Bureau will award $145,000 in start-up funds to ag businesses. Last year a Nebraska entrepreneur won $10,000 as 2016 semi-finalist. It would be awesome if more Nebraska entrepreneurs were to win some of the prize money! Farm Bureau has also removed the rural qualification so all Nebraskans with an ag-related business can apply.

For more information or if there is a specific business you think should apply, please contact Audrey Smith, Director of Youth, Collegiate & Young Leader Programs, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation at (402) 421-4445. She would be happy to reach out and help with the application process. Businesses can apply online at www. strongruralamerica.com.

5 Elements Massage Now Open 5 Elements Massage is officially open for business! Located at 5221 S. 48th St. inside Envy Hair Salon, 5 Elements Massage is owned and operated by resident LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) Erin Lange, who is enthusiastically spreading the positive health benefits of massage. Being passionate about what she does is a guarantee. 5 Elements Massage is a proud new Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) member and is looking forward to expanding its client base and educating those in the Lincoln community about massage and all that it can do for them.

A massage is not just a “pampering once a year” kind of thing; it has the power to boost your health and overall wellbeing in many ways if utilized correctly. Regular massages help with depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, stress, insomnia, aid in removing acute pain and in managing chronic pain, along with its positive effects on many other issues in our daily life. 5 Elements Massage offers a wealth of services including the ever-popular Swedish and deeptissue massages, along with a much larger selection of modalities to pick from such as prenatal, heated bamboo, sports, hot stone, reflexology, fire cupping, salt or sugar scrubs, chocolate wraps, and more. Additionally, aromatherapy is available and can be added to all modalities for extra relaxation.

For more information, please call (402) 202-9516, visit 5elementsNE. com or find 5 Elements Massage on Facebook at 5elementsmassage.

Calling All Industry Professionals: Residential Remodeling a Focus Topic in July Issue Calling all industry professionals! Strictly Business is set to cover Residential Remodeling, a feature story that will be included in our upcoming July issue. If you’re a business with any type of related offerings and want to get the word out and help to educate our audience, then this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Are you to increase your profits in 2016? Do you want to get the word out about your products, services and expertise? Contact us at (402) 466-3330 or via email at Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha. com to find out more about how you can get involved today! To view our past stories, you can also check out our website at www. strictly-business.com JUNE 2016 Strictly Business

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Business News

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Executive Travel Unveils New Branding, Logo and Website Executive Tr a ve l i s excited to announce the launch of its new and improved branding, logo and website.

In celebration of Executive Travel’s 30th anniversary, the company envisioned building a new website that was mobile-responsive and simplified the path its clients take to fulfill their needs. Along with the process of building the new website a contemporary new logo and brand were also designed. Executive Travel was able to transform the original company branding, logo and website into a new website that represents the company as it soars into the future of travel management while building around the theme of “We Simplify Travel.”

As such, the new website focuses on making the client experience simple and stress-free. Executive Travel’s website was unveiled at a recent all-company meeting in Lincoln, NE with tremendous support.

“Our employees are the personality and reason for the success of our company, so it is important to have their alignment with our new website, which will be the face of Executive Travel now and in the future,” says Steve Glenn, CEO of Executive Travel. “Our team is excited with the fresh new look of our company, as represented by our new branding, logo and website.”

To view the new website design and learn who Executive Travel is and how they can help simplify travel for you or your company, please visit www.executivetravel.com.

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Cigarz Lounge Officially Marks Opening With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Cigarz Lounge recently opened its doors and celebrated by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on May 11th. As the event also presented a great opportunity to gather and enjoy Cigarz Lounge’s specialty, guests were welcome to bring in their own cigar or select something from the impressive walk-in humidor, which also offers private lockers.

Cigarz Lounge is a stylish cocktail and cigar lounge proudly located in the Lincoln Haymarket’s former Tool House Building at 8th and Q Streets. Speedway Properties purchased the property in 2008 and has repurposed the building to serve the expanding Haymarket entertainment district.

“Since opening this past January, it’s has been very fulfilling for the owners and staff to watch local cigar enthusiasts, guests in our city and people just out looking for a fun evening as they discover the business,” said Cigarz Lounge representative Sandy McCorkindale, who welcomed those in attendance at the event.

Cigarz can be found in a newly created suite down the alley on the east side of the building and opens daily at noon.

2920 Copper Ridge Rd. | Wilderness Hills Shopping Center 402.328.0777 | www.TranquilityDaySpaAndSalon.com 16

Strictly Business JUNE 2016

To find out more about Cigarz Lounge, please contact Sandy McCorkindale at (402) 750-8045, find them on social media, or stop in and enjoy a cigar!

Business News

Major Minor 3 Earns Right to Perform National Anthem at Cornhusker State Games Cornhusker State Games (CSG) officials have announced Major Minor 3 as the CSG 2016 National Anthem Contest winner. The vocal trio from McCook, NE will perform the Star Spangled Banner at the CSG Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 15 at Lincoln’s Seacrest Field.

Members include Shelby Stevens, 16; Riley Rambali, 17; and Tyler Rambali, 20. Other finalists in the statewide search, which was sponsored

by Amigos/Kings Classic, included runner-up CVC Men’s Chorus, Ex Amino Quartet, the Nebraska Men’s Christian Chorus and the Accidentals.

The Cornhusker State Games is expected to draw some 13,000 participants to Lincoln and Omaha from July 15-24 for competition in more than 60 sports. Besides the National Anthem, the Opening Ceremonies include the traditional parade of athletes, skydivers, fireworks, a mascot showcase, an exhibition by Nitro Circus and a torch lighting ceremony. Participant registration for the Games is open through June 22nd at CornhuskerStateGames.com. Follow Cornhusker State Games on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

Roper & Sons Announces June Events Each month, Roper & Sons Funeral Care provides educational seminars/ events which are free and open to the public. This month’s Topic Breakfast, being held at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 16th, features Attorney Christine Vanderford. Christine will share information on how to ensure that we are prepared for all of our needs, including Healthcare and Financial Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and estate plans.

A Topic Breakfast is held on the third Thursday of each month and all are welcome to attend. For more information or to reserve your seat for an upcoming Topic Breakfast, please call (402) 476-1225 or email info@roperandsons.com.

The Grief Program for June is as follows: June 5 – Guided Group; June 12 - Art with Anna, $10 for materials, please reserve your seat by calling (402) 476-1225; June 19 – Social; June 26 – Guided Group. Learn more about Enhanced Grief Support Group sessions at www.roperandsons.com or find Roper & Sons on Facebook.

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TAGG Introduces New App Features, Expands to Lincoln The Together A Greater Good (TAGG) app, an Omaha startup, is now even easier to use! Two new features have been added to the latest app upgrade.

The first is Receipt Capture: Users will now have the option to upload a receipt instead of asking a cashier for a QR code to scan. In a hurry, or forgot to TAGG? No worries, simply upload a picture of your receipt within 7 days of purchase.

The second is Business Categories: Businesses will be listed within categories that will make it even easier for users to find participating businesses for anything they may need (Ex. Food, Dry Cleaning, Family Fun, Salons, etc.)

TAGG has also expanded to Lincoln, Nebraska! Currently, participating businesses include: Edible Arrangements, Hiro88, Blue Sushi Sake Grill, We Be Poppin’, Brewsky’s, and Jersey Mike’s Subs.

If you haven’t already, download Together A Greater Good (TAGG) to start raising funds for your school, nonprofit, or team. It’s such a great way to connect to causes you care about, and offer financial support without spending an extra dime! To find out more, visit www. togetheragreatergood.com.

JUNE 2016 Strictly Business

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Business News

Study Shows Benefits of Local EAP Services A study recently released by Chestnut Global Partners Division of Commercial Science showed significant improvements across several measures of workplace productivity among employees accessing employee assistance programs (EAPs).

The study surveyed 1,782 employees on 5 measures of work performance and overall satisfaction: absenteeism, presenteeism (being at work but distracted by personal issues), work engagement, work distress (dread or negative feelings about being in the workplace), and life satisfaction. Study participants were surveyed at intake, when accessing EAP services, and then again in a follow-up 90 days later. Among study participants, absenteeism was reduced by 37%, presenteeism fell by 22%, workplace distress was reduced by 12%, work engagement increased by 7%, and overall life satisfaction increased by 21%. The lengthy interval between use of EAP services and follow-up suggests that the use of local EAP services produces long-term benefits for both employees and employers.

Continuum EAP, based in Lincoln, Nebraska and one of 14 Workplace Collaborative member organizations, completed its own study in cooperation with Chestnut Global Partners in 2015. Continuum’s data outperformed the overall results in presenteesim, work engagement and workplace distress.

Continuum EAP has provided employee assistance programs to Nebraska companies since 1974 and was the first Employee Assistance program in the state. The company also offers training and organizational development, management consultation, and risk management services to its clients.

For more information about Continuum EAP, visit www.4continuum.com.

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

The Nines and barVino Present Fashion Workshop Series Join barVino and The Nines to Sip, Shop, Listen, and Lear n – the duo recently kic ked off their new, up-and-coming Fashion Workshop Series! Guests have the opportunity to enjoy an evening out to learn a few new things about what you’re looking for when shopping and putting a great outfit together, and can enjoy a glass of wine at the same time.

The first Fashion Workshop event was hosted on Monday, May 23rd from 7-9 p.m. at barVino, located at 2801 Pine Lake Road Suite H. The topic covered was transitioning between daywear and eveningwear; how to take your favorite top and make it sassy for a special occasion, or alternatively, how to take that “I’ll only wear this once dress” and style it appropriately to wear to the office. Attendees were also welcome to bring in clothing items for guidance as to how to style them up and down depending on the occasion.

Stay tuned for your opportunity to attend the next Fashion Workshop, which will be announced on the business’s social media pages. All are welcome to join! For more information, please call The Nines at (402) 904-5257 or barVino at (402) 975-8701.

Business News

Animal Health Vaccine Opportunities Expand with AgriLabs® Acquisitions in Lincoln AgriLabs ® , the largest U.S. animal health marketing and distribution business, recently announced that it has entered into the vaccine manufacturing business with a new USDA-licensed facility in Lincoln, NE. AgriLabs has also acquired Lincoln-based Antelope Valley Bios and Benchmark Biolabs, and Benchmark’s ownership interest of VaxLiant®. With these moves, AgriLabs, along with its new business subsidiaries, now offers complete concept-to-commercialization services for vaccines used in swine, cattle, poultry and other species.

“By adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities to our U.S. marketing and sales operations, we can deliver more value to veterinarians and producers both domestically and worldwide,” said Steve Schram, AgriLabs chief executive officer, at a ribbon-cutting event with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce that included several state and city officials held on April 29th.

The expertise of the staff at both Benchmark and Antelope Valley Bios will be critical to the research and design and manufacturing functions of the AgriLabs expanded business model. The swine market will be the first target for the new facilities, with a focus on custom-made vaccines. AgriLabs’ three fully owned subsidiaries in Lincoln – Antelope Valley Bios, Benchmark Biolabs and VaxLiant – will continue to operate as stand-alone business entities.

Lincoln SCORE Celebrates National Small Business Week, Seeking Volunteers National Small Business Week, recently observed May 1- May 7, celebrates the importance of small businesses to the American economy, our local community and our way of life.

During National Small Business Week, our local Lincoln SCORE chapter honored the talents and achievements of small business owners, providing a forum to network and explore new opportunities for their businesses. Nationally, SCORE teamed up with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to honor the best and brightest entrepreneurial talent. There are many resources available to entrepreneurs, such as SCORE’s free, confidential, one-on-one mentoring and low-cost workshops. SCORE can share small business success stories among clients as valuable examples of real-world business success.

For many Americans, small business ownership is the American dream. Lincoln SCORE has been helping them achieve their dream of small business success for more than 50 years. More than 11,000 SCORE experts offer free and confidential business mentoring and advice to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide. Please contact Lincoln SCORE at (402) 437-2409 to request a meeting with a SCORE certified mentor or visit lincoln. score.org/localworkshops to learn more about SCORE Simple Steps to Start Your Business workshop sessions.

If you have business experience that you are willing to share with others, please consider joining the Lincoln SCORE volunteer mentor team. You will discover great satisfaction in helping entrepreneurs achieve their business success.

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Business News

Pinnacle Bank Mortgage Department Moves to Edgewood The Pinnacle Bank Mortgage Department has moved from its Pine Lake location to the bank’s Edgewood branch at 5651 South 59th Street. Home lenders Adam Lenzen (NMLS # 674841) and Marlin Lyon (NMLS # 674842) are available to assist customers on the west side of the Edgewood branch; their phone numbers and email addresses remain the same. The entire mortgage team looks forward to serving customers’ home financing needs from their new location.

Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc. is a $9.2 billion financial holding company operating 140 community banks in seven states, including 61 locations in Nebraska. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

The Local Hosts Grand Opening Party The Local recently opened its doors and welcomed its first patrons on November 23rd, 2015.

After undergoing c o n t i n u e d remodeling and rebranding since, The Local is thrilled to announce that their official Grand Opening party was held on May 13th. Located at 2755 Jamie Lane, the staff at The Local welcomed patrons on Friday the 13th with food and drink specials from open to close.

The Local is your friendly neighborhood lounge, highlighting memorabilia from Nebraska’s past. The bar offers guests an impressive selection of 13 beers on tap, 9 of which are from local breweries, along with 50+ cans and bottles of domestic, imported and craft beers. In addition to the outdoor patio, the space now features a party room which is available to rent for any occasion! Guests are encouraged to try out The Local’s new menu; a highlight is signature pizzas made with their homemade sauce and crust. Open every day at 4 p.m. except for Sundays, The Local offers guests Happy Hour specials every day and evening specials Monday through Thursday from 7 p.m. to close.

Make sure to stop by and check out what’s new at The Local, and you can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ thelocal1. For more information, call (402) 805-4506 or email lincolnleisureclub@yahoo.com.

Strictly Business to Highlight Pet-Friendly Workplaces

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

There are many businesses and organizations in the Lincoln community that are proud to be pet-friendly, whether it’s welcoming customers accompanied by their pets, inviting employees to bring their pets with them to work, or even adopting a resident office pet. The Strictly Business family also includes pets, with our resident office cat Snow and dog Rocky as well as all of the team’s furry family members who visit regularly, and we want to know more about the ways you enjoy the company of pets in your workplace! In honor of Take Your Pet to Work Day on Friday, June 24th Strictly Business will be celebrating along with all of the other workplaces that welcome pets. We plan to share photos throughout the day and encourage others to join in the fun and share theirs with us on our Facebook page!

Also, make sure to watch for a special announcement coming soon regarding pets in the workplace! If you are involved in the pet industry or connected in some way and would like to get involved, please contact us at (402) 466-3330 to find out about the exciting opportunities that we plan to roll out in the coming months!

Business News

DataVizion Celebrates 15 Years of Advancing Technology DataVizion, a leading edge provider of business technology solutions, is celebrating 15 years of delivering the latest in technology, products and services to business of all sizes. Since its formation in 2001, DataVizion has grown to become a top provider of managed IT services in the Midwest and beyond. In the past five years alone, the company has experienced 30% year-over-year revenue growth and quadrupled its staff.

DataVizion’s partnerships with industry leaders such as Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, Palo Alto Networks and Avaya allows them to leverage premier technologies and, coupled with their proven expertise, deliver the highest quality customized solutions to fit a client’s specific business needs. To learn more about DataVizion and services offered, go to www.datavizion.com or follow them on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Raising Cane’s Presents Nebraska National Guard With Over $23,500 Raising Cane’s Chic ken Fingers recently partnered with Cell Phones for Soldiers (www. cellphonesforsoldiers. com) for its 8th annual cell phone drive. During the drive, Lincolnites were asked to bring in their unwanted cell phones to be recycled and turned into calling cards. In addition to donating phones, customers were able to provide support by adding any dollar amount to their ticket while ordering. From March 21 through April 30, donors received a free meal with purchase offer when a phone was donated and through these efforts, Raising Cane’s gave over $4,600 in food to support the cause.

In just a little over a month, more than 64,100 minutes and $23,500 in monetary donations were collected and given to the Nebraska National Guard. The calling cards are given to Nebraska soldiers that are away on active duty, allowing them to stay connected with friends and family, while the money raised helps support a fund for active soldiers and their families to assist with medical or other bills, groceries and gas. The calling cards and check were presented to the Nebraska National Guard Foundation at the Lincoln Air Show on May 7.

Since opening their first location in 2006, Raising Cane’s Lincoln and Grand Island franchise (Southern Hospitality Ventures) owners Justin and Jennifer Jones have set out to make a change in their community by becoming active community leaders with programs such as this one. Follow what’s going on at your local Raising Cane’s on social media: facebook.com/CanesNebraska or twitter.com/CanesLincoln.

Jeanne Baer’s “ArtEffects” Show at Doc’s Place to Make First Friday Debut Forty photos transformed into “paintings” comprise the art show at Doc’s Place Art Gallery in June. A travel photographer for more than 40 years, Jeanne Baer creates her ©ArtEffects pieces to express her memories of exotic places versus their technical accuracy. The exhibit is called, “ArtEffects: Foreign Fotos Reframed.” It will make its debut on June 3 for First Friday and will remain through the month of June.

Doc’s Place Bar and Art Gallery is open daily at 140 North 8th Street in the Historic Haymarket. For more details, contact Jeanne Baer at JBaerPhotos@gmail.com.

Ploughshare Brewing Co. Wins Award at World Beer Cup℠ Ploughshare Brewing Co. claimed a silver award in the 2016 World Beer Cup, a global beer competition that evaluates beers from around the world and recognizes the most outstanding brewers and their beers. Gold, silver and bronze awards in the competition’s 96 beer-style categories were presented May 6, 2016 during the World Beer Cup award ceremony at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ploughshare was awarded the silver award in the German-Style Heller Bock/Maibock beer style category for its Pivo Bublina, a blond bockbier with notable honey, marmalade, and floral hop notes and an off-sweet finish. Maibock, literally a bockbier (strong lager) brewed for release around May 1st, is a traditional pale colored bock style and is generally hoppier and crisper than the sweeter dark bocks brewed brewed for Christmas and Easter.

World Beer Cup winners were selected by an international panel of 253 beer judges from 31 countries. Regarded as the “Olympics of Beer Competition,” the World Beer Cup saw an impressive field of 6,596 entries from 1,907 breweries in 55 countries.

Located at 1630 P St. in Lincoln, Ploughshare is a 15-bbl microbrewery that specializes in classic styles of ales and lagers, as well as adventurous seasonal styles. Ploughshare has been selling its beers in draught format for just 18 months. Special cask beers are tapped weekly. The taproom also offers wine, gluten free beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, including fresh French pressed coffee and nostalgic sodas as well as an ever-changing beer-inspired menu.

Learn more at ploughsharebrewing.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Shawn Shawn Wills

madonna rehabilitation hospital

Established in 1958 in Lincoln, NE, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital is a national leader in specialized rehabilitation programs. With a $93.6 million expansion project currently underway in Omaha, the new 110-bed, freestanding rehabilitation hospital is scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, effectively doubling Madonna’s footprint in the Midwest. Shawn Wills is the Director of National Sales at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

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How did you get started in the business? - I started working at General Casualty Insurance in the mailroom part time while going to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. When I graduated, I started handling workers’ compensation claims for them. I then went on to working in the case management business with a national company, Concentra, and next, The ALARIS Group, where I worked as their National Account Manager for 9 years. I have been at Madonna now for 3 years, with the role of helping to grow our inpatient Worker’s Compensation business. I absolutely love it!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I really stepped out of my comfort zone professionally when I came to Madonna. Not a lot of carriers fully understood the resources available at Madonna and how we could not only help them locally and regionally, but nationally as well. By sending catastrophic cases to Madonna, carriers are seeing better outcomes and fewer dollars spent in the long run. We are now (finally) seeing the results of our efforts by way of incremental growth.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- There are a lot of achievements that I’m proud of to date; however, I have several in mind that I still want to reach.

Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up in North Platte, NE and am the oldest of three children. I have two children, Dawson (17) and Hanna (15). They both go to Millard West High School.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Working at Madonna has really changed my life. Seeing the severity of the injuries, the impact they have on the lives of our patients and their loved ones, and the struggles to overcome really puts things in perspective. It has made me very thankful for many things and along the same lines, has made the issues I face in my daily life seem much more trivial.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - If I’m not watching my kids’ activities, I really enjoy golfing.

What are you the most proud of? - I’m most proud of my children and how I have helped raise them. They are both very hard-working, responsible, respectful kids who would do anything for their friends and family. I’m biased, but I think they are pretty awesome.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I actually got it from a conference where Tom Osborne spoke. He said, “Every tragedy or adverse situation you face in life is an opportunity.” I try to remember that when I face tough situations.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am on the Board of Directors for a charity called Kids’ Chance of Nebraska (www.kidschanceofne.org). We provide scholarship opportunities to children whose parents have suffered a catastrophic work comp injury or death.

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If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? By phone at (402) 290-8662, email at swills@madonna.org, or visit www.madonna.org.

rachel Rachel Heser

tranquility salon & Spa Tranquility Salon & Spa recently moved to its new location at Wilderness Hills at 2920 Copper Ridge Drive, and has since officially re-opened with a whole new look along with rolling out expanded product and service offerings for their clients.

Rachel Heser is the Spa Manager at Tranquility Salon & Spa. Tell us a little about your business. - Tranquility Salon & Spa is a fullservice hair salon and day spa. In addition to the hair services provided by our experienced team of professional stylists, we offer an extensive line-up of spa services including pedicures and manicures, facials, massages, body treatments, waxing, makeup artistry and more! With the additional space at our new location and its overall design, we’ve been able to incorporate many new offerings that we’re excited about too. This includes a blowdry and makeup bar, men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam showers, a relaxation room and couples massage room, and new Aveda spa services. In other recent news, we’ve also been voted Lincoln’s best hair salon and place for a massage, which is something that we’re extremely proud of as a testament to the quality of the services, products, and overall atmosphere we’re able to provide for our clients.

How did you get started in the business? - I started with Tranquility Salon & Spa in September of 2002. I was originally hired as a massage therapist, which has been the focus of my career for the past 17 1/2 years. I then began training to add pedicures and manicures to my services. When we made the move to our new location on January 7th, I was promoted to my current role as Spa Manager.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I would say as a new manager of a talented team of people who I’ve already been working with as my colleagues, it’s been learning to separate my friendships from my professional relationships with the staff at the salon.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Being promoted to my current position as Spa Manager, which was a decision made based on the recommendations and support of my peers at Tranquility Salon & Spa. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - When the weather is nice I enjoy golfing and going for motorcycle rides. I also really enjoy hanging out with friends and family.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would love to be able to look into the future.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I’d like to be more creative and artistic, which are both things that I admire very much in others.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Forensic Science. It’s something that has always really piqued my interest.

What is your favorite movie? - The Shawshank Redemption.

What is your favorite TV show? - I am a reality show junkie! The Bachelor, The Voice, Below Deck, and Real Housewives are among my current favorites.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Dish.

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

- There are several good ways to reach me – call the salon at (402) 328-0777, visit our website at tranquilitydayspaandsalon.com, visit our Facebook page, or email me directly at tranquility.rachel@gmail. com. Or feel free to stop by to say hello and check out everything we have to offer at our brand new location!

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troy Troy Bridgford

ironhide construction Ironhide Construction, Inc. was founded in 2008 and specializes in commercial and industrial construction. With a reputation throughout the Midwest for providing quality buildings and genuine service at a reasonable price, the locally owned and operated company prides itself on providing expert advice, skilled craftsmanship and top notch construction management. Troy Bridgford is the President of Ironhide Construction, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - Ironhide Construction is a Lincolnbased company specializing in all things metal. We do a lot of work in partnership with Chief Metal Buildings out of Grand Island, NE. In addition to pre-engineered metal buildings, we also erect small structural steel projects in and around the Lincoln area. One of our little known specialties is structural restoration projects, where we team up with structural engineers to take structures that have failed and restore them to safe and proper working order. Ironhide Construction also completes many other types of projects including standing seam metal roofing and architectural metal wall panels. In fact, Ironhide Construction has teamed up with another Lincoln-based business, Metalworks, to create our own line of custom architectural metal wall panels. Our leadership team also includes Vice Presidents Jeff Wolgamott and Chris Kyhn.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I’d say getting into a project where we knew from the beginning that we had underbid. In this situation we just had to put on our big boy pants and still turn out a quality project knowing full well that we wouldn’t be making any money from it.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Creating a positive working environment where everyone gets along and truly enjoys their time at work.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my beautiful wife Candice, who is a Speech Pathologist for Seward Public Schools. We have four children who range in age from 19 to 4 years old. We work very hard as parents to instill in them a strong work ethic and positive, loving attitudes.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - It would probably have to be when I got laid off from The Weitz Company during the recession. It was a time when there wasn’t any work available for people with my background as the commercial construction field had tanked. At that time my choices were to either move to another state in search of work or to keep my family in Lincoln and start a business.

From that day forth we have never looked back.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love spending time with my family every chance I get. We enjoy camping, playing games, 4-wheeling, and working around the house. Beyond that I am a hobby blacksmith and it is something I really enjoy when I find time to do it.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Look at your failures as learning experiences and move on.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I am ridiculously good at the game Memory.

Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to multitask perfectly.

What is your favorite movie? - The Shawshank Redemption.

What is your favorite TV show? - Elementary.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Honest Abe’s Burgers & Freedom.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Cain’s brother Abel.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Call (402) 420-4961, email me at troy@ironhideconstruction.com, or visit our website at www.ironhideconstruction.com.

Matt Matt Svoboda

care consultants for the aging

Established in 1991, Care Consultants for the Aging is a home health registry with offices in Lincoln and Omaha. Additionally, Care Consultants publishes its ElderCare Resource Handbook every two years, which is a valuable resource for seniors and their family members who live in each respective area. Matt Svoboda is an Administrative Assistant at Care Consultants for the Aging’s Lincoln office.

Tell us a little about your business. - We connect seniors and their families with local resources, through the referral of qualified and trustworthy caregivers at an affordable cost to provide care, both medical and non-medical, in people’s homes as well as our ElderCare Resource Handbook.

How did you get started in the business? - My friend, who works on-call for CCA, told me that the position was opening up and that she thought I would be perfect for it. I agree.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - At my former retail job, my staff and I were left without a manager or assistant manager during Christmas season. This is always a very busy time in retail, obviously, and it was a lot to handle, but we made it through and lived to see another holiday season!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Building a great rapport with my co-workers. I love bringing an uplifting and enthusiastic attitude to the workplace.

Tell us a little about your family. - I was born in Torrington, WY. My parents adopted me and I’ve lived in Lincoln for 30 years. I’m engaged to a wonderful man named Michael, and we have a German Shepherd named Dante, an American Staffordshire Terrier named Moses, and a tortoiseshell cat named Cher, she’s crazy!

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

- I was in retail for 9 years with a varying schedule so transferring to an office job, with a set schedule Monday through Friday, was a huge change, and a very welcome one at that. Especially to be a part of a company that is really making a difference in the lives of the people in our community.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to walk in the old neighborhoods of Lincoln and look at the large, beautiful homes. I also love walking around Pioneers Park.

What are you the most proud of? - The group of people I have surrounded myself with throughout my life who have only lifted me higher and made me stronger.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “If It doesn’t matter in five years, it doesn’t matter.”

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Sky Fits Heaven” by Madonna.

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

Storm is my favorite member of the X-Men. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Music. It’s a dream and passion of mine.

What is your favorite movie? - Cloud Atlas.

What is your favorite TV show? - Xena Warrior Princess.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Oven. Yum! If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Cher.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Call (402) 488-3771, email ccainc2@yahoo.com, or visit our website at www.careconsultants.com.

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Matt Matt Bremer

engineered controls

Engineered Controls, Inc. is a locally owned and operated business specializing in building automation, access and security control solutions. Headquartered in Omaha, Engineered Controls also has full-service branch offices in Lincoln and Des Moines, IA, providing sales, consulting, construction and 24/7 services support. Matt Bremer is the Service Manager at Engineered Controls’ Lincoln office.

Tell us a little about your business. - We provide our clients with products and services to create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments. As a leading Honeywell building control technologies contractor, Engineered Controls offers control solutions for commercial HVAC and security systems, including video surveillance and access control, parking systems, lighting control systems, and building indoor air quality.

How did you get started in the business? - Right after graduating from SCC-Milford with an Electronic Engineering degree, I joined a company that took me to Alaska. I was there for two months and then came back to the Midwest in search of a career. Engineered Controls had a position open in Omaha and I was hired on in October of 2006 as a Service Technician, a position I held for 8 1/2 years. Eventually a new position became available in Lincoln, my hometown, and I was promoted to Service Manager.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I would say the learning curve with new technology. This affects our ability to educate our customers and is equally important as far as standing behind our products with our service. My job is constantly challenging and there is never a dull day.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Personally, I’d say it’s been developing my skill set and constantly building upon it with more and more knowledge. For our company, we’ve built a great team and a positive culture that’s reflected in our employee retention.

Tell us a little about your family. - I married my wife Amber last year; we celebrated our one-year anniversary on May 23rd. We also just welcomed our first baby boy into the world, Paxton John Bremer, and our two dogs complete our family.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Traveling when we have the opportunity! We also love the outdoors. Hunting and attending sporting events are at the top of the list too.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - No matter what, treat people with respect. You never know who that person is and when you will see them next. Similarly, it takes ten years to build a reputation and ten seconds to destroy one.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Won’t Back Down” by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’m really good at pool (billiards).

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

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Ozzy Smith, a former shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. He’s a talented guy, but also an all-around class act.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email me at mbremer@engineeredcontrols.com or visit us online www. engineeredcontrols.com. Our service line (402) 991-4115, and there’s a pretty good chance you can reach me there as well.

Michael Michael Holroyd

hip officenters & HIP Realty

HIP Inc. consists of two companies, HIP Realty and HIP OffiCenters. HIP Realty is a fullservice real estate company specializing in management, leasing and sales of apartments and commercial properties. HIP OffiCenters offers an executive suites and virtual office environment and allows its customers to have a presence in Lincoln at an affordable price. Michael Holroyd is the Founder and President of HIP Inc. Tell us a little about your business. - HIP Realty prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. We have a highly trained management staff, provide clean and accurate accounting financials and have a 24 hour on-call maintenance staff to cover both preventative and emergency situations. As a licensed real estate broker, we can represent owners with the sale and leasing of their investment. HIP OffiCenters offers many tools needed to help a business grow and be successful.

Along with an attractive office suite is a professional receptionist with personalized phone answering, and conference room. We also offer virtual offices that allow our clients to have a Lincoln address, conference room, phone answering, and a network of businesses. We will ensure you have a productive, inviting and professional space to conduct business.

How did you get started in the business? - In 1993, after working in the field of property management for 13 years, I decided to start my own company and HIP Realty (Holroyd Investment Properties) was born. My vision and passion have always been to provide a quality service to owners/investors of apartments and commercial income properties. After being exposed to the executive suites industry in Los Angeles, CA in the early 1990s, I decided to start HIP OffiCenters to provide executive office suites services to the Lincoln and Omaha area in 1996.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Earning the CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation from IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) has definitely been a highlight. The CPM credential is earned by meeting high standards of education, experience and ethical business practices which sets one apart from other professionals in the industry.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Sarah and I have two boys, Ethan (7) who enjoys art and soccer, and Levi (3) who likes music and the great outdoors. My wife is not only an amazing wife; she does a fantastic job as the mother of our two boys. As a family we enjoy traveling and camping in our RV, checking out the historic places all across America.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my family and watching the faces of my boys as they experience something for the first time!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’ve been an avid snowboarder for 15 years and enjoy visiting the Colorado Mountains.

What are you the most proud of? - Assembling a team of professionals to carry out the mission of HIP Inc. and providing the highest quality customer service available in our industry.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - You’re living your dream, just make sure to be in the moment to enjoy it!

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

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Call (402) 465-8911, email me at michael@hiprealty.com, or visit our website at www.hiprealty.com.

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Personnel News Union Bank & Trust Hires Julie Huls Union Bank & Trust recently welcomed Julie Huls as Vice President of Trust Operations.

With more than 20 years of field experience in operations leadership and project management, Huls will lead and oversee the Trust Operations department of the Trust and Wealth Management division. A graduate of Doane College, Huls holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Her Life Office Management Association designations include FLMI, AIRC, ACS and AIAA and she is certified as an Agile Certified Practioner (PMI-ACP) from the Project Management Institute. Huls is also trained as a Six Sigma black belt, representing excellence in leading improvement projects.

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Huls is an active supporter of United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Lincoln Food Bank, People’s City Mission and Community Blood Bank. She has served on her church council for three years in various capacities, including Treasurer and Secretary of the Women’s Executive Board.

Union Bank & Trust (www.ubt.com) is a privately owned, Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment and trust services.

The bank has thirty-eight full service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. In addition to Lincoln and Omaha, branches are located in twenty-one Nebraska communities. It is the third-largest privately-owned bank in Nebraska with bank assets of $3.4 billion and trust assets of $14.8 billion as of December 31, 2015.

Electronic Contracting Company Welcomes Angela Harvat Electronic Contracting Company is happy to announce its recent hire of Angela Harvat as its Western Nebraska Sales Representative. Angela is based out of the Lincoln office, the company’s headquarters, and started her new position in early May. She brings over 15 years of sales experience from the technology field to Electronic Contracting. Angela attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science-Education. As the Western Nebraska Sales Representative, she’ll focus on delivering nurse call, fire alarm, audio/visual, and security solutions to healthcare facilities in Nebraska’s western region. Call Angela today at (402) 466-8274 to learn more about how Electronic Contracting Company can meet your facility’s technological needs.

Founded in 1958, Electronic Contracting Company is the Midwest’s largest low voltage solutions provider. It prides itself in its ability to utilize a team-based approach to provide the most cost-effective solution to meet its clients’ needs, and is unique in its ability to fabricate in-house custom configurations and components. From its corporate headquarters in Lincoln, NE, Electronic Contracting is built around a high-quality team of design, sales, installation, service, and support personnel in branch offices located in Kansas City, MO; Wichita, KS; and Omaha, NE. It solves your facility’s needs with solutions like nurse call, fire alarm, access control, video surveillance, professional sound, audio/visual systems, and more for healthcare, churches, education, industrial, corporate, and correctional facilities.

For more information about Electronic Contracting Company, please call (402) 466-8274 or visit www.eccoinc.com.

Steven Peterson Named Top Salesperson

Ya s k a w a , A m e r i c a , M o t o m a n Robotics (motoman.com) has honored Steven Peterson with the prestigious Ichiban Award.

This annual award is designed to honor the top salesperson throughout all of North America and Brazil. As its most consistent performer, he has achieved Corps d’elite status 92% of his years with Motoman as compared to a company average of 19%. He is Yaskawa Motoman’s all-time sales leader with bookings of over $131 million. Peterson currently serves the states of Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, providing robot automation solutions to a wide variety of manufacturers including agricultural equipment, automotive parts, and STEM Robots for education. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, both earned at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He resides in Lincoln.

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Personnel News

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® Announces Promotion of Brandon Kirchgasler

Aradius Group Welcomes New Senior Sales & Marketing Executive Jeff Bowden

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, a home and business moving company, is pleased to announce the promotion of Brandon Kirchgasler within the local franchise in Lincoln, NE.

Aradius Group (www.aradiusgroup.com) is pleased to announce its recent hire of Jeff Bowden as Senior Sales & Marketing Executive. Within his role, he will be identifying, developing and growing sales channels through integrated strategies. He’ll also assist existing sales and marketing personnel in the development of strategies and additional growth. “I am thrilled to be joining Aradius Group,” Bowden states. “I am excited about working with a talented team to construct and execute quality marketing and direct response programs for our clients and prospects. Many direct marketing service organizations talk a good game when it comes to full service, strategy and integration.

It was very clear to me that in forming Aradius Group, executive management’s commitment to their client’s current and future needs was not just talk.”

Brandon Kirchgasler of Lincoln was recently promoted to Crew Leader. The criteria for Crew Leader is someone who is reliable and a team player, someone who shows natural leadership qualities and who cares as much about his coworker’s success as his own. Brandon has been on the Lincoln TMAAT team for a year, and in his spare time he plays in his own band, Brandon Kirchgasler and The Indestructible Band. Brandon also builds guitars!

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® is the largest franchised moving company both in the United States and internationally. Currently there are more than 280 national locations and 1,800 trucks operating in the U.S.; in total, the company operates 311 locations and 1,900 trucks.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® has performed more than five million moves since its inception in 1985. The company has seen consistent monthly growth dating back to December 2009 and more than 36 consecutive months of record growth. Each location is independently owned and operated.

For more information, call the Lincoln TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® office at (402) 466-4669 or visit twomenandatrucklincolnne.com.

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With a career spanning over 20 years, Jeff has developed a strong collaborative approach to campaign management that harnesses internal creative production and outside strategic partnerships.

He has successfully produced customer-donor acquisition, regular appeal cultivation, retention, sustainer, affiliate, major and legacy, membership, and lapsed reactivation campaigns. In addition, Jeff has led non-profit fundraising strategy, integrating a multichannel approach that has improved conversion-retention rates and stewardship, creating and engaging higher lifetime value customers-donors.

Personnel News

Home Real Estate Welcomes Associates HOME Real Estate would like to welcome the following REALTORS to the company: Roxana Luna, Kathy Henderson, Christy Parker and Nick Hardt to the North office; Mike Mullin and Matt Osborne to the Pine Lake office.

These agents c a n n ow o f f e r their clients the service, strength and stability that HOME Real Estate is known for.

All HOME agents have undergone licensing through the Nebraska Real Estate Commission, as well as completing an additional training program offered

by HOME Real Estate.

Roxana Luna

Kathy Henderson

Christy Parker

Nick Hardt

HOME Real Estate, an affiliate of HomeServices of America, is the area’s leading real estate company Mike Mullin Matt Osborne serving the Lincoln, Seward, and surrounding areas. The company’s agents are committed to providing clients with exceptional service in all stages of the building, buying, and selling process, including real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance. For more information about HOME Real Estate, visit www.

HomeRealEstate.com.

Eric Rutledge Joins Headsetters™ Headsetters™ is excited to introduce the newest member of the team, Eric Rutledge, who recently joined the company on May 1st as a National Account Manager.

Eric is contributing all his years of sales and management experience to further expand Headsetters™ sales and service to all of their customers across North America. He will be responsible for several national accounts and will be working towards consistently adding clients to the company’s growing portfolio.

Established in 1992, Headsetters™ is a full service national provider of Wireless, Bluetooth and Corded Headsets by Plantronics GN Netcom, Jabra, VXI, Sennheiser and Starkey. Additional services include all headset accessories, headset repairs, headset rentals and refurbished headsets. For more information, please visit www.headsetters.com or contact Eric Rutledge at (402) 951-9136 or via email at eric@headsetters.com.

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Personnel News Cathy Dorenbach of UNICO Group Selected as NAHU Underwriter of the Year UNICO Group is proud to announce that Cathy Dorenbach, CEBS – Benefits Consultant, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Nebraska Association of Health Underwriters “Underwriter of the Year”.

“We are thrilled to recognize a dedicated and qualified consultant such as Cathy. Our people are our biggest asset, and without them, we would not be where we are today. Cathy joined Midlands Financial, which is now a division of UNICO Group, in October 2001 and has been a NAHU member since 1999. We look forward to what the future holds in the years ahead for Cathy. She truly is a valued member of the Benefits team,” says Ryan Swinton, Executive Vice President of UNICO. The National Association of Health Underwriters represents more than100,000 licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants, and benefits professionals through more than 200 chapters across America. NAHU members provide valuable services to both business and individual consumers of health care by improving their ability to access a variety of health care and related benefits plans, and by assisting them in getting the most value from these plans after they are implemented.

Because NAHU members practice in a complicated field that requires a significant amount of expertise, they benefit from participation in a professional association that will allow them to increase their knowledge and exposure to information and services in important areas.

More information about UNICO Group, Inc., a full-service insurance and financial services agency, can be found at unicogroup.com.

Why? They have free coffee.

Seriously. Every day. Yep. I love our hometown airport.

SHARE THE L VE.

Check LNK every time you fly.

L I N CO L N A I R P O R T. CO M

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Dennis Allen Named Nebraska’s Premier Commercial Roofing Contractor Heartland International, Inc. a nationwide distributor of Conklin Commercial Roofing Systems has named Dennis Allen and his company Urethane Contracting Services LLC their Nebraska Premier Roofing Contractor for 2016. Conklin Executive Director Dennis Nun of Lincoln, NE and President of Heartland International, Inc. recognized Allen at their recent new contractor introductory training program on April 7th in Lincoln. This award recognizes Urethane Contracting Services LLC for their reputation built on successful installations of Conklin Roofing Systems in the Lincoln area and throughout the Midwest as well as their training of new contractors and professional reputation. Allen has been associated with Heartland & the Conklin Company for 40 years.

“Since going through Conklin’s first Roof Systems Training Program and installing the first of Conklin’s roofing projects in Lincoln 40 years ago, Dennis Allen has been a model of a successful Conklin Roofing Contractor. At the same time, Dennis has trained dozens of our contractors in the proper installation of what consists of a dozen commercial roofing systems that we offer today,” says Nun. Heartland International, Inc. is based in Lincoln, Nebraska and is responsible to screen and train contractors to install the Conklin Roofing Systems. For more information or to apply for one of our current openings, e-mail DennisLNun@gmail.com or call (402) 430-7727. To contact Urethane Contracting Services LLC for your commercial roofing needs call Dennis Allen at (402) 560-8660.

Personnel News West Gate Bank® Promotes Three The West Gate Bank® (www.westgatebank. com) Board of Directors has elected Nancy Johnson to the title Assistant Vice President and Consumer Loan Underwriter, Jordan Moehlenhoff to the title Mortgage Loan Officer and Jill Traynowicz to the title Vice President and Consumer Loan Underwriter.

Nancy Johnson began her career with West Gate Bank® in 2006, starting at the Center as a Part-Time teller. She moved to the Midtown branch as a Part-Time Personal Banker when the branch opened in 2007, and transferred back to the Center in 2013, moving to Full Time Personal Banker.

In January 2014, Johnson was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager at West Gate Bank® Center and will continue in that capacity in addition to her new duties as a Consumer Loan Underwriter. In total, Johnson brings 28 years of banking experience to her role at West Gate Bank®.

Nancy Johnson is located at the West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road and can be reached at (402) 323-8954 or njohnson@westgatebank.com.

Nancy Johnson

HELP US EMPOWER PATIENTS TO LIVE FULLER LIVES Make a donation to SBSF today so we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those who live with SBS. Jordan Moehlenhoff

Jordan Moehlenhoff began his career at West Gate Bank ® in December of 2010 at the West O branch and worked in various positions until his promotion to the Business Banking Team in 2012.

Moehlenhoff customized a variety of products to enhance business banking portfolios and created additional benefits for businesses, as well as developed and maintained account relationships. In his new position as Mortgage Loan Officer, Jill Traynowicz Moehlenhoff is shifting focus to mortgage origination and building customized solutions for brokers and clients purchasing or refinancing a home.

Jordan Moehlenhoff is located at the West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road and can be reached at (402) 853-7212 or jmoehlenhoff@westgatebank.com.

Make A Donation Today!

402.770.0554 • ShortBowelFoundation.org

Are You Ready for Summer?

NOW Enrolling Youth Summer Camps & Activities!

Jill Traynowicz began her career with West Gate Bank® in 2008 and serves as Vice President and Branch Manager of our 84th & Eagle Crest branch. Jill will continue to serve as our Branch Manager for the 84th Street branch in addition to her new duties as a Consumer Loan Underwriter.

Jill Traynowicz is located at the 84th & Eagle Crest branch and can be reached at (402) 323-8901 or jtraynowicz@westgatebank.com.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You! At Strictly Business Magazine, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Lincoln community.

If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via our website at www.strictly-business.com.

SUMMER MEMBERSHIPS ARE ON SALE NOW! Sign Up Today!

402-423-2511 | 5300 Old Cheney Rd. LincolnRacquetClub.com JUNE 2016 Strictly Business

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Personnel News

Sunbelt Rentals Promotes Josh Johnson to Branch Manager Sunbelt Rentals is excited to announce the promotion of Josh Johnson as the new Branch Manager. Josh Johnson, a Valley, NE native, graduated from Per u State College and brings 10 years in the construction industry to Sunbelt Rentals. He will primarily be responsible for growing the business, increasing sales, and bringing brand awareness to the public. Sunbelt Rentals is located at 5450 Alvo Rd in Lincoln.

One of the largest equipment rental companies in North America and backed by a network of more than 550 locations, Sunbelt Rentals successfully services a variety of customers - from those in the commercial, residential, industrial, municipal, and specialized service industries, to weekend do-it-yourselfers. Sunbelt’s extensive fleet exceeds $5 billion and includes general construction equipment, industrial tools, pumps and power generation equipment, trench shoring, scaffolding, remediation & restoration equipment, portable heating, cooling and remediation solutions and more. Construction professionals and do-it-yourselfers turn to Sunbelt Rentals for their tool and equipment rental needs.

For more information on Sunbelt Rentals, please visit www. sunbeltrentals.com or call (402) 466-1550.

Nebraska ReBath Welcomes Diana Thies Nebraska ReBath recently welcomed a new member to their team, Diana Thies, who has been hired to fill the role of Office Manager.

Diana brings with her extensive experience in customer service. Her people skills are a great asset as communication and an excellent customer experience, from the time the customer walks into the store until the project is completed, are just as critical in the remodeling business as delivering a quality end result on time and on budget.

Her experience in the banking industry has taught her the importance of cultivating great relationships with clients as well as providing a solid foundation that will allow her to accurately manage accounts payable and receivable for the company.

In her new position, Diana will work closely with Tony, the store manager, on all office-related tasks for the company and will also help with setting appointments and assisting customers who visit the showroom, located at 5221 S. 48th Street #7.

As pioneers of “The Refreshing Remodel” concept, Nebraska ReBath specializes in preserving the tranquility of your home with quiet, clean, quick and affordable bathroom remodeling services.

For more information or to schedule your free consultation, please call (402) 484-0077 or visit the website at www.nebraskarebath.com.

402-437-2700

Nebraska Finishing Technologies Saturday, June 18

8 a.m.-3 p.m. Keyword: Finishing

Improve the accuracy of your spray painting techniques through the use of state-of-the-art virtual reality technology. Participants who successfully complete the training will earn a five-year certification that can be used to satisfy the federal certification standard and the Nebraska hazardous air pollutant best available control technology requirements.

Basic Computer Class

Tuesdays & Thursdays, July 12-26

5:15-8:15 p.m. Keyword: Basic

Are you looking for a classroom experience that is hands-on and will introduce you to basic computer operations?

This class is for you! Learn how to use function keys, the mouse and the numeric keypad, as well as the basics of word processing and spreadsheet operations. You also will learn the basics of how to use the Internet and email.

CCNA 1 & 2: Introduction to Networks, Routing & Switching Essentials Saturdays, Aug. 12-Dec. 10 (no class Sept. 3 and Nov. 26)

7 a.m.-2 p.m. Keyword: Routing

CCNA 1 & 2 will introduce network architecture, function, protocols, devices, and sets the framework for networking.

Network models will be used to identify and detail the functionality within a network. Learning is a combination of theory and hands-on application.

The first two classes will be held at the Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Lincoln.

The CCNA 1 & 2 class will be held at SCC’s Lincoln Campus, 8800 O St. To register, go to www.southeast.edu/continuing, click on REGISTER NOW and enter the keyword.

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Personnel News

John Skinner Celebrates 5 Years at Claritus Claritus, a regional distributor of mailing equipment and software solutions designed to assist businesses in processing physical documents, electronic documents and parcels is pleased to announce that John Skinner is celebrating his 5th anniversary with the company. John is a Claritus Service Technician certified in Project Management. His primary focus is upon Neopost and Pitney Bowes equipment and his secondary focus is upon software solutions involving electronic document manipulation.

John Skinner has played a role in helping Claritus become one of the preeminent suppliers of document and parcel processing solutions within the Midwest. Area offices are located in Lincoln, NE, Omaha, NE and Sioux Falls, SD. For more information please visit the company’s website located at www.claritus.com.

Dakota Guardian Trust Promotes Two Dakota Guardian Trust (DakotaGuardianTrust. com) announces the appointment of Tom Van Robays, JD to President and Renee Zikmund, CTFA to Senior Vice President.

Van Robays previously served as Dakota Guardian’s senior vice president and has dedicated more than 25 years to the field of estate planning, financial services and trust services. He is a member of the Omaha Estate Planning Council and is involved with numerous charitable organizations. Van Robays replaces Tracy Edgerton, who is leaving the firm to follow her passion and return to the non-profit field.

Zikmund joined Dakota Guardian in 2014 and has been in the financial services industry for over 30 years with a focus on trust services. She recently earned the certified trust financial advisor designation from the American Bankers Association to complement her experience. Zikmund volunteers her time and talents with a variety of community organizations, including the Nebraska Chapter of the American Stroke Association.

Bring The Balance Back To Your

Mind-Body-Spirit

The Body Shoppe

with Licensed therapeutic massage, customized to fit your needs. ° ° ° °

Swedish Massage Deep Tissue Hot Stone Aroma Therapy

° ° ° °

Seated Chair Hand & Foot Shiatsu Facial Prenatal & much more!

Visit www.TheBodyShoppeLincoln.com to book your appointment today!

402.440.5852 | 3601 Calvert St. #20

Tom Van Robays

Renee Zikmund

Dan Hoffman Named CEO at Invest Nebraska After serving less than a month as the interim Chief Executive Officer, Dan Hoffman was permanently promoted to the position by Invest Nebraska Corporation’s board of directors on April 12. Hoffman was Invest Nebraska’s Chief Operating Officer until March when then-CEO Mark Crawford resigned to take a position with Intel Capital in California.

Prior to joining Invest Nebraska in 2008, Hoffman served Governors Mike Johanns and Dave Heinemann as a senior policy adviser in the areas of economic development, labor and taxation.

Hoffman holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and a master’s degree in economics, both from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is a 2012 graduate of the Venture Capital Institute.

For more information about Invest Nebraska, the state’s non-profit venture development organization, visit www.investnebraska.com.

A Butler Builder® can bring your vision to life.

While Butler® building systems are pre-engineered, their final design is not predetermined. Using Butler’s advanced engineering capabilities, we can help you design a building from the ground up. Even special design elements like skylights, fascias, and entrance systems can be incorporated to produce not just any building, but your building.

For systems that meet your building needs, choose Butler. For the experience and expertise to get the job done, choose us, your local Butler Builder®.

Contact us at 402-475-5030 or visit us on the web www.tcwconstruction.com

2013 BlueScope Buildings North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Butler Manufacturing is a division of BlueScope Buildings North America.

©

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Protect and prepare for life’s challenges.

Looking for the right insurance at the right price from agents you trust?

Cornhusker Insurance offers a full range of insurance products provided by experienced agents who understand how to help you find what you need.

Personal and business insurance products include: • Homeowners • Renters • Condo • Auto • Motorcycle

• Boat • Personal Liability • Business • Farm • Life

402-436-2423

6100 Apples Way, Lincoln, NE 68516

Visit us at our new mobile-enhanced CornhuskerInsurance.com website to request a free insurance quote, or for more information about products offered.

Insurance products are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal government agency, not guaranteed by the bank and may go down in value.

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

Non-Profit News

NeighborWorks Lincoln to Celebrate 30th Anniversary With Housewarming Event You are invited to join NeighborWorks Lincoln for a housewarming this Thursday, June 9th from 5-7 p.m. to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary! As a special tribute, there will be a showcase of 30 works of art, focusing on the concept “home matters,” all available for purchase during the event. There will be food, music, face painting, games, and tours of the historic Reynolds house, which now serves as the NeighborWorks Lincoln office. Bring your friends and family and stop by anytime between 5-7 p.m. at 2530 Q Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. Join NeighborWorks Lincoln in celebrating community, neighborhoods, creativity and its birthday! For more information and the full invite, check out the website www.nwlincoln.org Established in 1986, Neighborhoods Inc. doing business as NeighborWorks Lincoln (NWL) is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to keeping Lincoln a safe and prosperous community by revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting home ownership. For more information about NeighborWorks Lincoln, visit www.nwlincoln.org or call (402) 477-7181.

Nonprofit Hub Press Releases First Book Nonprofit Hub Press (NHP) is a new specialty publisher based in Lincoln, NE that supports the specialized educational and instructional needs of nonprofit organizations, for-profits and purpose-driven companies. NPH collaborates with motivated authors to formulate a plan, identify target audiences and implement realistic strategies to publish successful books. Two local nonprofit experts were recently the first to be published by Nonprofit Hub Press. Jay Wilkinson and Randy Hawthorne co-authored Captivate and Engage: The Definitive Guide for Nonprofit Websites. Wilkinson is the founder and CEO of Firespring and Hawthorne is executive director of Nonprofit Hub. The two have more than 50 years combined experience helping nonprofit organizations succeed in all aspects, especially with their websites. To learn more about the book, visit captivateandengage.com. To publish with Nonprofit Hub Press or learn more about the projects it supports, visit nonprofithubpress.com.

The Monarch Celebrates 13 Years

Save The Date: Merrymakers Annual Songs and Suds Fundraiser Set for July 28th Merrymakers is gearing up for Songs and Suds, its annual fun-, fund- and friend-raising karaoke event. This will be the fourth year and hopefully the biggest ever!

On June 3rd The Monarch celebrated 13th years! Eastmont opened The Monarc h with the goal of enhancing the quality of hospice care to terminally ill people in our community. Many people come to The Monarch after long illnesses and are unable to pay for their care. People like “Adam”.

To be held at the Old Mattress Factory in Omaha on July 28th at 6:00 p.m., Songs and Suds will feature DJ Howie.

Event chairman is Kasey Harrison and honorary chairs are Mary and Tom Kerr. Tickets are $75 or $30 for those under 30. Sponsorships are available for host couples ($250) and companies ($500). See the Merrymakers website for tickets: www.merrymakers.org.

“I wish you could’ve watched ‘Adam’ walk into the Monarch and collapse into the bed. His facial deformity is severe; he’s so weak and can barely whisper to talk. He had one tear from his tiny opening of his eye when he said ‘Thank you.’ I told him I would definitely tell you THANK YOU. He has been in a hole of an apartment in Beatrice, vomiting almost all day every day, maybe weighs 100lbs and sleeping with his door unlocked so someone could get in to help him if he needed it or if to find him. It is pathetic. His mom had instant relief when she saw him cuddled up in bed. He was comfortable and safe. THANK YOU sounds so simple but what you said yes to is profound.”

Come and buy raffle chances to win a Borsheim’s necklace valued at $2,500! You will also be able to meet some of the professional performers in person and of course, hear them sing!

The Monarch has served more than 1,000 people and provided more than $1 million in charity care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can say YES to people like “Adam”. To learn more about The Monarch, contact Melinda at (402) 486-2432.

The Merrymakers Association is a 501 (c) (3) organization, started in 1986 by Jim Johnson, which provides professional entertainment to 136 senior homes in Nebraska and Iowa. Its mission statement: to improve the quality of life for seniors by encouraging active participation, increasing social interaction, and sparking memories through professional entertainment.

Merrymakers is led by Executive Director Patti Craig and is based in Omaha, NE. Craig is supported by a Board of Directors.

For more information about Merrymakers, visit www.merrymakers. org or call (402) 697-0205.

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Non-Profit News

Matt Talbot Provides Life Skills Training Classes

TeamMates Recognizes Local Partners Who Help Youth Reach Their Full Potential

Matt Talbot’s Life Skills Project is a series of six classes held at MTKO that provide education and training for individuals who are homeless, near homeless, or recently housed. Classes in the areas of employment, parenting, nutrition, housing, budgeting, and selfesteem teach basic but necessary skills that allow individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. Each class is taught by an expert in the field. In addition to employees of MTKO, class facilitators include professionals from Lincoln Housing Authority, CEDARS Youth Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and Wells Fargo.

Te a m M a t e s w i s h e s to recognize and publicly thank the following businesses and organizations for their generous donations during the 2015-2016 academic year: The annual Fall Kickoff helps matches get off to a great start; food or door prizes were donated by Slim Chickens, VVS Canteen, Karen Kay and Texas T-Bone Steakhouse. Facilitators in every TeamMates school provide mentor support and fall training is an essential element; donors were Tina’s Café, Cupcakes and More, Cultiva Coffee, and Ivanna Cone. Mentor Academies are one-hour presentations that enhance the mentoring experience; lunches were provided by Hy-Vee, La Paz, Sips and Subs, Raising Cane’s, Bruegger’s Bagels, Lazzari’s Pizza, and White or Wheat. The National Mentoring Month annual celebration, the TeamMates Recognition Event, is made possible by Premier Catering. Mentor recruiting meals were provided

by The Egg and I, Valentino’s, and Stauffers. The Spring Graduation Celebration meals for students, mentors and family members were donated by UNL Admissions. The Lincoln/Lancaster County Health Department provides the Abbott Summer Camp Meals and Flatwater Grill and the North Sam’s Club provided juice, sodas and food for various events.

Thank you for helping TeamMates help youth reach their full potential!

For more information about the TeamMates Mentoring Program of Lincoln Public Schools: www.lincolnteammates.org

Drew Burson from Wells Fargo teaches the Life Skill’s Budgeting Class at MTKO.

The Life Skills class series is designed for individuals who are transitioning from a substance abuse treatment facility or temporary shelter into an independent living environment. Many human services agencies in the community refer clients to the program. Participants learn new skills every week that promote positive, healthy outcomes as the individuals move to recovery and self-sufficiency. A small group atmosphere encourages camaraderie, trust, sharing, and celebration for collective success in completing the program. The Life Skills Project has been implemented at MTKO for over fifteen years in an environment that promotes care and dignity. Offered six times a year, it is the only training course of its kind in the community for the homeless and near homeless population.

Learn more at www.mtkserves.org.

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Non-Profit News

Nebraska Hearing Center Sponsors GLOW Event Nebraska Hearing Center is a proud sponsor of the Child Advocacy Center’s Inaugural GLOW event. The benefit will be held in the evening on June 25th at Junto Winery in Seward.

Before and after the hot air balloon launch, guests can enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres and the winery’s landscape and gardens. “This is an opportunity to help the victims of child abuse”, states Leslie Frank MS, CCC-A; owner and Audiologist of Nebraska Hearing Center. “We look forward to a robust response from the community”.

Make A Splash With Your Style This Summer!

Nebraska Hearing Center offers complimentary hearing evaluations and has been servicing Lincoln and Beatrice for over 40 years. In Lincoln, Nebraska Hearing Center is centrally located at 5625 O Street, Suite 104. Call (402) 486-3737 today to schedule an appointment.

2016 Grocery Grab a Success Lincoln South Rotary Club doubled up on community support with this year’s Grocery Grab! The winner of the Grocery Grab raffle wins as many groceries as they can grab in 3 minutes up to $1,000.

This year’s winning ticket was purchased in the name of St. Mark’s Church. The staff at Russ’s Market stocked the shelves to ensure the most benefit to the recipient. The Lincoln community received a double benefit this year because funds raised support college scholarships through Lincoln South Rotary and Pictured is Deb Hartford, a volunteer St. Mark’s Food Pantry supports with St. Mark’s Food Pantry. families in need.

2701 N 48th Street (48th and St. Paul)

Stop In Today!

Mon-Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5

Clothing • Shoes • Jewelry & More!

402-465-0018 • BluVelvetBoutique.com

Lincoln South Rotary Club supports a variety of other activities and organizations. Recently the Club and its members provided support to Clinic With A Heart, Madonna Angel Dog Program, Dictionary Program for 4th Grade Students, Down Syndrome Association for Families, Girls on the Run, and Southern Heights Food Forest. The local organization is also proud to partner with the Rotaract Club at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Want to be a part of this type of service to our community? Visit www.lincolnsouthrotary.org and contact them for more information.

Strictly Business is Calling All Non-Profits Strictly Business will be featuring a host of local non-profit organizations in our July 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. You may view our past Supporting Non-Profit stories at www.strictly-business.com.

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Non-Profit News

Lincoln Arts Council to Raffle The Wine Vine Junior Achievement Recognizes JA Young at Mayor’s Arts Awards Professionals Board The Lincoln Arts Council is excited to announce that the drawing for The Wine Vine by Loi Van Vo will take place at the Mayor’s Arts Awards, to be held on June 14th.

This special piece was created just for this signature event by staff artist, Loi Vo from Lincoln Industries. Starting in 1993, Mr. Vo has exhibited work all across Nebraska, including Lincoln, Hastings, Omaha, North Platte, Kearney and Grand Island. His sculptures are currently on public display in Lincoln and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Special thanks to Loi Vo for his creative energy and to Lincoln Industries for providing this original work of art to benefit the Lincoln Arts Council. You can view The Wine Vine at From Nebraska Shop, located at 8th and Q Streets, until the event takes place.

Buy your raffle ticket today at: https://artsceneorg.presencehost.net/ events/mayors-arts-awards/raffle-tickets.html. Only 200 tickets will be sold. The drawing will be held at The Mayor’s Arts Awards, but you need not be present to win.

The Lincoln Arts Council: Championing the Arts, Connecting People, Changing Lives. Formed in 1968, the LAC has been the official arts agency for Lincoln since 2006. Programs include The Mayor’s Arts Awards (since 1979), The Lincoln Arts Festival (since 2001) and Art Makes Me SmART. in Lincoln Public Schools, community and culture centers.

For more information about please visit www.artscene.org or contact Lori McAlister at (402) 434-2787 or by email at lori@artscene.org.

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In 2015, Junior Achievement of Lincoln formed the JA Young Professionals Board of Directors. This happened primarily through volunteer outreach and special event participation.

The Young Professionals Board of Junior Achievement of Lincoln is a group committed to advancing JA’s mission through promoting interest and generating support among Lincoln’s young professionals.

The JA Young Professionals Board recruited nearly 60 classroom volunteers this year and assisted in the JA Bowl-A-Thon and the allnew JA Stock Market Challenge event in November.

Pictured from left to right, (top row): Adam Schlegelmilch, Nelnet; Kyle Lingenfelter, Wells Fargo Bank; Jeff Nienhueser, Alfred Benesch & Co.; Dustin Lottman (Chair), Farm Bureau Financial Services; Scott Earnest, Legacy Retirement Communities; (bottom row): Jon Thober, B&R Stores, Inc.; Suzann Butler, Continental ContiTech; Jenny Sundberg, Bryan Health; and Jim Greco, Schneider Electric. Not pictured: Sherry Reeves, Assurity Life Insurance.

Junior Achievement is now accepting applications for the 2016-2017 Young Professionals Board. Applications can be found on the JA website at jalincoln.org/ja-young-professionals-board/. If you have any questions regarding the JA YP Board, please contact Jessica States at jstates@jalincoln.org or (402) 467-4479.

Non-Profit News

Kid Fridays at Shane & Sunny Benefit Friendship Home in June T h ro u g h t h e month of June, Shane & Sunny Portrait Artists will be waiving the session fee for Kid Fridays in exchange for a donation to Friendship Home. The fee for this mini session is usually $50 (for up to 4 children). Instead, Shane and Sunny Dwyer are asking customers to bring in a $50 supply donation for the families at Friendship Home. In addition to the session fee being waived, the traditional Kid Fridays sessions are being offered any day of the week in order to accommodate busy families and to augment donations to Friendship Home. To view Kid Friday pricing and to learn more, visit shaneandsunny.com or find them on Facebook. To book a session, call (402) 792-0056.

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Friendship Home (www.friendshiphome.org) is Lincoln’s only safe, confidential emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency and transitional shelter, as well as supportive services, through safety planning, crisis intervention, support groups and mental health counseling.

Family Establishes Pius X Scholarship to Honor Loved One The Pius X Foundation is honored to be the beneficiary of a $10,000 gift to establish an endowed scholarship in memory of Dianne Sizemore. Dianne passed away December 31, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Established by her husband Jim and daughters Julie and Annie, the scholarship will provide tuition assistance to a Pius X student that demonstrates the values of kindness to all, humility, and great perseverance – all qualities that Dianne emulated. In addition to being involved in parish life (GodTeens, Pro-Life groups, CCD, etc.) and having a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above, students applying for the scholarship will write a brief essay explaining how he/she has demonstrated kindness and generosity, and how a strong prayer life has carried him/her through a challenging time.

If you would like to donate to this scholarship or another existing scholarship, or establish a new endowed scholarship or endowed fund, please contact Michelle Birkel at the Pius X Foundation at (402) 488-1046. You may also donate directly to an existing scholarship by sending a check to the Pius X Foundation at 6000 A Street, Lincoln, NE 68510 or by donating safely and securely online at www.piusx.net.

Tabitha, Gateway Sertoma Club to Host 14th Annual Golf Event Tabitha, Your Answer for Elder Care, and Lincoln’s Gateway Sertoma Club will join forces June 3 for the 14th Annual Gateway Sertoma Golf Event at Lincoln’s HiMark Golf Course. Event proceeds will benefit Tabitha Meals on Wheels, which serves more than 500 Elders in the Lincoln community daily. Seventy percent of recipients are unable to afford the $5.75 cost of a meal. As Tabitha has made a point to turn no one away from a warm meal, contributions like those from the Gateway Sertoma golf event are instrumental in keeping the program operational. Visit www.Tabitha.org/golf or contact the Tabitha Foundation at (402) 486-8509 for more information.

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Non-Profit News Youth for Christ Currently Taking Applications Nebraska Community Foundation Prepares for Second Round of Leadership Academy Local Leaders for Community Campaigns They aren’t looking for someone who wants a job; they’re looking for someone who wants an adventure.

They aren’t looking for someone who wants to just show up; they’re looking for someone who wants to learn and grow.

Youth for Christ is currently taking applications for its second round of Leadership Academy, a paid ministry internship program for college-aged students. This one-of-a kind opportunity provides first-hand ministry experience alongside a seasoned ministry staff. Ministry folks wear many hats. Along with direct ministry to middle or high school students, there are internship opportunities for event planning, hospitality, graphic design, blogging, social media, and public relations.

Every Leadership Academy participant receives ministry credentialing

by YFC. Also, there is the possibility of receiving college credit dependent upon your university and degree. Visit their website: www. yfclincoln.org/get_involved/academy for more information.

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is a non-denominational, non-judgmental, non-profit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. We engage youth through three ministries: Campus Life to high school and middle school teens, Juvenile Justice to jailed teens, and Parent Life to pregnant and parenting teens. 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.

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

The positive energy was undeniable at Nebraska Community Foundation’s Rural Development Philanthropy PreCampaign Workshop on May 5-6 in Kearney. More than 50 Fund Advisory Committee members from 12 affiliated fund communities learned how to cultivate donor relationships and plan for the launch of their unrestricted endowment-building campaigns.

Each fund must raise $200,000 to receive the maximum $100,000 challenge grant provided by The Sherwood Foundation. To be eligible, each of the community-based funds had previously completed action planning and a robust self-assessment and application process earlier this year.

Participants were deeply engaged in the presentations and peerlearning sessions. As people shared their thoughts at the end of the day during a “closing circle” exercise, one volunteer leader exclaimed, “I wish everyone in our Fund Advisory Committee were here. I can’t believe what they are missing and I can’t wait to get back home and share this with them.” Thanks go out to our peer mentors from Shickley, Nebraska City, Ainsworth and McCook, and to program partners at The Sherwood Foundation and Peter Kiewit Foundation for sharing their insights and advice throughout the workshop. Find out more about this community endowment- and capacity-building initiative at www.NebraskaHometown.org/programs-research.

Non-Profit News Save the Date: “Colors of Hope: Cancer Research Fundraiser” Set for August 25 The Nebraska C a n c e r Re s e a r c h Center (NCRC) has begun planning the 3rd Annual “Colors of Hope: Cancer Research Fundraiser” brought to you by Southeast Nebraska Cancer Center. The event will be held at Chez Hay in Downtown Lincoln on Thursday, August 25, 2016. It will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by a delicious meal catered by Chez Hay, a silent auction of desserts and other donated items as well as a live auction of larger items, which includes vacation packages.

NCRC is a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization. Over 2,000 volunteers have participated in treatment, prevention and control trials through NCRC over the past 30 years, helping to identify more effective cancer treatments and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. NCRC partners with local hospitals and oncology clinics to provide cutting edge research through clinical trials. In 2015, more than 130 guests assisted with efforts to raise money for NCRC and bring awareness to the importance of cancer research to the Lincoln community. Thanks to all of the guests and sponsors, last year’s event raised over $19,000!

NCRC is currently looking for event sponsors and auction items, with several generous marketing packages available. For more information contact Kelly Madcharo at (402) 327-6851 or visit www.necancerresearch.org.

Lincoln G.O.L.D. Awards 20 Scholarships in Inaugural Year Lincoln G.O.L.D, a local non-profit dedicated to sc holarship and leadership, awarded 20 young men and women $2000 sc holarships toward college tuition this week.

“Lincoln G.O.L.D. seeks to award students who are community-minded and serve in leadership positions in their schools and community,” said founder and president Robin Netz. “Support raised through our mentorship program and community sponsors, enabled us to exceed our giving expectations in this first year. We hope to increase giving next year.”

Students awarded scholarships include: Lincoln East - Ryan Salvatori; Lincoln High - Sander Sieglaff; Lincoln Lutheran - Casey DeBusk, Max McCoy, Paige Stienbauer, Haley Wineman; Lincoln Northeast - Jessica Brennan, Braly Keller, Rachael Kohrell, Madison Woodward; Lincoln Southeast - Trevor Dockum, Andrew Goldsmith; Lincoln Southwest Jared Jesske, Jacob Piccini, Paige Young; Norris - Samantha Leyden; Pius X - Emily Pick, Reagan Scott, Tuyet Tien “Mickey” Tran; Waverly - Katelyn Erdkamp.

Founded in 2015, this non-profit serves with a two-fold mission. It is a leadership development and community engagement program for high school junior and senior girls and a scholarship program for Lincoln area high school seniors attending a Nebraska college. Lincoln G.O.L.D was formed by individuals passionate about preparing young women for success and making college more attainable for students who demonstrate leadership and civic sensibilities. Visit www.

LincolnGold.org for more information. To view the scholarship winners, please visit www.strictly-business.com.

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402-403-4334 SANDLER TRAINING • www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com

by Karl Schaphorst, President

Why Do Customers Buy?

How important is this question to the sales professional? How many times when a sale is made can the salesperson actually articulate the real reason why their customer bought? I can tell you, after working with hundreds of sales professionals, more often than not, the real reason why customers buy is not known. The problem with not knowing is that it becomes difficult to repeat what was done that convinced the customer to buy. Do you really know why your customer buys from you? This article will discuss what motivates customers to make buying decisions.

The first motivator is intellect. Most salespeople can understand how to engage the intellectual portion of their prospect’s psyche. The product/ service features, benefits, and pricing that the salesperson knows so well and is typically excited about appeals to our prospect’s intellect. We know this to be true because prospects are easily intrigued by bells and whistles and new ideas to do things better and so they typically engage in the sales conversation asking lots of questions, offering up buying signals and asking for proposals. In turn, the salesperson easily gets excited by this type of intellectual engagement from the prospect, believing that it signals a sale may be close. All too often this results in a flurry of time-consuming activity that does not result in a sale. The intellect of the prospect is important (pricing, terms, warranty, delivery, etc.), but it does not contribute the lion’s share of motivational energy behind the buying decision. Yet, most salespeople engage prospects at the intellectual level only, and as a result, do a lot of work that does not generate revenue.

The second motivator is emotion. All you have to do is examine your own buying process and you would have to agree that buying decisions are to a great extent driven by emotional disposition. To simplify the discussion, the emotions in play can be grouped into two categories: pleasure and pain. In the B2B landscape, it is true that some buying decisions are made to satisfy a desire for pleasure, but a vast majority of buying decisions are made to remove or prevent pain. Therefore, a salesperson’s primary objective to a sale should be finding if and where the prospect hurts. This is much easier said than done because even if the prospect reveals some hurt (poor service, reliability issues, inefficiency, etc.) it is offered up intellectually. Most salespeople, when they hear a prospect’s issue that plays into their wheelhouse, will jump right into sales mode and begin advocating features and benefits that appeal only to the intellect. You see, the issues your prospect gives you are rarely the real issues so when you find indication that their might be pain, the sales professional should gently drill deeper by asking questions and keeping their mouth shut. If the salesperson can be patient, listen intently, and keep drilling, the prospect will leave the intellectual conversation in favor of an emotional one. With that comes emotional motivation to hear the salesperson’s solution and if it fits, emotional motivation to buy it.

The emotional portion of our psyche provides 70% of the motivational energy behind the buying decision while the intellect provides only 30%. If a sales professional can successfully appeal to the prospect’s emotional reasons to buy during the sales call, he/she will have more than a two-to-one advantage over the salesperson who appeals only to the prospect’s intellect regardless of price. This is why high-performance salespeople win at higher percentages while capturing higher margins than their competitors.

A great exercise you can do right now is to ask you current customers why they buy from you. They may give you an intellectual answer at first, but I am certain that underneath the intellect is strong emotional justification to purchase your solution. Some examples might be stress reduction resulting in a better night’s sleep, time savings resulting in the owner spending more time with family, improved profitability which removes the need for laying off employees, improved quality output resulting in saving the manager’s job. So, why do your customers buy from you?

Sandler Training is a global training organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Sandler provides sales and management training and consulting services for small- to mediumsized businesses (SMBs) as well as corporate training for Fortune 1000 companies. For more information, please contact Karl Schaphorst at (402) 403-4334 or by email at kschaphorst@sandler.com. You can also follow his blog at karlschaphorst.sandler.com

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To Buy or Sell a Business!

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Established Multi-Service Salon in Lincoln: Asking Price: $48,000 | Gross Income: $158,529

Cash Flow: $158,529 | EBITDA: N/A | FF&E: N/A | Inventory: N/A | Real Estate: N/A | Established: N/A | Employees: 2FT + Owner Business Description: This salon is a great pick up for someone looking to expand from renting a chair to ownership. The salon will be moving to all chair rentals and no employees starting in June of 2016. Currently two stations are filled plus the owner. Several lines of service include the salon, spray tanning, and waxing. Owner says the family needs more attention so after ten years it is time to move on. This is a golden opportunity to pick up a solid and established salon at a decent price.

Specialized Commercial Cleaning Company: Asking Price: $450,000 | Gross Income: $333,974.06

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Cash Flow: $169,019.60 | EBITDA: N/A | FF&E: $223,750 | Inventory: N/A | Real Estate: N/A | Established: N/A | Employees: 1 FT, 2 PT, plus Owner Business Description: This is a well-established business with a great reputation and an extensive client list. The company has been in business for over 30 years and is an asset to any existing commercial cleaning company or a great company for a first-time owner with knowledge of commercial cleaning and the drive to work. The current owner is getting older and has stepped into the supplier and repair side of the same industry. He is tired of being busy with both businesses so he has decided to sell the first business and offer a great deal on supplies to the new owner. All furniture fixtures and equipment are included in the asking price.

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

Health News

Nebraska Surgical Specialists’ New Brand Unveiled at Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony At a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 17 with the Lincoln Chamber o f C o m m e r c e, Nebraska Surgical Specialists had a lot to celebrate. In addition to marking a milestone as Dr. Paul Kampfe took the helm of the 13-year-old general surgery office, Nebraska Surgical Specialists also unveiled its new brand identity.

The office entrance was filled as Dr. Kampfe’s family, staff, colleagues, Chamber staff, local business ambassadors, and dignitaries including the President and CEO of Bryan Health Kim Russel and the President and CEO of CHI St. Elizabeth Kim Moore gathered for the event.

Following a blessing from Pastor Rusty Miller, Chamber representatives Michele Ehresman and Curtis Klein spoke about Nebraska Surgical Specialists’ role in the amazing health care industry available in Lincoln.

Dr. Paul Kampfe spoke next about feeling privileged to carry on the practice, and to continue to deliver skilled, personalized care. The new logo was then unveiled to applause, and captured by Lincoln ABC affiliate KLKN-TV Channel 8.

Nebraska Surgical Specialists is an independent, comprehensive surgery practice dedicated to treating patients with a variety of medical conditions with the highest quality surgical care. Nebraska Surgical Specialists is affiliated with several hospitals and surgery centers in Lincoln and surrounding communities. Please call (402) 475-9090 or visit NebraskaSurgical.com for more information.

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Heart Walk Raises Over $120K for Lifesaving Mission More than 2,500 people walked in support of the American Heart Association’s lifesaving mission on May 7 at the 2016 Lincoln Heart Walk supported by media sponsors 10/11 News, B107.3 and KLIN 1400 AM. Emceed by Shelby Fenster of 10/11 News and Gina from B107.3, the Heart Walk has raised over $120,000 this year to date for the American Heart Association, an organization that invested nearly $2.4 million in 14 new and continuing studies last year in Nebraska.

John Miles served as the chair of 2016 Lincoln Heart Walk with Justin Kurtzer, Rachel McCaslin, Mike Munro and Heather Schlautman serving on the Executive Leadership Team. Mason Wirth served as the Heart Prince.

Among the top fundraisers for the Heart Walk: B&R Stores, which claimed the Top Company title with $17,000 raised; Savannah Pines, Top New Company with $2,000 raised; Team Bousquet, Top Community Team with $3,090 raised; and ELT member and heart attack survivor McCaslin, Top Individual with $3,000 raised.

The event, sponsored nationally by Subway, also received support from Ambassador Health, CHI Health Nebraska Heart, CHI Health St. Elizabeth, Cline Williams, Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, Molex, Nelnet, Runza Restaurants, Speedway Motors, Union Bank & Trust Company and US Bank. Farmers Mutual, Molex, Nelnet and Speedway Motors have already committed to sponsoring in 2017.

For information on future sponsorship opportunities, visit LincolnHeartWalk. org or contact Liz Zillig at liz.zillig@heart.org or (402) 875-7376.

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Health News

Cameo Rogers Honored With 2016 Distinguished Educator Recognition Award

Nebraska Community Blood Bank Announces June Blood Donation Promotion

Cameo Rogers, life enrichment coordinator for Vetter Health Ser vices, has been selected to receive the 2016 Distinguished Educator Recognition Award by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP). Several associates of Cameo submitted meritorious examples of how she motivated her students and fellow team members through her dedication, passion, and transcendent delivery of the NCCDP Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Curriculum.

Nebraska Community Blood Bank is teaming up with the Kansas City Royals to give blood donors a chance to win baseball tickets. In June, volunteers who step up to the plate to help save lives through blood donation can enter to win the Grand Slam Prize, including 4 premium tickets and a $200 Visa gift card for travel accommodations, or one of eight Home Run Prizes, including a pair of tickets (weekly drawings).

Cameo has set the standard for providing forward thinking and innovative approaches when it comes to dementia care. The NCCDP recognizes those whose outstanding efforts have enabled them to meet challenging standards of dementia education. Each year, hundreds of nominations are submitted by those who work side-by-side in the senior care services.

The Distinguished Educator Recognition Award recognizes the impact the Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia Care Curriculum trainer has with the team members, because education motivates employees to set higher goals with patient care. Cameo has met the challenges of reaching beyond state and federal regulations regarding dementia education and has inspired a lifelong passion for employees to have continued growth in patient care.

Please step up to give blood during the summer months, when blood donations are often low. Patients in local hospitals depend on the Nebraska Community Blood Bank to be there with the right blood type they need to survive. All types are needed—especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+). Only volunteer blood donors can make a life-saving difference to someone in need.

Vetter Health Services (www.vetterhealthservices.com) owns and/or manages 31 facilities in the Midwest.

Visit NCBB.ORG to schedule your blood donation appointment today at one of the three donor centers or at a community blood drive. To learn more about the June 2016 promotion visit NCBB.ORG/ROYALS. Since 1968 Nebraska Community Blood Bank has been committed to connecting people and saving lives. NCBB supplies lifesaving blood to healthcare facilities in six counties throughout eastern Nebraska.

For more information, call 1-877-486-9414 or visit www.NCBB.org.

Connect with NCBB on Facebook or Twitter @NCBBLincoln.

Advanced Medical Imaging is the only physician office in the region offering the new SphenoCath procedure that provides most patients with immediate relief of headache pain with a simple, gentle, comfortable in-office procedure.

• 10-15 minute in-office procedure • Majority of patients experience immediate relief • Safe for adults and children as well as pregnant women • Reimbursed by most insurance companies and Medicare • SphenoCath treats migraines, cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia

Contact our office today at 402-484-6677 to schedule a consultation

Not affiliated with Advanced Radiology of Grand Island, P.C.

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Strictly Business JUNE 2016

Health News

Smile.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital Meets New Guidelines for Stroke Patients Newly released guidelines for stroke patients highlight the importance of inpatient rehabilitation, a comprehensive program provided at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital.

“Whenever possible, the American Stroke Association strongly recommends that stroke patients be treated at an inpatient rehabilitation facility rather than a skilled nursing facility,” the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association said in a joint statement on May 4.

At Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, physical, occupational, speech, recreational and respiratory therapists, along with rehabilitation nurses, a social worker and a case manager form a treatment team to work together to help meet the individual needs of stroke patients who are in various stages of recovery.

“There is considerable evidence that patients benefit from the team approach in a facility that understands the importance of rehabilitation during the early period after a stroke,” said the study’s lead author, Carolee J. Winstein, who also is a professor of biokinesiology and physical therapy at the University of Southern California, in Los Angeles, CA. Madonna’s goal is to help stroke patients become as independent as possible in order to integrate back into their lives and communities.

Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital is located at 5401 South Street in Lincoln, NE. For more information, please call (402) 413-3000 or visit www.madonna.org. Construction is currently underway at 175th and Burke Streets on Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital’s Omaha Campus’ facility. It is due to open in October with 110 beds; www. madonna.org/careers.

Nebraska Residents Put Their Passion to Work on The Longest Day Nebraska residents are horseback riding, scrapbooking and golfing for 16 hours on The Longest Day to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Longest Day is a unique sunrise-tosunset team fundraising event to honor the strength, heart and endurance of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Held on June 20, 2016 - the summer solstice - the annual event symbolizes the challenging journey of those facing Alzheimer’s while raising funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association®.

More than 30 Nebraska teams will join other teams from around the world on June 20, 2016 to honor those affected by Alzheimer’s. Kona Ice is selling shaved ice at Super Saver Stores in Lincoln; Keena Newtson is riding horses with her family from Lexington to North Platte; Alpha Delta Kappa members are walking on the treadmill for every hour of daylight.

If you would like to donate to one of the Nebraska teams or start your own team, visit alz.org/thelongestday.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

From dental implant surgery and wisdom tooth removal to corrective jaw surgery, your path to a better smile is only a consultation away.

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Fi n di n g Fami l y forTommyandAshton FOSTER CARE

Brothers Tommy and Ashton did everything together. They loved to build forts and make-believe with their action figures. Because Ashton was a year older, he would read the words in the comic books out loud as the two poured over them and picked their favorite superheroes.

When instability in their home created an unsafe environment, Tommy and Ashton came to CEDARS. Knowing the boys’ fears, and acknowledging just how difficult it was to be removed from their home, CEDARS staff thoughtfully placed them with the Smith family.

In some cases, homes are sought for a single child, but in many cases, children come to us as a set of siblings. Because the bond between siblings is so important, CEDARS makes every effort to place siblings together in a single home. The reality is these kids are living with the effects of trauma. They want and need the same love as other kids.

“These kids really just want someone who’s going to open their home to them, take time to sit down with them, get to know a little bit about them and simply be their support and give them love,” says Adrianne Poppe, with CEDARS Foster Care team. “Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t define who they are. They have the same excitement, hope and pride that other children have.”

Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t define who they are.

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS goal is to either safely reunite children in their care 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.

Every day, the CEDARS team is working to ensure that over 200 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they have access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families, as well as regular training opportunities.

When the Smiths first contacted CEDARS about their interest in fostering children, they were unsure about how it would affect their lives. They knew that welcoming one young child into their home and hearts would be life-changing. They had misgivings about their ability to care for two.

CEDARS staff walked alongside the Smith family every step of the way. We encouraged and cheered, guided and directed, and had the honor of watching Tommy and Ashton begin to relax and blossom in a safe and loving family.

“I hear so often from foster parents that fostering is the best thing that happened to them,” says Poppe.

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.

Foster parents play a special role in the lives of siblings like Tommy and Ashton. If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at (402) 890-1410 or apoppe@cedars-kids.org.

JUNE 2016 Strictly Business

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ask the expert

The Cornhusker Bank Difference

A mortgage is sometimes viewed as a commodity by borrowers. Most banks have similar interest rates, costs and underwriting standards. At Cornhusker Bank we believe there is a difference and we are happy to tell you why getting a mortgage at Cornhusker Bank is more than just the rate you are getting. At Cornhusker Bank, we believe in old-fashioned values and providing friendly, personalized service. That’s why we’re dedicated to building relationships based not just on transactions, but interactions. Beyond the mortgage experience we want to provide financial solutions to our bank customers. Your mortgage loan officer often becomes your banker and point of contact for other services the bank has to offer. The expertise of our experienced staff allows us to offer a variety of real estate loans beyond the typical 30yr or 15yr fixed rate secondary market loans. We can also assist you with construction, bridge, home improvement and investment property loans.

There are challenges in the current housing market which our loan officers are able to help you navigate and will enable you to purchase your dream home. Homes are moving extremely fast. The housing inventory is at an all-time low and buyers need to act fast in order to get the home they want. Our best advice to help navigate the current market would be to talk to your loan officer before going house shopping. It is more important than ever before to have your pre-qualification letter in hand when you are shopping for a home. You need to be able to act fast when you find the house of your dreams.

The pre-qualification process will benefit the potential home buyer in multiple ways. The home buyer will be educated on the different mortgage products offered by the bank. Cornhusker Bank’s lenders

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by Mike Barrett, Vice President |402-434-2258 will assist in matching the right of type of mortgage. Home buyers will also find the amount of house payment that they can afford and the price range in which they should be looking. We will also inform the home buyer of any potential setbacks which could take place during the process. This helps ensure no surprises come up at the last minute. The entire home buying process can move seamlessly when the buyer has all the necessary information upfront.

To speed up the pre-qualification process you may apply online at cornhuskerbank.com/mortgage. The application typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes to complete and submit and can be done from the comforts of your own home.

Cornhusker Bank has an experienced team of loan officers. We pride ourselves in customer service and helping you through every step of the process. The loan officers are involved with the customer from the prequalification process through closing, educating and guiding them through the entire process. Even after a loan closes, lenders are still there to assist you. Cornhusker Bank offers local servicing to those who qualify. What does local servicing mean for you? Decisions about your mortgage loan are made locally by people who are committed to your success. You will work with a Cornhusker Bank loan officer who can provide expert guidance and service. If you have a question, you can speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff right here in Lincoln. This aspect really sets us apart from the competition and gives each customer great piece of mind.

In addition, when you choose Cornhusker Bank, you know you’ll be working with a local bank with a proven record of service, strength, and stability. We pride ourselves on being an integral part of this community, where our employees are your friends and neighbors—so you can count on us to do what’s right.

If you’ve been thinking about building, buying a new home or refinancing your current one, please give us a call at (402) 434-2265. You’ll learn how our local service and competitive rates can benefit you.

Downtown Lincoln Association

by Terry Uland, President

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www.downtownlincoln.org

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Red Thread Connects

Adam Kroft believes everyone is connected.

He uses this belief to explain how he, a Chicagoland native, and his two business partners from Nebraska, Rhett Muller and Brendon Henning, found each other and began Red Thread, their Downtown advertising agency. “[Red Thread is founded on the idea that] everyone is connected by a red thread at birth,” Kroft said. “We thought it was crazy how everyone was connected by [these] stories or how someone ended up at UNL versus going to a different college.”

Kroft said Red Thread came about after a month of freelancing with his partners prior to graduation. Though his original post-grad plans included moving to Chicago and working for an ad agency, freelancing took off. “It just kept growing and growing from there,” Kroft said. “It turned from a fun last month of college to one of my clients asking for a tax ID number and me having to figure out what that was.”

While attending a graduation party, David Forrest-Anderson, the account executive at Red Thread, said he remembered being surprised

by Kroft’s answer about his post-grad career. David was interested to hear Adam was starting his own ad agency. Kroft soon teamed up with Muller and Henning, who knew each other from National Student Advertising Competition, their capstone at University of NebraskaLincoln. In June of 2015, Red Thread was official.

Video, design work, social media and website design are among Red Thread’s services for clientele. Some of the agency’s clients include United Way, NebraskaLink and Ray’s Lawn Care. Kroft said Downtown businesses Parkhaus Apartments and College of Hair Design were two of his first clients who helped jumpstart his advertising career.

Red Thread was originally located in a 250-square-foot office off 12th and O Streets but quickly outgrew the space. The agency currently works at 800 P St., above The Mill in The Haymarket, and is looking to hire two more people, bringing their employee count to 10.

“We might outgrow this space, which I never thought would happen,” Kroft said. “We love being in Downtown Lincoln; we wouldn’t move anywhere else. But we were thinking about South Haymarket. Just to have our own building would be awesome.”

Company culture is a high priority for Red Thread, along with sticking to an office tagline they formulated at the beginning: “Beer, hugs and friendship.”

“Our fridge is always stocked, it’s a hangout spot,” Kroft said. “We get to create amazing ideas and become friends, whether we try to or not.

It’s a small agency; we all know pretty much everyone’s quirks.”

Remaining Downtown is also vital to the company’s culture. ForrestAnderson said a huge perk to working in their location is their downstairs neighbor, The Mill Coffee & Tea. “Just walking through the entrance to Red Thread, you go through the patio of The Mill and you enter with the smell of coffee and exit with the smell of coffee, and the whole culture [that comes with it],” ForrestAnderson said.

Kroft said if everything goes according to plan, in 10 years Red Thread will have remote offices in various cities. But said he hopes no matter how big they get, they retain a Midwest work ethic and continue making unique ads for their clients.

“The work we create is supposed to be special for every client,” Kroft said. “It’s not just a recycled idea or recycled website. To put it bluntly, our clients love us and we love them too.”

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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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Lincoln Independent Business Association 402-466-3419

www.liba.org

by Coby Mach, President & CEO

How Much Money Does LPS Need?

The following letter was submitted to the LIBA membership by the Chair of LIBA’s School Liaison Committee and I wanted to share it here. Enjoy!

Last week, the Lincoln Journal Star Editorial Board wrote that the decision by the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education last fall to place $10 million of unneeded tax money into a savings account demonstrated “prudence” as the district looks poised to avoid funding shortfalls heading into the budget session this summer. The Editorial Board praised setting aside this $10 million for its ability to address a “somewhat less than $2.6 million decrease” in state aid funding expected this year, and criticized groups like the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) for suggesting that taking $10 million was too much. Simple math suggests that the Editorial Board’s criticism may be too strong, considering that placing $10 million in savings is nearly four times the amount needed to meet a projected $2.6 million shortfall. But the point that it is important for the district to have sufficient reserves to cover potential shortfalls is well-taken.

LIBA is glad to see that the district is in solid financial condition. As we consider future budgets, though, LIBA will continue to call on members of the School Board to look for ways to provide tax relief when possible and warranted. And with the passage of a couple of education spending bills in the Nebraska legislature this year, we are happy to say that the School Board might have more opportunities to offer property taxpayers some relief.

One of LIBA’s priority bills this year was LB 959, which changed provisions of the formula that determines how much state aid schools receive. In the past, LPS has been hesitant to reduce its tax levy because doing so may result in lost state aid under the formula. LB 959 will make it so that LPS could lower its tax levy without affecting the amount of state aid it receives. This should have the beneficial result of freeing Board members from the fear of losing state aid if they provide property tax relief in the future.

Another of LIBA’s priority bills was LB 930, which replaced NeSA’s state-specific tests for high school juniors with a college entrance exam such as the ACT or SAT. This bill will have the benefits of reducing the number of tests students must miss class time to take and opening up new opportunities to pursue higher education. In addition to eliminating four tests, this bill also provides teachers, administrators, parents, and the public with understandable metrics by which to measure the success of our schools.

With these important policy changes being implemented at the state level, LIBA believes its efforts at the Capitol will result in major benefits to the LPS Board and to Lincoln taxpayers moving forward. Make no mistake, LIBA is glad to see LPS avoid the financial situations faced by other school districts in our state. But to suggest that maximizing taxes year after year is the only way to avoid such situations is disingenuous and irresponsible in light of the fiduciary duty School Board members have as stewards of public tax dollars. As taxpayers and parents, LIBA members are committed to continuing to work with LPS and state officials to find ways to ensure the success of our students while also promoting the responsible use of our hard-earned tax dollars.

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) 4663419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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National Rankings Provide Perspective on Lincoln’s Economy In late May, the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development released the latest Business Conditions and Indicators report for Lincoln. The report is a combination of data analysis conducted by the University of Nebraska’s Bureau of Business Research and survey work completed by the Partnership as part of their Business Retention and Expansion program.

The report once again shows Lincoln’s economy is strong and remains on-track to grow jobs through 2016. Manufacturing, commercial and tech economies remain strong and we should expect further growth with the development of Nebraska Innovation Campus and the LPS Career Academy. The report also highlights the growing need for added investment in Lincoln’s infrastructure and workforce development efforts.

I can assure you both areas will be the focus for the Partnership and for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in the coming months. The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development has already taken the first steps by adding a position dedicated to coordinating workforce recruitment and retention among businesses and educational institutions throughout the area. The Partnership is also hard at work implementing recommendations put forward by the Angelou Economic Report last year. A Human Resource Professionals group is currently meeting to share best strategies for recruiting talent to Lincoln, a task force is working on ways to capitalize on the capabilities of the community’s new 1-Gig fiber network, and there are efforts underway to combine the city’s vibrant music, arts, technology and start-up scene into a regional event designed to showcase Lincoln as a great place to do business.

More national rankings continue to roll-in and back-up our assertion that Lincoln is indeed a destination for anyone looking for quality jobs and vibrant community. Recently, leading personal finance outlet Wallet Hub named Lincoln as the 4th Best City to start a business and the 19th Best City to start a career. Both awards cited Lincoln’s access to resources, low costs, and friendly business environment as leading factors for the high rankings. Of particular note was Wallet Hub’s ranking of Lincoln as a top-15 city for “Quality of Life” amenities. The report looked at median annual income, the percentage of the population aged 25-34, projected population growth, and housing affordability among other factors.

Clearly, we are scoring highly with both today’s workers and the next generation of America’s workforce.

If you would like to get involved with “What’s Next for Lincoln” you can visit the Partnership’s website at www.selectlincoln.org , follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or simply contact our office today. I would also encourage your business to become an investor in both the Chamber and the Partnership. Both organizations are dedicated to growing the economy and advocating for the best business climate possible in Lincoln. It is a community effort and we need your help.

Thank you for your support!

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.

Growing Your Business “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin Once you’ve turned your business from an idea into a reality, with your vision of its potential at the forefront you’ll now be focusing your efforts on growing your business from here on out. In terms of the growth of a business, this could mean a number of things from expanding your offerings to adding more locations and staff or increasing your client base, just to name a few of the top goals in this area.

Venturing into uncharted territory, growing pains are all-too common, especially for newly-launched businesses that are experiencing exponential growth very quickly while working towards establishing a strong foundation. But it can even prove to be challenging for the well-established businesses too; hitting plateaus and navigating past them often calls for review and modification of the current growth strategy, being open to new ideas and changes wherever they are needed. While there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all plan for successfully growing your business, there are a few universal factors that will largely determine whether you sink or swim.

Your Presence in the Marketplace First and foremost, for your business to grow, people need to be aware that it exists. Having a strong presence in your marketplace and online are both of importance, and this is a combination of many different things working together for optimal visibility, including a solid marketing strategy, storefront and signage, and involvement

in your community (local Chamber of Commerce, industry and networking organizations, volunteer efforts, trade shows and events, and so on), just to name a few of the key ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract customers.

With so much to take advantage of, first defining your objectives will allow you a clear picture of how to best move forward with promotion, which you’ll continue to build upon as your business grows. “At Aradius Group, our guarantee to our clients is ‘measurable results.’ We are in the business of making sure our clients are successful, which ultimately starts with understanding their goals,” emphasizes Chuck Kinzer, President of Aradius Group. “Centering on what they are trying to accomplish helps Chuck Kinzer us put together a plan that incorporates the Aradius Group necessary steps towards attaining those goals. It’s helpful to define your core values in order to have a strong foundation from which to grow, and keeping that top of mind will also allow you to direct the growth of your organization.

That being said, your employees should also be focused on these same goals you’ve just established. Engaged employees equal engaged customers; it all starts with your team. Make sure that everyone has an understanding of what you want to accomplish and is dedicated to moving in that same direction. Next, define what verticals you want to go after and where exactly you might find the perfect customer who’s in need of what you have to offer. From there, it becomes a matter of marketing yourself effectively. There are a myriad of ways to communicate and reach people, so it’s all about finding the methods that provide the desired results. Social media is still considered to be a new trend, although it’s now mainstream due to millennials becoming increasingly influential in the marketplace.

Surprisingly to a lot of people, direct mail is still proving to be just as

JUNE 2016 Strictly Business

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powerful as it’s ever been despite the movement towards reaching people online, particularly on their mobile devices. As an overarching principle that has stood the test of time as the marketing landscape has evolved, don’t focus on just one form of marketing, but rather on developing your identity with a more complex media mix. However, even the greatest marketing program can’t stand alone; you need to back it up with the consistent quality of your offerings. Centering on your clients and ensuring that the customer experience stays positive over time will be essential for sustaining long-term growth.”

As previously touched upon, enhancing your online presence is certainly worth exploring and continuously revisiting, as new developments are emerging all the time. If you don’t have an online presence, you should, and if you do, you should be improving upon it regularly. At the most basic level, there are generally two major things to take into consideration: where you’re reaching people (and more specifically, your target demographic) and where you’re driving people with your messaging. Social media is truly a force in today’s marketing landscape, but simply having a Facebook page or setting up your Twitter account isn’t enough to achieve a strong and impactful presence—you also need tools that promote engagement.

“Video for Facebook is really hot right now for local businesses looking to gain more exposure,” advises Tyler Weihe, CoFounder of Switch Up Media. “Facebook’s sharing algorithm has instilled more confidence in advertisers because the results are astonishing - and you can see them within hours. Businesses can target audiences based on interests, geographical location, and other demographics, and it’s a really inexpensive way to gain a lot of exposure among a younger crowd. You’ll see a lot of companies using creative videos, keeping Tyler Weihe the length to under a minute, to explain Switch Up Media products, services and events, so depending

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on what areas of your business you’re looking to grow, Facebook video can really boost your exposure.

He continues, “In successfully growing any business, establishing trust is huge. A lot of that begins with your products and customer service, but having a positive online presence is crucial when building that trusted connection with potential customers. Growth means new customers, and the more comfortable the potential client feels about your company, the more likely it is that he or she will move forward with contacting you. Businesses with a dysfunctional website or bad online reviews could be losing customers to competitors, so you want to fix those problems right away.”

When it comes to traditional marketing tools with a modern twist that are great for branding, with a long shelf life that allows them to be passed along and seen by many people, there are two things that fit the bill nicely – print publications and promotional products.

Those who are smart about growing their business understand the importance of targeted promotion, but also take full advantage of the promotional opportunities that require very little legwork and a minimal investment of time and resources. A prime example of this is what is commonly referred to as “swag,” or promotional products that provide greater visibility by incorporating company branding into t-shirts, koozies, Frisbees, pens – anything that will get regular use or be seen by the masses.

“Corporate apparel or promotional products are often an afterthought for organizations,” says Mike Eldridge, President/CEO of Sunflower Marketing. “Usually someone gets stuck with the duty of making sure that the whole office is properly outfitted and armed with company swag, which takes loads of time and distracts from their Mike Eldridge primary duties. We’ve been able to help companies automate this process through Sunflower Marketing

online company stores. Rather than having one person gather order forms, this system offers the ability to send a link for people to purchase according to their needs. We also offer customer service with our online stores, which removes another headache from the primary buyer, allowing that person to focus on what they are good at. In following with the trend in our industry of online selling, we also just launched a website (www.12ormoretees.com) that allows people to customize and order shirts in quantities of 12 or more. We’ve spent the past 30 years with a strong focus on creating meaningful relationships with our clients, but the reality of it is that there are a lot of people out there that are more focused on the ease of the order which the Internet provides.”

While you may not associate it directly with marketing, joining your local Chamber of Commerce will also help you establish a strong presence in your respective marketplace. Jaime Henning of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce explains, “Membership can help you accomplish several things: Get your name out there, create networking opportunities and establish a sense of authority. In marketing your business it is important to think about and consider your business and target Jaime Henning clientele. Are you looking to build local B2B Lincoln Chamber relationships or grow a local business? If of Commerce these are your primary goals, the local Chamber of Commerce is a good place for you. We have programs, services and opportunities for every size business and are a great partner in taking the next steps toward growth. Our team at the Chamber wants you to be part of our organization and we will go to work to help you grow your business as we advocate for a positive business climate in Lincoln. If you would like to be part of our organization, call us at (402) 436-2350.”

Your People Who Make It All Happen With the sustained growth of a business comes the need for more personnel to make everything happen in a way that’s conducive to the continued success of the business as it transforms into a larger entity with more working parts. Make no mistake: Your people will make all the difference when it comes to growing your business.

When asked what she considers to be the determining factors in successfully growing a business as it relates to the staffing industry, Angela Caldwell, Branch Manager at Manpower replies, “People, creativity and branding!”

Expanding upon each of these three points of focus, she explains, “First, you have to get the right people on the bus to make your business successful. This will need to Angela Caldwell be a diverse group of individuals who will Manpower complement each other, so you’ll want to focus on adding people who will have strengths that the others do not possess. Second, encourage creativity with your employees. Bring individuals in from all generations who can discuss new trends, review consistent practices and embrace the knowledge that has seen the ups and downs in the industry. Finally, brand yourself and stay consistent with those efforts. Whether it’s a service or a product, get your name out there, promote, stay up to date, and make a conscious effort to branch off from your original product.

However, be careful never to put all your eggs in one basket! With branding, these are all things that your people will be tasked with developing and implementing so it’s important that everyone is on the same page, working together towards the same goals.

Finding employees and talent is what Manpower does. We source, recruit, screen, interview, and place candidates every day. Contact us to discuss your needs today at (402) 326-0934 or you are welcome to email me directly at angela.caldwell@manpower.com.”

STOP SEARCHING FOR TALENT. START FINDING IT. With unmatched know-how, perfected processes and access to qualified candidates, we can find the talented people you need faster.

1631 Pine Lake Road Lincoln 402.484.5511 us.manpower.com

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Support your community.

Join today!

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“Who you bring onto your team is the most important determining factor in growing a business,” agrees Larry Stenberg, former President and current Fellow of Talent Plus. “As Jim Collins said, ‘First who, then what.’ We believe in scientifically measuring talent in individuals and aligning talent with organizations in roles that will provide the most opportunity for great success.

This benefits both the individual, who is happy doing things they naturally love and are good at, and the organization, Larry Stenberg which can build teams to move their company forward with great innovation, Talent Plus productivity and profitability. We work with companies at all levels of their organization to get the most out of their talented people, which are any organization’s greatest asset. While technology will change, economic conditions may fluctuate and trends of popular products and services may alter over time, the greatest asset needed to propel a growth strategy forward, is great people dedicated to the mission and willing to adapt to the changing climate. Selecting talented people and developing their talents so they see a clear career path forward and providing a culture where they want to work will propel any specific growth strategy forward more than anything else.”

He also notes, “It’s commonplace to be intentional about building a desired culture. Credentials, experience and education do not tell whether someone is a natural fit for a culture. Scientific-assessment supplies the information needed to make that determination. And when you intentionally build a culture that supports progressive, innovative ideas from extremely talented individuals and teams, nothing will grow your business faster or smarter. Explore more with us at www.talentplus.com or don’t hesitate to reach out to me at lsternberg@talentplus.com or (402) 489-2000.”

Your Tools And How to Make The Most of Them While undoubtedly a rewarding endeavor, growing a business requires a lot of things coming together in the right ways, which can be incredibly overwhelming at times. Luckily there are many businesses and organizations out there whose mission is to provide you the tools and resources that you’ll need to successfully grow your own business. Building upon what we’ve previously mentioned, as companies grow, being able to conduct business functions online becomes increasingly important. To help save time, money, and paper, the Nebraska Department of Labor provides employers with a variety of web resources.

NEworks.nebraska.gov is the state’s free online jobs portal that allows companies looking to expand their workforce to set up a Virtual Recruiter. Using the unique search criteria of your position, the Virtual Recruiter provides daily, weekly, monthly, or on-demand candidate searches. The advanced search function allows employers to select from a vast array of criteria, identify required skills, and rank resumes by skill set. These tools limit the number of resumes to the candidates who meet the job requirements, returning the top talent for your organization. NEworks also provides access to a variety of labor market information and publications that feature economic, occupational, and demographic data.

Over time, most companies will eventually experience some turnover. Employers can use the Department of Labor’s UIConnect portal (dol.nebraska.gov/uiconnect) for a variety of unemployment insurance functions, including applying for an unemployment insurance tax account number, filing required reports, making electronic payments, and updating account information. One of the greatest time savers for employers is the automatic calculation of taxable and excess wages when filing combined wage and tax reports. The website calculates the amount owed and allows easy payment via ACH Debit or voucher. In addition, the Message Board provides information to employers regarding status of reports and payments. Within the UIConnect Benefit Center, employers can sign up for electronic submission of unemployment insurance information that’s required by the state when an employee files a claim for

unemployment benefits. With E-Response, the employer receives an email notice instead of a paper form when the state requires information, and responds online through the secure SIDES (State Information Data Exchange System) website. Rather than mailing supporting documents, SIDES allows for uploading documents into the electronic submission form. The online form is nationally-standardized, so as companies grow, and possibly expand to other states, HR doesn’t have to worry about varying requirements.

Other services offered through the Department of Labor’s main website, dol.nebraska.gov, include contractor registration and renewal, and electronic safety program request forms. The OSHA 21d Workplace Safety Consultation Program is a no-cost, confidential program that is provided to small, high-risk employers in the state. At the employer’s request, safety consultants and industrial hygienists with the 21d program perform surveys of an employer’s location and make suggestions to improve safety. Inspections of boilers and elevators can also be scheduled through the website.

In line with what we’ve discussed regarding building your team to accommodate the growth of your business, it’s not only about who you bring on internally, but also the businesses you partner with that come alongside and focus on filling in the gaps where you need the most help. A perfect example of outsourcing as your business grows is hiring a reputable answering service to assist with your higher phone traffic. “It can take years to earn a client but only seconds to lose one,” stresses Megan Megan Lipert-Murphy Liper t-Murphy, owner of Executive Executive Answering Answering Service. “It’s important to Service maintain a high level of customer service and responsiveness even during times of growth when you’re stretched thin and busy making adjustments for transition. Thirty years ago the primary function of an answering service was the reach someone for emergencies, but in 2016 there is so much more offered for a large variety of industries! ‘Virtual receptionists’ can save a company the overheard costs of an employee including salary, insurance, and training. Executive Answering Service offers virtual receptionists, order entry, appointment scheduling, emergency dispatch, call triage, the best customer service available, and so much more!”

It’s important to note that there are some resources out there that may come to mind for one thing but have a whole host of other related offerings that could help your business with growth. Consider office space – we all know that moving to a larger space makes sense to accommodate growth, but what if you also had access to a host of amenities that would make life so much easier while you are spending most of your time keeping everything running smoothly while in the midst of transition?

“When growing a business there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration,” agrees Michael Holroyd of Holroyd Investment Properties (HIP Realty and HIP OffiCenters). “One person, no matter how much they would like to, does not always have the time to dedicate to each question or concern. Therefore, in order to make your business a growing success, it is paramount that the right people be hired to help take on those roles and responsibilities.

For over 23 years HIP OffiCenters has Michael Holroyd gone through many business changes and HIP Realty & HIP expansions. Based on our experience, we’ve OffiCenters designed a full-service office environment that offers all of the tools that a new or existing business needs to grow and be successful. We provide full reception services, support staff, and phone answering. A well-trained staff is very important for creating first impressions with new clients. Along with furnished offices, we offer several virtual office packages which include a physical address and many of our amenities. Virtual offices are a

way for someone to have the benefits of an office and staff while working from any location. Utilizing the business address also allows you to take advantage of mail handling, a local phone number with telephone answering and voicemail, a conference room or an office for the day as needed. While renting from us, there are no up-front costs in buildouts or infrastructure. High-speed fiber-optic internet, an executive conference room, copy center, kitchen facilities, break room, janitorial services, all utilities paid and free parking are all available on-site and are included in your rent. We provide a complete office solution, so you can focus your time on growing and managing your business.”

As it costs money to make money, your revenue stream will largely dictate the tools you are able to put in place to support the growth of your business. While you may theoretically have earned the money, you certainly aren’t able to put it to work unless you’ve actually been able to collect it first.

“Choosing a trusted, established collection company is critical to the growth of your business as it will keep money coming in, minimize your losses, protect you from any Aaron Newell type of related litigation, and free up AR Solutions your time to focus on doing what you do best,” explains Aaron Newell, owner of AR Solutions. “These are people tasked with acting as an extension of your company and in direct communication with your clients, so how the collection agency representatives present themselves and the methods of collection are extremely important. Therefore, to best gauge these matters, it’s helpful to ask how it all works, from securely providing client information for collection purposes to the actual communication process—everything up to the point that the account is paid in full.

There are a multitude of checks and balances that should be in place in order to ensure that you as the client are insulated, from properly auditing charges to utilizing the appropriate means of communication and staying within the letter of the law and best industry practices.

At AR Solutions we take our role very seriously, and we don’t get paid until our clients get paid. We also conduct business on behalf of our clients with the goal of coming to a mutual agreement to get the account paid that doesn’t negatively affect the potential for doing business again in the future if at all possible. Above all, your time as a business owner is much better spent using your talents to drive your business forward and grow your client base.”

Within the city of Lincoln exists a landscape of growing businesses, all at different stages in the process and as such, with different needs to move forward towards realizing the vision for the future of their organizations.

However, big or small, they are all united in the fact that in order to grow and prosper, it’s a must to focus on what will best elevate the business in all areas, positioning it for success as it evolves. Bringing on the right professionals who have experience in coming alongside a business to help it grow is ultimately what will keep you on the right track.

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One day a year we pay tribute and give thanks to all of the wonderful, dedicated men who have played a special role in our lives as a father figure. Generally showered with both our time and treasures, we’ve highlighted a few ideas for both when it comes time to celebrate on Sunday, June 19th.

Hobbies are something that we all enjoy, making them great to capitalize on when it comes to gifts! A few of the traditional hobbies that come to mind for the fellas are sports, home improvement projects, hunting or target practice, automobiles, and that’s just scratching the surface. Whether you know what he enjoys doing with his spare time and want to go for that or alternatively, want to introduce him to something new that you think he might like, giving the gift of an experience, an opportunity to learn new things or something to take pride in is hard to beat.

No matter whether he’s a sports enthusiast, is working towards a health or fitness goal, or simply has a favorite sports- or fitnessrelated activity that you can find him involved in regularly, a gift that incorporates any of these items is sure to be put to good use. With a large inventory of new and gently-used items to choose from, Play It Again Sports is a one-stop shop for just about anything you can think of in all of the categories listed above. For those who need a little inspiration, their staff is knowledgeable and always ready to help offer a few targeted suggestions. In terms of sports that are currently in season, golf is always incredibly popular and from clubs and balls to bags and attire, there’s always something on a golfers wish list.

“We have great new and gently-used golf clubs and our inventory is plentiful this time of year,” advises Diane Hesson, owner of the local Play It Again Sports store.

“If golf isn’t his thing, maybe some fitness equipment or a new ball glove would help Diane Hesson fulfill an item on his wish list. But if you’re Play It Again Sports not sure, a gift card is always a good way to go. Really, anything that allows you to spend time together is a wonderful gift too. Playing catch in the backyard, hitting golf balls at the range, a little game of one-onone on the basketball court—it’s the time together that makes for the best memories. If you’re worried about buying the wrong thing, just take the guesswork out of it and bring him in with you on Father’s Day; we’ll be open and he’ll be able to pick out his own gift!”

Hunting and spending time at the shooting range are also popular activities, so anything related could make for a great gift if it’s something that Dad enjoys or would like spend more time doing in the future. DE Guns is the place to find what you’re looking for, with an extensive inventory offered via the mobile-friendly website and online storefront at DEGuns.net as well as at its headquarters in Lincoln. Along with the popular Deal of the Day, there are new coupon codes that will save you up to $500, and as far as

convenience and for last-minute gifts, with online purchases you can either have your gift shipped direct or you can opt to pick it up in the store. For the most part, clothing and accessories are the most ideal gift items if Dad won’t be present for the purchase.

You might also consider getting him involved in a firearms training program—there’s plenty of details to check out on the DEGuns.net website. Also, don’t forget to remind him to take full advantage of the lower prices throughout the summer on firearms and ammunition, as they will go up in the fall!

There are many things that you could get to aid in a project around the house that your dad is excited to tackle or has pledged to finish, and on past that, even plenty of houseware items and gourmet delicacies that will appeal to the main men in your life. Jana Clark, General Manager at Habitat, offered some great ideas in this area that are sure to be right up Dad’s alley.

“As we enter into grilling season, there are a wealth of related items available in our store that make for excellent Father’s Day gifts! This includes mitts and aprons, pigtail flippers, garlic roasters, Himalayan salt blocks, and insulated hot gloves to keep food warm to name a few practical items on the preparation side. We also carry a great selection of rubs, sauces, and dips. Other items for dads who love to be in the kitchen whipping something up are pizza ovens and stones or Wusthof knives, which are high-quality knives that are well known for their extraordinary sharpness and ease to maintain. For the dad who enjoys expanding on his bar selection or just a guy who likes a good cocktail, we have plenty of items to stock the bar. Among the most popular that would also make great Father’s Day gifts are our Whisky Tasting Set, Moscow Mule mugs, and a must for martinis, stuffed olives with almonds, garlic, or blue cheese to choose from.”

Jana Clark Habitat

From Nebraska Gift Shop is another excellent place to find a gift that he’ll enjoy (it is, after all, a gift shop!), with best part for the Husker-at-heart being that all of the items are made right here in the great state of Nebraska. You’ll not only find gourmet snacks and award-winning James Arthur Vineyards wines, but there are ready-made gift baskets with an assortment of nice items that you can stop by and pick up on-the-go along with a lot of unique gifts that he certainly won’t be expecting—unless of course he’s requested them first! And for those who are spending time with Dad down in the Haymarket or Railyard on Father’s Day, consider stopping by for an impromptu wine tasting or a relaxing break spent on the dock enjoying a glass of wine and hopefully beautiful weather too!

Just about any gift that incorporates his vehicle in some way is probably going to be very much appreciated too. There are many dads out there who enjoy working on their cars, making a related gift such as a needed part or tool for his shop a nice present. On the other hand, there are also the gentlemen who simply enjoy the experience of driving their vehicle and prefer to leave the rest to the trusted automotive professionals. For these dads, a gift of a much-needed service or upgrades that will make life easier, such as a remote car starter, will absolutely do the trick. No matter which category your dad falls into, there’s always work that can be done to a man’s vehicle!

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Robert Peinado, owner of GP Customs, weighs in on potential gifts you could give that incorporate your dad’s ride. “Father’s Day shopping can be tough! If you father is anything like mine, he has a love for

cars! Not only that he is the guy who is always washing his car and keeping it clean. His vehicle truly is an extension of his personality.

With that in mind, why not help your dad protect that investment by getting him a gift certificate so that he can choose what best suits his taste. As we’re coming up on the hot summer months, this might very likely be window tinting. It will help keep the heat inside the vehicle down for a more comfortable driving experience while protecting the vehicle’s interior from fading, as well as giving him a little privacy. You might also think about Paint Protection Film from Suntek, which protects the front end of the vehicle to prevent rock chips and stop road grime from eating away at the finish.

That will allow him to relax a little more on Sundays instead of scrubbing away at the front end of that vehicle to get all of that damaging stuff off!

We also offer a really unique magnetic cell phone adapter from Magic Mount that allows Dad to mount his cell phone to his home or office desk, and even in his vehicle for hands-free operation without any annoying clips or additional cases. His cell phone will ‘magically’ mount to the sleek small apparatus. This product sells for $19.99 in store, which is a nice price point that’s affordable for a quality gift. Shoot, if that’s not enough we still have some hoverboards lying around; I’m sure dad would enjoy one of those!”

He adds, “Most of us know what the dads in our lives enjoy, and that’s something that’s perfect to capitalize on for gift giving. So, how does Dad spend his spare time? Look for something to make that spare time more enjoyable or something that he is going to use on a weekly basis. I personally always enjoy gifts that make my life easier! At GP Customs, we provide nearly every automotive service available. For those dads who are into bikes, we even do a lot of motorcycle upgrades (Harley Davidson). This includes everything from stereo upgrades, to paint protection film, bike wrapping (color changing), and so on. We all spend a lot of time in our vehicles, especially dad. From making the everyday commute to running errands and shuttling everyone around, he’s on the road.

Why not give him something he will use every day and get to enjoy on a daily basis?”

On Father’s Day, this year as with every year, we get the chance to shower the main men in our lives with love and appreciation for all that they have brought into our lives. We not only do this with thoughtful gifts but by spending time together, which is undoubtedly the most valuable gift of all.

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Company Retreats

Finding ways to attract the best and brightest employees has become much more of a focus point for businesses competing to be at the top of their respective industries and marketplaces. However, it’s the things done to retain them and in helping them to grow, both personally and professionally, that will largely determine your long-term success, among many other benefits that take shape with an investment in your people.

The work environment, upper management, and co-workers one works closest with have proven time and time again to be one of the biggest factors in job satisfaction and staff tenure. You may get lucky and have everyone on your team mesh well together, but it’s wise not to leave that up to chance. Company retreats arguably have many benefits, but at the top of the list is spending time with one another and getting to know who you are working with on a personal level, which extends into understanding how to work best with them in a professional environment.

On the planning side, the best part of company retreats is that as long as you are able to accomplish the objectives for the event, you have the freedom to make it a unique, fun, memorable (in a good way of course), and ultimately, impactful. On the flip side, with so much potential to harness, deciding on the right scenario for your next corporate retreat can be challenging! As such, we’re more than happy to share a few of our own experiences that have been ideal in building our team and sharpening our vision.

Depending on the time you have to dedicate to a company retreat, you’ll find yourself considering both local places and those that would make for a great adventure out of city limits. Getting out of the office is critical, and not just out onto the lawn in front of your building. Think back to field trips you took as a child and it’s a sure bet that not only do you have fond memories of the place itself, but also the experiences—the learning and growth that takes place in a different environment. There’s nothing more freeing, restorative and stimulating than getting out of the confines of your day-in-day-out desk and into great outdoors; it’s literally a breath of fresh air, which is what you’re going for in terms of perspective.

A retreat possibility that requires a bit of a road trip is Bryson Airboat Tours, which is situated along the banks of the Platte River near Fremont, NE. With the group packages, you’ll not only have access to unlimited airboat rides during your scheduled time, but there’s a nice area set up for guests that accommodates groups of all sizes. Amenities included are a grilling area with plenty of tables and seating, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, swimming in the river, bean bag toss, and you are also welcome to bring games of your own or set up various activities for your attendees to take part in while they’re not on the airboat.

“In terms of finding something unique, truly just hopping on one of our tour boats and going for an airboat ride is going to be a completely different experience for anybody,” emphasizes Bryson, owner of Bryson’s Airboat Tours. “Our three hours of fun package is the most popular, and while the airboat rides are generally the highlight of the outing for most, I’ve seen so many different ways that our guests have utilized the outdoor space for team-building activities that have been a big hit. As a word of advice, Bryson for anyone who chooses to have an outdoor event in Nebraska, consider spending money Bryson’s Airboat Tours on renting a tent just in case, whether it’s shelter from a sporadic rain shower that pops up or to have a designated place to get out of the sun for a bit, especially in July and August.”

Along the same lines of enjoying the relaxing properties of the great outdoors and the flexibility of events in that element, James Arthur Vineyards is another wonderful destination for a company retreat, as you can enjoy the natural beauty of the estate along with their delicious wines. Moreover, the facilities on-site offer a warm and relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for breakthrough thinking and highly

effective meetings. James Arthur Vineyards is the largest winery in Nebraska, and is located near Raymond about 10 miles from downtown Lincoln, which makes it a close enough trip to be able to get out of the city without breaking the bank on travel expenses. “We can host any size group, and offer tours of our grounds and facilities, samples of our awardwinning wines or scheduled tastings, and an opportunity to unwind with your co-workers,” says James Ballard, owner of James Arthur Vineyards. “We have several private party James Ballard spaces featuring comfortable furnishings, James Arthur Vineyards rich décor, spectacular views that have been popular among companies booking meetings and retreats, and we do have customized catering options as well as access to A/V equipment and WiFi. Every summer we host special events at James Arthur Vineyards that could easily be incorporated into a company event too.”

For those who want to stay close to home, there are plenty of great places to host your next company retreat in town as well.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts is one of the cultural highlights of our city, and as such, many of us are well aware of the wealth of amazing shows brought to Lincoln each season. What’s even better in terms of offerings for local businesses and organizations is that there are plenty of customized options for corporate events at the Lied Center, company retreats included.

“Companies can arrange to hold their retreats in one of the Lied Center’s spaces and attend a world-class show later in the evening,” says Bill Stephan, Executive Director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts. “A live performance will take your event from memorable to unforgettable. Businesses that really want to add a special touch can also sponsor a show, which often includes a meet and greet with artists along with photo opportunities. All of these options are surprisingly affordable as well.

Bill Stephan Furthermore, when it comes to making the Lied Center for arrangements, the Lied Center has a topPerforming Arts notch events staff that is always happy to help event planners and companies planning a special event. We can make catering recommendations and connect you with local artists who can provide unique entertainment for your event among things. The Lied Center allows event clients to choose their own caterer, which can be particularly helpful to companies on a budget or those looking to tailor their event to their staff’s preferences and corporate culture.”

When asked about the key things he feels to be important to take into consideration when planning a company retreat, Stephan notes, “Location is so important. The Lied Center’s downtown location, and a central spot between UNL and the Historic Haymarket/Railyard District makes it ideal for attendees who will enjoy being able to walk to the venue from their hotels and the easy access to Lincoln’s nightlife and restaurant scene. Few venues in Lincoln share the distinctive culture, prime location and breathtaking views that the Lied Center can provide for a company retreat.”

If you’re thinking about a fun activity that incorporates a little bit of healthy competition and also something that most people feel comfortable with participation, you generally can’t go wrong with one of America’s favorite pastimes – bowling! “Taking a day at the bowling center is a fantastic way to give your group a reprieve from the office setting,” says Jennifer Davis-Korn of 48 Bowl. “You can start your day in one of our private meeting rooms, cater breakfast or lunch, then work your way to the lanes! We offer free WiFi and projection screens if needed. If it’s pure fun and team building games you’re after, bowling is one of the great activities that anyone can play. We can help you organize your group, enter names, calculate scores, and even give you modified scoring games like 9-Pin No Tap to level the playing field. We

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love groups of all sizes and will reserve as few as one lane or as many as twenty-four. If you’re not sure what your budget will accommodate, give us a call and we can talk you through all of your options. Parkway Lanes can be reached at (402) 483-7763 or to get in touch with Hollywood Bowl, call (402) 466-1911. If you prefer to start your research on our website, visit http://48bowl.com/group-rates.html.”

For the perfect mix of getting outdoors for fresh air and fun times, staying active, adventuring to a number of locations as you see fit, engaging in conversation in an environment that’s conducive to brainstorming and the exchange of ideas, and simply enjoying one another’s company, there’s nothing better to accomplish any or all of these objectives than a Group Therapy Bike Tour! Now offering a Conference Bike seating up to six people along with the original 15-passenger bike, you could opt for mini breakout sessions with smaller groups as a part of your event or take advantage of the larger bike as a mobile conference table—the options are endless and the creative minds that brought the unique concept of Group Therapy Bike Tours to Lincoln are also excellent at making suggestions for unique events and uses of the bike too, making planning that much easier!

As thinking outside the box and solving problems together are important in any workplace, it makes sense to cultivate those skills during your chosen teambuilding event, while also adding in the components of fun and excitement to promote engagement. Covering all of these bases, Escape Lincoln is an activity that by design will unite your team as they rise to the challenge.

Abby Bartholomew, Co-Creator of Escape Lincoln advises, “Escape Lincoln is the perfect place for your group to use their teamwork skills outside of the normal workspace. In a fun, casual atmosphere, teams can learn more about their individual work styles and how the composition of the team contributes to the success of the common goals.

Escape rooms are a unique chance to participate as a group in a real-life adventure game. Groups are locked in a room and Abby Bartholomew by using the elements around them, solve a Escape Lincoln series of puzzles, find clues, or piece together answers that help them ‘escape’ within a set amount of time. Team members get to know each other, work together, strategize, and problemsolve to stretch their collaboration muscles and enrich the overall team.

We offer three different escape rooms that can accommodate up to 18 participants at one time (6 people per room) and can plan for multiple waves of groups, allowing us to host teams and events of all sizes.”

Events that encourage creativity have wide-ranging benefits, and another great example of an activity that promotes growth in this area is art. ArtGlass Unlimited has a variety of offerings that could be thoughtfully incorporated into a company retreat event. These fun experiences provide an interactive way to get the creative juices flowing and an outlet that greatly helps with stress relief. As far as the take-aways, participants will leave with something they’ve created that they can proudly display at home or in the workplace, in addition to what they’ve learned from observing their co-workers’ expression of individuality during the process of making unique pieces of art and from the time spent together as a group.

As company retreats are, as a rule of thumb and key to their efficacy, held off-site, you’ll want to make sure your attendees needs are met as far as a meal or snack so that you keep their energy up and attention where it needs to be. Aside from the practical aspect of avoiding a group full of grumbling tummies, there’s also the opportunity to play up your theme, get creative and serve up something that’s going to be a big hit with your team.

“One of the most important things to consider when planning a company retreat is how to keep everyone well-fed and energized,” emphasizes Shelby Bartels, Event Producer for Attitude on Food.

“Whether employees spend the day attending breakout sessions or teambuilding on a high ropes course, they’re going to want plenty of food throughout the day. Everything from the morning coffee station to the late-night snack can make an employee’s day. The desired

atmosphere is also important. Some company retreats are peaceful and quite while others are high energy with packed schedules.

Once you decide on the overall atmosphere, every other aspect of the event should have the same vibe. This includes the food and beverages. Interactive stations and a buffet create completely different atmospheres, so it is important to know your audience and the ambiance you’re trying to create.

Interactive stations are by far my favorite option for company retreats. They are Shelby Bartels completely customizable and can be made Attitude on Food to fit the theme or goals of your retreat.

Companies looking for a health-conscious option will love a salad martini bar or trail mix station. Our homemade chicken finger and mac ‘n’ cheese stations are great ways to loosen guests up and will bring out the kid in everyone. My personal favorite is our blender bike station. Guests can blend their own smoothie or signature drink by riding the bike!

No matter what you have in mind, I’m here to put together the perfect menu for these events. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any combinations of the three, our mission is to ensure there is enough amazing food to satisfy every guest. This includes creating a menu for guests with dietary restrictions. The last thing I want is for anyone to feel left out around the table. Beyond the food, I can also help coordinate rentals, create a floor plan, arrange centerpieces, and put together a timeline.”

When asked to provide a final piece of advice for our readers, she quickly responds, “Have fun! If everyone in the office enjoys donuts together on Friday, who says breakfast can’t consist of a donut bar? Take the opportunity to try different foods and offer unique experiences.”

In addition to nourishment, there are other things that can greatly help with ensuring everyone is in the right state of mind to be an engaged participant. Consider massage as another example, as it’s incorporated more and more into the corporate world due to its wide-ranging benefits.

“There are so many things that massage can add to a company event,” emphasizes Erin Lange, LMT and owner of 5 Elements Massage. “A 10-15 minute chair massage can wake you up better than a cup of coffee, and can also be helpful to someone stuck in a creative rut. Even a 5 minute arm/hand massage can change a person’s mood for the better.”

She adds, “For a lot of people, it’s common not to take the time to relax; there is always something else more important than worrying Erin Lange about themselves. When companies show 5 Elements Massage that they care as much about the health and wellbeing of their employees as they do about reaching strategic objectives, it goes a long way. As either an exciting surprise or something for your team to look forward to, having a massage therapist on-hand at a retreat could greatly help to improve attitude and disposition. With positive reinforcement from the therapist, it can help drive a person to make wiser choices as well, benefitting both parties in the long run, far after the company retreat has ended. Having a massage chair and portable table, I can do more than work with my hands; the bamboo that can be utilized is very portable as well. Music could be offered to set the mood, and best of all, the massage can take place anywhere!”

The landscape of corporate retreats has changed so much in the contemporary world of business; there’s so much more out there to take advantage of and far less confines as to what constitutes a model event.

By focusing on creating an enjoyable environment that’s conducive to natural interaction as opposed to forced or contrived exchanges, and by incorporating equal elements of fun and goal-oriented, guided initiatives, you’ll bring your team together and allow them to find common ground and a greater understanding of how they fit into the scheme of things while reinforcing company culture, which is the ultimate goal.

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Making sure your elderly loved ones remain in good health throughout their aging process is definitely not a one-person job. It is common knowledge that as one gets older, health problems and health risks increase, making alertness to possible issues and awareness of the resources in place to help with those both critical to maintaining the best quality of life possible. Luckily for seniors in the Lincoln community and their family members, there are numerous businesses that tailor their offerings to any number of health-related items that come up in an elderly individual’s life and are there to help whenever and however needed.

While illness and disease are both unfortunately epidemics found commonly in the older generation, a major issue that causes more of a drastic change in life than one would think is falling. When an elderly individual falls, a hospital visit generally ensues to see if something is broken. The next step would be a rehabilitation center in an attempt to get back to normal depending on the gravity of the injuries sustained; however, it really depends on a host of issues in regards to whether or not “normal” happens again for them. The team at Legacy Retirement Communities focuses on fall prevention and recommends that seniors get involved in a fitness and wellness program along with exercising on a regular basis in order to maintain strength and mobility.

In addition to paying attention to fall prevention, T.J. Niehaus of The Legacy also explains that they place a lot of focus on providing opportunities for socialization, as it too has specific health benefits for seniors.

“It is so important for seniors to get out and get involved through activities, volunteer work, or just taking the opportunity to engage with those in the community, friends, and loved ones.

The more you move around and are active, the healthier you will be, even if it is just getting together to play cards or Wii bowling.”

T.J. Niehaus Living arrangements play a key role in overall Legacy Retirement health and wellness, particularly as we’ve Communities already mentioned with avoiding falls and isolation. When it comes to senior living options that are available, it’s important to keep in mind for future planning purposes that the baby boomers are coming. While crowding could possibly be an issue, which will likely be addressed with more facilities being built to accommodate the growing population of seniors, we just never know what the future holds. Being proactive and knowledgeable will allow your loved ones to live each stage of their life in the most comfortable way and closest to the way that they would choose for themselves. Yet, it is really important that seniors go out and go on visits to assisted care facilities if that is decided as the best option for them and their continued wellbeing.

Niehaus urges, “Take tours and ask a lot of questions. It is important that you and your loved one see the potential communities for yourselves, checking out the amenities offered by each along with the opportunities they provide in the critical areas of lifestyle enrichment, transportation, events and activities, wellness programs, types of nursing and care services, housekeeping and maintenance options, and dining options-food is a major concern with seniors, largely because of taste preferences and diet restrictions. One of my top recommendations is to talk to the residents and staff that you see in the halls and ask them what they like about where they live and work and why. Open communication allows you to truly gauge whether or not it would be a good fit.”

Hearing loss is another health issue to pay attention to as your loved ones get older, even though it can happen at any age. This is especially due to the fact that it takes approximately seven years for someone to admit that they have hearing loss. Audiologist Dr. Leslie Frank of Nebraska Hearing Center explains, “During that time, it is very likely

for that person to slowly withdraw from social activities because it is easier to stay home than to deal with distorted conversations. At Nebraska Hearing Center, we encourage all adults to have their hearing tested annually.

Once a baseline is set, you can then monitor any changes. We take away all excuses because hearing evaluations at Nebraska Hearing Center are free!”

What’s more, recent studies from John Hopkins show that hearing loss may play a role in dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Certain Dr. Leslie Frank areas of the brain are used to process sound Nebraska Hearing Center and speech. According to the study, when those areas of the brain are not being used, it may lead to dementia.

In order for the elderly to keep a comfortable lifestyle, some adjustments can be made to prevent hearing loss. Wearing earplugs while vacuuming, mowing the yard, or attending concerts can really benefit a person no matter how old or young. The staff at Nebraska Hearing Center encourages seniors in particular to treat their hearing as they would treat any other annual check-up, which is one of the main reasons for the free hearing evaluations. Of the many reasons why this might be avoided, there’s a common misconception that hearing devices are still bulky and unattractive, but those have long since become a thing of the past. Because technology is everchanging the world of hearing, there are so many new devices that feature wireless technology and are barely visible. This technology also allows for phone calls, music, and television to stream directly into one’s hearing aid along with its central function of greatly improving sound clarity. Nebraska Hearing Center’s clients have reported noticing quite a difference when in meetings, noisy places, or while at church. A new tinnitus device is also available for clients who have had ringing in their ears for years, effectively eliminating the noise altogether.

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Back to paying attention to your loved one’s potential loss of hearing, signs to watch for include: *Your loved one seems to be able to hear what you’re saying but can’t understand the conversation. *The person overuses the word “what”. *The television is too loud for the average person but not loud enough for the senior. *They have trouble understanding a conversation in a noisy environment, such as a restaurant. *The person mentions a ringing in their ears. Statistics show that one third of all Nebraskans have hearing challenges and over half are over the age of 85. It is important to get your loved one into a doctor if they are having trouble hearing the telephone or television. Hearing loss can be caused by a number of things such as by the aging process, ear wax build-up, or exposure to loud noises over long periods of time.

Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) is another excellent resource in our community to reach out to for anything hearing-related. “There are a number of devices that can help you, but it depends on the situation,” explains John Wyvill of the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. “Some common solutions that we have seen include hearing aids and a number of assistive technology devices that we can recommend.

In addition to working with an audiologist, John Wyvill as the fitting of a hearing aid may take a Nebraska Commission couple of months, make sure to choose a for the Deaf and hearing aid that has the feature that you Hard of Hearing need--every individual has different needs.

There are also a number of assistive technology devices that NCDHH can recommend to support you around the home or workplace. Our team can help find one that works best, at no cost to you. There are alerts for doorbells, smoke detectors, and alarm clocks that can give you a signal that you can see or a vibration that you can feel. A flashing light at home, for example, can signal someone at the door or someone on the phone.”

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Another common issue for seniors that can seriously affect their health is not properly or correctly taking medications. This can exacerbate an existing issue and also create new ones. There are several options available to seniors and their families to ensure medications are taken when and how they are prescribed. Automated medication dispensers or having medications set up by a pharmacy in weekly pill boxes are two great options. However, for those who are experiencing memory loss or mobility issues, perhaps what is needed is having someone there to make sure the medications are taken. Care Consultants for the Aging can help by setting up one hour visits throughout the day. This ensures proper medicating, while also providing companionship and socialization. In fact, they can connect those in the community with any number of senior services to help fill in the gaps so that everything is going according to plan.

Elaborating on key lifestyle adjustments seniors can make to have a positive impact on their health and wellness, Dana Rothfuss of Care Consultants for the Aging advises, “As we age, isolation becomes more common.

Trying to encourage the elders in your life to engage in social activities will help build their support system and aid in avoiding isolation.

Caregivers can be utilized to take seniors to events if needed and the local senior center offers many activities and often meals to those Dana Rothfuss who attend. If your loved one can get their legal and financial affairs in order, it will go Care Consultants for the Aging far in making any health and long term care decision easier. Having an awareness of what the government offers also will help in utilizing the benefits that are available to your loved one.”

Care Consultants for the Aging produces the ElderCare Resource Handbook, which offers a complete list of senior services in Lincoln and Omaha areas. It is organized into five main categories and can help when you need to research senior care options for your loved ones. The handbook is published every two years and can be viewed online for free at www.careconsultants.com, or is available for purchase at the Lincoln and Omaha offices.

As previously mentioned, finding a way to stay active on a regular basis is a common struggle for seniors and yet a critical component of staying healthy and well. Developing a regular fitness routine that combines cardiovascular conditioning with strength training is vital in reducing a person’s risk for developing secondary health conditions. Cardiovascular training helps in reducing a person’s risk for conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Strength training helps maintain good joint and bone health by increasing bone density, which helps protect people from fractures. When assisted living or a higher level of care becomes necessary later in life it is also recommended to have a professional assist in developing a fitness program that is safe and appropriate to produce the best results with the least risk of injury.

Proactive Solution, Inc. offers onsite physical therapists with extensive knowledge in assisting with programs of this type, along with a nutritionist, personality counselor, and personal trainer to keep clients on track for their long term wellbeing. The key is having high level health professionals consult with the person’s caregivers or the onsite team at the assisted living facility whenever possible.

Katie Tiedeman of Proactive Solutions Inc. also explains that along with the attention to physical fitness, other components of one’s wellbeing should also be taken into consideration. “The focus should always be on the total individual; mind, body, and soul. Our team keys in on the most important factor for seniors, which is ‘purpose.’ We then design a program that helps them fulfill their purpose in life and is supported by our professional team.”

Seniors often fall subject to a lifestyle with decreased physical activity, and that can be due to a variety of circumstances. Sometimes this is related to underlying health matters and sometimes it is simply a result of a slower-paced life. Either way, the decrease in physical activity can often lead to several undesirable health issues such as increased arthritic pain, heart and vascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.

Decreased physical activity also weakens a person’s immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses like pneumonia. In today’s

world retirement is coming later in life for many and as such, the senior population in the workforce is larger than ever. So that being said, it’s important to note that although people are considered “senior citizens” once they hit a certain age, they are not all to be written off as low functioning adults. This population brings with them a vast amount of knowledge and experience and Proactive Solutions values their contribution and strives to keep their senior clientele healthy in any workforce activity, partnering with companies to customize wellness plans that reduce risk for seniors developing new medical conditions.

They also help their clients learn how to manage any underlying health conditions to ensure the greatest productivity and job satisfaction possible.

Christy Merritt of The Waterford Communities further explains that staying active does not necessarily have to be going through a hard workout day-to-day. “For most seniors, staying active both mentally and physically is Christy Merritt beneficial. Where most people get confused is The Waterford in regards to the best ways for seniors to stay Communities active. They do not have to run a marathon or do anything ridiculously challenging; they are benefitting by simply doing thought-provoking activities. This can include things like writing a letter, going for a walk, and even reading a classic book. By doing activities that are appealing to both the mind and body they are still benefitting health-wise.”

Larry Gadeken of Guardian Angels For Our Elders adds, “By encouraging the seniors we work with to get involved in whatever sparks their interest, we find that they are more apt to retain an active and enjoyable lifestyle and they smile a lot more. This brings them both internal and social joy. At the same time, with the companionship we provide we are also working towards preventing potential risks that can be recognized early, finding ways to address them ahead of time before it is too late. We urge our clients to keep moving and Larry Gadeken keep the saying ‘if you don’t use it, you lose it’ Guardian Angels close to heart. We see a lot of seniors fighting For Our Elders to keep their independence, but isolating themselves at the same time, and they don’t often realize that it could have negative effects on their health and wellbeing until the damage is done. It’s truly never too late to get out and get involved in something that adds meaning to your life!”

Mobility issues can affect quality of life in many ways, particular when it becomes difficult to get around the house safely. Home modification is an excellent way to remove any barriers or hazards that exist so that the senior can continue to age in place. “A person’s needs may change in any number of ways that would necessitate modification to their living environment,” says Joe Frey of Triumph Home Health Supplies. “If stairs become too difficult to climb, a vertical platform may be necessary to move from one Joe Frey floor to another. Even small door thresholds can pose issues, whether it’s a trip-and-fall Triumph Home Health Supplies incident or impassable for those in walkers and wheelchairs, and there are several ways to go about eliminating that problem in order to allow for safe access to all areas of the home.

With the importance of regular activity to preserving good health, while scooters and power mobility devices have become rather ubiquitous in recent years, they don’t encourage strengthening of muscles needed to keep bone density up and the body functioning. The old adage of ‘If you don’t use it, you lose it’ holds true with our body, so moderation is key if at all possible.”

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He further advises, “Even for someone at any age who is considering building a new home, I always encourage looking beyond today for your needs in the future. If you will need to use a wheelchair 10-15 years down the road, does the design of your home accommodate this?

As one example, Zero Threshold shower bases are great and give a Home Care Registry ElderCare modern look while providing easy access for those with mobility CNA’s (Certified Nurse Aides), Resource Handbook very issues. European shower room designs will allow for better room function Nurses and Companions.

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As the goal for many seniors, no matter what in most instances, is to maintain their independence for as long as possible, Amy Fish of Lancaster Rehabilitation Center also advises, “It is important for seniors to ask for assistance early on in order to > I’d like to have a new header saying “Caring For the People You Love” > Left side: 1-24 hour care stay independent for as long as possible. > space Simple things like in-home services for chores >Services are Affordable, Dependable and Professional (not all in one line, do your magic Mercedes) Amy Fish > Right Side: under ElderCare Resource Handbook change the verbage to “For Communityor Options, Use the Book the Professionals Use. (again, some Mercedes medical check-ups, Meals onneeding Wheels, Magic) Lancaster Rehabilitation or assistance with transportation are all > Center beneficial services that help seniors retain their > on our web site there should be no caps and could we flip the logo box and the website box? independence. Another valuable tip is to stay socially engaged. Volunteer, participate in community groups, and even Provide valuable health, safety & invite friends to come over for a visit. It is important to retain a healthy wellness benefits for your employees! mind, body, and spirit.”

As the advice for seniors and their loved ones to take all aspects of personal wellbeing into account are echoed by all of the professionals, it’s safe to say that it’s a big takeaway in Be Proactive. Contact us! regards to maintaining good health throughout WWW.PASHEALTHANDWELLNESS.COM the aging process. Beth Friesen of Oasis (402)480-4266 Senior Advisors puts the keys to keeping positive health for seniors in three simple steps.

“I believe the three most positive elements that seniors can incorporate into their lifestyles include: social stimulation such as friendships, outings, and support networks, physical Beth Friesen activity such as exercise classes, gardening, Oasis Senior Advisors walking or even dancing with an emphasis on incorporating at least a couple of days of strength training a week, and a healthy diet which contains an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and fish, along with reducing simple carbohydrates, saturated fats, and processed food all with plenty of water.”

While it’s a scary prospect to consider at any age, you never know when a health condition will strike, so an emergency plan is always advisable too. When it comes to remaining Make Bathing independent and aging in place, along with keeping everything in balance and taking Accessible & Easy! measures to continue leading a healthy lifestyle, even simple technology can make all the difference should the senior be faced with an emergency situation and need help.

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in their home, wherever that may be. We would be happy to provide more information on the various options for seniors and a free estimate on any of these products.”

While there are so many things one can do to positively influence health and wellbeing at any age, the unfortunate truth is that our health is sure to decline at some point no matter how well we take care of ourselves.

Therefore, thinking about end-of-life choices today can improve a senior individual’s quality of life in the future while also easing the burden on family. Although these are tough topics to bring up, discussing your wishes with loved ones and following through by ensuring all necessary items in place is a must.

Jodi Freeman of Roper and Sons Funeral Services advises, “Planning early and maintaining your estate plan and will, financial affairs, healthcare wishes, and end of life plans are essential. As we age and our lives change, so do our priorities. Plans made in prior years may change for a number of reasons; therefore, keeping them up-to-date is key. It is also essential to plan for these things when our mental capacity is strong because once we begin to care for one who is declining, proper planning can become a challenge. Besides being challenging, questions about mental or physical capacity can draw criticism and concerns about the validity of your plans, potentially leading to arguments and disregard of the plans, and even legal implications.”

In addition to servicing a funeral for a loved one of yours, Roper and Sons offers several events each month that provide all sorts of health and wellness information and support resources to the community. Their “Topic Breakfast” has been held each month for well over ten years, bringing in a variety of speakers to share information on physical, emotional, and financial health, along with a wide variety of other interesting and timely topics. They also host an annual health fair and offer grief support programs that are open to the entire community. All of their events are free and open to the public, with the exception of Art with Anna, which is a part of their grief Jodi Freeman program.

Roper and Sons Along the same lines, Deb Maguire of HoriSun Hospice also advises, “The most common issue that we see at HoriSun Hospice is that someone’s loved one is being admitted to hospice care and their family is unaware of their wishes at the end of life. We plan everything in our lives from our wedding day, the birth of our children, our vacations, and even what we will have to eat at lunch, but often we see no one wants to plan for their end of life. We need to plan how the end of our will be and what is important to us as we travel this last journey.”

As many seniors would agree, feeling your best today is most likely different than what it once was in your younger years. Part of living a life of wellness means embracing those differences and choosing options that will help make YOU happiest, both now and in the future. Some keys to living a long, healthy life include: making healthful lifestyle choices (not smoking), eating right, practicing good hygiene, reducing stress in your life, having a positive outlook, staying as active as possible (mentally and physically), taking Deb Maguire safety precautions, seeing your healthcare HoriSun Hospice provider regularly, and following his or her recommendations for screening and preventative measures.

The healthcare continuum as we age is set up to address just about any issue that could possibly arise along the way, so there’s no problem that will come up to which an answer can’t be found. This by far is one of the most important things to keep in mind as you navigate through life’s twists and turns. With so many different offerings to choose from in the Lincoln area, one shouldn’t have to settle for anything less than what best meets his or her needs either. After all, good health is directly linked to quality of life, and that is the ultimate goal with all of the days we are afforded.

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As time wears away at buildings or modifications need to be made to enhance a building’s functionality or aesthetic quality, renovations become advantageous in order to improve the environment in which you are conducting business. As remodeling a commercial space is often a significant undertaking, there are generally a lot of decisions needing to be made that the average individual with no professional experience in the field could use help with. This is why there are numerous thriving businesses in our community that are well equipped to assist other businesses in regards to improving their buildings. In fact, it’s the transformation to a modern landscape that’s positioned Lincoln as a place where people want to work and live.

Three key factors to focus on in regards to commercial remodeling are the elements of the overall design, advances in technology, and financial considerations. Being that the outside of the building is the first thing that anyone sees, you want to make sure that it is not only eye catching and beautiful, but that it is also innovative and works well for the type of business or organization you’re operating. Moving inside, the environment in which you do business not only makes an impression on your clientele but also affects the success of your employees. There are so many factors with both the interior and exterior to keep in mind as time goes by, so commercial remodeling is not only necessary but it’s generally a regular occurrence to some capacity. Next, with all of the advances in technology, commercial properties often require updates to keep things running smoothly and to remain operating at maximum efficiency. With all of these things impacting the bottom line, and the fact that finances are a concern for any business owner, establishing the areas where your investment will be most beneficial and staying on budget with your project are both important.

As previously stated, design is important being that it is what the client first sees, so the impression that it gives is not to be underestimated as an extension of your overall image. While the design part for many is the most sought after and exciting part of the process, many also do not realize that it is the part of the process where the most options are offered. With more options come more decisions, so choosing what to incorporate in a commercial remodel project is best done with the guidance of the professionals who are at the forefront of their trades and industries. When considering the overall design of the structure itself, this might entail window, door, architectural, and roofing decisions. No matter the project, the big picture is creating and maintaining a building that’s both visually appealing and functional.

From the perspective of passersby or those entering your place of business, windows and doors are two of the top exterior design elements of the commercial building itself. While people may think at first that this could be a simple task, there are actually quite a few components to take into account when choosing the windows and doors that best fit your business. This is why it could benefit you as the consumer to get information from the experts at The Window & Door Store. During the planning stages, these industry professionals are a great source to find the answers to any questions you may have ranging from “Will this door match the overall color scheme?” to “Which tint of window would work most productively in regards to my business and what the windows will be used for?”.

“One decision we are experts on is design when choosing windows and doors,” says Bryce Bornemeier of The Window & Door Store. “The size, style, and options of your windows and doors will play into the overall look and feel of your building. Whether you want big, contemporary casement windows or a more traditional-looking double hung, you are going to want to spend time considering your design and functionality preferences.

We take pride in meeting and exceeding the needs of our clients and we work closely in Bryce Bornemeier a collaborative manner to ensure that their The Window & Door Store

wishes are taken into account. We are also comfortable with offering solutions that save both time and money without sacrificing quality at the expense of those two factors.”

A perfect example of a product that The Window & Door Store would suggest to those remodeling a commercial building are Marvin clad wood windows because they are the perfect alternative to storefront aluminum windows. The warm, rich feeling of a wood interior is preferred over the institutional feel of all aluminum windows in patient rooms, offices, and meeting rooms. Marvin delivers a standard wood window with an anodized aluminum exterior finish. The increased thermal performance of the clad-wood windows over storefront will prove a more comfortable environment for those that use the building on a daily basis as well as aesthetic appeal.

Above all, Bornemeier urges those looking into a commercial remodeling project to not forget about the little things. Elements like hardware and finishes can add a unique, custom look to your space and often have a transformative quality while being cost-friendly.

Specifically regarding window films, while it’s a fantastic idea to incorporate them into your initial plans, it’s all-too-often something where the need becomes apparent after the project is complete and the space is being used, so you’ll want to make sure to plan and budget accordingly. “More often than not, a company that is remodeling their building does not even know they have a need for any kind of window film until after the project is completed,” explains Keith May of The Tint Shop. “For example, if new windows are added they may not realize that they are going to have a bigger heat or glare issue until the windows are in. Another situation that sometimes arises with remodeling is privacy, or obscuring areas that will need to be hidden from sight or covered up. This might include utility rooms, conference rooms, private offices, mechanical rooms, and so on. A major trend that has remained in commercial remodeling to date is glass, and not just exterior glass, but glass inside the building such as glass partitions, glass cubicles, or glass offices and conference rooms. Glass is being used more and more inside buildings to give them an ‘open’ and spacious appearance. The problem then becomes one of a few issues—there’s no privacy, there are cluttered desks and cords visible everywhere, or employees just feel like they are ‘on display,’ similar to a fishbowl feeling. The Tint Shop has a very vast array of frost, decorative patterned and opaque films that can solve all of these problems.

Another trend in commercial remodeling is adding more, or bigger, windows. Even though today’s windows are very energy efficient, a company may still experience heat and glare issues that they never had before. A standard window can only do so much for heat, and unless the glass has some kind of darkness, will do nothing for glare (the annoying light that causes you to squint, makes computer screens difficult to read and also causes headaches). We have many films that can cut heat by over 80% in some instances and knock out over 85% of glare coming through those windows. In most cases, the entire window film purchase will pay for itself in 3-5 years depending on film, building characteristics, and initial investment.”

He adds, “Companies and building owners should never limit or change their desired look of their spaces because of solar control or privacy/ obscuring worries. There is a window film at The Tint Shop for every situation and need. We can even add a little art decor to your building with 3M’s FASARA line of custom decorative films.”

The arrangement of the office and the orientation of employees is also something that can be altered for a fresh new look. While it’s common to think of business buildings as crowded cubicles containing a single computer per desk, this is no longer the case in the majority of today’s workplaces. In recent years, there’s been a progression towards open, collaborative spaces. “In terms of the design options for commercial spaces, the emergence of creative layouts that involve a lot of open space has really shown the possibilities for the look of modern places John Hyland of business,” says John Hyland of Hampton Hampton Construction

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Construction. “With this generation not necessarily being interested in the division of offices, the designs for commercial spaces are now as diverse as the businesses who occupy them. By employing a hands-on approach to design as well as materials, methods and management, we are able to bring whatever that vision may be to life. And for those who feel stuck within the confines of what a traditional office environment looks like, we can provide examples and ideas that will help to get the creative juices flowing.”

Having just completed two major commercial renovations, Dennis J. Lyon, Architects is a great source for all of your architectural needs, effectively taking your ideas and putting the plans in place that will bring them to fruition. Aware that clients make judgements on the building the second that they walk through the door, they strive to be a top architectural company that delivers a fitting look that meets all of the client’s specifications.

While there are many professionals that will aid in the design process, your architect is at the heart of any project that involves more in-depth modifications or add-ons for your building. As architects, the professionals at Dennis J. Lyon, Architects make design decisions every day and strive to create relevant environments where their clients can enjoy the process of their growing and often-changing businesses.

Architects aren’t just designers; they are also planners. One part of the process often overlooked is staging the work to minimize disruptions of the day-to-day business activities. This requires planning skills and coordination with all of the vendors and subcontractors. With both design and construction personnel in-house, Dennis J. Lyon, Architects and Lyon Construction provide a seamless project delivery system that is efficient, cost-effective, and has been enthusiastically received by their clients. Bottom line, usually a business cannot shut down for a significant renovation, so Dennis J. Lyon, Architects involves you in the process.

Dennis J. Lyon of Dennis J. Lyon, Architects explains, “Our clients want the ‘wow factor’ at the front door! We are using decorative metal surfaces for reception areas more than ever, and in our own office we use corrugated metal wall panels to create a transition from our architectural space to our construction service center. Everyone loves the ceramic planks as well as the new options for upscale finishes.

Retro seems to be ‘new’ to this generation, and nostalgic for the rest of us!”

Altogether, Lyon is insistent that beginning Dennis J. Lyon projects by consulting with a design Dennis J. Lyon, Architects professional and completing them with construction professionals is the way to make the most out of everyone’s strengths for the best finished product possible. He further advises, “Take whatever time it requires to develop a plan that is right for you. The decisions you make at the beginning of the project during the design and scheduling phase are set in motion as soon as the work begins. That is where a skilled construction professional can make their magic happen.”

As many businesses may not be looking at full-scale renovations, Lyon also offers some things that will make an impact with a marginal investment of time and money. “The most effective and least expensive upgrades for commercial renovations are color, carpet, and clutter. Colors for walls, and especially accent walls, can change the entire look of a space. Accent walls in particular are a must seeing as though that is an industry trend that can elevate your interior design components. For accents, we often use Parakeet, Fuchsia, and Plum from the Sherwin William collection.

Textured carpet tiles in an alternating pattern, blended nicely with the basic gray wall color is a trend we incorporate in commercial remodels quite frequently as it’s a clean, basic look. Along the same lines, removing clutter goes a long way too. Speaking from personal experience with our recent remodel, we tossed out trailer loads of stuff that was cluttering our office. In conjunction with upgrading the lighting and furniture to complete the renovation and changing out the artwork on the walls to tie it all together, we effectively had created a completely different look for our office. None of these upgrades were ‘budget busters’; they were quality design decisions. Existing cabinets were also refreshed with new tops and a glass mosaic backsplash. Plank ceramic tile replaced vinyl in

the restrooms and a white bead board wainscot with a traditional chair rail replaced the wallpaper border. These too were simple upgrades with the power to totally transform a space. Ultimately, a renovation becomes a method of re-branding, re-tooling, refreshing, and re-invigorating. It is a win-win situation for clients as well as those who call the space their occupational home base.”

Not often top-of-mind as a design consideration because its functionality at the forefront, but something that still does add to the look of your building, is the roofing system. The kind of roof that will be covering you and your employees’ heads during your work day is in fact a pretty big deal. A common saying between industry professionals is the building is only as good as the roof; this is mainly due to the fact that if your roof leaks the structure of the building and its contents will be compromised. Schrock Roofing specializes in commercial roofing systems and, depending on the situation at hand, even has the ability to restore the existing roof to like-new condition during business hours opposed to shutting the business down while work is being done to the roof. Performing the installations, repairs, restorations, and replacements of all types of commercial roofs for over 35 years, Schrock Roofing is a reliable source that you know will get the job done quickly and efficiently upon hire, but will also leave you with a quality roof that will last through the test of time and the elements.

Titus Schrock of Schrock Roofing advises, “With recent area storms, it is a good idea to get your roof inspected at the very least, even if it wasn’t on your radar. We are more than happy to come out and perform this service as it can essentially save a building’s roof or structure.”

If a building was to need a new roof, Schrock Roofing makes the effort to install durable roofs that offer lasting protection. Their singleply roofing membrane system is formulated for superior-grade strength and flexibility.

Titus Schrock Their liquid-applied roof products form a Schrock Roofing seamless, durable, waterproof barrier over an old roof. These products do not require tear-off and other actions to be applied.

Indeed, when looking forward towards a commercial remodel and what should be incorporated in that project, the outside is just as important as the inside, and as we’ve already covered, some aspects will fall in both categories in terms of their impact on look and function.

An attractive property with nice curb appeal often draws clients in, while being highly functional and putting forth great service makes them both stay and come back.

“Quite often, we see the maintenance on the exterior of buildings or parking garages being neglected, not being properly taken care of, or even as far as being avoided,” says Jeff Benning of McGill Restoration.

“These repairs are a very critical component of performing a proper renovation of a structure and can help to add years of life Jeff Benning to it on top of any improvement to its overall McGill Restoration appearance as a result. These repairs can range from washing parts of the exterior to remove pollutants in addition to contaminants, re-caulking the control joint’s sealant, or window glazing to install protective coatings to the elevated levels of parking garages.

We understand that these maintenance repairs are not always looked at as adding any aesthetic value to some, but, they are crucial to helping maintain the overall ‘weather tightness’ of a structure. By performing these repairs routinely or in a proactive manner, they will work together in the effects to help eliminate the need for majorly costly structural repairs in the future.”

From the perspective of the experienced professionals at McGill Restoration, as a commercial specialty contractor, they feel it is crucial to maintain and even improve the overall “weather tightness” of a structure or exterior building envelope. Water or moisture entering into a building or structure and coming in contact with the structural components can

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be detrimental. Over time, it can cause major deterioration or even complete failure, which leads to very costly repairs. Additionally, water coming in contact with interior finishes also has the potential to create mold or bacterial growth. This can lead to potential health problems for the occupants, among other factors, if it is not avoided.

With their extensive experience in all things concrete along with delivering metal buildings according to client specifications, TCW Construction is another local firm that exclusively serves the needs of commercial entities. As a general contractor offering design-build services with an emphasis on concrete construction, many commercial renovation projects are in their wheelhouse.

When it comes to roofing, although it’s not a core service, they’ve done plenty of it on their building projects. They too are able to work over the existing roof so that the daily functions of the business that currently uses the structure isn’t impacted by the project. TCW also focuses on the improvement of one major part of a business’s exterior that we have yet to mention: the parking lot.

“A new concrete parking lot can do a lot for a business,” advises Chad Aldrich of TCW Construction. “By having a sleek and Chad Aldrich professional looking parking lot, clients will be TCW Construction instantly impressed of the business and have a great feeling approaching and entering the business itself.”

Rick Wintermute of Kingery Construction also offers insight on the parking lot as well as lighting. “If you’re remodeling your space with a different use in mind, which will result in more traffic or a higher occupancy in the building, you’ll need to assess the available parking to ensure that it will accommodate. We find that this can be easily overlooked, so it’s something that we always touch on when partnering with our clients for a commercial remodeling endeavor. As with any project, there will be blind spots for the client, so it’s critical to work

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with a professional with plenty of experience so that you can be assured all of the bases are covered.

He adds, “Repurposed spaces can turn out really neat, and prices have come down on a lot of higher-quality items. LED lighting is a great example of a component that has become much more prevalent because the up-front cost is now in the range where it’s affordable for just about anyone, whereas even a year or two ago it was more of a major budget allocation so many were going with Rick Wintermute cheaper alternatives. Composite materials have also come down in price, so you can do Kingery Construction a lot of nice things by incorporating finishes that are also far more durable. As our approach is hands-on and consultative, we’ll not only ensure that any potential setbacks or losses are avoided but also that every question is answered and every aspect is thoughtfully examined.”

Staying connected and innovate is more important than ever for businesses, so it comes as no surprise that a great amount of technology is being incorporated into the buildings themselves is a common part of commercial remodeling endeavors these days. Among the most popular technology being incorporated is in the areas of lighting, air quality, wireless connectivity, safety devices, and security devices.

Technological advances are often thought of in terms of having the fastest speed of Internet and incorporating the use of cutting-edge gadgets; however, many overlook the fact that technology can contribute to the safety of those who occupy a commercial building. Protection of the inside of the commercial structure is pivotal, in addition to the outside.

The team at Jacobsen Fire Equipment Company makes great efforts towards protecting the items inside the building, the people who are in the building or are guests of the building, and the actual structure itself. By making efforts towards the installation of a fire alarm system, or updating an outdated system, the tragedy and financial problems that can come with a fire outbreak can be prevented to a large extent.

Bob Sorensen of Jacobsen Fire Equipment Company advises, “The main concern when a fire breaks out is to get people out of the building in a timely and safe manner. Nobody predicts their business to fall victim to a fire outbreak, but they do generally understand that the potential exists. We take our role in educating our clients very seriously. By talking to the business owner about recognizing existing or potential conditions that can cause a fire, these components can be identified and safety measures can be addressed. A Bob Sorensen fire can be recognized through the smell of Jacobsen Fire smoke, the sight of the fumes, and the feeling Equipment Company of the heat. Many business fires occur through spontaneous combustion which can quickly progress into a smoldering fire. Even the smoke created by the fire itself can be detected through systems offered by Jacobsen Fire. Once you are at the stage where the fire can be seen, you can predict that the feeling of heat that comes with a fire will quickly come next. Alarms often go off around this point and an average individual can be startled. Fire is obviously very hot so before thinking that you want to move into another room, place your hand on the door in between you and the room to feel if it is hot. This ensures that you are not walking directly into a fire, but also provides somewhat of an indication as to where the fire is located so you can avoid that area and move as far away from it as possible.”

Due to the serious nature of fire safety, Jacobsen Fire Equipment Company is a responsible business who hires industry professionals.

They have crossed a lot of bridges through great amounts of tasks and endeavors, so they can offer helpful insights as to things you might have missed that will greatly impact the safety of everyone in the building.

Specifically in regards to commercial remodeling projects, as with indoor air quality which we’ll be covering shortly, Jacobsen Fire Equipment Company also advises people to not underestimate the importance

of the alarm and detection industry. People often do not realize its importance until it’s absolutely needed in an emergency, in which time it is likely too late. Moreover, if you are adding on to your building or making significant changes to the space, keep in mind that this type of equipment will need to be adjusted accordingly.

With most projects that entail the integration of technology, there’s also work to the infrastructure that will need to be done, particularly with the electrical wiring and related components necessary to support the required energy loads. Lighting is one of the top items on the remodeling list too, due to its transformative qualities and the necessity of the right lighting for a number of functional reasons. In the long run, investing in nicer and more innovative lighting solutions and fixtures can save you costs on energy and bulbs among other components—particularly conversion from fluorescent fixtures to retrofit LED fixtures as it’s become quite popular for commercial spaces.

Eric Hoke of Eric’s Electric, Inc. expands on LED technology, stating, “Probably the most common request we get renovation-wise would be taking out the old fluorescent fixtures from ceilings and putting in LED fixtures. They offer a lot better indoor lighting and are a product that is continuously being improved upon. Along with those positive benefits, they also have a much better appearance to incorporate in your overall design. Employee comfort and productivity are also affected by outdated lighting, as the harsh lighting can Eric Hoke cause migraines and the humming noise can Eric’s Electric, Inc. be a maddening distraction.”

Time and time again, improvements with respect to the lighting prove to be a truly worthwhile investment in a business environment. Eric’s Electric is able to work with the budget that’s allocated to deliver custom, high quality LED lighting systems. Preferring a consultative process, the team at Eric’s Electric feels that it’s necessary to meet with the client on-site to analyze their budget and get a feel for the space, applying that information to propose a solution that best fits all criteria.

In agreement on the importance of good lighting, Matt Collins of Oak Electric, Inc. adds, “One of the best upgrades during a commercial remodel is lighting. A thoughtful lighting scheme can benefit your business in two separate ways. First, by simply upgrading your current lighting can set the tone to motivate your employees. Secondly, upgraded lighting can enhance the visual appeal for your customers. This makes them feel welcome and comfortable. I strongly encourage anyone looking to upgrade their lighting to consider LED lighting, which provides the best return Matt Collins on your investment. Not only does it deliver Oak Electric, Inc. visual appeal, but LED lights last significantly longer than standard fluorescent or incandescent lights. Plus, LED offers financial incentives for reducing your kilowatt usage.”

Changing standard overhead lighting to can lights for a look that is more current is another popular project, along with directional lighting to display artwork or products, which is a great touch. Being a full service electrical contractor that provides electrical services in Lincoln and the surrounding southeastern Nebraska area, Oak Electric has the experience necessary to deliver the electricity solutions needed to make your commercial remodeling project come together on budget and in a timely manner, and are happy to provide a free estimate to anyone who is considering this type of endeavor.

With access to nearly 60,000 types of batteries, light bulbs, and accessories, Batteries Plus Bulbs is definitely a resource to keep in mind for a variety of things that could be needed during a commercial remodeling project, particularly as we’ve just been addressing lighting.

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light bulb products include fluorescent tubes, ballasts, energy saving options like CFLs and LEDs, and specialty bulbs for items like healthcare equipment, safety lighting, flood lighting, and emergency lighting—plus so much more.

When it comes to commercial projects, there’s also a business account program through Batteries Plus Bulbs which offers customers volume discount opportunities, onsite needs analyses, energy savings programs, online ordering, and delivery and recycling services. Serving businesses across all industries, such as school districts, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, manufacturers, religious organizations, police and fire departments, and more, they have the experience needed to make targeted recommendations. Additionally, many local utilities offer significant financial incentives for switching out old, inefficient equipment to new, energy-saving technology. Batteries Plus Bulbs can educated businesses about the different lighting options and incentives in their areas, welcoming anyone with related questions to call or stop in the store.

There are also aspects of exterior lighting where LED is beneficial, such as security lighting, landscape or building accent lighting, or illuminated signage. “One of the most popular upgrades many businesses are making is the change to efficient LED lighting,” agrees Jim Graham of Nebraska Sign Company. “Whether it’s in the office lighting or the signage, LED provides for an excellent green solution. Also, don’t forget to take the signage into consideration period. Time and time again I see businesses renovate their building facades and then put the old signage Jim Graham back up. Debuting a new look, which will Nebraska Sign Company attract more attention for a period of time, is the prime opportunity to revitalize your brand or business!”

He also notes, “There are many new products available that can spruce up almost any surface, such as window vinyls or custom wallpapers showcasing your products. In light of this, any business can now be personalized with the desired branding/marketing message as a part of the design features. Currently one of the most requested upgrades in our industry is changing static signage to changeable LED solutions. This provides a flexible branding solution, as it conveys a dynamic message that’s easily changed as the needs or identity of the business changes.”

In addition to improving the overall environment, focusing on adding items that provide real financial value to facilities or fixing issues that are affecting the business’s bottom line, or a combination of the three, are most often the reasons behind setting a commercial remodeling project into motion. From the perspective of commercial building owners and managers who are considering a remodel or retrofit project, most are focused on what will provide them an attractive return on their investment.

This is indeed important, but not the only benefit that a business will enjoy as a result of improving targeted interior of exterior aspects of the building itself.

Take for example energy consumption in your building, which is a big deal as far as expenditures go. “Today energy use in a commercial building is becoming an ever-increasing financial concern, but also an operational problem for building owners,” emphasizes Pat Killeen of Engineered Controls. “Building owners are looking for reliable, costeffective solutions to answer these new energy challenges and reduce their carbon footprint.

To that end, Engineered Controls, in conjunction with Honeywell, has a new energy program to address these concerns. The Energy and Environmental Optimization Program is designed to leverage a broad portfolio of energy efficiency products and solutions, as well as offer a high level of energy expertise to commercial buildings in the hands of skilled, knowledgeable, and certified Energy and Environmental Optimization Program professionals. Additionally, Engineered Pat Killeen Controls is partnering with Noesis to provide innovative payment plans to our customers.

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Noesis is the leading provider of financing for commercial building equipment, offering creative ways to pay for equipment replacements and energy efficiency necessities, and is backed by the world’s largest provider of credit for equipment purchases.”

Indoor air quality is also a major concern for all commercial entities— businesses, hospitals and medical facilities, schools, churches—as it affects the building managers, tenants, customers and employees alike because of the impact on the health, comfort, wellbeing, and productivity of the building’s occupants. Good indoor air quality in buildings is a central component of a healthy indoor environment, which extends into other areas affecting a business’s day-to-day operations. As just one example, significant increases in worker productivity have been demonstrated when the air quality is adequate, particularly in setting the scene with a comfortable environment that allows employees and management to focus clearly on completion of tasks to the best of their abilities as well as supporting positive health outcomes that will result in less sick days.

Also on the list of concerns for commercial buildings, businesses, schools, and government facilities spend thousands of dollars each month to light unoccupied rooms, offices, warehouse, and more, spending even more to operate lights in areas that are already bright from the natural light outside. Engineered Controls, along with Honeywell lighting controls solution can make lighting much more efficient. The Honeywell Lighting Controls Solution offers smart scheduling, presence detection and photocells to ensure lights are not left on in vacant areas, but also that lights are off in areas where there is already plenty of natural light.

New lighting technologies such as LED fixtures with dimming capability have diversified lighting control options and today’s contractors are able to deliver daylight harvesting, demand response and task tuning strategies that previously required expensive, proprietary lighting control equipment.

Everything we’ve covered thus far adds up to truly significant energy savings as a standalone solution or as a part of an overall integrated energy management plan that joins lighting control together with Honeywell heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), security, and building automation products.

With things like safety and a significant investment in time and resources at stake, while looking for a general contractor for the project, it is important to take into account that the cheapest option is not necessarily the best option. Troy Bridgford of Ironhide Construction also touches on this subject, explaining, “It is common for owners and clients to be primarily focused on the bottom line, which I understand. It’s necessary to some extent; however, it’s also important to look further than one year down the line and Troy Bridgford evaluate future operating costs when it comes Ironhide Construction to various items. Spending 20 percent more on lighting and mechanical systems now can save you far more money in the future. The point I am trying to make is that I feel owners will benefit from broadening their outlook. Rather than seeking out the cheapest contractor or equipment, look for a company that’s focused on what’s best in terms of quality products and techniques that will stand the test of time with regular use, and can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each scenario so you’re able to make an educated decision that best fits your goals.”

Creating a comfortable environment for your employees and customers has a higher up-front cost, but it has far-reaching benefits, including improved morale and productivity among employees. It can also provide the “wow factor” that tends to impress new clients. Incorporating high levels of insulation along with LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems help to set the base for a quality environment. Other factors include adequate day lighting, as well as interesting architectural components to catch peoples’ eyes. One trend that Bridgford has noticed clients more interested in is providing comfortable spaces for their employees to take breaks from the stresses of day-to-day work.

These spaces include anything from workout rooms and lounge spaces including televisions and comfortable seating, all the way up to elaborate game rooms.

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Bridgford also offered advice regarding choosing the right approach to getting the desired look, particularly for clients who are renovating to include more square footage. “To go a bit beyond just the scope of remodeling and extend to renovations in our industry and region, we visit with many people who are initially under the impression that the only options to get the desired look they are going for is to incorporate conventional building systems, including wood framing or structural steel, when in most situations the very same look can be achieved using a pre-engineered metal framed building and incorporating more architecturally pleasing facades in lieu of what most people consider the ‘metal building look’. In other parts of the country, this is the standard for building practices due to the cost and time savings achieved when using a metal building. Chief buildings can be used to create high end retail spaces, banks, restaurants, dealerships, and more. Our firm specializes in the design, engineering, and erection of metal buildings, allowing us to offer our clients designing and building services, project management, and certified installation. From the design phase to final punch list, you can count on us for expert advice, skilled craftsmanship, and top notch construction management with attention to detail.”

While we’ve mainly focused on projects that would require the skills of industry professionals, for many capable business owners who consider themselves to be handy, there are smaller-scale do-it-yourself projects that can make a big difference too. While plenty of vision and your own two hands are already accounted for, what you might not generally have lying around is the tools and equipment you’ll need to get to work. As buying something for a one-time use probably isn’t the best investment, as you could be putting that into your actual project instead, Sunbelt Rentals is a great resource for supplying everything you’d need for your project.

With clients ranging from a homeowner to a national account, Josh Johnson of Sunbelt Rentals urges consumers to give them a call or visit if they are in need of a certain remodel item. “People do not realize that we have a lot of equipment locally for rent. We see many consumers come in having spent a lot of money in the past on buying items that you will only use once if not a few times. Save your money and come down to see what products we have for rent and also check out our catalogue.”

Once you’ve reached the end of your project, you may also need to cover the bases as far as getting the space presentable so that everything can go back to business as usual. Hiring a commercial cleaning company such as ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance will take that item off of your to-do list, leaving you to enjoy the fruits of your labor. However, once you’ve made the investment in improvements, it’s also advantageous to consider what’s needed to best preserve that investment by adhering to Jon Paolini the recommended maintenance down the line.

ServiceMaster Professional Jon Paolini of ServiceMaster Professional Building Maintenance Building Maintenance advises, “An ongoing maintenance program should definitely be thought about. You just spent a good amount of money remodeling, how are you going to protect that investment? Also, as a word of advice from a commercial cleaning professional, it is easy to forget so here is a reminder: Do not forget to make plans for a janitor’s closet with a large floor sink if you don’t already have one!”

No matter what you need help with in the wide world that is commercial remodeling, whether it’s a relatively minor upgrade or a full facelift, many Lincoln businesses have their doors open to clients offering their years of expertise, advice, showrooms, and examples of previous work. The aging of a building or office space is inevitable, so when the time comes to consider or carry out a remodel, consult or hire a local professional who can deliver on the promise of a finished project that looks nice, functions properly, and improves the way you do business.

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ARE YOU READY TO START SOMETHING? START TURNING IDEAS INTO ACTION

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11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Doubletree by Hilton, 1616 Dodge Street, Omaha $25 per event, lunch and parking included

The Power of Positive Leadership Wednesday, June 15

Dr. Fred Luthans, professor emeritus, will help you discover and develop the Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism (HERO) within so you can lead more effectively. Learn to enhance your well-being, the well-being of those you work with and ignite your positive leadership skills. You will gain an understanding of positive psychology and psychological capital (PsyCap) as well as why and how it can be used to improve attitudes, behavior and performance of employees.

Understanding the Ingredients of Finance Wednesday, June 22

Dr. Emre Unlu, CFA, Paul C. Burmeister Professor of Investments and associate professor of finance, will help nonfinance professionals better understand the fundamentals of how organizations create value. He will simplify the mechanics of finance by walking you through the value map, a tool that consists of five basic ingredients for value creation. This power lunch will help you improve your understanding of key finance concepts and their real-world business implications.

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Certificate in Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Professionals July 20-22 | Noah’s Event Venue, Omaha » Led by Dr. Emre Unlu, CFA » Improve your understanding of key finance and accounting concepts and their business implications

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The Modern-Day Sales Manager Executive Certificate Sept. 28-30 or Feb. 8-10 | Lincoln » Led by Dr. Ravi Sohi and Laura McLeod

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