Strictly Business Lincoln May 2015

Lincoln • May 2015 • Strictly-Business.com

Live the ‘good life’...

at The Woodlands,

LINCOLN’S PREMIER RESIDENTIAL

Christina Sabin,

Director of Residential Lot Sales

Building Your Dream Home Women’s Health Mother’s Day Summer Activities for Kids

IN THIS

Star City Six

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS: Profile by Sanford • Legacy Homes Tracy Edgerton

Todd Jones

Patti Clarence

Magdalena Axtell

Jeremy Reiter

Brock Owens

Dakota Guardian Trust Nebraska ReBath

Noodles & Company

High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center

Engineered Controls RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts MAY 2015 Strictly Business 1

Strictly Business MAY 2015

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

MAY 2015

NEWS 4 Business 28 Personnel

www.Strictly-Business.com 36 Non-Profit 45 Health

ASK THE EXPERT 17 ComPro 27 Sandler Training 49 Holmes Lake Chiropractic

COLUMNS

24 Lincoln Chamber of Commerce 25 Downtown Lincoln Association 26 LIBA

SPOTLIGHTS

18 Star City Six 51 Client Spotlight: Legacy Homes 53 Client Spotlight: Profile by Sanford

FEATURE STORIES 51 57 61 65

Summer Activities for Kids Mother’s Day Women’s Health Building Your Dream Home

Cover photos courtesy of Amanda Marie Photography, 402.274.7247 • www.photobyamandamarie.com PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Mercedes Meza - Mercedes@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Graphic Designer Tingleska Hallum Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Exec. Sales Asst. Katie Danehey - Katie@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: Account Exec. Angela Woltman - AngelaW@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com President/ Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Accounting Shayne Zutavern - Shayne@Strictly-Business.com

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www.Strictly-Business.com/subscribe-strictly-business Info@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Printed in the U.S.A Copyright ©2015 by ZAA, Inc. Third class postage paid at Lincoln, NE 68505.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

In continuing to explore the fundamental principles for business owners who want to market themselves effectively, based upon The 16 Monumental Secrets of Guerilla Marketing presented by Jay Conrad Levinson in his national bestseller Guerilla Marketing, next up on the list is INVOLVEMENT. Yet another essential in maintaining top of mind awareness, involvement is paramount when it comes to successfully running and promoting your business. If you’ve taken on the challenge of business ownership, it stands to reason that you are very passionate about your business and chosen profession. As such, doing what you do best and living your dream is quite often the highlight of your day. Involvement in your business is what brings you a sense of purpose, accomplishment and pride. You may also find it highly satisfying to help a customer solve a problem or to welcome returning customers time and time again, developing a relationship over the course of months and on through the years—for most people involvement isn’t merely actions but also a powerful feeling of connection that inspires loyalty and a sense of belonging. Sustained involvement between your business and the people it serves is the key to success as it positions you to be a meaningful part of your clients’ lives, which allows you to better serve them because you’ve taken advantage of numerous opportunities to enhance your relationship with and understanding of one another. For your marketing efforts to be effective, you must also be actively involved in the process. Branding your business means that you are telling its story through a variety of channels, creating depth by infusing your business’s unique benefits into your promotion of it to your target audience. The goal is to build a brand that precisely defines your offerings and attracts your specific target market. Crafting that message or making those pivotal decisions without your guidance would mean that your voice and vision, two of the most important parts of your brand identity that will set you apart from your competition, aren’t factored into the equation and wind up watered down or lost altogether. When defining the secret of involvement in his book, Levinson explains, “The business proves that it’s involved with the customers by means of its continual follow-up: sending mailers, inviting customers to private sales, providing a helpful website for them, and being especially nice to them, almost always remembering their names. The customers prove that they’re involved by coming back several times during the year to see what’s available and usually finding something to buy. They prove it by referring the store to their friends and frequently bringing friends in tow when they’re making a shopping foray. They show their involvement by providing testimonials and completing questionnaires.” If you are not involved with your customers, it signals that you are ambivalent as to whether or not they choose you when they make the crucial decision as to who they will do business with. Bottom line: If you don’t put forth the effort by being actively involved in your business and how you are promoting yourself, and if you don’t put an emphasis on keeping your customers educated, well-served and involved with your business, your prospects will gravitate to another business that does those things. Furthermore, if you are not actively involved in crafting your brand identity, the process of continuously sharpening it, and in strengthening your marketing efforts, you aren’t allowing your customers the opportunity to stay involved with your business as it evolves. Many times we worry that we are doing too much or too little; it can be hard to find the balance but generally speaking you can never do too much to show your commitment to your customers and solidify your presence in the marketplace. Involvement should always be a two-way street, with intermittent contact and/or dialogue between your business and the customer. This will establish your business as a constant that will always be there when needed or called upon. Involvement gives your customers a voice and a sense of belonging; that the relationship truly matters to you.

Paige Zutavern

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

About the Cover

Driving through The Woodlands at Yankee Hill, you can see open lots, poured foundations, and finished homes. But when Christina Sabin ood oolifdlae’nd...s, is in The Woodlands she sees progress. “Irene Live the ‘g at The W Court of Fourteenth Addition is being paved, the Sixteenth Addition has grading stakes set, and builders are framing left and right,” she says, while inspecting a nearby silt fence. The Woodlands at Yankee Hill begins southeast of the 70th and Yankee Hill Star City Six intersection and extends east to 84th street. Owned and developed by Krueger Development, The Woodlands has continued to provide beautiful new homes since development began in the summer of 2008. The Woodlands is Lincoln’s “good life” living while being ten minutes from SouthPointe Pavilions and Appian Way, the business center on 90th and Hwy 2. The Woodlands is also home to St. Michael’s School and Church and is across the street from the future site of Moore Middle School, located on 84th and Yankee Hill and scheduled to open in the fall of 2017. Since Christina joined the Krueger Development team in August 2014, she has made The Woodlands her main focus. Compared to the same time last year, lot sales in The Woodlands have increased 40%. And it doesn’t look like things will be slowing down soon. Two new additions with a combined 52 lots will be available by this summer. The day-to-day business of The Woodlands is bustling to say the least. “I work with over twenty builders within the development, and over half of them are actively building this season. The Woodlands is not a typical ‘cookie cutter’ neighborhood. We have minimal restrictive covenants and are open to all builders and individuals. It’s always fun to review individual plans and see different styles of homes represented,” Christina says. Because of the flurry of activity in The Woodlands, Christina conducts an inspection three times a week. “I check to see that builders are maintaining original lot grading, following general safety guidelines, and following Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP). And that’s where Kirt the Dirt Man comes in.” Christina works closely with Krueger Development’s Kirt Mowrey on SWPPP guidelines. Kirt, who leads the crew that does all of Krueger Development’s original site grading, performs a weekly inspection of The Woodlands. Together he and Christina collaborate on keeping the development as safe and clean as possible. “I enjoy quality weather talks with Kirt. Working in the development field highlights the fact that weather can make or break your day. I can go to Kirt with any question and although his answers are of few words they are always knowledgeable.” In addition to the residential lots, Krueger Development is expanding its commercial component with the Enterprise Center, located on the southeast side of The Woodlands. The Enterprise Center will offer small and local businesses the opportunity to own their commercial space. “We are excited for the future of the Enterprise Center,” Christina says. “I anticipate a wide variety of commercial vendors making a home here. Having direct access from 84th Street makes it an ideal location.” Heading toward the Sixteenth Addition, Christina hops off the paved road and onto the dirt landscape. “We go where the road ends,” she says smiling, “and then we go further.” TM

RESIDENTIAL LOTS

, Christina Sabin ntial Director of Reside Lot Sales

Engineered Controls

r’s

High Plains Alzheime Special Care Center

Brock Owens

RE/MAX Real Estate

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Concepts

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402-423-7377 KruegerDevelopment.com

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Jeremy Reiter

Patti Clarence

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Noodles & Company

Nebraska ReBath

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Todd Jones

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s CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS: rd • Legacy Home Profile by Sanfo

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m Home Building Your Drea h Women’s Healt Mother’s Day for Kids Summer Activities

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Business News Wyuka Renovates Stables Into Unique Event Space

Springo Now Offering Rental of Signature Mobile Hydration Stations

Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery recently completed a major restoration project, turning what was once a stable near the funeral home on the property into event space that is available for public use. Originally built in 1909 and on the National Register of Historic Places along with the cemetery, the stables formerly housed the horses that transported caskets to the cemetery. Once automobiles took the place of the horses, the stables were used primarily for storage. Now the newly renovated and re-purposed space will offer a central location for events such as meetings, company retreats, and wedding receptions.

Aqua Systems is pleased to announce the recent launch of its new sister company, S p r i n g o. S p r i n g o wa s formed to offer rental of the innovative mobile hydration stations designed especially for outdoor events. To officially mark the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entrance into the marketplace, and to highlight the benefits of having a mobile hydration station available at events as opposed to bottled water or other alternatives, one of the new Springo stations made its debut at Earth Day Omaha on April 18th. Springo is the refreshingly simple alternative to bottled water, and its exclusive mobile hydrations stations can now be reserved on the website, springowater.com, or by calling (402) 466-6800 or (402) 610-6227.

The $1M stable restoration project, which was officially completed in October, features two main rooms that each seat approximately 60 people with a mix of original features of the building as well as the addition of modern dĂŠcor and amenities. It also features a lovely open courtyard in the center. The project was recognized by the Preservation Association of Lincoln in March, which gave its Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award to Wyuka for its efforts in funding and renovating the stables. For more information about Wyuka Stables or to book a reservation, visit www.WyukaStables.com.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Aqua Systems is an industry leader in the point of use cooler market as well as hydration specialists who provide water softeners, drinking water systems, water purification, problem water solutions and largescale water solutions for residential and the business industry. They have been helping people improve their water since 1959, and service southeast Nebraska as part of a national company that has over 300 dealers nationwide. For more information about Aqua Systems, please contact Jeff White at (402) 466-6800 or via email at Jeff@ilovemywater.net.

Business News Save The Date: Star City BaconFest Set for May 17th The Nebraska Restaurant Association, in partnership with the Nebraska Pork Producers Association, is excited to present the 2015 Star City BaconFest! The event will be held at The Cornhusker, A Marriott Hotel on Sunday, May 17th from 5-8 p.m. and will feature delicious bacon masterpieces from Lincoln’s finest chefs and music from Tuna Fish Jones. Tickets are $25 per person and are sold exclusively at any Russ’s Market location in Lincoln, children 12 and under $5 at the door.

Learn more and give online May 28th:

www.GiveToLincoln.com

Sponsored by the Lincoln Community Foundation

For more information about the Nebraska Restaurant Association, please call (402) 488-3999 or visit www.starcitybaconfest.com.

The Kroenke Group Purchases Lincoln Crossing Shopping Center The Lincoln Crossing shopping center in north Lincoln at 27th and Superior streets has officially changed ownership. According to real estate documents filed last month, The Kroenke Group, a company headed up by billionaire St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke, paid $24.75M for one of the city’s largest shopping centers. At approximately 650,000 square feet, Lincoln Crossing is home to several big box stores including Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, Gordmans, Slumberland and Toys R Us. It had previously been owned by the Lerner Co. of Omaha since it was built in 1995. The Kroenke Group also bought the Van Dorn Plaza shopping center at 48th and Van Dorn streets two years ago for $11 million along with a self-storage business at 61st and Cornhusker Highway last year for $3.2 million. The Kroenke Group’s purchase of Lincoln Crossing is the latest of several major commercial real estate sales in the beginning of 2015. Integris Ventures of St. Louis bought Centro Plaza shopping center at 48th and R streets for nearly $17 million, AJ Capital of Chicago bought the downtown Holiday Inn for more than $22 million, and Starwood Capital Partners, which also bought Gateway Mall in 2012, paid $13.3 million to buy The View student apartment complex at 301 W. Charleston St.

NO MOR E SALES T AX No More Sales Tax on Coin and Bullion! Gold & Silver Bullion in Stock for Immediate Sale Quantity Discounts & Confidentiality

Tru-Built Home in Fallbrook to be Featured in Spring Parade of Homes Tru-Built Construction is proud to feature a home in the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Spring Parade of Homes. The home is located at 6931 NW 4th Street, and during May 10-17 all are welcome to tour on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. The show home is a custom-built walkout ranch that features an open floor plan that includes a large kitchen designed for entertaining, master suite on main floor, tile shower with glass walls, heated tile floors, crown moulding, stone fireplace, large windows, a full bar in the basement, and much more. Tru-Built Construction is a locally owned and operated remodeling and new construction firm that offers both residential and commercial services. For more information, visit www.tru-built.net.

We Buy Gold, Silver, Platinum, Palladium, Coins, Bullion, Jewelry, Sterling Flatware, Tableware and More! We Pay Immediately for Precious Metals

Call to make an appointment today! 402-327-2853 Scott & Deb Olson A TRUSTED LOCAL COMPANY. 3534 S. 48th St. Suite 4 www.LincolnCoinAndBullion.com

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Business News

Outpost 12 Studios Completes New Website and Mobile Website Redesign for Hobbytown Outpost12 Studios is proud to be a part of Hobbytown’s new website a n d m o b i l e web s i t e redesign, whic h were both recently launched. H o bby t ow n c a m e t o Outpost 12 Studios with the goal of updating their brand image and making the navigation throughout their website more enjoyable for their customers. After having the opportunity to access the new website, Hobbytown and its customers agree that Outpost 12 Studios knocked it out of the park! Check out the new website design at www.hobbytown.com from your computer or mobile devices.

Complete Inventory Online & In Real Time! Full Time Gunsmith • Knife Sharpening • Consignment Find the best deals anywhere on our deal of the day page

Shipping & In-store Pickup Available 402.875.6500 • 3101 O St. • Lincoln, NE • Mon-Sat 10 - 7

C.A.F.E. Nebraska Now Offering Blue Energy Systems C.A.F.E. Nebraska is excited to announce the new offerings of the Blue Energy line of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid propane gas (LPG) systems, available since January of 2015. This innovative product line has only been available in the United States since November of 2014, and C.A.F.E. Nebraska is currently Nebraska’s only Blue Energy dealer, distributor and installer. The Nebraska-based business headquartered in Lincoln has been offering conversion services since 2011. The Blue Energy alternative fuel system is state of the art and ahead of all the other systems on the market at this time. It can be installed on a gasoline vehicle or a diesel fueled vehicle of any size. For example, if C.A.F.E. Nebraska were to install a Blue Energy system, CNG or LPG, on a diesel truck that currently is getting 14 mpg, it would be totally possible for that truck to end up getting 28+ mpg and reduced emissions, all with the same power or more but with a major fuel savings. The vehicle runs better, the exhaust is cleaner, the oil stays cleaner, and that all means longer engine life. C.A.F.E. Nebraska, technically an acronym for Clean Alternative Fuels and Energy but also well recognized as Clean Air For Everyone, specializes in the sales, installation and service of alternative fuel systems. For more information, please contact Lenny Hernoud at (402) 421-3911, via email at CafeNebraska@yahoo.com, or visit CafeNebraska.com. 8 Strictly Business MAY 2015

Outpost12 Studios is the Midwest’s premier full service production studio, creating everything from commercials to corporate videos, smart apps to interactive 3D websites. With a talented team comprised of writers, graphic designers, video producers, directors, sound designers, animators, and programmers, Outpost 12 Studios can help you with your project from start to finish. For more information, please contact Mike Domgard at (402) 475-7678 or visit www.outpost12studios.com.

Experienced Attorneys Launch New Firm

The law firm of O’Neill, Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O., is pleased to announce its formation. The firm specializes in providing services to clients in the areas of business law, estate planning, real estate, banking, government, labor, employment and litigation. Attorneys affiliated with the firm include: Tim O’Neill, Chris Heinrich, Rick Damkroger, John Bergmeyer, Jack Shultz, Bob Bals, Adam Prochaska, David Rasmussen, Jessica Greenwald and Wes Goranson. All of the attorneys were associated with the former Harding & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O., which discontinued business on March 15. The firm acquired the former Harding & Shultz office space to create a seamless transition for clients. Their offices can be found at 121 South 13th Street, Suite 800 in Lincoln. Inquiries may be directed to the firm at (402) 434-3000.

Lincoln Coin & Bullion Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Tax Exemption Status

Lincoln Coin & Bullion is proud to celebrate the 1st anniversary since gaining a statewide sales tax exemption on coins, bullion and paper money with the passing of Nebraska LB 867, which officially went into effect on April 1, 2014. This legislation ensures that investments in physical precious metals purchased in Nebraska no longer carry a sales tax penalty. Deb Evans-Olson of Lincoln Coin & Bullion spearheaded the effort to get the sales tax exemption on behalf of the rare coin and precious metals industry, along with lobbyist Jim Otto, president of the Nebraska Retail Federation. Nebraska was the 31st state to pass a sales tax exemption bill on rare coins and precious metals products. Lincoln Coin & Bullion, Inc. is a local, established coin and bullion dealer serving Lincoln, Nebraska and the surrounding area. Specialists in all precious metals, Lincoln Coin & Bullion buys and sells coins, collections, silver, gold, platinum bullion, scrap gold & sterling silver, graded or certified coins, foreign coins, paper money, and tokens. Lincoln Coin & Bullion prides itself in offering competitive prices and friendly, knowledgeable, and confidential service. For more information, please call 402.327.2853 or visit www.lincolncoinandbullion.com.

Business News

NWU Offers MBA Info Sessions Attend one of Nebraska Wesleyan University’s MBA Information Sessions and learn how NWU’s graduate programs are different. In Lincoln, MBA Information Sessions are May 7 and 27, June 23 and July 13 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in NWU’s Weary Center for Health & Fitness, 53rd Street and Huntington Ave. In Omaha, MBA Open Houses are scheduled on May 20, June 16 and July 16 from 5-7 p.m. at the First National Bank Building, 7th Floor, 14010 FNB Parkway (near 144th & Dodge). Nebraska Wesleyan’s MBA program offers weekly evening classes in eight-week sessions. Students will choose from five specialized tracks: Classic (traditional MBA), Health Care Management, Leadership, Design Your Own, and Accounting. MBA students in all tracks will use real case studies and work alongside mentors at local businesses and nonprofit organizations. For nurses, NWU offers Nebraska’s only MSN/MBA joint degree program in Lincoln and Omaha. Nurses with an MSN in Leadership can earn an MBA faster through the 21-credit hour MSN to MBA Bridge program. For more information, contact Melissa McCoy in Lincoln at (402) 465-2330, Brenda Ballou in Omaha at (402) 827-3555 or visit nebrwesleyan.edu/mba.

Jason Peplinski of FP Wealth Management Named to Million Dollar Round Table Outstanding client service, ethics and professionalism have enabled Jason J. Peplinski, MBA, FSS, LUTCF of FP Wealth Management in Lincoln, NE to achieve membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table —The Premier Association of Financial Professionals® for the second year in a row. MDRT (www.mdrt.org) is an international, independent association of the world’s best life insurance and financial services professionals. Attaining membership in MDRT is a distinguishing career milestone, and maintaining that membership requires Peplinski to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, focus on providing top-notch client service and continue to grow professionally through involvement in at least one other industry association. FP Wealth Management Inc., located at 770 N. Cotner Blvd, Suite 411, offers a wide variety of services designed to help their clients improve their financial lives. Whether you’re seasoned at investing or just embarking on your journey toward a brighter financial future, navigating the world of personal finance can be intimidating and they are here to help you put the pieces of the puzzle together. They also help business owners attract and retain employees and key executives, while showing them ways to reduce the cost of providing attractive retirement benefits. For more information, please contact Jason Peplinski at (402) 817-4282, by email at Jason@FP-Wealth. com, or visit www.fp-wealth.com. Securities by Licensed Individuals Offered Through Investacorp, Inc., A Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services Offered Through Investacorp Advisory Services, Inc., A SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Business News

Craig Willeke Named Member of Million Dollar Round Table

Clear Vision Eye Care to Host Annual Frame and Style Show on May 15th Ever wonder what style and color of frame look best on your face shape and complexion? Come let our industry experts help! Clear Vision Eye Care, located in northwest Lincoln in the Fallbrook Town Center, is holding its Annual Frame and Style Show on Friday, May 15th. There will be representatives from some of the most popular lines: Hugo Boss, Kate Spade and Oakley. Stop by between noon and 6 p.m. to browse hundreds of frames, enjoy refreshments, win door prizes and take advantage of fantastic savings. The mission of Clear Vision Eye Care is to form long-term relationships with their patients and community by providing attentive service and the highest quality of care available. Clear Vision offers comprehensive eye exams for the entire family, unique high quality eyewear and sunglasses, and many other specific exams and evaluations. Clear Vision Eye Care is located in the Fallbrook Town Center. Call (402) 742-0399 or email info@yourclearvision.com to schedule an appointment.

Conservatory of Contemporary Dance Debuts New Name: Lincoln DanceCentre Conservatory of Contemporary Dance is now Lincoln DanceCentre! While the name has changed, the studio’s ownership of directors Monya DeBoer and Sarah Brown, location at 2701 O Street #6, staff and overall program structure will remain the same. Lincoln DanceCentre is the city’s premiere dance training program that provides the safest, most comprehensive, up-to-date training for students ages 3-adult at an affordable price. The core program offers classes in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Creative Movement, and Tap. They also offer private lessons and coaching services for individual and group competition preparation. Lincoln DanceCentre is the only private dance studio in the state of Nebraska to provide ballet training in the prestigious American Ballet Theater National Training Curriculum for students in levels Pre-Primary through 5. It is also the only studio in Lincoln whose faculty is comprised primarily of former professional dancers who hold degrees in dance, as well as additional certifications in general fitness fields such as Pilates, yoga, and Crossfit. Lincoln DanceCentre always allows new students to try their first class for free. For more information or to schedule a class, please call (402) 405-6470 or email lincolndancecentre@gmail.com. 10 Strictly Business MAY 2015

Craig Willeke, an agent for New York Life in Lincoln, has earned membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT.org) for 2015. Achieving membership in MDRT is a distinguishing life insurance career milestone, attained only by those who have demonstrated superior professional knowledge, experience and client service. MDRT membership represents the top life insurance and financial service professionals worldwide. MDRT is an international, independent association of the world’s best life insurance and financial services professionals. In addition, this is the 60th consecutive year that New York Life has dominated the MDRT in the United States. Mr. Willeke has been a New York Life agent since 2003, and is associated with New York Life’s Nebraska General Office in Omaha. Craig Willeke has a B.S. in Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University and an M.O.T. in Occupational Therapy from Rockhurst University. He has also received his LUTCF designation from the American College and CLTC designation from the corporation for long term care certification. New York Life Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company founded in 1845, is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States and one of the largest life insurers in the world. Headquartered in New York City, New York Life’s family of companies offer life insurance, retirement income, investments and long-term care insurance. For more information about Willeke Financial Group, please call (402) 483-6656 or visit them online at www.WillekeFinancialGroup.com.

DE Guns to Host Sale and Education Event Featuring Springfield Armory DE Guns has teamed up with Springfield Armory and will host a sale and education event on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23. One of the largest firearm companies in the world, Springfield Armory (www.springfield-armory.com) is the premier manufacturer of quality handguns and rifles for protection and competitive shooting. The company’s historical reference dates back to 1777 when George Washington ordered the creation of the Springfield Armory for storage. Later it began the manufacture of muskets and functioned as a supplier for every major American conflict as well as a “think tank” for new firearm concepts for the next 150 years. In paying homage to this rich past, Springfield Armory currently operates with the same philosophy that drove its namesake. Representatives from Springfield Armory will be in attendance, offering their product and industry expertise in helping customers to find the firearm that best fits their specific preferences and needs, and sale prices will be offered in-store and online on select pistols and rifles. There will also be a handgun giveaway, with the specific model to be announced at the event. Located at 3101 O Street in Lincoln, NE and open Mon-Sat 10-7, DE Guns offers an extensive selection of firearms, ammunition, optics, and related products and supplies—along with the popular Deal of the Day. For more information, please call (402) 875-6500 or visit the mobile friendly websites at DEGuns.net OR DEGuns.biz.

Business News

Third Generation Builder Home to be Featured in Spring Parade of Homes Third Generation Builder is proud to feature a home in the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Spring Parade of Homes. The home is located at 7361 Andy Drive in The Woodlands at Yankee Hill and during May 10-17 all are welcome to tour on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Third Generation Builder is a custom residential home building company owned and operated by Stephanie Krueger Ponce. Stephanie is a “3rd Generation” Krueger, partaking in the family legacy and business by owning and operating her own residential construction company. For more information about Third Generation Builder, please call (402) 310-0354 or visit www. thirdgenerationbuilder.com.

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The Sarpy Experience 2015 Set for June 2nd The Sarpy Expo is back and better than ever! The Sarpy Experience 2015 will be held on June 2nd from 12-6 p.m. at the La Vista Conference Center. The La Vista Conference Center is located at 12520 Westport Parkway near I-80 & Giles, and a new floorplan for this year’s event will maximize the space at the venue for the best show yet! There are several different booth and sponsorship options offered to exhibitors, and registration is open until May 15, 2015. The Sarpy Experience 2015 is proudly presented by the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce, and a special discount is offered to members who are interested in hosting a booth. Registration is available online at www.sarpychamber.org. For more information about hosting a booth or attending The Sarpy Experience 2015, contact Annisa Visty at (402) 339-3050 or via email at chamber@sarpychamber.org.

Precast Products and Landscape Village to Host Annual Open House Precast Products and Landscape Village will be having their annual Open House on Friday, May 8th and Saturday, May 9th. This is a great time to kick off your spring outdoor projects, as during the event guests can take advantage of a 10% discount on landscape rock, mulch and flagstone as well as a 10% discount and free shipping on the entire selection of beautiful, maintenance-free outdoor furniture! Come on in and register to win landscape material, outdoor furniture and lots more! If you have been longing for a beautiful pond, waterfall or possibly a new retaining wall, this event is a great opportunity to get fantastic ideas and savings too! Come in on Saturday for a hot dog, some Prairieland milk and take a spin of the wheel for a chance to win great prizes! ALSO on Saturday, a 20% discount will be offered on all of the Display Furniture—talk about SAVINGS! Don’t miss spending some time at 1010 South Coddington Avenue. For additional information, please visit www.precastproducts.com or give us a call at (402) 477-2255.

Three Legacy Homes to be Featured in Spring Parade of Homes Legacy Homes is proud to feature three different styles of its custom homes in the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Spring Parade of Homes. The beautiful, fully furnished model homes are located in Legacy’s model complex at 1131, 1139 and 1145 Humphrey Avenue in the Garden Valley neighborhood development. During May 10-17 all are welcome to tour the homes on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. 1145 Humphrey Ave. - The Archer is a stunning, open and spacious split bedroom ranch with a fully finished basement including a 4th bedroom and ¾ bath. 1139 Humphrey Ave.-The Sanford sets itself apart from typical split foyer designs with a unique kitchen living room arrangement you are sure to appreciate. The master bedroom features a large walk-in closet, master bath with double vanity and large linen closet. 1131 Humphrey Ave.-The Rockwell is a show stopper! The flow of the living space in this home is perfection, and the basement is finished. The warm kitchen, including an island, dining nook and attached family room with floor to ceiling fireplace is the heart of the home. Upstairs the master bedroom sets apart from the other three bedrooms with a second floor laundry. Legacy has lots available in all quadrants of Lincoln and can help you create your Legacy today. For more information, please call (402) 884-3202. MAY 2015 Strictly Business 11

Business News

Enjoy tasty BACON-inspired delights from many of Lincoln’s finest chefs, and music from Tuna Fish Jones!

Sunday, May 17th, 2015 | 5pm - 8pm Cornhusker Hotel | 333 S. 13th St. | Lincoln Purchase tickets at any Lincoln Russ’s Market Customer Service Counter

Adults: $25 Children 12 & under: $5 All proceeds provide scholarships for culinary students in NE.

Sandler Sales and Management Training will be offering its next training event, focused specifically on management training, on May 15th from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. This hands-on course will teach attendees how to manage effectively using Sandler’s 7-step Management System and will be held at the Sandler Training Center, located at 3828 Dodge Street in Omaha. To register for this event, visit www.karlschaphorst.sandler. com, click on the Calendar tab and find the registration link in the May event listings. Sandler Training is a global training Karl Schaphorst organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Sandler provides sales and management training and consulting services for small- to medium-sized 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.

Smoking Gun Named BLAZ’N Grill Works Authorized Dealer Smoking Gun Jerky is pleased to announce that it was recently named Lincoln’s only authorized dealer of “BLAZ’N Grill Works” brand smokers and grills. The company’s products are made locally in Beatrice, NE. You can now pick up a BLAZ’N Grill Works smoker or grill along with the signature grilling items carried by Smoking Gun Jerky. This includes real wood pellets, BBQ sauces, “Smoking Gun” brand seasonings and marinades and over 40 different flavors and heat levels of their popular beef, elk, bison, pork and turkey jerky made fresh daily in the store. Smoking Gun also offers other products made in Nebraska, such as beef sticks, salsas, pepper spreads, honey, nuts, spices and even dog treats. Stop in at Smoking Gun Jerky, located at 48th and R Streets, to check out the new BLAZ’N Grill Works products as well as everything that Smoking Gun Jerky has to offer! For more information, please call (402) 467-6315 or visit www.smokinggunjerky.com.

Audio DNA an Official Sponsor of Chelsea Arnold in Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Audio DNA Recording & Production is pleased to announce that the company is now an official sponsor of Chelsea Arnold, Miss Omaha’s Outstanding Teen, who will be competing in the upcoming Miss Nebraska’s Outstanding Teen Pageant. Audio DNA is sponsoring Chelsea by producing custom backing tracks and recordings throughout her run in the pageant. These services are also available for all contestants who wish to have something made specifically for them or for anyone who is looking to capture a moment in time forever. It is also a great introduction to a studio environment for those who are interested in pursuing a related career. Audio DNA Recording & Production is a small local recording studio in Lincoln providing affordable and professional studio recording and music services as well as advertisement and audio production. For more information, please contact Drake Sobehrad at (254) 541-5487, via email at drake.audiodnarecording@gmail.com, or visit the website at AudioDNARecording.com.

Business News

Goings Homes, LLC Homes to be Featured in Spring Parade of Homes Goings Homes, LLC is proud to feature two homes in the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s Spring Parade of Homes. The homes are located at 2940 Park Place Drive and 3747 SW 91st Street. During May 10-17 all are welcome to tour on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Goings Homes, LLC is a custom home builder in Nebraska, focusing on making your dreams a reality. For more information, please call (402) 450-7702 or visit www.goingshomes.com.

Have You Put Social Media to Work for Your Business? Let me help with: a Social Media Review Weekly Facebook,Twitter & LinkedIn Posts (3 per site)

Call today & start promoting your Diane Siefkes business! 402.525.6027 www.dksolutionsne.com

Choose your own caterer, provide your own food, or let us cater! wedding receptions • banquets anniversaries • birthdays • reunions meetings & more Reserve Your Date!

402-890-6459

Cornhusker Social Hall 2940 Cornhusker Hwy

Roper & Sons Announces May Events Each month, Roper & Sons hosts several seminars which are free and open to the public. The goal of these educational events is to help you learn, grow, and plan for your future. In May, the following opportunities are available. Please call (402) 476-1225 or email info@roperandsons. com to learn more or to reserve your seat. Topic Breakfast: Thursday, May 21st at 7:30 a.m., Roper & Sons Reception Facility Join Mary Ann Stallings of Bridge to Better Living to learn how to remove the guess work, lessening the time and frustration from the process of finding a senior living community. Coffee & Conversations: Wednesday, May 27th at 6:00 p.m., Roper & Sons Reception Facility Join Lee Nyberg of Home Care Assistance of Nebraska to learn how taking “A Proactive Approach to your 60’s and Beyond” can help families communicate about aging issues regarding financial, legal, spiritual, and lifestyle needs. To learn more about Roper & Sons educational opportunities, please visit www.roperandsons.com.

Noodles & Company Adds Muscle to its Menu With New Buff Bowls Noodles & Company recently unveiled its newest menu items for spring: BUFF Bowls. Four of Noodles & Company’s most popular pasta bowls – Japanese Pan, Whole Grain Tuscan Fresca, Pesto Cavatappi and Bangkok Curry – are now available in the buff! Each BUFF Bowl features a double portion of veggies, topped with protein and served on a bed of spinach in place of the noodles, for a dish full of flavor yet under 400 calories. “Our new BUFF Bowls are low carb and high protein versions of popular Noodles & Company dishes, and each bowl is made fresh to order in our kitchens like all menu items every day,” commented Kevin Reddy, CEO of Noodles & Company. “At Noodles & Company, we have always encouraged creativity and customization for our guests looking to enjoy our world of flavors, and our new BUFF Bowls featuring only 14-39 grams of carbs and packing in 17-31 grams of protein, take that extra step to make it easier for our guests looking for a lighter offering without skimping on satisfying flavor.” Guests may also substitute any protein, including naturally raised pork, grilled chicken and organic tofu, in each dish for no extra charge, and can double their protein portion for an additional $2. For a full list of nutritional info, please visit www.noodles.com/nutrition.

Talent Plus Ranked No. 2 on Leadership 500 Excellence Awards Talent Plus, Inc. is honored to be named by HR.com’s Leadership Excellence as one of the top leadership practitioners and programs in the world. As the Leading Talent Assessment PartnerSM in the industry, Talent Plus is excited to partner with organizations that are focusing on innovative leadership solutions in our ever-changing global environment. Ranked number 2 overall for large-sized leadership partners and providers, Talent Plus is proud to stand beside some notable names in the leadership industry including Ken Blanchard, Franklin Covey and Lee Hecht Harrison. The full article can be viewed at http:// www.hr.com/en/magazines/leadership_excellence_essentials/ april_2015_leadership/. Talent Plus is committed to helping its client partners see real results that impact their bottom line while improving their ability to select talented individuals and focus on their leadership potential. Utilizing The Science of Talent ® enables companies to select the very best leadership to sustain a strong future. Talent Plus is honored to receive this award, knowing the culture they have created is due in large part to the science they put behind selecting their own associates. Talent Plus, Inc. is an internationally recognized management consulting firm with over 400 clients in 20 countries delivering The Science of Talent ® through interviews and assessments in more than 20 languages. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, Talent Plus also has an office in Singapore. To learn more about Talent Plus, visit www.talentplus.com. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Business News 1776 Grounds Maintenance Now Utilizing Ground Logic Fertilizing Equipment

SuperGlass Nebraska Spreads Awareness for Earth Day

1776 Grounds Maintenance is excited to announce that the company will now be utilizing a Rover XR fertilizer spreader built right here in Lincoln by Ground Logic, a locally owned and operated manufacturer of premium commercial spreading and spraying equipment. Ground Logic machines are built from 100% stainless steel and utilize commercial grade Honda engines and Peerless transmissions, made especially to stand up to the toughest spreading and spraying demands. More information about the specific model can be found at groundlogicinc.com. The new equipment will allow 1776 Grounds Maintenance to better serve its customers when assisting with their spring grounds maintenance needs. 1776 Grounds Maintenance provides total grounds care services all year long, including lawn care, landscape maintenance, tree care, leaf and debris removal, snow removal—essentially everything needed to keep your properties well cared for. The main focus of the company is commercial properties, especially strip malls, with the goal of utilizing the their knowledge and techniques to streamline the process so that everything gets taken care of in a timely manner. 1776 Grounds Maintenance is passionate about providing excellent service to its customers and taking the absolute best care of their properties. For more information, visit www.1776gm.com, find 1776 Grounds Maintenance on Facebook, or call (402) 217-2314.

In conjunction with Earth Day on April 22nd, the local SuperGlass Nebraska franchise participated in its annual Recycling Awareness campaign. This included local franchise owner Boyd Baillie, along with all other SuperGlass employees, prominently wearing the signature SuperGlass Earth Day hat during the month of April. Most windshields are not recycled and end up in our landfills, which are 10 to 12 percent glass. Also, the manufacturing process for one new windshield creates about 50 pounds of carbon emissions and uses close to 1,500,000 BTU’s of energy. SuperGlass Windshield Repair places a major emphasis on being green with its proprietary method for windshield repair.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Established in Nebraska in 2009, SuperGlass Windshield Repair is the largest “repair only” franchise worldwide and rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. By utilizing their state-of-the-art repair process, they are able to avoid replacement of 98% of damaged windshields which are not biodegradable due to the laminate plastic in the middle, effectively saving their customers time, money and hassle while being environmentally friendly. The local SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchise’s territory spans from Council Bluffs, IA out to North Platte, which includes 43 counties in Nebraska and two in Iowa. For more information, please call (402) 486-0506 or visit www.superglass.com or www.superglassnebraska.com.

Business News Greta’s Gourmet Takes Over Grill at Hidden Valley Golf Club Greta’s Gourmet recently took over the grill at Hidden Valley Golf Club, located at 10501 Pine Lake Road in Lincoln. Having served as the club’s caterer for more than a year this was the natural next step for the popular local eatery. The menu, which is available on Greta’s Gourmet website (gretasgourmetfood.com), is a mix of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and wraps that highlight the company’s specialty—fresh sliced and carved gourmet meats. At $7 or less, prices are also very reasonable. Hours at the Hidden Valley Grill by Greta’s Gourmet are Monday through Friday from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. Golfers and/or diners showing up before 3 p.m. also have the choice to purchase one of Greta Gourmet’s premade box lunches, which includes a sandwich, homemade jerky, chips and more.

Ample Food & Sturdy Drink! • 35 Irish Whiskeys • 20 Beers on Tap • Open Daily at 11am Check out our menu! From Shepherd’s Pie to Bangers & Mash, we have a variety of Irish cuisine.

Kitchen open daily until 9pm

151 N. 8th St. Ste 140 (In the Haymarket)

402-477-0021 • www.McKinneysPubLincoln.com

Save The Date: New Owners of Herbs & More to Host Open House Herbs & More, located at 5740 Old Cheney Road, has announced an Open House event to be held on June 6th. All are welcome to stop by and meet the new owners of the store, which since its recent sale by longtime owner Arnold Freeman is now owned and operated by Jethro Hopkins and Julie Boyd. The store’s offerings include natural herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements, weight loss supplements, books, massage therapy supplies, aromatherapy (essential oils) and accessories, natural beauty care products, herbal teas, natural household and cleaning products and more. Massage therapist Jade Lutes and esthetician Kate Meinders will also be available at the open house, in addition to great specials being offered in the store. The new owners, Jethro and Julie, invite you to drop in on June 6th and check out everything that Herbs & More has to offer! For more information, please call Herbs & More at (402) 423-7733.

beyourself boutique Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Women Locally owned women’s boutique, beyourself b o u t i q u e, r e c e n t l y celebrated 10 years of outfitting Omaha by revealing all-new styling services with a weekend of promotions and refreshments. With locations in Omaha and Lincoln, beyourself boutique is focused on promoting self-esteem and helping women find the perfect outfit they can be themselves in, at any age.

W here Home Is

beyourself held an official “anniversary” party on Thursday, April 9th. The celebration continued through the weekend with 10% off all purchases and 10% of all proceeds donated to the Women’s Center for Advancement in Omaha. The Lincoln store, located at 1501 Pine Lake Road, also hosted a ribbon cutting with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce prior to the anniversary event. Stop in for a free color consultation to “Find Your Fit” and learn about how you can host a styling party after hours! For more information about beyourself boutique, visit beyourselfonline.com or find them on Facebook.

Call for a Personal Visit 402.890.0972| www.thewaterford.net

COLLEGE VIEW

Assisted Living • 4800 S 48th Street

WILDERNESS HILLS MEMORY CARE 8939 Keystone Drive 402.890.0972

WILLIAMSBURG ASSISTED LIVING 3940 Pine Lake Road 402.423.0000

The Waterford Communities are locally owned and operated.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Business News MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante Celebrates 100 Year Old Cheese Cutter, Unveils New Seasonal Menu Additions

Prices (per ton, does not include delivery)

AGG8 AGG9 AGG5 AGG11 AGG10 AGG12 AGG15

Crushed Concrete (fines) Crushed Concrete (3/4” minus w/fines) Crushed Concrete (1.5” minus w/fines) Crushed Asphalt (1.5”minus w/fines) Crushed Oversized Concrete (3”-8”) Crushed Concrete (3/4” clean) Screened Crushed Concrete (1.5” P219)

Delivery Prices

Tandem Axle (up to 14 ton) $7.00/ton Side Dump (27 ton & under) $5.00/ton (within Lincoln city limits) TCW Materials Yard 301 “P” St.

$ 9.00 $12.00 $12.00 $11.00 $11.50 $13.50 $13.50

Hours of Service 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. M-F

Saturday Service Available, Call by Noon Thursday to Schedule.

Call office to order & schedule delivery

(402) 475-5030 TCW Construction is a State and Federal Certified DBE We Also Offer Contractors a Convenient Disposal Site Concrete Only, No Charge. Prices Subject to Availability.

TCW Construction, Inc. 141 “M” Street

(402) 416-3269 Crusher Yard

MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante recently celebrated a unique culinary milestone, featuring special events during the week of April 13th in honor of Chef Jonah King’s 100-year-old cheese cutter that has been passed down through his family for several generations. Every day special dishes were offered featuring the twelve different cheeses MōMō has on the menu. The Pizza of the Week (P.O.W.) was a Four Cheese Pizza with Mozzarella, Provolone, Romano and house-made Ricotta. The lunch special was a gourmet grilled cheese and for dinner each night, Chef Jonah and his talented staff prepared a Flambe’ Pasta in a Pecorino Romano cheese wheel. Additionally, MōMō revealed several new and returning seasonal dishes in its selection of salads and sandwiches as well as five new pizzas and even brought back the popular Seafood Pizza! Located in the Preserve Development at Pioneers Boulevard and Lucille Drive in south Lincoln, MōMō is a Neapolitan Hand-Tossed Wood-Fired Stone Hearth pizzeria, restaurant, and bar. The menu changes seasonally with the food sourced as locally as possible, when not from Italy, and always made in-house from scratch by MōMō’s talented chefs. MōMō Pizzeria & Ristorante will surprise you with its redefinition and refinement of the dining experience. For more information, contact Anthony Bonelli at (402) 261-5966.

Transworld Business Advisors Relocates Lincoln Office Transworld Business Advisors recently hosted a ribbon cutting with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on April 14th to celebrate the completion of transitioning the Lincoln office to its permanent location at 300 N. 44th Street, Suite 110. Mary Jo Cassner, owner of the Lincoln franchise, opened Transworld Business Advisors in its temporary space in the Cherry Hill Building in November of 2014 and relocated to its new, larger office space in March. Transworld Business Advisors is essentially three complementary businesses rolled into one: business brokerage, franchise consulting, and franchise development. The brokerage side successfully puts buyers and sellers of businesses together; the franchise consulting side gives entrepreneurs access to more than 2000 pre-screened franchises, and the franchise development service assists people in growing their businesses through franchising. As an extension of the successful joint venture between one of the nation’s largest business brokerage companies (Transworld Business Brokers) and an industry leader in the development of successful franchise systems (United Franchise Group), the local Transworld Business Advisors agency (www.tworld.com/lincoln) is an excellent resource for those who are looking to buy or sell a business.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

For more information on the new Transworld Business Advisor in Lincoln or a free consultation, contact Mary Jo Cassner at (402) 413-1095. For information on how you can own a Transworld Business Advisors franchise, call (800) 205-7605 or go to www.transworld-info.com.

Business News

“FACT

98% of businesses rely on

J-Tech Moves Lincoln Office to Havelock, Unveils New Showroom J-Tech Construction recently celebrated the grand opening of its new office located at 6030 Havelock Avenue, hosting an official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on April 15th. J-Tec h was established in 2004, and has expanded to a larger office space in order to feature a brand new showroom where customers are able to take a look at samples of the product lines that J-Tech utilizes. J-Tech Construction, the exterior experts, takes pride in being able to offer its customers a wide variety of products and services. The company is committed to excellence, quality and customer service, and working hard to improve the appearance and value of your greatest investment, your home. Specializing in Seamless Metal Alloy Siding and Triple Pane Windows, J-Tech also offers an array of residential services ranging from gutter covers to solar panels. For more information about J-Tech Construction, or to schedule a free consultation and estimate for your upcoming project, please contact Julie Russell at (402) 261-3682, via email at office@jtechconst.com, or visit the website at www.yourexteriorexperts.com.

referrals to gain new business” “FACT - only 3% of businesses have a strategy for referrals”

In the last 12 months, our members closed over $27.5 million across our four state region

BNI is part of my strategy... so why not make it part of yours? 55 chapters across 4 states (NE, IA, WY, SD), with new ones forming

www.bniheartland.com

Thank You For Voting Us Best Caterer! Party Trays • Hors D’Oeuvres Main Dishes • Salads Sides • Lunch/Dinner • Weddings Call today for all your catering needs!

308.631.7320 Or stop by our store at 5560 S. 48th Street

402.420.MEAT (6328) • www.GretasGourmetFood.com

Urban Rack Announces New Location in Lincoln Urban Rack, located at 4815 Old Cheney Road, recently opened its doors for business on April 1st. To formally mark the occasion a ribbon cutting was held with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce on April 16th. Urban Rack is an upscale clothing boutique which buys and sells new to gently used name brand clothing, accessories and shoes for teens and hip adults. You can expect to find the most current styles and trends in clothes, shoes and accessories along with Husker apparel and active wear. BKE, Miss Me, Rock Revival, True Religion, Big Star, 7 for all Mankind, Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Under Armour, and Lululemon are just some of the name brands. Urban Rack accepts girl’s sizes 0 – 15/16 bottoms, xsmall – xlarge tops and shoes size 7-12; guy’s sizes 28-40 waist, small – xxlarge shirts and shoes size 7-12. The idea is simple—bring in items to sell that you would like to see if you were shopping for yourself. You will now also have the option to donate your unwanted items to the Lincoln City Mission right in the store. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, contact Dana Dostal at (402) 904-8720, visit www. urbanrackclothing.com or find Urban Rack on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Business News Reserve Your Spot Today for the Workplace Solutions Business Tax Seminar on the Coast Strictly Business, in partnership with The Vacation Store, is excited to present a destination educational event on October 31 – November 4! This is an all-inclusive trip that includes the opportunity to learn from select business speakers and a seminar on small business tax strategies presented by Matthew Westenburg, CPA, SP Group, PC. Guests will enjoy a five-day stay at the Riu Palace Peninsula resort in Cancun, Mexico for a special business trip on the coast! Those who wish to book their reservation may do so with The Vacation Store by calling (402) 339-6800 or may sign up using the online booking form available at www.strictly-business.com. For more information about this event, please contact Katie Danehey at (402) 466-3330 or katie@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Regal Building Systems Home to be Featured in Spring Parade of Homes Regal Building Systems, Inc. is proud to feature a home in the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s 2015 Spring Parade of Homes. The home is located at 2411 City View Court in the Regalton neighborhood development and during May 10-17 all are welcome to tour on weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The World’s Most Successful Businesses Have a Board of Directors,

Regal Building Systems has over 25 years of experience in building homes, businesses and retirement communities in Lincoln. From starter houses to country estates, the company specializes in building quality homes that exceed the standards of the building industry. For more information, please call (402) 435-3550 or visit www. regalbuildingsystems.com.

Kaplan University Expands AFF Scholarship to Include Lincoln Campus Kaplan University is pleased to announce the expansion of the American Freedom Foundation Kaplan University Family Scholarship Program to their Lincoln Campus.

“I used to be the first one in every morning and the last one to go home at night. My TAB Board has taught me that working hard isn't the same as working smart and managing the business. Now I'm enjoying myself more, and we are all making more money!”

The scholarship has been offered primarily to online students previously, but given the strong veteran community in the Greater Lincoln Area, the program has been expanded to the Kaplan University Lincoln Campus.

--Nick Donner, CEO of Donner Steel Works, Lincoln, NE

To be eligible, applicants must be the spouse or dependent child of either a current military member or veteran. The applicant must also have a 3.0 GPA in their high school, or in college if they have attended higher education courses previously.

Find Out If You Qualify.

To learn more about the scholarship program visit: scholarsapply. org/AFF.

✔Grow

Your Business ✔Solve Problems ✔Increase Profitability ✔Improve Your Life

Call 402-213-9009

The mission of the American Freedom Foundation (AFF) is to honor the men and women of our armed forces and to raise awareness for their service and sacrifice. In that proud spirit, Kaplan University and the AFF joined to offer scholarships designed to support our military and veteran families.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Potential applicants with additional questions about eligibility requirements may contact Kaplan University-Lincoln, Michael Klacik at (402) 437-2100.

Ask the Expert: ComPro Using your Prescription Drug Benefits…

by Chris McPike, Vice President www.comproins.com

This chart illustrates the increase in Prescription Drug Spending Year Prescription Drug Total US Private and Total US Private Health Insurance from 1990 through Spending Health Insurance 2013 (stated in $ billions) $10.9 $234.2 Prescription drug benefits provided by health insurance 1990 policies, particularly for small employer groups and 1995 $24.5 $326.9 individuals, continue to evolve as insurance companies strive 2000 $61.2 $459.8 to manage costs. • Typically, benefits for generic drugs provide much lower 2005 $102.2 $703.2 costs to the policyholder. 2010 $118.9 $862.2 • In comparison, the use of name-brand drugs frequently $117.9 $961.7 requires the payment of a prescription drug deductible before 2013 more attractive co-pay benefits can be accessed. • The formularies for prescription benefits are becoming more restrictive with more frequent use of Step Therapy requirements. “Step Therapy” means that the patient must try less expensive medications before insurance coverage will be approved for the more expensive option. • Higher cost drugs that were previously paid by insurance are no longer eligible for coverage or require the policyholder to pay a much higher share of the cost. As our clients began using their 2015 health insurance benefits, we had many reports of prescription drug issues. As we have researched these instances, it has become clear that patients must become proactive consumers in the purchase of prescription drugs. • Know the name brand and generic equivalents of the medications that you use • Know which pharmacies have a “preferred” status with your insurance company • Contact the insurance company before you fill a new prescription to find out how it will be covered and if there are any limitations Here is an example of being a wise consumer for prescription drugs. I am the patient in this case. I was prescribed a generic medication that was a combination of two drugs. The price, even for the generic, was $75 per month. When refilling it for the second month, I asked the pharmacist for other options. He suggested taking the two medications included in my prescription as separate drugs. That would mean taking 2 pills per day, instead of 1. When I discussed this option with my doctor, she was surprised at the $75 per month cost and gave me new prescriptions for both medications. Now the monthly cost is a total of $8 per month. It doesn’t always work out this way, but be diligent in looking for less expensive options for your prescription drugs. Your health care professionals are focused on the health of their patients, NOT the cost of prescription drugs. Your pharmacist is a valuable resource. If you do not know how to access the formulary or how to contact your health insurance plan with questions, contact your health insurance agent for the information.

We’d be happy to talk with you about your health insurance needs. Contact ComPro now 402-488-5100

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

JEREMY

Jeremy Reiter

ENGINEERED CONTROLS

Our mission is to make your life a little easier and convenient. Call Today!

strongboxstorage.com • 2701 West O St. • 402-476-9292

Thinking of

Selling Your Business?

Determine your company’s value and find a buyer. Call MJ or Dave for a confidential consultation.

402-413-1095 www.tworld.com

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Engineered Controls provides customers 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. Jeremy Reiter is a New Construction Sales Engineer at Engineered Controls How did you get started in the business? - I grew up working on center pivots, which have a lot of mechanical controls on them. When I first moved to Lincoln, I applied at Engineered Controls and have been here for fifteen years. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Balancing my personal and professional life. Keeping pace with rapidly evolving building controls industry and “trying” to keep up with two toddlers can be challenging. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Working my way up through Engineered Controls. Fifteen years ago I started as an installer, transitioned into project management, and I am now a new construction sales engineer. Each had its own set of challenges, but they all led me to where I’m at today. Tell us a little about your family. - I have a beautiful wife, a very imaginative little four year old girl, and a strong willed, compassionate two year old girl. We also have two dogs, a cat, and a fish! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The birth of my two beautiful little girls! Though they test my patience sometimes, they’ve changed my life for the better. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Anything that involves my family, going to the zoo or park and bicycle rides are atop the list. Being outside working around the house or hunting with friends and family. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Most people don’t know that I have six titanium plates and eight screws in my face from a car accident I was involved in sixteen years ago. One of those life learning moments! What are you the most proud of? - The career that I have and family I’ve built. They are cornerstones of my life and I am very blessed to have them both. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Work hard before you play hard and remember that opportunities are sometimes made and not always handed out. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Autonomous. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Telepathy. Which talent would you most like to have? - To be more artistic, I’m a straight lines kind of person now. I think this would give some different perspective on some things. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A hunting outfitter. I love being outdoors and hunting. What better profession could you ask for to incorporate both? What is your favorite local restaurant? - Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Alexander the Great. Looked at by some to be the greatest military mind in history, having dinner with this King would, at the very least, be enlightening. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - By phone at (402) 434-2110, via email at jreiter@engineeredcontrols. com, or visit www.engineeredcontrols.com.

MAGDALENA

Magdalena Axtell

NOODLES & COMPANY

Magdalena Axtell is the local Field Marketing Manager for Noodles & Company. Tell us a little about your business. Noodles & Company is a fast casual dining restaurant that offers the world’s favorite noodle dishes, sandwiches, salads and soups. Our dishes are inspired by creativity and cultural heritage of cuisines from around the globe. Whether you’re looking for a place to dine, gluten free options, healthier menu or indulgent choices, catering or to pick up dinner to take home; Noodles & Co. has it all. We currently operate six locations, three in Omaha and three in Lincoln.

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What led you to your current position with Noodles & Co? - It was, and still is, a regular dining place for my husband and me. We enjoyed their food and always received great service. When I saw a position open in Marketing, I knew I had to apply. With my previous experience in the restaurant field and my education background in Communications and Marketing, I felt that this was the right career choice for me. Since being hired by the company, I feel like I’ve joined a very large family where we work together to achieve business, and personal goals. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I consider everything I have done a professional achievement. Graduating university with a background in Communications and Sociology; followed by grad school for Marketing Management then for Corporate Communications. Following my dream to obtain a job in the industry led me to become a Field Marketing Manager for a company that has encouraged my growth and creativity. I have joined various social originations to assist in my future development, and currently hold a positon on the PRSA Nebraska Board of Directors as the PDC/MDC Chair. Each of the steps I have taken directed me to a new opportunity and a challenge that sooner or later turned into a personal or a professional achievement.

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What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I enjoy being involved and giving back to the community. There are many organizations in our community with powerful messages of strength, love and unity. One of the things I love about Noodles & Company is their support of non-profit organizations and their encouragement for me to be involved. Together, we have worked to fundraise about $20,000 annually for various non-profits in our community that include The American Heart Association, The Diabetes Association, Cedars, Open Door Mission, and Susan. G. Komen. Also we give various donations to our local schools and participate as vendors supporting local events such as the Lincoln Heart Walk or Light the Night with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to a wonderful husband, Dustin, and he is a Systems Architect. We have a cute dog, Linux, who enjoys daylong naps, car rides and playing fetch. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was born in Poland but spent most of my life growing up in Canada. Being in the States for only a couple years, most people tell me I speak Canadian English. When I say it ‘costs a toonie’ or ‘I need to get my toque,’ people look at me like I am crazy, but I swear those are real English words! What is your favorite local restaurant? - Really? Do I need to answer that? I’m heading to Noodles & Co.! If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Via email at maxtell@jhsdining.com. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

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PATTI Patti Clarence

HIGH PLAINS ALZHEIMER’S SPECIAL CARE CENTER

High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center offers specialized living and care options for those who are affected by dementia, providing an enjoyable, comfortable and safe environment for residents. Their distinctive memory care program, Meaningful Moments, takes a holistic approach by incorporating past routines and preferences to create a day similar to the one the person might have in their own home. Patti Clarence is the Program Director at High Plains Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, a JEA Senior Living community. Tell us a little about your role at High Plains. - I have many responsibilities but my main role is to plan, coordinate, and implement activities specifically for our residents who are afflicted with dementia. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Finding success professionally over the course of my career, and more presently, keeping everything running smoothly on the ‘home front’ at High Plains. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Making a positive impact upon the individuals who I work with daily. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Rick and I have two beautiful daughters, Claire and Tessah. Claire is 19 years old and a sophomore in college and Tessah is 16 years old and a sophomore at Southwest High School. We also have two Maltese dogs and a brand new addition to our family, a three month old rambunctious Goldendoodle named Koda. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Becoming a mother and giving birth to my two children. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Curl up in a blanket and watch a wonderful movie! What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Most people are not aware that I was a dog breeder. I raised Maltese puppies for seven years. What are you the most proud of? - My daughters. They have evolved into two beautiful young ladies, both inside and out! What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - To start saving for your retirement as early as you can; the earlier the better as ‘time’ will still be on your side. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ from The Wizard of Oz. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The power to heal. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Cooking. Which talent would you most like to have? - To play the piano. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - The insurance industry, so I could help protect my clients. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska chapter. I have a family member that has been afflicted with early onset dementia as well as a close relationship with many residents who I assist at High Plains. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper E. Lee. What is your favorite movie? – Mr. Holland’s Opus. What is your favorite TV show? - Breaking Bad. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Venue Restaurant & Lounge. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Barbara Streisand. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I can be reached via email at patticlarence@jeaseniorliving.com or our website at http://www.jeaseniorliving.com/memory_care/Lincoln_NE/.

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Tracy Edgerton

DAKOTA GUARDIAN TRUST

Dakota Guardian Trust serves Nebraska and South Dakota families in need of trust services, with local offices in Lincoln and Omaha. The company’s services include personal trust and estate administration, conservatorships, discretionary and directed investment management accounts, Individual Retirement Accounts, custodial and escrow accounts, as well as trustee and investment management services for non-profit organizations and agency services for trustees and personal representatives. Tracy Edgerton is the President of Dakota Guardian Trust. Tell us a little about your business. - Families and their financial advisors partner with our experienced trust officers to grow, protect, and transfer their financial assets for the future. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - As with any newly established company, we are focused on getting the word out and letting our professional colleagues know we are here and in a position to provide their clients with outstanding professional trust services. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - That’s still in front of me! To date, I’d say assembling a dynamic and engaging team to build DGT’s business from the ground up. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband, Steve Christophersen, is an attorney with Ameritas. We have two pretty great kids. Paige just turned 11, and Cole is 8. Every day is a new adventure! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a parent. My perspective (and my priorities!) changed the moment my daughter arrived. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hard to narrow down, but it would certainly involve a cup of coffee and a great book. And maybe a bike ride. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My father always encouraged me to follow my dreams. “Believe in yourself and have faith in those around you.” If you had a theme song, what would it be? - I do have a theme song (doesn’t everyone?), it’s ‘I’m So Excited’ by the Pointer Sisters. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Oh, that’s easy. I’d love to fly! What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’m a pretty good pool player. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m an ardent support of my alma mater, the University of Nebraska. I believe firmly in the importance of higher education. I also love sports and the impact they can have on young people and fully embrace the mission of Special Olympics of Nebraska. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I just finished Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline. Fascinating insight into a unique practice in our nation’s past. What is your favorite TV show? - Right now my husband and I are watching House of Cards. By comparison, my life is so easy and serene! What is your favorite local restaurant? - I can narrow it down to two. For typical American cuisine, we frequent Toast quite often. Great atmosphere and excellent food. When looking for a more international experience, I can’t get enough of Blue Orchid. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Eleanor Roosevelt. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Our office location here in Lincoln is in the Peanut Butter Factory at 9th & M Streets; Phone: (402) 438-3440. Stop by or call anytime! You can also visit our website at www.dakotaguardiantrust.com.

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NEBRASKA REBATH Nebraska ReBath was established based upon the belief that bathroom remodeling doesn’t need to be a messy, expensive headache. As a result, the company has pioneered an entirely new concept in bathtub and shower home remodeling called “The Refreshing Remodel.” Their team goes above and beyond to avoid minimal disruption to their clients’ normal daily lives and in preserving the tranquility of their clients’ homes with quiet, clean, quick and affordable bathroom remodeling. The Nebraska ReBath franchise is locally owned and operated by Todd Jones. How did you get started in the business? - In 2009, after being faced with a layoff from Sprint, I decided that I wanted to purchase a franchise. Remodeling was always an interest of mine, and I researched ReBath quite a bit, met with the franchisors and realized it was the perfect fit so I took the plunge into business ownership. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The #1 challenge for me as with any business is recruiting and finding the right team to make it all work. We need the right team on board so our customers will receive the best service experience available.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Starting Re-Bath from scratch; doing all of the sales, installs and growing it to a company with 11 employees.

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Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my wife Stacie for 9 years and we have three children with our oldest in Kindergarten, so life is busy. My wife stays home with our kids which we feel is important, and that’s a tough job I would not trade for. Kudos to the stay-at-home moms and dads out there! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - In 1999 I started a career with Nextel Partners and it was the first job I ever really loved. It opened many doors for me and ultimately provided me the opportunity to start ReBath in 2009. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Day off? What’s that? Ok, if I do take time off it’s always to spend time with my family. I don’t miss many school events, Christmas programs or anything to do with the kids’ activities. I also enjoy camping and tinkering in the garage with cars. What are you the most proud of? - I am most proud of my team at Re-Bath for always running the show so well.

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What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I probably picked this up from different mentors over the years and it’s more of an understanding than a single piece of advice. Achieving a goal, like owning a successful business for example, takes a simple understanding: being aware of the fact that you don’t know everything. I am not good at everything I try to do and my way is not always the best way to achieve a particular result. I don’t pretend to know better than someone else on any given topic whether it’s plumbing a bathtub or installing computer software. Knowing what each member of my team is good at and using those talents towards the goal is always a win-win situation. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Optometry. What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Watering Hole. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I can be reached at (402) 484-0077, via email at nebraskarebath@ gmail.com, or more information about Nebraska ReBath can be found at www.nebraskarebath.com.

BROCK

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Brock Owens is a real estate professional who is affiliated with RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts. His agency is located at 4501 S. 86th Street in Lincoln.

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Tell us a little about your business. - Over the years I have built a successful team consisting of myself, Listing Agent & Negotiator; Trishel Owens, Buyers Agent & Public Relations; Coralie Lang, Marketing/Network Media Specialist; and Jaclyn Lorimer, Support Staff. As a team we each specialize in a specific area of expertise so that we are able to give our clients the best possible service, ensuring that they have the most wonderful experience when buying or selling their home.

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How did you get started in the business? - My passion started in Real Estate in 2001 as a Mortgage Loan Officer, and then demonstrating my entrepreneurial side, started a Real Estate Appraisal Company which I still successfully operate today. In early 2005 I obtained my Real Estate License. My hard earned experience, coupled with my true spirit of determination has proven over the years to create a successful long-term relationship with my clients who I strongly value.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally? - My most important achievement has been my ability to gain and maintain the trust and loyalty of my clients. I have built a solid business constructed from people believing in me as a professional Real Estate Agent. Other important achievements have been obtaining and maintaining my licenses as a professional Real Estate Agent and successful Real Estate Appraiser.

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Tell us a little about your family. - I am lucky enough to be married to my wife and business partner, Trishel. Together we have three beautiful children: Peyton (9), Marley (7), and Kyler (2). When we are not busy selling real estate you can find our family on the local bike trails or cheering on the sidelines of our kids’ soccer games. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was born and raised in Rockford, IL, which is just about an hour west of Chicago. I proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served four years as an Airframe Mechanic stationed in Whidbey Island, WA. Honorably discharged from the Navy, I moved to Bromfield, CO to complete my training and received my license as a FAA Airframe Mechanic. Duncan Aviation is what brought me to Lincoln, NE which is where I now call home. What are you the most proud of? - I am most proud of being a well-rounded agent. Not only do I list and sell homes in Lincoln and the surrounding area I also am a well-educated agent in new construction properties. I am very informed about the areas of town that have lots available and the builders that build in that area. I am a personal representative for Remington Homes, a subsidiary of Aspen Builders. With my knowledge and expertise I am able to help many people through the building process, whether it be a starter home or a custom build. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - My passion to give back to the Lincoln community is in the form of a Mentor. I am into my 5th year as a mentor in the TeamMates program. I can only hope that my time and dedication towards the young men and women that this program supports will make even a small difference in their lives. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - By phone at (402) 202-4683 or via email at brock.owens@ gmail.com. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

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Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Businesses in Need: Matching Challenges With Solutions Some of the best ideas are hatched in response to a challenge or roadblock standing in the way of everyday business. Picture this scenario: You are sitting around with a group of friends or co-workers talking about everything from work to family, when someone says “I wish they would invent a way to do ____”. It’s a common conversation taking place in offices and around job sites everyday as we look to use technology to overcome challenges. Matching these challenges with solutions is the concept behind one of the latest programs to come out of the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. The program is called JumpStart Challenge and this is the second year we have set-about bringing brilliant minds together to focus on issues and co-create a solution with opportunity to pitch an amazing outcome for the industries at hand. This year, we had two businesses, Cabela’s and Home Services, looking for solutions to industry problems. Cabela’s sought a solution that alerts the company about the many differences in collection-practice regulations across states for their CLUB Visa credit card. HomeServices asked for a solution allowing homebuyers to search for more specific information on homes and neighborhoods, such as walkability, kid-friendliness and pet-friendliness. HomeServices also pitched the need for a “CarFax for Homes” type of reporting. After the initial gathering where the business expressed their challenges to more than 100 software engineers, developers, and entrepreneurs; 10 teams came back with solutions. The winner of the Cabela’s Challenge was Sourabh Chakraborty, whose solution will send automated alerts that require action in an efficient and timely manner to company employees. He was awarded a $1,000 cash prize, executive coaching, the opportunity to pitch the solution for Cabela’s executives, and beta testing for his product within the company. Taking home the prize for the HomeServices challenge were Matan Gill and Cory Scott with their solution, myBlock. The web-based social platform will include features such as Quality Ratings, Resident Verification, Honest Reviews and interactive maps. For their win, Matan and Cory were awarded a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to make a presentation to company executives. There was also a Wild Card category where software developers and designers could submit an idea for consideration. The co-founders of Forgelight Creative, Tyler Sprunk and Derek Maze, won the Wild Card Category with a spin-off idea from the HomeServices challenge. They say their web-based application will allow home buyers to rate homes under a variety of aspects and search for homes that match unique preferences. It also provides leads for realtors to find clients, manage their client relationships and sell homes. For their idea, Tyler and Derek won a $1,000 cash prize and FUSE Coworking, located in the Haymarket, also provided them with free co-working hours at their space. Congratulations to the winners! The Chamber’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and creating economic viability are critical to our success. We encourage you to become a member and help us achieve these goals for Lincoln. For more information, please contact our Membership Director, Kristin Holmes, kholmes@lcoc.com.

402-434-6900

www.downtownlincoln.org

by Terry Uland, President Downtown Lincoln Association

BROOKE ROMAN

STUDIO

Downtown Brewery Expands Distribution Downtown Lincoln’s oldest and largest craft brewery is now available in North Dakota and western Minnesota. Empyrean Brewing Company has partnered with beer distributor Bergseth Bros. starting in May. In its 25th year of operation, Empyrean beers have already been available in certain areas of North Dakota and Minnesota through other distributors. Says Empyrean Production Manager Jim Engelbart, “We’re very pleased to finally be reaching more of these two states, especially Fargo and Jamestown where people are familiar with Empyrean due to their ties to Nebraska sports and businesses. Plus, we know the residents of these communities are thirsty for well-made craft beers.” Sales representative Ben Matya says Empyrean has a great partner in Bergseth Bros. “In talking to different retailers in North Dakota and Minnesota, we’ve heard glowing reports regarding their excellent service and suppor t. Like Bergseth, Empyrean is a family owned company which means we take extra pride in our craft.”

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More information is available at www. bergsethbeer.com or by calling (701) 2328818. 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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Started by two Lincoln brothers and their best friend, Empyrean Brewing Co. was originally founded as Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill in 1990 as Nebraska’s first brew-pub. As demand for its beer grew, the brewery earned its own identity as Empyrean Brewing Co. Head brewer Rich Chapin, who has been with the company since its inception, continues to brew up a celestial mix of full-flavored ales designed to complement Midwestern tastes in beer and food. Bergseth Bros. Co., Inc. is a family owned business, founded in 1946 by brothers Milton and Arno Bergseth. Originally a fish wholesaler with a single beer brand, the company shifted focus completely to beer distribution in 1961. Today, Bergseth Bros. has, a beer portfolio of over 100 brands, and distributes product to 650 North Dakota and Minnesota restaurants, retailers, and bars.

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by Coby Mach, President & CEO Lincoln Independent Business Association

The Nebraska Legislature has been talking about a bill that would require paid sick leave for all employees. The Lincoln Independent Business Association opposes LB 493 for the following reasons: • The bill requires paid sick leave for all employees, full and part-time, and will increase employee costs and restricts employer flexibility to tailor the jobs they provide to the needs and resources of their business. • Part-time positions are designed to be flexible.

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--Flexibility benefits employees by allowing them to work around educational, personal or family commitments. --Part time positions are valuable in that they provide work experience for young workers or people entering a new career field. --Part time work is often the first step that can lead to full time employment. • Employers utilize part-time positions to hire exactly the amount help they need and to pay what they can afford. Employers understand the compensation package they provide determines the employees they are able to attract. Whether they provide health insurance, vacation time, or put all their resources into higher wages. Government mandates take these decisions away from the parties and impose a one size fits all regulation. Mandating paid sick leave increases the overhead cost of each employee. We all know that an increase in cost will decrease the employer’s ability to provide jobs and employment opportunities within our community. For these reasons LIBA opposes LB 493 and encourages you to contact your state Senator.

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I would like to invite you to become a LIBA member. We have a luncheon on the third Monday of every month. We average 180 business and community leaders who attend and we would like you to be one of them. We have at least two other free networking events every month. LIBA has several important committees that are standing up for small business every day. We monitor the City Council and work on legislative bills at the state capitol to help foster a pro-business mindset. And of course we work to try and keep your taxes and regulation to a reasonable level. For more information on joining LIBA, please call me at (402) 466-3419. Thank you and enjoy the spring weather! 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 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses.  We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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by Karl Schaphorst, President www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com

Professional Selling – Step 6: Going In For The Kill

So, you have a qualified prospect on your hands, which means you have a prospect that has proven to you they have pain you can fix, they have money to pay for it, and they can make a decision to buy it. If you have done your job well through the qualification portion of the sales dance, the hard work is over. You should know at this point whether or not the prospect is going to buy. The only reason you are now going in to do a presentation is so you can get the order. Often times, I have had prospects close themselves during the qualification phase. I’ll do such a good job of understanding my prospect’s pain, the prospect says “Where do I sign up?” We will be reviewing budget, the prospect says “Yes, I have the money, in fact let’s just do this.” This means that for these prospects, Step 6 is unnecessary! The best presentation you will ever give is the one you don’t have to give. However, a majority of prospects want to see your presentation before they buy. How you set up the presentation is crucial if you are to walk out with an order and as discussed in Step 2, we will use an Up Front Contract to set up the presentation. This contract is different than the first and here is how it goes: 1. Appreciation: Thank your prospect for their time and consideration 2. Time: Confirm with the prospect how much time you have for the presentation. 3. Agenda: This is very important. You are there to get a decision, Yes/No, before you leave. As stated earlier, you no longer accept maybes so set the agreement before you even get started that maybe is unacceptable. If you present a solution that addresses their pain to their satisfaction for the money they are able to spend then there is no reason for the prospect not to decide at the end of the presentation. 4. Review Pain: Go over each pain item you uncovered during qualification and make sure that the prospect agrees with you about their pain. Once you have validation ask if there is any other pain that should be addressed. 5. Review Budget: Hand out your proposal right here with the price in bold numbers on the front page. Ask the prospect if your price is okay and if it fits their budget. Don’t wait until the end to give price, because then the prospect is thinking about price during your whole presentation and you don’t need that distraction. If the prospect objects to the price, then they don’t get the presentation. 6. Review Decision: Make sure that all of the decision makers are present before you start. If someone is missing, then you reschedule or it’s over; no presentation. 7. The Ultimate Contract: It is right here that you will ask the prospect for the order. I know, you haven’t presented yet, but you ask for the order here because the stress is low and you haven’t given away your secrets yet. Here is what it might sound like: “Now I will present my solution that will address your pain for the price that we all have agreed to. If I am able to show you a solution that you are completely satisfied with, then I will produce a Letter of Agreement for you to sign which will initiate implementation. Does that sound like a good plan to our meeting?” Your logic in this statement is undeniable. If they say “Yes,” congratulations you have the order because I am certain you won’t screw up your presentation. If they say “No,” well, no need to give the presentation. Retrieve your proposal and politely say goodbye. I close over 80% of my presentations when I set them up as explained above. Some Sandler salespeople close 100%. When you use Sandler as your selling system you only give presentations because you are going in for the kill! 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 medium-sized 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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MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Personnel News Mike Figueroa Awarded Certified Residential Specialist Designation

AR Solutions Welcomes New Marketing Manager Malinda Longacre

Mike Figueroa has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-forprofit affiliate of the National Association of REALTORS®.

AR Solutions is pleased to announce that Malinda Longacre has joined the company as Marketing Manager. In this position, she will be responsible for developing successful marketing campaigns and initiatives focused on gaining new clients. Longacre graduated from IntelliTec Medical Institute in Colorado Springs, CO in 2008, and subsequently began working in the dental field with roles in assisting and office management. Two years later, she accepted a position as office manager of a legal litigation firm in Denver, CO that specialized in medical collections, where she was worked for three years before relocating to Lincoln, NE and accepting the position with AR Solutions. Malinda’s past management experience and professional knowledge of collections as well as her expertise with various aspects of the medical field make her a great fit in her new role with AR Solutions.

REALTORS® who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced professional training and demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in residential real estate. Only 37,000 (less than 2%) of the approximately 2 million real estate professionals nationwide have earned the credential. Home buyers and sellers can be assured that CRS Designees subscribe to the strict REALTORS® code of ethics, have been trained to use the latest tactics and technologies, and are specialists in helping clients maximize profits and minimize costs when buying or selling a home. Mike Figueroa and wife Polly Figueroa are sales associates with RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts and are members of the REALTORS® Association of Lincoln. For more information on buying or selling a home, contact Mike or Polly at (402) 314-5609. Listings can be viewed online at www. RealEstateLincoln.com.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

AR Solutions is a locally owned and operated collection agency that collects past due receivables for their clients while still maintaining their client’s reputation. AR Solutions is collecting on average 2.5 times the national average for their clients, who have 24/7 access to view their accounts, report payments, update demographics or send communication securely to AR Solutions through a secure website. To contact AR Solutions visit www.arsolutionsinc.com, email info@ arsolutionsinc.com, or call (402) 817-3929.

Personnel News Linda Birkes-Lance Named Executive Director of Bright Lights Bright Lights is pleased to announce that Linda Birkes-Lance has been hired as its new Executive Director. She will also assume Fund Development duties. Birkes-Lance was most recently a Development Director at Nebraska Wesleyan University and previously served as Executive Director of the Foundation for Memorial Health Care Systems in Seward. Linda brings a strong background in nonprofit administration and fundraising. She also has a passion for education which will serve Bright Lights well in the future. Bright Lights is a non-profit organization providing quality summer learning for students K-9th grades. The emphasis of the program is to prevent summer learning loss while creating hands-on learning adventures each summer. Summer 2015 dates for Bright Lights classes are June 8-12; June 15-19; June 22-26 and July 6-10. For more information, please call (402) 420-1115 or visit www.brightlights.org.

West Gate Bank® Mortgage Welcomes Anna Lyman as Mortgage Loan Officer, Promotes Bauer to Assistant VP The West Gate Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Anna Lyman as Mortgage Loan Officer and to announce the election of Dustin Bauer to the title of Loan Officer, Assistant Vice President. ®

Anna Lyman brings thirteen years of customer service and title experience to West Gate Bank®. In her new position as Mortgage Loan Officer, she is shifting focus to mortgage origination and building customized solutions for brokers and clients purchasing or refinancing a home. Lyman is active in the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society. She is also an affiliate member of the Realtor’s Association of Lincoln. Anna Lyman is located at the West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road and can be reached at (402) 323-8923 or alyman@westgatebank.com.

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Dustin Bauer began his West Gate Bank® career in 2010 as a Commercial Lender. As Assistant Vice President, he will continue in that role at West Gate Bank® while working with customers to fulfill their Commercial and Dustin Bauer Consumer lending needs and goals. Bauer serves on the board for the Capital Humane Society, is a mentor for the TeamMates Program and is active on the Graduate Schools of Banking Lending Advisory Committee. In addition, Bauer is an executive committee member of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. Dustin Bauer is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 323-8971 or dbauer@westgatebank.com. West Gate Bank® is a full-service community bank focused on Lincoln. Stop by any of our seven branches to experience the local community bank difference and see how Lincoln’s Bank can serve you. Free Checking, Free Gifts and a Buy Back program for your unused checks and debit cards. Visit www.westgatebank.com for more information.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Personnel News

Local American Family Insurance Agent Douglas Kruce Earns Top Honor for Customer Service

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Douglas S. Kruce, LUTCF, an American Family Insurance agent in Lincoln, NE has been recognized for providing outstanding customer experience under the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program. “At American Family, the customer is at the center of all we do, and these agents have proven they are committed to consistently providing the best experience,” said Bill Westrate, American Family Insurance’s chief operating officer. “The agents who earn the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification are those who have been given the highest marks from their customers for outstanding service.” The service excellence distinction was determined through an evaluation process conducted under guidelines established through the American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program. The process consists of a customer satisfaction survey which measures customers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent. Bruce has been an agent for American Family since November of 2002. His office is located at 5730 R Street, Suite D and he can be reached at (402) 423-1224. For more information, visit insurance-agency. amfam.com/NE/douglas-kruce or find the agency on Facebook at www. facebook.com/DouglasKruceAgency. Products underwritten by American Family Mutual Insurance Company, 6000 American Parkway, Madison WI 53783 3334 03/15

Executive Travel Appoints Industry Veteran Bill La Peer as New Chief Commercial Officer Early departures, evening returns, and a direct link to an international airport that can take you anywhere. Our newest Delta flight means more convenience and connectivity for you. Book your tickets to (or through) Atlanta today. Learn more at LincolnAirport.com.

Steve Glenn, Chairman and CEO of Executive Travel announced the addition of travel industry veteran Bill La Peer as Chief Commercial Officer. Bill La Peer brings to the role more than 25 years in leadership positions in the travel industry in account management, sales and operations. His most recent role was with BCD Travel where he spent 23 years, the last seven as Senior Vice President, Sales - North America. In the various roles Bill has held, his focus has been on developing teams and strategies that have produced measurable results in areas such as customer satisfaction, team development, and sales and revenue growth. The role of Chief Commercial Officer is new to Executive Travel and emphasizes the company’s commitment to their existing client base and an aggressive growth strategy. In the role of Chief Commercial Officer Bill will be responsible for the development and execution of the company’s commercial strategy of driving business growth and market share and ensuring the integrated commercial success of the organization.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Founded in 1986, Executive Travel is one of the largest and fastest growing travel management firms in the Midwest. Executive Travel specializes in helping companies implement comprehensive travel management programs that lower the total cost of corporate travel. For more information, please call (402) 435-8888 or visit www. executivetravel.com.

Personnel News

Jennifer Strand Named COO/General Counsel of Nebraska Title Company Nebraska Title Company is pleased to announce that Jennifer Strand has been named chief operating officer general counsel of Nebraska Title Company. Strand has served as general counsel since 2012. Before joining Nebraska Title, Strand was a partner with Woods & Aitken LLP. Vickie Williamson will continue to serve as president, Title Services, Jane McDaniel as president, Escrow Services, and Ann Dunham as vice president, commercial.

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Madonna has announced three new hires who have recently joined the company. Dr. Susan Ohnoutka joins Madonna Rehabilitation Specialty Hospital-Bellevue, Nebraska, as an internist. Originally from Bennington, NE, she is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, where she also completed her internal medicine residency in 2004. Prior to joining Madonna, Ohnoutka worked as a hospitalist at CHI-St. Elizabeth.

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Jason Doll is the new director of Ancillary Services and Physician Practices for the Lincoln and Omaha campuses. Doll is responsible for the leadership, organization and direction of the ancillary service lines and physician practices. Doll earned his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He spent the past eight years leading healthcare operations and the ten years prior to that working in finance. Kathryn Witte, ABC, RCC, is the new director of marketing and public relations. Witte is an accredited communications professional as designated by the International Association of Business Communicators and the Religious Communicators Council. She has Bachelor’s degrees in art and journalism from the University of NebraskaLincoln, and a Master’s degree in marketing communications.

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Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital (www. madonna.org) is one of the nation’s foremost facilities for medical rehabilitation and Kathryn Witte research. Specializing in traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury and pediatric rehabilitation, Madonna offers hope and healing to thousands of patients from throughout the country each year. Madonna’s team of highly specialized physiatrists, therapists, rehabilitation nurses, clinicians and researchers work with the most advanced technology and equipment to help each person achieve the highest level of independence.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Personnel News Woods Bros Realty Agents Earn Lifetime Achievement Status Woods Bros Realty would like to recognize and honor the following professionals who have recently earned Lifetime Achievement status with the company: Rosemary Horner, Judy Holechek, Jane Hermsmeyer, Sandra Harder, Dennis Flesner, Mike Gutschenritter, Dick Young and Paul Devries. Lifetime Ac hievement recognition is largely based on the number of years of service and career contributions to Woods Bros Realty. “It’s an honor to have worked with and learned from these career professionals through the years,” said CEO Gene Brake. “They are an asset to the Woods Bros Realty family, and we are grateful for their loyalty.” Woods Bros Realty, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and wholly owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, offers 126 years of real estate expertise. For more information about Woods Bros Realty, visit www. WoodsBros.com.

Rosemary Horner

Judy Holechek

Jane Hermsmeyer

Sandra Harder

Dennis Flesner

Mike Gutschenritter

Dick Young

Paul Devries

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Personnel News Robert Darrah Elected to AHF Board of Directors, Set to Host Next Legacy of Learning Session The Legacy Retirement Communities is proud to announce that their Director of Dining Services, Robert Darrah, has been c hosen to ser ve on the Board of Directors for the Association for Healthcare Foodservice (AHF). AHF is the preeminent professional society dedicated to advancing self-operated healthcare foodservice as industry best practice and has over 1000 members nationwide.

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You are invited to join Chef Darrah and his team at the next Legacy of Learning Session, “Creative Dining Solutions - A Guide to Leftover Creations,” on Thursday, May 21 at The Legacy (5600 Pioneers) or Tuesday, May 26 at the Legacy Terrace (5700 Fremont) at 6:30 p.m. A live cooking demonstration will help you reinvent leftovers into delectable dishes. For more information, contact Kayla at (402) 436-3000 or visit www.legacy-of-learning.com.

Pigsley and Ekeler Join Woods & Aitken LLP Woods & Aitken LLP is delighted to announce that Jerry L. Pigsley and Kelly M. Ekeler have recently joined the firm’s Labor & Employment practice group. The additions come as the firm continues to grow, with attorney numbers totaling 30 across offices in Lincoln, Omaha, Denver, and Washington, D.C. Pigsley has over 30 years of experience representing public and private sector employers in labor and employment law, including employment litigation in federal and state courts and litigation matters before federal and state administrative agencies. He also represents management in collective bargaining negotiations. Pigsley is listed in Chambers USA for his work in Labor & Employment Law and Best Lawyers in America 2015 in the field of Labor Law - Management. He was named the Best Lawyer’s 2014 and 2015 Labor Law Management “Lawyer of the Year” in Lincoln.

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Ekeler represents public entities and private sector businesses in issues ranging from policy review to litigation. She has negotiated labor agreements on behalf of management Kelly M. Ekeler and has been involved with Commission of Industrial Relations and National Labor Relations Board proceedings. Ekeler has experience advising employers and representing management in litigation concerning discrimination, employee leave, ADA, wage and hour, and employee benefit plans. Pigsley and Ekeler both come to Woods & Aitken LLP from Harding & Shultz P.C., L.L.O. Since 1921, Woods & Aitken LLP has focused its practice of law on achieving long-term client success on local, regional and national levels. The firm provides legal services in over 15 different practice areas, including construction, telecommunications, banking and financial, business transactions, estate planning, bankruptcy, real estate, labor and employment, and personal injury. For more information, please call (402) 437-8500 or visit www.woodsaitken.com.

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MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Personnel News

NAI FMA Realty Announces Promotion of Doug Meier to Maintenance Engineer NAI FMA Realty has announced the promotion of Doug Meier to Maintenance Engineer. As maintenance engineer, Meier oversees all aspects of commercial facilities maintenance for Pine Lake Medical Plaza, a 154,000-square-foot medical office building; a 134,000-square-foot neighborhood retail center; along with an additional 180,000-square-feet of retail and office properties. Prior to joining NAI FMA in 2010 as a Maintenance Technician, he lived in Minnesota where he owned a business for 16 years and was involved for six years on the fire and rescue department. NAI FMA Realty is a locally-owned full-service commercial real estate firm within the NAI Global network providing client-focused solutions in the areas of brokerage, tenant representation, property management, facility maintenance, and contract coordination. To learn more, visit www.naifmarealty.com.

Wilderness Ridge Welcomes Murray and Smith Wilderness Ridge (wildernessridgegolf.com) is pleased to announce the additions Chris Murray as general manager and Kate Smith as marketing and communications manager. Murray brings with him more than 15 years of club management with a focus on food and beverage and restaurant operations. He has successfully served in leadership posts at The Army Navy Club, The Country Club of Fairfax and most recently at Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Va., where he oversaw all clubhouse operations. As general manager, Murray will lead Wilderness Ridge in all capacities; including golf, restaurant and private events. Smith, a Lincoln native, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and brings over eight years of marketing experience. Previously, she served in marketing roles in the software and banking industries. As marketing and communications manager, Smith will oversee the development and implementation of sales and marketing strategies, plans and programs.

Chris Murray

Kate Smith

Murray and Smith bring a fresh perspective to Wilderness Ridge. They will be working alongside the KemperSports team to expand food and beverage opportunities and create consistency among all aspects of the facility, all with a continued focus on guest service.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Wilderness Ridge, a KemperSports property, is open to the public and includes an 18-hole golf course designed by Jim White, a 9-hole executive course, an upscale-casual restaurant featuring steaks and seafood, as well as private banquet spaces for events of varying sizes, all in a rustic lodge setting. For reservations, call (402) 4345118 and for tee times, call (402) 434-5106.

Personnel News

Midwest Bank Promotes Travis Gunderson Midwest Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Travis Gunderson to Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending. Gunderson grew up in Northeast Nebraska and graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in Business Administration. He joined Midwest Bank in July of 2013 as a mortgage lender. He has over seven years of industry experience and will continue to focus on all aspects of mortgage lending, including purchases and construction, refinances and home equity loans. In addition to his experience in mortgage lending, Travis has completed the 2013 School of Banking Fundamentals and the 2014 School of Lending Principles. Midwest Bank, headquartered in Pierce, Nebraska, has ten bank locations in nine communities across Eastern Nebraska: Pierce, Pilger, Plainview, Creighton, Norfolk, York, Deshler, Wisner and Lincoln. Midwest Bank’s core mission is to build strong relationships with their clients through exceptional service, honesty and flexibility. For more information about Midwest Bank, call (402) 420-0560 or visit www.midwestbank.com.

HOME Real Estate Welcomes Two New Associates HOME Real Estate would like to welcome the following REALTORS to the company: Karen Heinzle to the Pine Lake office, and Heather Niemann to the Pioneer Greens office. These agents can now offer 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.

Karen Heinzle

HOME Real Estate, an affiliate of HomeServices of America, is the area’s leading real estate company 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.

Heather Niemann

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.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

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HELP US GET TO OLEY! Oley is a non profit foundation that focuses on parenteral and enteral nutrition. This year we will be exhibiting and sponsoring their event in Saratoga, New York. They provide support services to TPN and EN patients and resources. Your donation is crucial to maintain an adequate level of healthcare professionals for the future of gastrointestinal research & treatments.

Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. is hosting a live radio remote with KFRX on Saturday, May 9 from 1-3 p.m. at the Vine Street Location (4555 Vine Street). This is an opportunity for the community to meet and learn more about the partner agencies Goodwill works with. Donations to Goodwill help fund employment programs for individuals who face barriers to employment as well as other organizations’ employment programs, including Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lincoln Literacy, Community Justice Center, and YWCA Job Outfitters. Representatives from all of Goodwill’s partner agencies will be in attendance and give interviews on the radio. The event will also include free popcorn, face painting for kids, and a drawing for three $25 gift cards to Goodwill. This weekend is the 10 for $10 Clothing Sale at all Lincoln and York Goodwill locations as well! Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc.’s mission is willing workers employed and community resources maximized. The community can support Goodwill all year long by donating their gently-used items, shopping at Goodwill Stores and making taxdeductible financial donations. The sale of donated goods remains the greatest source of funding for programs Goodwill provides. Learn more at www.lincolngoodwill.org.

Driving Class Targets Safety of Teens Behind the Wheel The Nebraska Safety Council, in partnership with State Farm ® and Lincoln Public Schools, kicked off its Alive at 25 teen driver education course April 14 and 21 at Southwest High School. According to NeSC Executive Director Laurie Klosterboer, 21 teens lost their lives in 2014 in Nebraska due to motor vehicle crashes. “That’s almost two teens a month dying on our roads. Twenty-eight teens were drivers in crashes that resulted in a fatality. These tragedies are preventable,” Klosterboer said. Alive at 25 is a four-hour course that teaches about the effects of inexperience, peer pressure and distracted driving. The course encourages teens to join in nonthreatening, non-judgmental discussions – exploring how changing driver behavior makes personal, legal and financial sense.

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The Alive at 25 program would not be possible without the assistance of State Farm, she said, which provided a $20,000 grant for the Alive at 25 and Teen Driver Education programs.

THANK YOU

Klosterboer said the goal is to offer the program at all six LPS high schools beginning in the fall. For those interested in receiving information on the fall schedule, please email nesc@nesafetycouncil. org.

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Nebraska Safety Council is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership and resources to promote a safe and healthy environment in our workplaces, on our roads and in our homes and communities.

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Strictly Business MAY 2015

Non-Profit News 8th Annual Golf Tourney to Benefit Friendship Home This fun-focused, volunteer-coordinated golf event began in 2008 as a small group of people looking to raise money for a good cause. Each year, the tourney has grown, raising thousands of dollars for Friendship Home. This scrambleformat event is open to golfers of all abilities, the only prerequisite is a desire to have fun and give back to a great cause. The 2015 golf t o u r n ey w i l l take place on June 14th at HiMark Golf Course. Teams of 4 will play “best ball”. Check-in is from 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. shotgun start. There is a $225 team entry fee that includes lunch on the course. To register and for additional information, contact Amy Schlichting at (402) 560-3916 or amyschlichting@gmail.com. Deadline to enter is May 30th. Friendship Home provides safe shelter, support and advocacy for those who fall victim to domestic abuse. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302.

Concordia Forensics Team Earns Titles at Christian College Nationals The Concordia University, Nebraska forensics team earned the title of national champions in Reader’s Theater and earned a second place Individual Events Sweepstakes overall for Division III schools in the 18th annual Christian College Nationals at Colorado Christian University March 20-22.

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Individual speakers also had success at the national tournament. Students who placed at the event include: Marol Feickert, sophomore, Lawrenceville, NJ; Emily Kollbaum, sophomore, Concordia, MO; Melonie Kotschwar, junior, Seward, NE; Louvell Rogers, freshman, Lincoln, NE.

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Marol Feickert won the Novice Program of Oral Interpretation event and brought home second and sixth place wins in the Novice and Open Interpretation of Faith Literature categories, respectively. Emily Kollbaum and Melonie Kotschwar earned third place in Novice Duo Interpretation of Literature. As individual speakers in Novice Dramatic Interpretation, Kotschwar earned seventh place, Kollbaum earned fourth and Louvell Rogers earned third. The team competed against speakers from 22 other Christian colleges from around the country. Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, that currently serves more than 2,300 students. Concordia offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu. MAY 2015 Strictly Business SB ad 5-14.indd 1

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Non-Profit News

Support From Sowers Makes Rocket House a Reality The Sowers were formed in the 1930’s, and the organization has been active and involved in the community through a variety of events and projects since. Bethany Parade, The Star City Parade, Cornhusker State Games, Fourth Grade Foresters, and the Governor’s Conference are just a few of the local projects that the Sowers have been involved with. Recently the group made the decision to move forward in new projects to help promote their motto of “Making the lives of children and families in our community a little brighter.” Recently, the Sowers provided the seed money to start Rocket House. This program runs at Northeast High School after classes are dismissed for the day. It offers a “safe place” for children to interact. Tutors and resources are also available to help students with their homework. To date, this one of a kind organization in Lincoln will continue to donate to worthy groups and causes in and around Lincoln. Total donations are close to the $4 million mark. In addition, another $54,000 has been awarded to the community for scholarships. For more information about the Sowers Club, please visit www.thesowersclub.com or call (402) 438-2244.

SCOYF Clubs Support Nebraska Academic Decathlon

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The Star City Optimist Youth Foundation (SCOYF) members financially support and provide volunteer staffing for the December scrimmages, January Regional, and February State Finals of the Nebraska Academic Decathlon. Over 50 Nebraska high schools annually participate in this contest testing students’ knowledge in a variety of subject areas plus speeches and interviews surrounding an annual theme. Lincoln’s Pius X was the 2015 state winner and qualified for national competition. The Star City Optimist Youth Foundation (SCOYF) helps coordinate the joint activities of Lincoln’s Optimist Clubs with the goal of providing opportunities for success to youth. For more information, visit www. starcityoptimists.org.

New UNL Catholic Student Center Hosts Dedication Ceremony

The St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on the University of NebraskaLincoln campus, located at 16th & Q Streets, dedicated its new church April 12. In a separate ceremony, the attached Newman Center was blessed April 16. Ground was broken for the 650-seat church in July 2013. The structure replaces a 300-seat chapel that was filled to “standing room only” for each of the four Sunday Masses offered each week for Catholic students on campus. Construction of Newman Center and St. Thomas Aquinas Church is the second phase of a comprehensive expansion effort by the UNL Newman Center. The first phase included the construction of a 20,000-square-foot, 68-bed Phi Kappa Theta fraternity house, which was completed for the 2013-14 academic year. A final phase of the Newman Center’s expansion efforts will include the construction of a Catholic sorority house. Pi Alpha Chi Sorority was founded at UNL in 2013. The new 60,000-square-foot Newman Center – St. Thomas Aquinas Church provides increased ministry space, a social hall, classrooms, meeting rooms, offices and enhanced student technology services as well as the larger worship space. The new facility incorporates the most efficient geothermal mechanical systems currently available and is entirely accessible. A $25 million capital campaign was launched in July 2010 to fund the expansion efforts and will continue throughout construction.

Non-Profit News

Mark Your Calendar For Give To Lincoln Day on May 28th The Lincoln Community Foundation is excited to announce that this year’s Give To Lincoln Day will take place on May 28th. Give To Lincoln Day is a 24-hour event that encourages everyone to contribute to Lincoln and Lancaster County non-profit organizations through a single online giving platform. Online donations to participating Learn more and give online May 28th: charities will be accepted from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on May 28th via the website, www. www.GiveToLincoln.com GiveToLincoln.com. Donations made online during that 24-hour period will be updated inSponsored real time by onthe theLincoln online Community leader board. Foundation Donations may also be made in person by cash or check at the Lincoln Community Foundation office, located at 215 Centennial Mall, Suite 100, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Checks must be written to “Lincoln Community Foundation” with the nonprofit name specified in the memo line. Give To Lincoln Day is your chance to make a real impact on Lincoln’s quality of life. For more details and eligibility rules, please call (402) 474-2345 or visit www.GiveToLincoln.com.

U-Stop Raises $32,000 for MDA During Shamrock Drive U-Stop Shops, a division of Lincolnbased Whitehead Oil Company, recently presented a c heck for $32,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, according to company President Mark Whitehead. The donation was the result Pictured: Justin Coffman, U-Stop manager, of this year’s Shamrock D r i ve, a n a n n u a l 33rd & Cornhusker; Mark Whitehead, president Whitehead Oil Company/U-Stop Shops; fundraiser for MDA Ginger Chapin, manager U-Stop at 27th & Nebraska. It was the I-80 and Brian Makovicka, U-Stop South largest single donation Stores supervisor. Front row: Angie Connell, by the company since executive director, MDA Omaha and Bobbie 2007. Stephenson, U-Stop manager at 27th & E St. Whitehead presented the check to the MDA on March 24, and credited U-Stop customers with the success of the drive. Over the years, U-Stop customers have purchased approximately $170,000 worth of shamrocks. The money raised in Lincoln, Hickman, and Ashland helps send kids with muscular dystrophy to summer camp. Muscular dystrophy is an umbrella term for a number of diseases that cause progressive muscular weakness. The association funds research, clinics, summer camps, assists in the provision of wheelchairs and braces, and fosters professional and public health education. Whitehead Oil Company is a family-owned fuel retailer and wholesale supplier that has played an active role in making the community a better place to live since 1959. For more information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, visit www.mda.org. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Non-Profit News Proceeds From Football Camp Hosted by Husker Greats to Benefit TeamMates

HBAL Announces 2015 Spring Parade of Homes Tour Information

TeamMates thanks Will Compton for inviting current NFL players along with current and former “Husker Greats” to be a part of an exciting opportunity for future football leaders of Nebraska. The Will Compton Camps, LLC, will offer the Nebraska Football Leaders youth football camp for boys and girls entering 3rd through 8th grades. The instruction and inspiration for youth football enthusiasts will be provided by current NFL Players including Will Compton - Washington Redskins, Jason Ankrah - Houston Texans, Lavonte David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Niles Paul - Washington Redskins, Jeremiah Sirles - San Diego Chargers, Kenny Bell – 2015 Draft, and Josh Mitchell – 2015 Draft. Several former NFL players will be a part of the camps. The camps will take place June 22, 2015 at UNL Cook Pavilion and will feature a morning session for students entering grades 3-5 and an afternoon session for students entering grades 6-8. Lunch will be provided for students in the morning session; dinner will be provided for students in the afternoon session. Campers will have opportunities to have pictures taken with the players and opportunities to get autographs. The cost is $150 per student. Proceeds will be donated to the TeamMates Mentoring Program of Lincoln Public Schools. Registration is limited; for more information and to register call (402) 436-1990 or lincolnteammates.org.

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s annual Spring Parade of Homes is almost here. Once again, HBAL builders, trade contractors and suppliers have created wonderful homes for the public to tour. We are very fortunate here in Lincoln to have so many excellent craftsmen who take pride in their work. A new home can create options for sustainability, energy efficiency, new floor plans, added space or modern features. Interest rates are historically low, and we all know they can’t last. Now is the time to take the leap into the home of your dreams. The Parade is May 10-17 with 57 homes located in all areas of Lincoln, and it’s free to view the homes in the Parade. This year’s Parade will include homes in the following neighborhood developments: Fallbrook, Garden Valley, Regalton, Northbank Preserve, Prairie Village North, Cedar Cove, Harrison Heights, Waterford Estates, South Shore Townhomes, Prairie Creek Estates, Park Place Estates, Roose Place, Joshua’s Glen, Village Gardens, Thompson Creek, Village Meadows, Grand Terrace, Boulder Ridge, South Lake, and The Woodlands at Yankee Hill. Hours are weekdays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. Guidebooks are available at any open Parade home. The online flipbook will be available soon on the Home Builders Association of Lincoln’s web site, www.HBAL.org.

MBA WITH PURPOSE cune.edu/mba

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Non-Profit News WISB to Host Monthly Luncheon on May 13th Join Women in Sales and Business on Wednesday, May 13th for their monthly meeting, featuring a presentation on team building. Guest speaker Marianne Worthington is the founder of Work Warrior LLC, a company that helps organizations and non-profits build fearless, strong, and skilled teams. Work Warrior focuses on team, leadership, and process development.

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For over a decade Marianne has built teams that have exceeded benchmarks, saved client relationships, and increased sales. By focusing on the tangible aspect of team building she has helped teams make the seemingly impossible possible. She has a strong background in client services, training and developing, and process improvement. Marianne received her Master’s in Organizational Development from Avila in 2010. WISB meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Knoll’s. Lunch starts at 11:30 and the meeting begins at 11:55. Cost is only $16.50, which includes lunch—register online at www.wisblincoln. org. You can also prepay online—just go to the WISB homepage, scroll down to Monthly Meeting and click register! Please bring your PayPal receipt to the meeting for expedited check-in. Contact membership chairwoman Stacey Sell at (402) 937-8872 or info@wisblincoln.org for more information.

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INSPRO Insurance to Match Dollars Raised for Lincoln Soup Kitchen INSPRO Insurance is seeking your help in raising funds for The Gathering Place, a Lincoln-based soup kitchen operated by Community Action Par tnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties that serves nearly 30,000 to homeless and near-homeless populations each year. Throughout the month of May, INSPRO will match financial contributions made to The Gathering Place up to 25%. The goal of the campaign is to raise $20,000 to support The Gathering Place’s efforts to feed the children, adults, and seniors who face hunger in our community. “INSPRO has been such a dedicated supporter of The Gathering Place throughout the years,” said Vi See, Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties. “We are thrilled to partner with them in this way to raise money for such a critical need in our community.”

Stop by one of our three convenient locations today!

Donations can be made online at http://www.communityactionatwork. org by clicking the “Donate Now” button or, contributions may be mailed to Community Action, 210 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE 68508. Community Action is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015! Read about one way we are commemorating this milestone event by visiting: http://www.communityactionatwork.org/about/success_stories.html. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Non-Profit News SCC Co-Sponsoring 2015 Land Records and Genealogy Symposium

Tabitha Recruits Volunteers, Offers Training in May

The Southeast Community College Beatrice Campus and Homestead National Monument of America are once again sponsoring this year’s Land Records and Genealogy Symposium.

Tabitha, your answer for Elder Care, is pleased to offer a volunteer training for all individuals interested in contributing to the Tabitha Continuum of Elder Care Services. Volunteer opportunities are vast and can be tailored to meet individual interests and needs. Whether it’s an hour each month delivering a nutritious meal through Tabitha Meals on Wheels, playing bingo with Tabitha residents, comforting a Tabitha Hospice client or helping out with administrative tasks, Tabitha volunteering is the answer. Individuals interested in volunteering for general tasks with Tabitha can attend a volunteer orientation, offered on May 13, 10-11 a.m. and May 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m., on Tabitha’s main campus in Lincoln, 4720 Randolph St. Potential volunteers should complete an application prior to attending the orientation which can be found at www.Tabitha.org or by contacting Tabitha’s volunteer department at (402) 486-8563 or volunteers@ Tabitha.org. A special training for Tabitha Hospice volunteers will be held May 6, 5-8 p.m., May 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and May 13, 5-8 p.m. All sessions will be held on Tabitha’s main campus, 4720 Randolph St., and all sessions are required to receive hospice volunteer certification. Sign up by contacting Kadi Holmberg at (402) 486-8506 or Kadi.Holmberg@Tabitha.org.

Genealogy is a hot topic right now, so for persons interested in researching their family history, land records, or learning about the latest technologies being applied by genealogists, this conference is a must. The conference will feature renowned speakers from all over the nation, along with food, entertainment, vendors, and onsite help for all genealogy needs. SCC and Homestead National Monument of America have partnered once again to bring in professional genealogists to present a variety of topics and techniques that will enhance anyone’s genealogical research. The event takes place July 10 and 11 and will be held in the Truman Center on SCC’s Beatrice Campus, 4771 W. Scott Road. Registration is going on now. For more information or to register for the event, contact SCC’s Continuing Education Division at (402) 437-2700 or continuinged@ southeast.edu.

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Non-Profit News CBA Advisory Board Recognizes Top Business Leaders at Luncheon

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration held its Advisory Board A n n u a l Awa r d s Luncheon on Friday, April 10, at the Nebraska Champions Club. The awards honor the outstanding accomplishments of From left to right: Don Ham, BKD, LLP; Timothy business leaders and Wilson, BKD, LLP; Richard Callahan, founder corporations in the Callahan Advisory, LLC; Dr. Donde Plowman, state of Nebraska James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the and the world. UNL College of Business Administration; Wendy P a u l M e n d l i k , Birdsall, president, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, president of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau and Lincoln College of Business Partnership for Economic Development; and Paul Mendlik, CFO and treasurer, West Corporation. Administration Dean’s Advisory Board and chief financial officer and treasurer of West Corporation, and Dr. Donde Plowman, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business Administration, presented the awards to the recipients. The 2015 honorees included BKD, LLP, of Lincoln, Nebraska; Wendy Birdsall of Lincoln; Richard Callahan of Denver, Colorado; Angie Klein of New York, New York; and Tonn Ostergard of Lincoln. Klein and Ostergard were not able to attend and will receive their awards at the CBA Partnership Summit on October 9. Seventeen sponsors helped make the award luncheon possible. They included Ameritas; BKD, LLP; CDBykerk Consulting, LLC; ConAgra Foods; Cornerstone Bank; Cornhusker Bank; Deloitte; Lincoln Industries; Lozier; Midwest Steel Works, Inc.; Nelnet; Pinnacle Bank; Talent Plus; Union Bank & Trust; US Bank; Wells Fargo; and West Corporation.

Gifts Allow Pius X to Reward Teachers, Build Usage of Strengths Pius X High School is proud to announce that it has received two generous gifts to reward and support its faculty. The first donation provided a financial bonus to Pius X teachers, and the second gift enabled teachers to discover and build upon their Godgiven talents and natural abilities. An anonymous donor approached Pius X last fall with their intent to provide a gift to teachers. In February, the gift of more than $41,000 was funded and distributed to award each faculty member for their dedication to their students and for their service to Pius X High School. Pius X has 85 full or part-time certified faculty members who received a bonus check through the donor’s generosity. The second donation was provided at the start of the New Year when Dr. Courtney McCashland offered her expertise and business solution to Pius X’s administration to help build a strengths-based culture within its academic program. McCashland is the CEO of Strengths Research, a performance-based talent assessment and development company. After a session with McCashland which examined the results of the teachers’ individual strengths survey, Pius X teachers were provided a series of video workshops designed to help them learn to use their daily activities to identify their strengths and to focus their time on those activities for which they have the greatest passion, impact and fulfillment. To find out more about the Piux X Foundation, visit http:// foundation.piusx.net.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

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®.

Non-Profit News Register Today for 2015 Small Business Workshops Lincoln SCORE is pleased to partner with Southeast Community College (SCC) to present the “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” Workshop. Upcoming workshops are set for May 16th and June 20th from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Are you thinking of starting a business? Do you need a refresher on the basics of running a business? Lincoln’s SCORE Chapter is here to help with an information-packed workshop, led by experts in topics relating to starting and managing a small business. In cooperation with Southeast Community College and the Small Business Administration, this workshop covers: Business Planning, Financing, Sales/Marketing & Social Media, Practical Accounting, Legal Structures, Insurance Needs, NE Sales & Use Tax, Federal IRS Taxes, and Technology Usage. To register or for more information, please call Southeast Community College at (402) 437-2700.

Junior Achievement to Host Annual JA Golf Classic Contact us at 402-475-5030 or visit us on the web www.tcwconstruction.com

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Join Junior Achievement of Lincoln on Friday, June 12th for the annual JA Golf Classic. The JA Golf Classic will be played at HiMark Golf Course with a four-person scramble shotgun start at 10:00am. If your business is interested in becoming a Corporate Sponsor, Team Sponsor, or Hole Sponsor, please contact Jessica States, JA Senior Director, at jstates@jalincoln. org or (402) 467-4479. Funds raised at the annual Golf Classic go to support JA’s mission of promoting financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to nearly 24,000 students in southeastern Nebraska.

Matt Talbot Celebrates at Annual Dinner

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Strictly Business MAY 2015

Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach (MTKO) hosted its annual Feeding the Soul of the City dinner and fundraising event on March 26th at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Because of the generosity of the 55 corporate and individual sponsors, the 350 guests who attended, and the many who gave donations prior to the event, Matt Talbot raised a record setting gross amount of over $130,000. Compassion in Action awards were presented to Joyce Champoux and Southwood Lutheran Church. Since 1993 Joyce Champoux has faithfully served the working poor and homeless through her volunteer work at Matt Talbot. Southwood Lutheran Church does a tremendous amount of work in the area of hunger relief throughout the Lincoln community, along with organizing an annual Easter Egg Hunt at Matt Talbot and donating gift cards and other needed supplies. The congregation is an inspiration to many in all their outreach efforts both locally and abroad. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is a hunger relief and outreach center for those in need. Learn more at www.mtkserves.org.

Health News Women’s Clinic of Lincoln Now Offering 3D Mammography Women’s Clinic of Lincoln, PC is proud to offer patients 3D Mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, for breast cancer screening. 3D mammography is the latest in breast imaging technology and the Hologic Dimensions® 3-D system is the first and only clinically superior mammography imaging system to be approved by the FDA. This technology gives radiologists the ability to identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue. The 3D mammography experience is similar to a traditional 2D mammogram. There’s no additional compression required and it only takes a few seconds longer for each view. The exposure to x-ray energy remains very low and is well within the safety standards for mammography. By using this technology providers expect greater accuracy, earlier detection, fewer callbacks for additional imaging, and reduced false positives. The Mammography Department at Women’s Clinic of Lincoln is accredited through ACR and is committed to providing their patients with the latest technological advances in breast health. 3D mammography is another powerful tool in early detection of breast cancer and we hope all women will be inspired to learn more about the benefits of 3D mammography and early detection of breast cancer. To schedule an appointment or consultation, please contact Women’s Clinic of Lincoln at (402) 434-3370 or log on to www.womensclinicoflincoln.com to access your patient portal.

Win a Keurig From Nebraska Hearing Center Nebraska Hearing Center is celebrating Better Speech and Hearing month during May. To celebrate, Nebraska Hearing Center will be giving away a Keurig coffee maker. Just schedule an appointment f o r yo u r f r e e h e a r i n g evaluation. Upon completion of your evaluation, your name will be entered into a drawing for a Keurig coffee maker. Appointment times will fill up fast. Call (402) 486-3737 now for your free hearing evaluation. Nebraska Hearing Center is centrally located at 5625 O Street, Suite 104.

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Homestead Rehabilitation Recognizes Employees at Annual Celebration Homestead Rehabilitation Center, nationally recognized for commitment to quality, celebrated with employees at its Spring Fling on April 2nd at the Isles in Havelock. At the event, Homestead Rehabilitation then presented “Years of Service” awards for the 2014 year. Employees represent the Nursing Department unless otherwise noted. Five years: Kandace Adams, RN; Cody Bruggeman, Food Services; Ellen Hanthorn, Administration; Erihna Iohp, CNA; Joanna Lottman, CNA; Liliana Ramos, CNA; Victoria Teniente, CNA; and Kristina Watson, RN. Ten years: Teresa Dodd, LPN; Ledogo Edo, LPN; Amanda Maschman, CNA; Jane Kerl, PT, Rehabilitation; and Cindy Williams, LPN. Fifteen years: Robbin House, LPN; and Kami LaPage, Administration. Twenty-five years: Ann Lovercheck, Housekeeping. Homestead Rehabilitation created the TEAM Spirit Awards to annually recognize employees who consistently demonstrate the Homestead TEAM philosophy, summarized by: Trust change, Embrace respect and dignity, Achieve excellence and Motivate through optimism and love. There were six employees chosen to receive this highest honor for 2014: Christina Borowiak, CNA; Ashley Clark, PTA, Rehabilitation; David Foster, Housekeeping; Rana Schmidt, Food Services; Autumn Schwandt, Food Services; and Deb Watson, LPN. Homestead Rehabilitation Center offers short-stay rehabilitation in a new community, long-term extended care, memory support, respite and end of life care. Offering tours daily, Homestead is open for admissions and therapy seven days a week and is Medicare/ Medicaid certified and accepts VA. For more information, please call (402) 488-0977 or visit www.HomesteadRehab.com.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Health News Three UNMC College of Dentistry Students Win Awards at Professionals’ Day Three students took first place at the 29th annual Professionals Day and 48th annual Student Scientific Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln. The students received a total of $500 in cash awards at the program, which took place March 27. Professionals Day celebrates scholarly activities and provides students, faculty and the dental community an opportunity to share professional and academic activities. The scientific program highlights the academic achievements of the students and their research on topics concerning oral health. The annual event is held in the East Union on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. The cash awards were made possible through contributions from Dentsply, International College of Dentists, Lincoln District Dental Association, Nebraska Dental Association, Nebraska Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Alpha Lambda Chapter of Sigma Phi Alpha, the national dental hygienists’ honor society. Below is a listing of the winners and their research topics: Senior dental hygiene students Morgan Mowrey (Grand Island, NE) and Rachel Johanson (Lincoln, NE) – “The Effect of Probiotics on Streptococcus Mutans in the Oral Cavity.” Junior dental student Dave Duevel (Roseville, MN) – “Coated Nanoparticles and Polymer Molecular Weight - Effects on PDMS Properties.” Graduate student Chad Riggs (Orem, UT) – “Using Chemical Pocket Disinfection as an Adjunct to Non-surgical Maintenance Therapy of Inflamed Periodontal Pockets.”

Strictly Business MAY 2015

My Gym Lincoln Celebrates 3rd Anniversary, Now Registering for Summer Camps My Gym Children’s Fitness Center is proud to announce the recent celebration of its 3rd anniversary in Lincoln on April 2nd. My Gym Lincoln, located at 2755 Jamie Lane, Suite 4, is part of an extensive network of franchises that has been around since 1983, pioneering an extraordinary program and facility devised to help children 6 months thru 10 years of age develop physically, cognitively and emotionally. There are currently hundreds of locations in more than 30 countries offering structured, age-appropriate, weekly classes that incorporate music, dance, relays, games, special rides, gymnastics, sports and more. Children have loads of fun as they gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. State-of-the-art facilities, extensively trained staff, award-winning class programs, and excellent student/teacher ratios have earned My Gym the reputation as the best early learning program of its kind. Currently, My Gym Lincoln is gearing up for a big summer offering with unlimited classes and lots of fun summer camps. Sign up today to try a class absolutely free! For more information, please call (402) 802-9982 or visit www.mygym.com/lincoln.

Health News WELLCOM Celebrates Worksite Wellness in the Community

WELLCOM recently honored 26 organizations at the 2015 Excellence in Worksite Wellness Awards Luncheon, held on April 30th at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in La Vista. The Excellence in Worksite Wellness Awards Luncheon is held annually in conjunction with the Pathways to Wellbeing Symposium (www.pathwaystowellbeingsymposium.org). Awards were presented in three categories: Corporate Health and Productivity Management Award; Trek Up the Tower Corporate Team Champion Award; and the Governor’s Wellness Award. For more information about this year’s event, including a list of award recipients, visit www.elevatingwellness.org.

Denise Isaacson Opens Full Circle Psychiatric Services, LLC Did you know that more than 20 million people in the Unites States suffer from depression and/or anxiety each year? As discouraging as that may seem, there is hope and treatment is available. Deanne Isaacson, PA-C, is pleased to announce the opening of Full Circle Psychiatric Services, LLC located at 8101 O Street, Suite 118. Isaacson is a board-certified physician assistant committed to patientcentered care and team-based management, including strong physician supervision. She works closely with and has access to a local boardcertified psychiatrist. After earning her Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies from Union College, Isaacson obtained her Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has nearly 15 years of experience in psychiatry. She specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, and life issues for people of all ages. Isaacson provides psychiatric evaluations, medication management and brief psychotherapy and is currently accepting new patients. Most insurance providers are accepted; sliding scale and private pay options are also available. Lisa Riekenberg, LIMHP and Shane Crockett, LIMHP share the office with Deanne Isaacson and provide a variety of psychotherapy services. For more information, please call (402) 217-9098.

Lincoln Vision Center Announces Sunglass Sales Event On Wednesday, May 13, Lincoln Vision Center will hold a one-day Sunglass Sales Event. With the official start of summer coming soon, the Sunglass Sales Event is a great reminder about the importance of sun protection for the eyes – and a great opportunity for customers to save 30 to 50 percent off select brand name prescription and nonprescription sunglasses. While the Sunglass Sales Event runs all day May 13, the largest selection of designer sunglass frames will be available from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Customers are welcome to browse and try on styles from trendy to classic, as today’s sunglasses can be both functional and fashionable. Customers at the Sunglass Sales Event can also enjoy giveaways, popcorn, and refreshments. Fantastic prize giveaways include free sunglasses, polarized lenses, Salt Dog tickets, and much more. The Sunglass Sales Event is at Lincoln Vision Center, located at 651 N. 66th Street. Lincoln Vision Center is a state-of-the-art eye clinic offering full-scale optometric care. Lincoln Vision Center’s personalized, professional service uses the latest in eye care technology to provide care for patients of all ages, from infants through seniors. For more information, call Lincoln Vision Center at (402) 466-0165 or visit www.lincolnvisioncenter.com.

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Ask the Expert by Austin Weaver, DC 402-483-4409

www.HolmesLake.com

The Importance of Body Movement and Posture to our Health Did you know that having a good posture is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body? Numerous experts are now stating that posture is not just about looking good, but could be the key to better health. According to an article in the American Journal of Pain Management, “Posture affects and moderates every physiologic function from breathing to hormonal production.” Good Posture...just how important is it? Posture ranks right up at the top of the list when you are talking about good health. It is as important as eating right, exercising, getting a good night’s sleep and avoiding potentially harmful substances like alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Good posture is a way of doing things with more energy along with less stress and fatigue. Without good posture, you can’t really be physically fit. Surprised? Well, you’re not alone. The importance of good posture in an overall fitness program is often overlooked by fitness advisers and fitness seekers alike. In fact, the benefits of good posture may be among the best kept secrets of the current fitness movement. The good news is that most everyone can avoid the problems caused by bad posture...and you can make improvements at any age. Good Posture is Good Health We’re a health conscious society today and good posture is a part of it. Because good posture means your bones are properly aligned and your muscles, joints and ligaments can work as nature intended. It means your vital organs are in the right position and can function at peak efficiency. Good posture helps contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Without good posture, your overall health and total efficiency may be compromised. Because the long-term effects of poor posture can affect bodily systems (such as digestion, elimination, breathing, muscles, joints and ligaments), a person who has poor posture may often be tired or unable to work efficiently or move properly. Even for younger people, how you carry yourself when working, relaxing or playing can have big effects. Did you know that just fifteen minutes reading or typing when using the wrong positions exhausts the muscles of your neck, shoulders and upper back? Lifestyle Tips for Lifelong Good Posture • Keep your weight down - excess weight, especially around the middle, pulls on the back, weakening stomach muscles. • Develop a regular program of exercise - regular exercise keeps you flexible and helps tone your muscles to support proper posture. • Buy good bedding - a medium to firm mattress will support the spine and help maintain the same shape as a person with good upright posture. • Pay attention to injuries from bumps, falls and jars - injuries in youth may cause growth abnormalities or postural adaptations to the injury or pain that can show up later in life. • Have your eyes examined - a vision problem can affect the way you carry yourself as well as cause eyestrain and neck fatigue. • Be conscious of where you work - is your chair high enough to fit your desk? Do you need a footrest to keep pressure off your legs? Try a standing desk, it allows for movement and increased function. • Straighten Up and Stay Healthy! Wouldn’t you love to have less pain and stiffness, more energy, and an increased ability to move about your surroundings? If you feel that you could benefit from improving you posture and movement, Chiropractic is what you need. Chiropractors are specifically trained and specialize in spinal alignment and proper posture. Their expertise can help guide you when setting up proper ergonomics at work or at home to reduce the stress on your body. Holmes Lake Chiropractic offers a free consultation for those who may have a few more questions. Feel free to get a hold of us by e-mail at aweaver@holmeslake. com or by phone at (402) 483-4409. We look forward to hearing from you and working toward your improved health!

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Approximately 95% of disabilities are caused by illnesses rather than accidents.* *Council for Disability Awareness, Long-Term Disability Claims Review, 2011

May is Disability Insurance Awareness month. Are you covered? To learn more, join us on Tuesday, May 12 from 7-8 am at The Egg & I, 70th and A Street

CALL 402-817-4282 TO REGISTER! Jason Peplinski, Vice President, FP Wealth Management, Inc Jason Peplinski is securities licensed through Investacorp, Inc., a registered broker dealer member Â FINRA,Â SIPC. Jason Peplinski is also advisory licensed through Investacorp Advisory Services, Inc. a SEC registered investment advisory firm. 52

Strictly Business MAY 2015

Client Spotlight

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Choose Your Drea m Home.

Based in Omaha, Legacy Homes is the largest custom home builder in Nebraska and recently expanded into Lincoln in January of 2015. Legacy offers over twenty floor plans, ranging from 1,038 square feet to over 3,700 square feet. In addition, Legacy offers a state-of-the-art Design Studio where there are hundreds of different options and selections at your fingertips, and are all conveniently located under one roof. The Design Studio is the only one of its kind in Nebraska, and is sure to impress. Moving into a brand new Legacy Home, you will appreciate the low maintenance, low utilities, and ease of ownership. Legacy also offers a one year builder’s warranty for added peace of mind. With many styles and sizes of homes that are all fully customizable, you can make a Legacy house into a home that is uniquely yours.

Who are the owners/important executives at Legacy Homes? Allen Grimes, Scott Kinkaid, Steve & Rob Champoux and Peter Katt came together to start Legacy Homes. With them comes over 75 years of combined experience in new home construction. What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? Legacy Homes is committed to offering customers more choices than any other new home builder. This includes more choices in communities, floor plans, options, and custom changes. Legacy’s state-of-the-art Design Studio is sure to impress with a high level of technology, thousands of options, and Design Specialists to assist customers in designing their dream home. Legacy is also committed to energy efficiency. A new Legacy home is twice as efficient as a home built to standard building codes. With 2x6 exterior walls, high efficiency furnace, energy efficient windows, a thorough sealing of the building envelope are all things that

contribute to the overall efficiency of a new Legacy home. Every Legacy home is tested by a third-party energy auditor and a Home Energy rating is provided on every home.

What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with? Legacy Homes is a proud member of National Association of Home Builders, Home Builders Association of Lincoln, Metro Omaha Builders Association, Realtor Association of Lincoln, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, and the Better Business Bureau. What do you like about doing business in Lincoln? Our customers, as they are the primary focus of Legacy’s business. Legacy also has many great vendors, lending partners, and land development partners in the area who all come together to bring a terrific product to our customers.

Legacy has lots available in all quadrants of Lincoln and can help you create your Legacy today. All are welcome to stop in and visit the model complex located at 1145 Humphrey Avenue where you can view three different styles of beautiful, fully furnished model homes. Model hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 1-6 p.m. and Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-4 p.m. For more information, please call (402) 884-3202 or visit www.LegacyHomesLincoln.com. Create YOUR Legacy.

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Client Spotlight

Steve Holzwarth

Individualized Weight Loss That Lasts Profile by Sanford is a comprehensive weight management

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business program designed by Sanford Health physicians and scientists as a that most people don’t know? simple, effective and sustainable solution. The program utilizes a Profile was developed by a team of physicians and scientists at Sanford Certified Profile Coach and offers integrated complementary Health out of Sioux Falls, SD. Sanford is the largest not-for-profit technology to directly connect the coach and the member throughout rural healthcare facility in the U.S. with over 26,000 employees and their journey. Clinical and scientific protocols have been designed 1,300 physicians. to assist the coach in implementing an individualized plan for each What has been your most important achievement as a business? member. The plan is designed with a focus on nutrition, activity and Being able to help several people in the Lincoln area on their weight lifestyle adaptations required for short- and long-term success. loss journey. It has been so rewarding to see how many people we Located at 7121 Pioneers Blvd, Suite 130, the first Profile by have helped live a healthier lifestyle in less than a year. Sanford location in Lincoln opened its doors in July of 2014. It is the 15th franchise location nationally and is locally owned and operated What was the biggest turning point in your business? by Steve Holzwarth in partnership with his father, whose success story The start of 2015. It was a combination of having 5+ months in the of losing close to 70 lbs. over the course of eight months with Profile community spreading the word about our company and many Lincolnites having weight loss or a healthier lifestyle as their new inspired them to bring the franchise to Lincoln. Give us a brief synopsis of what your year’s resolution. company does. We are a weight management company that tailors individualized weight loss programs to each of our members based on their height, weight, goals and lifestyle. Each member meets 1 on 1 with one of our certified health coaches each week and goes over their plan to make sure it is working safely and effectively for them and fits into their lifestyle.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? The fitness and wellness industry has expanded so much in the past few years. With companies focusing on health care we felt this is the perfect time to enter the Lincoln market and assist with businesses’ wellness programs in Lincoln and the surrounding area.

What do you see happening with the business in the next five years? Our vision is to open one or two more locations in Lincoln. We hope What do you think makes you different from other companies to make the Lincoln community happier and healthier. similar to yours? Is there anything else you’d like to highlight What sets us apart from our competitors is our personal about Profile by Sanford? accountability. We offer 1 on 1 coaching as well as the most Profile is affordable. A membership is typically up to date technology. We want to make sure our members are $300 for a year. A membership includes 1 on maintaining and sustaining their weight. If they reach their goal 1 coaching each week with a certified health weight after 2 months, we are there for the remaining 10 months coach as well as a SMART scale that syncs (if not longer) to make sure they are maintaining that goal weight. wirelessly to your router at home. We partner with businesses (no cost to the business). All that What do you like about doing business in Lincoln? entails is us coming to the business to educate their employees I love that Lincoln is such a tight knit community. The members that are on the plan do a great job of spreading the word of our about Profile. Being an employer partner allows the employees to sign up at ½ off a membership ($150) and 20% off our product in business and how well it has worked for them. the store. We are a great addition to businesses wellness programs What kind of community organizations/groups are you that they have in place. involved with? We are a part of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce as well as a BNI chapter. We also attend several networking gatherings in Lincoln as well. Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement? We are dedicated to the work of health and healing.

www.ProfilePlan.net (402)-858-9356

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

It’s that time again – school is almost out and the summer schedules are in the midst of being planned. If you are still looking for the perfect fit, not to worry; we’ve highlighted a few excellent opportunities in Lincoln that are perfect for kids to get involved in this summer! Formerly known as Conservatory of Contemporary Dance, Lincoln DanceCentre recently announced its new name as well as the upcoming summer line-up of programming. The studio is under the same ownership and with the same faculty Lincoln has come to expect excellence from. “We are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this summer, so we decided to honor that milestone with some updates to the business that reflect not only what we’ve been for the community already, but what we want to be for Lincoln in the future,” explains Sarah Brown, co-owner of Lincoln DanceCentre. Lincoln DanceCentre’s summer classes include something for every age. “For younger or beginning to low-intermediate level students, we have ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, jazz, and creative movement,” she further advises. “Older or more upper-level intermediate and advanced students who participate in our 4 week intensive program have the opportunity to take ballet, pointe, classical variations, improvisation, repertory, modern, jazz, and contemporary; as well as attend lecture sessions about important dancerelated topics such as injury prevention and Sarah Brown nutrition. Lincoln DanceCentre’s teaching staff Lincoln DanceCentre is the best in the city year-round, but in the TM summer we offer students exposure to amazing guest faculty. This ranges from current and former professional dancers to local experts in fields of physical therapy, sports nutrition and wellness. Our faculty has the credentials and experience to provide every student with safe, effective dance training in a fun, positive environment. Whether it’s a child’s first experience dancing or not, our teachers will meet them at their level and provide the guidance needed to help them learn the most they can and feel confident while doing it. Not only that, but dancing is an excellent form of physical exercise that assists children of all ages in improving muscular strength, balance, Mon-Thurs 10-8 • Fri-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5 agility, coordination and body awareness. 48th & Vine • PlayItAgainSportsLincoln.com • 402.483.7447 In preparation for the classes, it is important for parents to note that Lincoln DanceCentre has a dress code for all levels and styles of dance. Just as any athlete is required to have appropriate equipment and apparel on the field or court, dancers should be in appropriate footwear and body wear to help them perform their best in the studio. Fortunately, you can outfit your dancer at a very reasonable cost with items from Lincoln’s local dance shoe and clothing retailers. Parents can feel good that the time and money they invest for their student at Lincoln DanceCentre is well worth it; our classes are not only reasonably priced but of the highest quality. They will be assured that the experience puts their kids in contact with the best teachers who are working every day to foster self-esteem and increase physical fitness. We also have very comfortable waiting areas in each studio so parents can feel free to stay and observe their child’s classes. The studio offers access to free Wi-Fi as well.” She adds, “For any physical activity, parents should choose their child’s teacher/coach/trainer just as carefully as they would choose their child’s doctor—even if it’s just for a summer or to try something for the first time. Growing bodies and minds can easily be injured, so it’s worth the time to do a little extra research to find professionals who are highly skilled in their field to work with your child. If possible, schedule a time to observe a class or training session before you commit to enrollment. That way you’ll be able to see how the teacher or coach interacts with their students and get a better understanding of whether or not their personality and methods would be a good fit for your expectations and the goals your students has. Our goal is provide every student with a summer experience that will help them grow in both their skills and knowledge of dance.” Harris Academy of the Arts is yet another wonderful place in Lincoln where children are exposed to learning experiences within the fine arts. “We are continuing to offer a variety of classes and camps for kids this summer,” says Vicki Harris, owner of Harris Vicki Harris Harris Academy Academy of the Arts. “Piano students can

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participate in classes ranging from the introductory level all the way through performance practice. Additionally piano students can benefit from a duet class where students will learn how to play duets on one piano. Those with vocal interest who still can’t get enough of belting out ‘Let it Go’ throughout their house can partake in Treble Makers: Frozen in June for ages 7-12 years. Another new camp offered at Harris Academy of the Arts this summer is our Rock Band Camp – a week-long camp where middle school and high school students with talents in guitar, voice, keyboard, drums, and bass can come together to rock and roll! Additionally, we offer varied classes based on improvisation skills, jazz history classes, a Korean music and culture class, as well as a theatre camp. Children who participate in any of our summer offerings will benefit in many ways – those who already have music experience will keep their knowledge fresh during the break from school, and those new to music will enjoy a fun, new experience! Harris Academy of the Arts will be offering a special course for parents entitled, ‘How to Talk so Kids Will Listen.’ This workshop is tailored to help communicate more effectively with children. Call us today at (402) 423-7121 to find out more about all of the options we have to offer. Some classes, whether at Harris Academy of the Arts or elsewhere, only accept a limited amount kids for enrollment. Parents will have a better chance of acquiring their desired classes earlier, rather than waiting until a week or two before the class is scheduled to start. It is also important to keep in mind that with the classes that we offer, parents should be prepared to hear music throughout the home!” She adds, “Keeping children engaged in the summer months is important, whether it’s through music, sports, or continuing education – the summer months can’t be wasted sitting inside wondering what to do. Our summer camps encourage socialization, allow for learning in a variety of instrument and curriculum types and appeal to a wide variety of interests.” Linda Birkes-Lance, Executive Director of Bright Lights, offers the following information about their summer programming for 2015: “Bright Lights is dedicated to offering unique, motivating, hands-on learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Our classes are designed with fun in mind allowing imaginations to soar. With more than 120 classes, our students may select from science, math, fine arts, technology, and engineering. The classes are geared to current interests at different age levels and are directed by Linda Birkes-Lance passionate, qualified teachers. To bring the Bright Lights subject matter to real life, teachers collaborate with professionals including doctors, lawyers, journalists, and actors. The teachers’ own curiosity and skills in the subjects make the classes fun and engaging for everyone in the classroom. At Bright Lights, students are encouraged to experiment, explore, and imagine beyond the traditional classroom. Through hands-on activities, our classes for grades K through 9 provide students with opportunities to learn, invent, and create, plus make new friends. We don’t just have students. We have pirates sailing the seven seas, scientists digging for DNA, and artists discovering hidden talents. Our half-day classes and full-day camps offer a learning adventure awaiting kids’ exploration. Parents are amazed at the excitement and enjoyment our students share during their week-long sessions. Bright Lights provides opportunities for exploration in areas that typically are not available in traditional classrooms. For the convenience and time flexibility of parents, we offer additional supervised care times at Randolph Elementary; Before Care from 7:30 to 9 a.m. costs $15 and Lunch Care from 12 to 1 p.m. is $10 with students bringing their own lunch. Additionally, we offer need-based scholarships and free busing from selected Lincoln Public Schools buildings to make Learning Adventures accessible. The following are some of our new classes this summer: Pedal Power (Grades 3-7) – collaboration with UNL Rec Center. Edible Engineering (Grades 6-8 part of International Program) and Build n’ Bust a Bridge (Grades 4, 5, 6) – both classes focus on engineering design. Edible Engineering will have competitions where

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they build/race cars using food items. The Bridge class will construct a bridge and have a competition to see which design can withstand the most weight before it collapses. Sketch This! (Grades 4, 5, 6) and Weaving In and Out (Grades 4, 5, 6) – both fine arts classes Map-Tastic (Grades 3, 4, 5) – Use Google Earth to investigate the world and then recreate the world you discover with plants, animals, home and landscape. Robotics: Lego Mindstorm EV3 (Ranges from 3rd-8th grade) – Newest Legos assist students in learning about programming and building robots. Students who participate in high-quality expanded learning opportunities, such as Bright Lights, have been shown to demonstrate: • Better work habits • Stronger task persistence and self-efficacy • Improved pro-social behavior with peers • Greater gains in academic (402) 802-9982 mygym.com/lincoln and behavior outcomes • Narrowed gap in math achievement (Lowe Vandell, Deborah. The Achievement Gap is Real. (2013) Statewide Afterschool Networks.) The main program site for our classes is Randolph Elementary School, 1024 S. 37th St., with the remaining classes held at various sites around Lincoln. With engaging curriculum and class topics, students are challenged in these expanded learning opportunities to connect with other students who share a common excitement for the topic. Bright Lights provides students the opportunity to focus on their talents, strengths and interests in summer classes that make the most of their out-of-school time.” With more options to remain sedentary without the continuous flurry of motion during the school year, it’s essential for kids to continue to take advantage of opportunities to stay active throughout the summer months. “It is important to keep your kids active, not just during the summer but all year long, whether it be structured activities or letting them run around outside. It is also important to be conscious of the amount of ‘screen time’ your children are getting and try and limit it to less than one hour a day,” advises Marian Pegler, owner of My Gym Children’s Fitness Center. “At our facility we offer age appropriate structured classes for children, open gym times, birthday parties, camps and even Parents’ Night Out. For children under the age of 3 the class is structured with parent Marian Pegler participation and for those over 3, the children are in a class on their own. Children have loads of fun as they gain My Gym Children’s strength, balance, coordination, agility and flexibility while developing social skills, confidence and self-esteem. During Fitness Center our summer camps, children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, arts and crafts, music and so much more. Each three hour camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Our themes and programs change daily, and this summer we have added new activities to the camps, so no two camp days at My Gym are ever the same. Moreover, parents whose children are enrolled in classes and camps at my gym get the benefit of knowing their children are staying active while they are having fun. Our goal is to be a partner to parents, helping them to promote a healthy lifestyle and modeling that to the youth who attend our programming over the summer months.” Bowling is another great way for kids to stay active and engaged throughout the summer months. “At Sun Valley, we offer two free games a day in the summer for kids ages 5 – 15 that are signed-up for the Kids Bowl Free program (www.kidsbowlfree.com/sunvalley),” explains Brian Kleinknecht, Operations Manager at Sun Valley Lanes. “There is no cost to sign-up and the bowling is absolutely free! Parents can purchase a family pass, which allows them to bowl with the kids all summer as well, for as little as $19.95! We also offer free youth bowling lessons as well as youth and youth-adult leagues. The youth-adult leagues are unique because parents can participate on the same team as their child, unlike other youth sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, or football. One youth league we are offering even includes a free trip to Worlds of Fun for every league member at the conclusion of the season! Furthermore, we are just putting the finishing touches on a $600,000 remodel that includes a new arcade and prize redemption center. With over 20 new cutting-edge arcade games and thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes, parents can now make Sun Valley Lanes their one-stop destination for FUN this summer! For our customers’ convenience, we are Brian Kleinknecht operating a cashless and ticketless system. Cash can be loaded onto a reloadable ‘Fun Card’ and tickets awarded from Sun Valley Lanes games are credited to the card automatically. All you have to do is load, swipe, and play; our system does the rest!” He also advises, “Start seeking out plans for the summer now. Before you know it, June will be here, the kids will be out of school, and you will be scrambling to make plans at the last minute. Register for bowling leagues now at www.sunvalleylanes.com and we’ll contact YOU ahead of time to remind you that they are starting. Let the kids get out, be active, and have FUN this summer without breaking the bank. Seek out options that are fun and inexpensive, like the Kids Bowl Free program, and give your kids a summer to remember.” So as you can see, there’s absolutely no reason for kids to stay cooped up in the house this summer when there are so many fun, engaging opportunities take advantage of! With a little bit of planning and the assistance of local resources offering excellent summer activities for kids, there will be enough going on to keep your children active, healthy and social while continuing to learn and be exposed to new experiences in a fun environment--even while they are enjoying a much-needed summer break!

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This month we will be celebrating and paying tribute to the finest ladies in our lives on Sunday, May 10th, and the tradition of finding a “more perfect” Mother’s Day gift than the last is alive and well for most. This may sound like it’s a challenge but rest assured there are so many great ways to treat women of all ages that can easily be found all across town.

Boutiques, Boutiques, Boutiques! Boutique shopping is particularly great for Mother’s Day gifts because of all of the unique finds each has to offer! Always on-trend because the buyers for our local boutiques generally hand pick the items they will carry from the most popular markets all over the United States, they bring the best of each season back to us here in Lincoln and currently have the latest in spring fashion available with plenty of new colors and looks for the season. You may not necessarily want to go for the items that are size specific, and that’s no problem either; most carry a great selection of scarves, belts, hats, hair accessories, purses, clutches, wallets, cosmetics or perfume, home décor items…the list goes on and on! “If you are stuck on gift ideas this year, perhaps you may just treat her to a shopping trip on Mother’s Day or have her fill out a wish list at a local boutique,” advises Cherie Travis, owner of Rachel’s Boutique. “Each year we carry a Pandora Mother’s Day bracelet set as well as exclusive charms that can be added to an existing bracelet, or you could create your own charm bracelet too. You could also get her a matching set of jewelry, sunglasses and a handbag from Brighton’s signature line. In fact, through May 10th if you purchase a Brighton necklace and bracelet the matching earrings are free! All Pandora Mother’s Day gift sets and new mother’s day charms for 2015 are available right now, and gift wrap is always free. But if you just don’t know what she really wants this year, gift certificates always do the trick—in addition to our nice selection of jewelry and accessories, we have spring and summer clothing arriving daily.” “What I find to be especially great for mothers this year is that comfort is in!” adds Kathy Hagge, owner of The Nines. “Flowy tops and skinny jeans that can also be folded up to create different looks remain on-trend among the new spring fashions, in addition to a nice pop of color and the lighter fabrics that are notorious for appearing with the arrival of spring. Kimono-style tops and dresses are being re-defined for spring, and nothing is better than a cute spring dress or a fun, Kathy Hagge comfortable pair of shorts. We have so The Nines many items at The Nines right now that are stylish AND comfortable—you just can’t beat that! We take great pride in offering our customers a selection of items that are figure flattering, fit comfortably, and are unique and fashion forward. As such, my recommendation is to treat your mom to a shopping trip to The Nines with a gift certificate for Mother’s Day. We are currently offering a Mother’s Day special too--as we are all about dressing to “The Nines”, we are adding 19% to the amount of any gift certificate sold until Mother’s Day. This is not only perfect for treating mom to some shopping time (you could even plan to tag along and spend some time together!), but it also works out well for the last minute shoppers out there. We look forward to helping you treat the important ladies in your life this Mother’s Day!”

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beautiful piece of jewelry from a loved one. There are plenty of choices when it comes to jewelry; from gemstones, settings, and different designer lines to the varying styles of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches and even other types of beautiful accessories that are sold in local jewelry stores. As previously mentioned, charm bracelets are a very popular Mother’s Day gift too. With jewelry, consider something that has personal meaning and/or has a Mother’s Day theme. This would include jewelry set with the birthstones of her children, or possibly jewelry that incorporates the words Mom, Mother or Grandmother. Within the variety off themed jewelry, you can also find pretty pendants and other pieces of jewelry shaped into people that represent mothers and families. These are just a few ideas--don’t let it limit you because pretty jewelry of any kind is generally a great gift to give! Jewelry stores also have a selection of jewelry available in a wide range of different price points, so no matter your budget, you will still be able to find a quality piece that is sure to be among the highlights of her special day. However, with so many options the best way to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift is to stop into one of our reputable local jewelry stores (A.T. Thomas Jewelers and Sartor Hamann Jewelers are our top picks) and check out the selection for yourself!

Treat Her to Specialty Sweets For the ladies who are notorious for having a serious sweet tooth, cupcakes or other fancy goodies will always do the trick very nicely. Well known for their creativity and signature recipes, Cupcakes and more… offers plenty of gourmet sweets that are fresh baked daily and can also be customized for the special ladies you want to treat this Mother’s Day. You can choose from plenty of specialty flavors of cupcakes (of course!) in three different sizes, as well as cakes, cake balls, cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries, cookies, brownie Regina Henson shots—Cupcakes and more… can turn any Cupcakes and more… vision into a reality! They are also open seven days a week, making it easy to stop by on-the-go and grab a few last minute sweets to celebrate the occasion. Special orders can be placed by phone, via the website, or in the store at 5700 Old Cheney Road, Suite 2. “All moms are invited to stop in and enjoy a free regular size cupcake on Mother’s Day, our treat!” adds Regina Henson, owner of Cupcakes and more…

Professional Pampering Just as important as gift items, services that make you look and feel pretty are at the top of the list of great gifts for Mother’s Day. “Our massages and facials are very popular for Mother’s Day, so as always we will offer package deals (through May 10th) where the two are combined with a nice discount,” says Ashley Pavlish, owner of Body Nouveaux Spa. “However, new this year we will be offering a special Image Skincare Credit too! Your mom will not only Ashley Pavlish be pampered, but she will also go home Body Nouveaux Spa with a FREE gift! You can find out more details on our website, www.bodynouveauxspa.com. We are the only providers of our Suddenly Slender Body Wraps in Lincoln, which are also very popular this time of year. Additionally, we offer our own spray tan formula called Tan Nouveaux, which isn’t available anywhere else in Nebraska. These gifts are perfect for a mini spring makeover and getting swimsuit-ready for the summer, which is right around the corner! We sell our gift certificates at the spa or you can purchase them online. Purchasing online is easy and very convenient, saves you a trip and some time, and you can easily print them out

from your home or office.” She adds, “If your mom is anything like mine, she gives and gives and doesn’t ask for anything in return. So when it’s my turn to give her something special, I try to think of something that she wouldn’t normally spend money on for herself. At Body Nouveaux, we love treating moms to services that have them walking out the door looking and feeling amazing!” Ciao Bella Aesthetics & Permanent Cosmetics also offers plenty of services that mothers will love; the most popular among women include the O2 Lift, Ormedic Lift, Signature Face Lift™, and the Lightening Lift Peel ™. O2 LIFT -- Luxurious facial treatments infusing oxygen, plantderived stem cells, peptides and a high concentration of enzymatic botanicals that absorb into the skin--leaving it luminous, refreshed and rejuvenated. ORMEDIC LIFT -- A blend of papaya, pineapple, and mango, this non-chemical peel naturally rebalances, regenerates, and restores your skin using organic ingredients with medical effectiveness.

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SIGNATURE FACE LIFT™ -- Ciao Bella’s signature, results-driven skin treatments will change the image of your skin in just one session. Vitamin C, Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids, and gentle yet effective enzymes speed up cellular turnover lightening, tightening and brightening all skin types; even Rosacea and sensitive skin. LIGHTENING LIFT PEEL™ -- Highly effective facial treatments blending lactic and kojic acids with a cocktail of lightening agents to reduce pigmentation and the redness caused by Rosacea. So why consider giving your mom some pampering this Mother’s Day, aside from the relaxing benefits? Regardless of your age, if you want your skin to look its very best you need to consider regular monthly facials. A facial does for your skin what exercise does for your body. It keeps it in tip top shape. By sloughing, buffing, hydrating, clearing and nourishing on a professional level your skin will always look radiant and beautiful.

this Mother's Day

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Seeking out a highly trained professional esthetician is like hiring a personal trainer for your skin. Your esthetician is there to offer you important advice about how your skin is influenced by diet, exercise, sun, stress and other lifestyle choices that affect the health and look of your skin. Having a facial also offers a relaxing, destressing point of refuge where one can melt into luxury. As a mother it doesn’t get much better to take a little time out from Erica Lee the daily grind to lie down on a superbly Ciao Bella Aesthetics & comfortable bed with low lighting, soothing Permanent Cosmetics music and the soft sounds of waves rolling up onto the shore. When the door closes, all of the cares and worries you came in with are left on the other side of that facial room door. “Every service I provide is designed around the woman I am working with,” explains Erica Lee, owner of Ciao Bella. “While ensuring the health of your skin, it also offers the opportunity to relax and de-stress. As a mother I know it can be especially difficult to take that important ‘me time,’ but 30 to 60 minutes a day that is focused on you will truly help to keep your life in balance. Furthermore, if you feel good about yourself you will project that into the world around you!”

Handle the House Cleaning All of the mothers out there are generally the ones who are the most deserving of a respite from their normal household duties. So this year, consider giving the gift of house cleaning services. You’ll not only be giving her the gift of time to do something she really would

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rather be doing, but she’ll be refreshed when she returns to her professionally cleaned home! You could choose to set up a one-time cleaning or several appointments to get a regular schedule going; there are a variety of different options to choose from. It’s definitely a thoughtful way to give her a break to get out and enjoy a day to herself or spend precious time with her family making memories instead of being stuck inside cleaning! “Mother’s Day is about showing your Crystal Patzel appreciation for the mother in your life and Crystal Clean Housekeeping her hard work all year long,” expresses Crystal Patzel, owner of Crystal Clean Housekeeping. “Being a mother is tough. All of the cooking, cleaning, running errands, diaper changing, bedtime stories, grocery shopping, need I continue? One day a year is dedicated to us showing the mothers in our lives just how much we care. The gift of professional house cleaning provides one less task for mom to check off her list without having to scrub those toilets herself. And we’ve found from experience that all of our ‘mom’ clients really appreciate this.

Mothers Day

We are currently offering gift certificates for 10% off during the month of May. You tell us what cleaning services your mother would like and we will provide your personalized gift certificate to you at 10% off of our regular price for those services. Feel free to call or email us for more details!” She adds, “When you are out shopping for the mother in your life, remember to think about them as an individual. Some moms love flowers or chocolates while others would prefer a free babysitter for a night or a day at the spa. Don’t just grab the first thing you see while out grocery shopping! Take the time to really show your appreciation with a heartfelt gift.”

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Finally, many of us are looking forward to gathering together with our loved ones to celebrate Mother’s Day. If you’re looking for a special place to spend time together that doesn’t require much work on your end, you’re probably not alone. Considering that Mom is excluded from doing any of the work on this particular day, it might be wise to leave the hosting up to professionals at a local venue who will be working hard to make sure Mother’s Day is a memorable occasion for their guests. After all, treating your mom, or many times the entire family, to a fabulous dining experience is a great way to spend Mother’s Day together. There are plenty of excellent local restaurants in Lincoln, with a healthy mix of established venues that are classic favorites as well as newer spots that you may be dying to try out. As it’s a very busy day in the restaurant industry, make sure to call ahead and make a reservation or plan the events of your day accordingly.

No matter what you choose to present to the special mothers who you know and love this year to show your appreciation for all that they do, it all comes down to the well-known saying, “It’s the thought that counts.” With so many excellent options, there’s sure to be something perfect out there for every lady on your list. We wish all of the lovely mothers out there a wonderful, blessed Mother’s Day—you truly have made our world a better place and we are thankful to have you all in our lives!

Dual Diagnosis Outpatient Treatment When it comes to maintaining good health, there’s a lot of information out there. As we keep progressing Individual, Family & Group Therapy towards our understanding of what it means to be healthy and how that looks different for each individual, EMDR Therapy important advances are being made every single day. It’s important for women of all ages to stay current on health issues affecting them, as well as the resources that are available to support their continued good Call for a FREE health and wellbeing. consultation Diet and Exercise 402-486-1101 www.bhr-llc.com The proper diet and regular exercise—or lack thereof—makes a major difference in our overall health. There are many ways to ensure that you are on the right track; it’s all a matter of finding the best fit for your lifestyle and goals. One of the great resources in Lincoln, Profile® by Sanford is a simple, effective and sustainable weight loss program to encourage and promote overall health and wellbeing. Brenda Rohren “Under the direction of our certified coaches, we promote the areas of nutrition, M.A., MFS, LIMHP, LADC, MAC activity and lifestyle for the overall healthy success of each member,” explains Steve Holzwarth, owner of the Profile® by Sanford franchise in Lincoln located at 70th and Pioneers. “This can have substantial positive effects in numerous areas of women’s health such as blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes amongst other areas. Steve Holzwarth Profile® by Sanford Our certified coaches develop a plan that is Board Certified Psychiatry, Family Practice individually tailored to fit around a member’s & Anti-Aging Medicine lifestyle. We focus on our three core principles of nutrition, activity and lifestyle. Each member is provided a scale that syncs wirelessly to their Hormone Replacement Therapy home router and sends the information to their own plan online. The Nutrition & Weight Loss scale measures not only their weight, but also their BMI, BMR, total fat percentage, bone density, muscle mass and hydration percentage. This Advanced Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers helps promote a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, our high protein meal replacement products are fortified with vitamins and minerals and help Debbie Reynolds Hughes MSN, PMHNP, FNP, BC as an easy and convenient nutritional meal or snack.” Schedule Your 15 Minute FREE consultation with Debbie today! Vision Care 402-486-9373 • 4747 Pioneers Boulevard Women are caretakers and while taking care of their families often put their needs last. Eye care is no different. Women put off their yearly eye exam and also the opportunity to update their eyewear: both everyday glasses and sunglasses. Few things make a women feel better than a great new accessory. Picking out the right frame style and color for one’s face shape and complexion gives everyone a lift. The eyewear is the fun part of what we do. Dr. Andrew Bateman of Clear Vision Eye Care recommends that everyone get their eyes checked once a year (even if you don’t have Dr. Andrew Bateman a prescription for glasses). During an exam, Clear Vision Eye Care Dr. Bateman examines the back of the eye and the optic nerve. Many different health conditions are diagnosed at the optometrist, including high blood pressure and brain tumors. “It is surprising how much the eyes can tell us about the health of the rest of the body,” emphasizes Dr. Bateman. There are several diseases that are more prevalent in women that have signs and symptoms that affect the eyes: Multiple sclerosis, Lupus, and Sjogren’s Syndrome. Women are also more susceptible to chronic dry eye and few understand that there are treatments available that can help. The more time spent on the computer and other electronic devices, the more widespread dry eye is and women’s fluctuation of hormones makes it worse. Do your eyes burn? Do you find yourself blinking to clear your vision? Do you wake up in the morning with blurry vision? You may have dry eye. “The more we know about most health conditions, the more we realize that early detection is key,” Dr. Bateman adds. “It is important for women to make their health care a priority too. Yearly eye examinations can rule out many health conditions and keep you seeing your best.” Preventative Care We are lucky to live in a time where a host of preventative measures can be taken to ensure our continued good health and detect anything that could potentially threaten it. For women, this includes regular breast and gynecological exams which are paramount.

Achieve Balance & Improve Well Being!

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Women’s Clinic offers many services at our office so women can get most recommended tests they need all at one location, at one convenient time. “We offer many in-house lab tests, 3D mammography, ultrasound imaging, infertility consultation and treatment, counseling and supportive services, in-office procedures, on-site childbirth education all to compliment routine gynecologic and obstetrical services,” explains Dr. Stephen Swanson of Women’s Clinic. “Women’s Clinic physicians are also experienced in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries for many female conditions. When a patient has illnesses that are not OB/GYN related, such as a sinus infection, we can refer them to our Family Health Care Center, a division of Women’s Clinic.” He adds, “In 2010 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology made changes in Pap Smear guidelines that lengthened the time between tests. It is important for women to understand that an annual checkup is more than just the need for a Pap Smear, so they should continue to see their provider on annual basis. During a preventative exam your provider will do a pelvic and breast exam and discuss other healthcare concerns or recommended test for good preventative care. Most insurance companies will cover an annual preventative exam, so it is important for all women to schedule with their provider. This year we have added 3D mammography to our offerings through our Comprehensive Breast Dr. Stephen Swanson Care Center. This advance in technology allows for earlier detection, more accurate readings and fewer callbacks Women’s Clinic for the patient to return for additional images. All of these things can offer women a greater peace of mind knowing they are getting the best exam possible.” Maintaining Balance Throughout the Life Span The human body is a network of complicated biological systems that need to work together in harmony in order to maintain good health. As one key example, it is essential for your hormones to be in balance and working for you, not against you. Holistic Harmony Healthcare specializes in pinpointing which hormonal levels are out of balance and restoring that balance with natural therapies. “There are many different factors that can disrupt optimal hormone balance, no matter what the age of the woman, explains Debbie Reynolds, Nurse Practitioner and owner of Holistic Debbie Reynolds Harmony Healthcare. “However, hormone Holistic Harmony imbalances often do present as, and are easily Healthcare confused with, signs of aging. Many women are estrogen dominant through their whole lives, and balancing that out is the key to their wellbeing. Toxins in our environment mimic estrogen, such as pesticides and herbicides, and they can latch on to our estrogen receptors. This further throws the hormonal balance out of whack, and this can even affect men and children. Your hormone levels will fluctuate and decline as you age, but you can restore proper hormone balance through natural bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. This can be delivered in a plant-derived compounded form that can be ingested with a lozenge, applied topically, or through Hormone Pelleting, which is a simple in office sterile procedure that inserts a pellet in subcutaneous tissue and slowly releases hormones over three months. When your hormones are properly balanced, your quality of life will improve. You’ll feel younger, more energized, and more emotionally balanced. As it is our goal to treat the whole person, Holistic Harmony Healthcare offers a variety of services that serve to naturally balance the mind, body and spirit. In addition to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, we offer aesthetic services, nutritional therapy, lifestyle coaching including weight loss and fitness, and holistic psychiatric services.” “When it comes to women’s health and wellbeing, we understand that women have special health needs, and at Holmes Lake Chiropractic, we recognize that and strive to work with our female patients to help their bodies regain a healthy balance,” agrees Dr. Austin Weaver, owner of Holmes Lake Chiropractic. “All women want to live their best life possible, but with specific issues like aging, weight gain, menopause and childbirth, health and wellness can be difficult to manage. At Holmes Lake Chiropractic we utilize a variety of affordable and accurate testing Dr. Austin Weaver methods to determine exactly what your Holmes Lake Chiropractic body needs to maintain optimal health and balance. Chiropractic care is essential to a women’s health and wellness, and through our programs such as customized clinical nutrition, weight management, chiropractic, corrective exercises and passive and active therapy, we can help guide you to your total wellbeing. Pain during menstruation, infertility, menopause and pregnancy are all part of being a woman, but although many women experience challenges with the 64

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problems mentioned, it isn’t necessarily normal. You don’t have to suffer or be in pain. There is a natural alternative to women’s health challenges – Chiropractic Care. A subluxation, meaning nerve irritation, in our lower back can affect a woman’s health in many ways. The nerves that exit out of the low back feed vital messages to and from the brain to our reproductive organs, our digestive organs and our detoxing organs. If there is a subluxation, causing nerve irritation, it is possible that the brain isn’t able to communicate effectively to the ovaries or uterus as an example. This could result in period pain, heavy bleeding, irregular periods, an inability to get pregnant or stay pregnant and many other women’s health issues. Holmes Lake Chiropractic strives to offer women specific services that will allow you to live your best life, which is one that is pain free. When used in tandem, these services can help you make many changes for the better.” As previously mentioned, there are many wonderful natural/organic products that help with a variety of different healthrelated issues. “It is crucial for a healthy body to have our nutritional and hormonal needs fulfilled, emphasizes Julie Boyd, co-owner of Herbs & More. “Due to the average person’s nutrient starved diet it becomes necessary to assist the body with natural, organic, and herbal supplements to maintain health and balance out these nutritional downfalls. As women we especially need to take care to prevent heart disease. The best things you can do are to eat nutrient dense foods, exercise, maintain healthy blood sugar levels as well as healthy cholesterol levels and maintain normal blood pressure. Your skin is the biggest organ on your body and needs just as much care as the internal organs, eating organic is just as important as using natural skin care products. We carry several excellent lines of organic skin care products at Herbs & More. Also, we all need to be aware just how crucial a good night’s rest is. If the body doesn’t have enough sleep it does not function as optimally as it should. We offer numerous herbs at the store that help with relaxation and calming to assist in getting a good night’s sleep. At Herbs & More, we are more than happy to offer specialized recommendations and advice tailored to your specific needs in the use of herbal and natural Julie Boyd supplements to aid in living a healthier and Herbs & More happier life.” Caring For Mind and Body Although both men and women experience traumatic events such as domestic violence and - Acute and Chronic Pain sexual assault, a higher percentage of women - Spinal Decompression are the victims of these events. Unresolved trauma and adverse (i.e. negative) life - Adults,Children & Infants experiences often result in symptoms of depression and anxiety as well as substance Schedule your appointment today! use. Many women who have received treatment for mental health or substance use ustin eAver may not have been adequately assessed for " Where Pain Relief Comes Naturally" trauma or adverse life experiences. “At Behavioral Health Resources, LLC our 2855 S. 70th St., Ste 101 • www.HolmesLake.com Brenda Rohren first step is to conduct a comprehensive Behavioral Health assessment that incudes mental health, trauma, Resources, LLC and substance use as well as other areas of the person’s life, explains Brenda Rohren, Certified EMDR Therapist and President of Behavioral Health Resources, LLC. “This focus on co-occurring issues results in more accurate diagnosis and treatment that is individualized to meet the needs of each client. The assessment process includes not only a clinical interview, but administering several diagnostic inventories that provide more detailed information about the woman’s symptoms and experiences. After the assessment is completed, a treatment plan is developed with her input based on each client’s specific strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences. Trauma-informed treatment is provided in an environment that is comfortable and welcoming. Behavioral Health Resources, LLC is licensed in Nebraska as a Substance Abuse Treatment Center. In addition, our dual diagnosis outpatient programs for youth and adults are CARF accredited. Being licensed and accredited ensures that we are providing quality services with an emphasis on person-centered care. We often provide services to women who have never received mental health or substance use treatment. The presenting problem is usually related to depression, anxiety and/or family, relationship, and employment conflict. After completion of the comprehensive assessment, it frequently becomes apparent that the underlying reason why coping skills aren’t working is due to unresolved trauma and adverse life experiences. Clients are relieved to finally know the reason why they aren’t happy. Our goal is to increase each client’s life satisfaction and functioning so she can live life fully in the present without being triggered by negative events from the past or obsessive worry about the future. One of the approaches used at Behavioral Health Resources, LLC is EMDR Therapy. This is an evidence-based practice that targets unresolved trauma and other co-occurring issues. We believe that each client is the expert on her life and our role is to guide her on the journey of recovery. EMDR therapy is an efficient way to help women reprocess their experiences in a way that is meaningful and life-empowering.”

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So ladies, as you can see there are many resources in Lincoln to help guide you along your wellness journey. After all, it is paramount to make sure that you are taking advantage of every opportunity you have to stay healthy so that you can enjoy a long, happy and fulfilling life!

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We’ve all dreamed of building a home—well, having someone else build it for most of us, that is!—and currently in Lincoln there are really great options available in newly developing neighborhoods all across town. Building a home is a chance to customize everything, from the floor plan that suits you best to the materials and color palettes you prefer all the way down to where the outlets are placed in the bathroom (it’s important!) and the accent hardware. Choosing the right professionals will ensure that at the end of the journey, you are living in the new home of your dreams!

Finding the Right Builder for the Job You’ll want to start out by doing your research as to exactly what you are looking for, what matters most to you and what can be sacrificed, your budget, and you’ll also want to check out the work of the various architects, general contractors and home builders that can be found all around town. This way, when you narrow it down to who you will meet with, you’ll be better able to discern who will be the best fit for the job. “When we first meet with client(s) or potential client(s) we discuss their family and lifestyle, how they live now and how they see things changing in the future,” says Jeff Mann, owner of Mann Customs Inc. “We discuss the process of building and every custom home is different. Some clients foresee everything they want in their new home while others are at the point of just knowing they want a new home. Our job is to guide them through the process; to use our experience to make the building of their Jeff Mann new home a fun and rewarding experience. Mann Customs Inc. We start the process with the land as the lot will dictate a lot of what the home will become—the size, walk-out basement or not, window placement and again, back to how they want to live in the home. We then help design the plan around it all. If you were to ask me what the most important thing in building is for the client, I’d always say it is to have confidence in the builder and to connect with the builder so the entire process is enjoyable, rewarding, and you end up loving your new home. At Mann Customs Inc. we are primarily a custom home builder and remodeler. We focus on the needs, wants and desires of our clients while keeping the project focused on the budget and what is best for their investment, Building with Meaning. The home building industry is always changing, but for me the main features of the home remain as they have for years. Open floor plans, kitchens as the heart of the home, ensuite bathrooms and outdoor living spaces are at the top of the list. Modern design also continues to make an appearance here in the Midwest and that is opening up all types of new materials and features. This includes innovative siding, glass garage doors, more commercial cooking appliances in the kitchens, green products and building practices, energy efficiency, and more ways to include technology in your home now that you can control almost everything from your iPhone. I tell my clients what will add the most value to their new home is to build the home for themselves; to build it for their lifestyle and needs and it will be the best investment they have made. Don’t build your own custom home with the thought of what other people may want in it but to what you want in it. As it turns out, most people will probably want that too. Above all, choose people to work with who will make building your dream home a wonderful experience!

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We want you to have fun with the process and love your new home.” Checking out model homes is a great way to get a feel for each of the local builders as far as their style and what they have to offer. You can choose to tour model homes, or you can take advantage of the bi-annual Parade of Homes hosted by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL). Mike Benker, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, offers a few tips for those who are leaning towards building a home as opposed to buying: “When looking for a home whether new or existing, the choice often comes down to one’s vision or desires for their home and location. Although the new home may not have mature trees, fully developed parks or an established neighborhood hang-out already, these items can come with time and Mike Benker you may have the opportunity to create the Home Builders memories in developing them. The new home Association of Lincoln however will include the latest structural and life safety code requirements, energy efficiency standards and design for today’s lifestyles. Other opportunities may include selection of the exterior or interior design of the home, sustainability features, recreational spaces, color schemes, the inclusion of custom finishes or a family heirloom. Today’s technological advances are not only found in electronics, but also with the drought and disease resistance landscape and available extended life products for siding, roofing and decks. All of these items make the new home more affordable and better for our environment. Attending an event such as the Parade of Homes, meeting the perfect builder, stumbling upon the perfect location or house plan

Strictly Business MAY 2015

can all trigger the start of the process to building or purchasing a new home. Alternatively the process could begin simply from a solid family decision or necessity. In these cases, attend the previously mentioned events to view homes and speak with builders or their representatives. For those who are considering building a home, you are about to become a part of a team. Each team member has a responsibility to deliver on their commitment. Communication is a key factor and vitally important in successfully building a new home. If you are not familiar with today’s high performance homes, finding a builder with an already assembled team makes the process much easier. Before signing a written contract, visit one of their projects, ask for references and make sure details are clearly spelled out. A little due diligence up front will make the process and move-in much more enjoyable. There are multiple sources of advice when building or remodeling, but ultimately you need to be comfortable with your decision. One of your best decisions may be to hire a professional! The magazines, do-it-yourself or design shows, family and friends are great, but they can be confusing, frustrating and overwhelming too. Knowing your budget, expectations and life of the project all help with the design and construction process. It’s a lot easier to update by adding a little color here and there to keep the interior fresh and new rather than having to replace expensive components of the home such as carpeting, tile or countertops. If you don’t know your budget, expectation or exactly what you are looking for, many professionals are able to assist by asking questions and making suggestions to learn your taste, desires and comfort level. Whether your dream home is large or small, striving for a goal is the first step in making it a reality! Although the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) may be best known for events such as the Nebraska Builders Home and Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes, others will visit the www.hbal.org website to access our ‘Find A Pro’ page to search for builders, remodelers, various trades or suppliers.

Additionally, resources such as ‘Tips on Choosing a Contractor,’ ‘Benefits of Using a Professional’ and other helpful links can be found. Homes today can be built more safely, more efficiently and with greater performance features than any time in history.”

Utilizing a Real Estate Agent Real estate agents are very educated on the current local housing market, making them another great resource that can provide helpful advice and answer any questions you might have if you are making the choice between building a home or buying one. They are also well connected in the industry and can provide great referrals or may often times also represent a local builder.

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“When considering building a new home, start with finding an agent and/or builder you are comfortable with,” emphasizes Beth Scholz, a real estate agent with Woods Bros Realty. “Let them know what your budget is, and your agent will help you set reasonable expectations on what kind of home and where you can build to stay within that budget. It’s important to consider what area you wish to live in--do you want to be close to work, in a certain school district or a small town? Sometimes area will dictate the builder, and other times you will be able to interview and choose your builder.

Next, have your agent show you different styles of homes. When you know what you’re looking for, have your agent request floor plans or bring in your own plan to be priced out. When pricing out a new home remember to compare apples to apples and look through the spec sheets. This document will detail allowances regarding countertops, carpet, appliances, etc. as well as what is included in your contract. I personally like to do a worksheet that shows the base price of the home (all base prices are figured on a flat lot, but walk-out and daylight homes do have an upcharge), the lot cost, and then any extras you think you want such as a fireplace, underground sprinkler system, 9’ basement ceilings, or a third stall garage, just to name a few. Once you have found the floor plan, lot and builder, the builder will purchase the lot and price out your home with the lot included. Your agent will then write a contract that includes the total price of the home to be built. A non-refundable deposit will be given to the builder to start construction on your home—the amount varies among builders and price of the home. The builder will pull permits and start construction on your home. Your job is to stay on schedule when making your selections for your new home.

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She continues, “Real estate agents are there to help you understand the process step by step. They work evenings and weekends and are a very good buffer between the builder and the client. Builders are on the phone nonstop through the day, making sure things are getting done. What you feel is an emergency, the builder may not. This is their job and they do it every day, while it is a new experience for you. The agent can answer 95 percent of your questions or concerns. They are also available to answer those questions for you right away and let you know what to expect as you’re through the process. If the agent does not have the answer, they can get ahold of the builder and get back to you right away. Building a new home is great—you get the floorplan you want, and the roof, siding, cabinets, countertops, and everything is new. Or you might find that in order to get everything you want in a home, with the room you need, an existing home that is a few years older may fit your needs better at this time. Your agent can help you weigh the pros and cons. It is a great experience to watch your home become a reality, to visit your jobsite and see the progression as your home is being built. Your choices all come together as you prepare to move in.” “Deciding to build a home is very exciting but can also be

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overwhelming,” adds Joanne McCoy, a real estate agent with Woods Bros Realty. “There are several ways to go about building. You can decide to meet with a builder and design a custom home. Or you can meet with numerous builders who have existing plans and choose to go with one of those plans. This way the builders can make revisions if needed without designing home from scratch. So, how do you find a builder? My first suggestion is to ask friends and family. But if you don’t know Joanne McCoy anyone to ask, then you can go around town on a Sunday and visit some open houses. Woods Bros Realty Most builders in Lincoln don’t always have ‘model’ homes available to tour. However, many builders have ‘spec’ homes that you can see. These ‘specs’ are homes that are completed and ready to sell but can also give you an idea of a particular builder’s quality of workmanship. I often suggest a buyer meet with several builders in person to get a sense of how they work and what they can offer. After all, you will be working closely with that builder for up to 6-8 months (if not longer), so you probably want to make sure you can get along with them. The next step is finding a lot on which to build. That could prove to be a little more difficult as Lincoln is in short supply now for residential lots. You will want to identify the area of town, the kind of lot (flat, daylight, walk-out) and any covenants for the area that would restrict the size and style of homes allowed in the area. As for financing, this can be handled in several ways. If you find a buildable lot, you can buy it or ask the builder to buy the lot. My preference is to have the builder buy the lot. As part of the purchase contract, buyers will typically make a down payment to start the process but the builder carries the construction loan. The buyer then takes out the permanent financing to be put in place on the ‘closing date’, or the date when the house is completed and ready for the buyer to move in. In some instances, buyers will pay for upgrades or changes out-of-pocket rather than having those expenses added to the overall cost of the home. Local lenders are very experienced in loans for new construction. If you choose to work with a real estate agent who represents a builder, you need to remember the builder is the REALTOR’s client first and foremost. They will be working to get the best terms for their client (the builder). The REALTOR is obligated to be fair and honest when helping you. However, you do have the option of having your own real estate agent represent you in the process. In just about all instances the commission for your own agent is covered in the purchase price of the home. Your agent will help set up the meetings with a builder, help you find a lot, negotiate the price of the home, offer suggestions to you about selections, help navigate through the other aspects such as finding a lender and getting title work prepared, and be there as a mediator in case of any disputes with the builder.”

Strictly Business MAY 2015

She continues, “In today’s market with so few existing homes available for sale, many buyers are considering building mainly because they can’t find an existing home to buy. However, that’s also a challenge because there are so few lots left. If you do find an existing home, you can lock in on today’s low interest rates. Moreover, there are the benefits of buying a home that most likely has been enhanced by the previous owner with landscaping and window treatments. If you build a new home…well, you are getting a new home: new appliances, new roof, new furnace and a/c, new everything. It will be a longer time before you have to worry about repairing or replacing these items. Plus no one else has lived in the home. And you get to make all the selections. Once a builder agrees on a price, that won’t change (other than any upgrades or changes you make along the way). However, you typically can’t lock into an interest rate until about 60 days before closing. If rates go up, then your mortgage payment will also go up. You will also be spending money on window treatments, usually a refrigerator, a fence if you want one, and extra landscaping. Building your dream home is an exciting process that often goes great

but can also be challenging, overwhelming, exhausting, frustrating and sometimes disappointing. Do your homework. Be prepared to be available for making many decisions. Understand you might not get everything you want. And stick to your budget or be prepared to spend more than you first planned. I would be happy to help anyone interested in the home building process, and can be reached at (402) 613-0613.” “Existing home inventory in Lincoln is incredibly low, so many of my buyer clients are finding that new construction is the only way to find a home that meets their needs,” explains Derek J Kats, Brokerage Owner/Realtor at Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC. “Similar to a new car versus a used car, a new home will typically be priced higher than a similar existing home. If you are a buyer looking for a value-buy, then new construction is not the way to go as most new construction Derek J Kats home builders are reluctant to negotiate Real Estate Avenues: their prices. The other primary factor to The Brokerage, LLC. consider when deciding whether to build or buy existing is the amount of time needed to build the home. Most new construction homes will take six months to build. If you have the time to wait, ability to visualize, and are willing to pay a slight premium for ‘brand new’ built to suit, then new construction is the way to go. A Realtor who represents a residential home builder (a Listing Agent) can be a good asset as they are aware of the lots owned by the Builder, home specs, materials used, and base pricing. That being said, a qualified Buyer’s Agent Realtor may be a better option as they would be willing to show you a variety of local home builders from all ends of the spectrum, instead of just the Builder represented by the Listing Agent. A buyer’s agent can provide an unbiased look into each builder and the homes they have on market or could build, and in most cases, a Buyer’s Agent Realtor can assist you at no additional cost.

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As a Realtor at Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, I currently represent Stephanie Krueger of Third Generation Builder as her exclusive Listing Agent and have also been ranked as Lincoln’s top Buyer’s Agent so I have the unique perspective of understanding the building process from both the Buyer’s and the Seller’s viewpoints. With this experience it is easy to identify that the most important aspect to consider when building a new home is choosing which Builder best meets your home building needs and customer service expectations. Most Buyers are aware that the quality of materials and labor provided by the Builder is of utmost importance, but many do not consider or put a value on the overall customer service experience from the beginning negotiations, during the building process, and the warranty work after the sale as well. Many builders acceptably cut corners on materials and labor, but cutting corners on customer service can lead to an overall bad experience even if the home was quality built. Shopping around to evaluate builders is crucial when doing proper due diligence prior to building a home, and speaking with a Realtor is the best way to start that builder evaluation process. I would be happy to arrange a new construction tour for you to help identify the correct builder for your needs and lifestyle. Please feel free to contact me directly at (402) 770-5021.” When building a home, although you may be planning to live in it well into the future and will want it to fit your specifications, you will also want to consider what will hold the most value in the re-sale market. Brock Owens RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

“It’s important to consider where you will fall in the neighborhood with regards to value,” adds RE/MAX Real Estate

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Concepts agent Brock Owens. “When it comes time to sell, some homeowners find out that they are at the top end of the value range in the neighborhood which can lead to much longer marking times. If you are building in an area where the homes are already established, try to stay as close to the median price range as possible when you are finalizing the budget for the project. When buying a home it’s also important to consider the different financing options from one loan program to another--there could be a considerable amount of savings not just monthly but over the life of the loan. For those who are on the fence between building and buying, I offer a buyer’s counseling session. It’s a good starting point and an opportunity for me to answer any questions and lay out what to expect throughout the transaction on each side.”

Your New Home’s Exterior Features The ability to customize everything about a home when building also extends outdoors to the landscape of the property, which will transform from a blank slate to a beautiful, established landscape with the help of the professionals “Especially in the case of new home or property owners, it’s no surprise that you may know little of landscape installation or its future maintenance requirements,” says Ken Svoboda, co-owner of Ray’s Lawn & Home Care. “After all, most first-time home buyers often are moving into their first house from an apartment or a landlord maintained house. My first instinct is to relieve any anxiety the new homeowners have regarding planning and maintenance. Once they’re convinced that the task ahead of them is obtainable with Ken Svoboda some forethought and planning, we get to Ray’s Lawn & Home Care work. We first develop a priority list of their needs and wants. We discuss a low maintenance option or a more hands-on approach. The curb appeal of the front of the new home, both short-term and long-term, is also taken into consideration. Whether it’s renovating an existing landscape or starting with a blank slate, the landscape should reflect the home owners personality; lots of color with a free-flowing landscape or a structured formal landscape. When considering a new landscape I always have the home owners look at least ten years into the future. If they have a young family or planning a family, should we leave a large play area on the property for that impromptu neighborhood football scrimmage? If not, I direct the homeowners towards establishing their tree placement. Since the growth of a tree to maturity may take several decades, the proper placement of trees is very important. Once the priorities are set, a budget is discussed and the work begins. The strong trend toward outdoor living spaces continues to grow every year, with the addition of outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, fireplaces and grill inserts, and so on. The other popular trend is outdoor lighting. Architecturally designed cast aluminum path lights and spots with a variety of finishes can enhance the nightscaping of any landscape. Like the modular constructed kitchens and fireplaces, lighting systems have been transformed from the do-it-yourself plastic fixtures whose bulbs burn out what seemed like weekly to attractive LED units whose bulbs last fifteen to twenty years with a properly designed system. Of course when starting with a blank canvas, as a new home, these features can be planned in advanced, budgeted as necessary and constructed as needs and budgets allow.” In fact, nearly every home built today has some type of outdoor living area. Unfortunately, most decks and patios are under-used because they’re not comfortable. Excessive heat, wind, lack of privacy and just plain boring areas are to blame. Proper use of exterior shading can make these areas both beautiful and comfortable, whether it’s a temporary fix (if you’re waiting for the trees to grow, for example) or are looking for a permanent solution. Studies have shown that a properly installed shade can reduce the ambient temperature by 20 degrees or more! Modern retractable screen systems block the sun, keep out the bugs and tame the wind. Of course a pergola helps define the space and adds a real touch of elegance. When combined with a shade a pergola becomes much more than an architectural feature, they become comfortably practical.

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“The most popular outdoor living products today are the retractable solar screen, pergolas with retractable overhead shade and the NEW Nebraska retractable awning,” explains Bill Budler of Nebraska Outdoor Living. “As you can see ‘retractable’ is the keyword--having the ability to open and close your shade product is a huge plus. These give you the option of shade when you need it and sun when you want it. Being able to retract the shades when not in use greatly extends their lifespan, especially Bill Budler during the winter. The versatility of our Nebraska Outdoor Living Side Retention System (SRS) solar screens allows homeowners to block the sun (without blocking their view), keeps out the bugs, and tames the wind--all at the touch of a button!

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To judge the comfort level of an outdoor living area we suggest evaluating it at the time of day that you’re most likely to be using it. If you work during the day and will most likely want to enjoy that deck or patio during early evening for dinner and such, you’ll want to assess the area during that time frame. This will give you a good idea of how the sun will impact your outdoor living time once your home is built. If you enjoy spending time in your outdoor living space, be sure to make it comfortable. Proper shade can reduce the summer heat by 20 degrees or more. Quality patio furniture will last longer and is more comfortable. Your deck or patio really can be the coolest room of your home with the right ‘comfort’ items.” When considering the overall curb appeal of your home, there are other exterior features of the home itself that should be taken into account during the planning stages of the build.

Jason Olberding J-Tech Construction

“I would say the products that most highlight the curb appeal of a new home would be really nice triple pane windows,” notes Jason Olberding, owner of J-Tech Construction. “An example of this would be a half round window that accentuates operating casement windows below it. At J-Tech we can even compliment such a window with different styles of grid patterns or beveled glass features. Not only does a brilliant window accent the aesthetics of a newly built home but it can add value by making your dream home as energy efficient as possible!

Seamless siding has also become a very popular exterior project in Nebraska. At J-Tech we even possess our own siding machine, which is rare here in Nebraska. This allows us to be able to job site manufacture the siding to custom fit the home so there is no wasted materials and the client gets a first class product. Although some products claim to be maintenance free, that is not always the case. For instance, J-Tech Construction would recommend going with a seamless metal alloy siding as opposed to vinyl or pre-painted cement board. This will prove as a better investment down the road and you will be thankful for it in the long run.” He further advises, “Always be aware of the contractors you hire to complete your job. Start with trust! Check accreditations, certifications and be sure to go with someone you generally feel comfortable doing business with. J-Tech Construction has a staff that lives up to those standards, which is the reason we are so successful. The installers employed by us have all successfully completed the certification courses and have received updated trainings throughout the year. Also, when building your new home, make sure the products being used are warrantied. All of our products, especially our Triple Pane Windows and our Seamless Metal Alloy Siding, come with ample material and labor warranties. MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Just remember: It’s your dream home! Make sure that when you enter into contracts you are aware of all the aspects of the construction. Do your research on the General Contractor and the subcontractors that they will be using. It is not micromanaging if you pay many visits to the job site throughout the entire process. Keep in mind it is your new home and ultimately your biggest investment. Be sure to choose a company that is as dedicated to seeing your dreams come to life as you are!”

Your New Home’s Interior Features Selecting your home’s interior features is just as important as the exterior, for both design and function. There are a lot of new trends and technology that can be incorporated into new homes that are currently being built, including more options to go green and to remotely control your home’s systems. “Before building a new home it’s important to understand all of the new technology available that can protect your health and provide efficient heating or cooling,” emphasizes Lindsey Reinke of John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. “There is so much information available online and from other sources. The key things to look for are quality equipment, air filtration, humidification, and controls/ thermostats. My favorite customers are the ones that have a solid understanding of new technology and know what they want. They value their health and comfort. When in doubt, always ask for expert advice from the true professionals.

Lindsey Reinke John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning.

It’s just as important that your heating and cooling system is sized properly so that it provides efficient operation as well as comfortable temperatures. A heat load analysis is necessary to size the heating and cooling equipment. One of the better methods of sizing this equipment is using a Manual J procedure that evaluates heat loss or gain from various areas. Examples are the direction the home faces, size and location of windows, etc. The Manual J procedure evaluates basically anything that will affect heating and cooling. The right size of equipment can only be known after fully understanding the heat load. There are also two ongoing trends in the HVAC industry that are important for those who are building a house to understand. One trend to avoid is taking the cheap route and going with the low bid. The end result of going the cheap route typically is poor quality equipment that fails to provide ultimate comfort. There is so much to say about the cheap route, but let’s stop there! The other trend is going with quality HVAC equipment that promotes your health comfort, and energy efficiency. You will pay more initially for better HVAC equipment, but there typically is a shorter payback that results in an overall lower cost. It’s also easy to fall into the trap of trying to hurry up and get it done. Why not take enough time to design the perfect ‘dream home’ that will meet all of your needs? When construction begins, go every day and closely examine the progress. Take pictures and document the quality of the work. Make sure all of the details are getting taken care of properly. Even look for the smaller details like the positioning of light switches and verify they are in the best locations. Then finally, enjoy your dream home--you deserve it!” Pat Killeen, owner of Engineered Controls, offered his expertise on incorporating technology to control your home’s systems: “When it comes to building a new home, Engineered Controls has plenty of expertise to assist homeowners and residential HVAC and Electrical contractors with products/systems that will meet their comfort and energy needs, their security and video security needs and finally their home automation, or otherwise referred to as 76

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Connected Home, needs for today and well beyond into the future.

Pat Killeen Engineered Controls

By partnering with a home heating and cooling technology partner like Honeywell, Engineered Controls has the ability to assist in the selection, design and installation of the home technology products that fit your needs. From award-winning wireless thermostats and zoning systems to control your home heating and cooling comfort system, to whole-home humidification and air filtration systems to improve a home’s indoor air quality.

When a homeowner is looking to enter into the security and home monitoring services arena, Engineered Controls is prepared to assist homeowners with proven security and monitoring technology to give them the peace of mind they are looking for. From state-of-the-art wired or wireless sensors that detect movement indoors by unwanted intruders, to digital video security where you can view live, streaming video in and around your home. Furthermore, when a homeowner has their sights set on a having a complete home automation system or Connected Home, Engineered Controls has the customer technology know-how to package the best-in-class products/systems that will bring your home to life with a customized solution that allows you to take control of your entire home. In addition to the previously mentioned home heating and cooling comfort controls and in-home security systems that provide peace of mind, Engineered Controls can show homeowners how to control home lighting systems; control the access in and out of their home with wireless lock control; operate the window shades in their home for optimum ambiance, privacy and security by raising and lowering shades at specified times; and add home entertainment options to provide high quality home theater with a touch of a button. All of these home automation systems can be viewed and controlled in your home on touchscreens, televisions, tablets, smartphones or PCs. Finally, Engineered Controls can offer unique service to pull this all together called Total Connect. Total Connect is an amazing interactive program or app that allows the homeowner to monitor and control their home automation system from a free web based account designed for a PC, tablet or smartphone. The Total Connect service essentially gives the homeowner a wireless virtual keypad that you can take anywhere. Some of the system functions available with Total Connect are remote access to home automation features to control Z-Wave® technology for lighting control and scene selection, wireless locks and thermostats. With a Total Connect account you can view full digital video of your home’s activities when you are away from home at work, on vacation or where ever you are! When considering trends in our industry, two things are developing. From the narrowed perspective of just the new home market, it would be the Connected Home concept. From a wider perspective, the next mega-trend is the Internet of Things or simply IoT. Connected Home Concept In the not-too-distant future, homes around the world are going to become smarter and more and more connected places to live. This was evidenced in January (2015) at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where the Connected Home was one of the hottest topics discussed at the show. Although the drive to create a smarter and more efficient home increases daily, it is driven by mobile devices interacting with numerous connected objects and devices, the momentum to building (creating) home devices to appeal to more than just the high-income market. Home automation devices such as smart thermostats and WiFienabled lightbulbs, home monitoring devices such as digital security camera that broadcasts to a person’s smart device and home security systems that connects to a central monitoring station. There is a high demand for connected devices like thermostats, light switches, door MAY 2015 Strictly Business

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locks, light bulbs, sprinklers, washers, refrigerators and beyond. Studies show that about 70% of Americans want to control something via their mobile devices at home without getting out of bed. Research indicates that the Connected Home device sales are expected to drive over $61 billion in revenue this year alone. Besides major technology companies like Honeywell, other scrambling to enter the Connect Home market are Apple, on their iOS platform of customers, Phillips, Samsung, GE, Google and many more.

See how much better than a dream home the right home can be!

The Internet of Things (IoT) Concept On a broader perspective, The Internet of Things (IoT) is a term the technology industry has given to the network of physical objects or ‘things’ that have embedded electronics, software and connectivity to enable it to achieve greater value and service by exchanging data with the manufacturer, operator and/or other connected devices. In the Home Automation market, the IoT devices are typically used to control lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, home appliances, communication systems, entertainment and home security devices to improve convenience, comfort, energy efficiency, and security.

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In the Energy Management market, it is expected that IoT devices will be integrated into all forms of energy consuming devices (switches, power outlets, bulbs, televisions, etc.) and be able to communicate with the utility supply company in order to effectively balance power generation and energy usage. According to Gartner, Inc., a technology research corporation, by 2020 there will be nearly 26 billion devices on the Internet of Things. For the average homeowner looking to build a new home that is interested in some aspect of home automation or Connected Home, my advice is to do your research. There is plenty of information on the internet today that will make the average homeowner much more knowledgeable about what is available in the home automation market than anyone realizes. Furthermore, make sure to contact home technology contractors and distributors that are in the home automation business. They can help answer questions about which products will integrate on the same networks as others. And finally, make sure when you are building a new home that you use cutting edge HVAC and Electrical contractors who are involved with cutting edge products and systems on a dayto-day basis.” Financing Your New Dream Home When planning to build a home, you’ll also be working closely with an experienced financial professional who will lead you through the financing process each step of the way. “The process of obtaining financing to build a new home is not much different than the process of obtaining financing for an existing home,” explains Matt Gutschenritter, Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Cornhusker Bank. “Basically, at the end of the construction, all parties involved including the borrower, the builder, the realtors, the bank, etc. will want to have the peace of mind that new owners have their long term financing in place and ready to go. The process starts Matt Gutschenritter with getting pre-approved for long term Cornhusker Bank financing. Once we have that in place, it’s a matter of having the discussion with the builder to determine who will be taking out the financing for the new construction, and putting together a contract. If the builder takes out the construction loan, then we work with the buyer in getting them approved for a purchase transaction once the house is completed. If the buyer/borrower takes out the construction loan, we work with them during the construction process, and get them prepared to have their long term financing set up as soon as their house is built. Upon

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completion of the construction, we would set up their long term financing and payoff their construction loan. At the start of the process when we are getting the client pre-qualified for their financing, we look at credit, down payment, monthly obligations, income, etc. This will allow us to determine not only if we can get the client approved for financing, but even more importantly, to make sure that the client is comfortable with their new house payment obligation. This is essential since this monthly payment will likely be around for about the next 15 to 30 years. Furthermore, mortgage rates continue to be at or near record lows. It seems most of the talk around the industry is that the Federal Prime Interest rate may soon be increasing. While not directly linked to long term mortgage type rates, this will usually coincide with mortgage rates increasing at some point in the near future. As far as resources go, usually we take out an interest rate ‘lock’ around 60 days prior to the completion of a newly constructed home. However, with the threat of rates going higher in the near future, if someone is losing sleep over these interest rates, at Cornhusker Bank we offer a six month ‘lock’ program to help eliminate this issue. There are benefits to both building a new home as well as buying an established one. The most obvious advantage to building is that you are assured to get the features, and floor plan that you want. However, when it comes to building, you may not be able to build in a neighborhood that is close to the area of town that you want to be in based on location near schools, work, shopping, friends and family, etc. As far as costs go, it can be more expensive to build than to buy, but not always. The initial costs to get into a new construction may be higher, but chances are there should be minimal expenses when it comes to repairs, decorating, and general upkeep. With an existing home there will likely be the need for replacing the roof, windows, utilities, etc. With a newly built home, everything is built to current code, and therefore should be less expensive to heat and cool. Most people do not realize that Homeowners Insurance is typically less expensive on a newly built home as well. At Cornhusker Bank, not only do we provide financing for the construction project – whether it be the builder or the borrower taking out the construction loan – but in most cases (depending on the type of financing the borrower goes with) we continue serving the client by keeping the servicing of their new loan here at Cornhusker Bank. Located right here in Lincoln, we are staffed to service our mortgage loans into the indefinite future rather than selling this servicing off immediately after closing on the loan. This also means that we go the extra step to ensure a smooth transaction, because we know chances are we’ll be working with these same clients far into the future.

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We have a lot of useful information on our web site, www.cornhuskerbank. com, where, amongst other features, a customer can complete a mortgage loan application or pre-qualification on line. The application has worked well for many customers and their busy schedules. It is streamlined and therefore eliminates a lot of the questions, based on the answers given, that the regular paper application presents. Although construction loan rates will vary from one lender to another, usually the difference is minimal. Always keep in mind that the typical construction loan process is approximately six months long and during this period the customer only pays interest on the balance that has been drawn upon. Do not get overburdened with the construction loan itself--the bigger financial impact will come with the long term financing. Look for a lender that has your best interests at hand for the long term.”

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While building a home can be done rather economically in current times, since the sky’s the limit when building a home, you may easily be looking at a large price tag if your budget allows. Bart Peters of Security First Bank, in conjunction with NerdWallet, provides the following information for those who may need

Bart Peters Security First Bank

to consider jumbo mortgage: Securing a mortgage can be one of the more stressful aspects of buying a home. Buyers who need a larger mortgage have the added challenge of finding a lender that offers jumbo loans. Fortunately, more and more banks fall into that category and securing a jumbo mortgage is getting easier. Do you need a jumbo mortgage? In most markets, the limit for conventional mortgages is $417,000. Loans higher than that are in jumbo territory. But a $417,000 loan won’t get you very far if you live in an area with high costs or if you want a big spread. That’s why the ceiling on conventional loans is adjusted upward if you’re buying a house in Maui, for example, where property values are higher than the rest of the country. Check the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s website to see whether the standard limit for conventional loans applies in a specific county. If you’ll need to borrow more, a lender such as Security First Bank that offers both conventional and jumbo home loans might be your best bet. Some lenders shy away from what are sometimes called nonconforming loans because the debt can’t be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. These government-sponsored companies buy mortgages from banks, allowing the lenders that originate the loans to recoup the capital and use it to make new loans to other borrowers. Lenders who focus on originating mortgages and then selling them quickly to Fannie or Freddie are more likely to steer clear of jumbos. Historically, jumbos often carried higher interest rates and tighter lending restrictions than conventional mortgages. After all, banks are risking more if they loan you larger sums of money. But recently lenders have begun offering competitive terms in an effort to build strong long-term relationships with their customers, and it’s easier to get a jumbo loan with rates comparable to a conventional loan’s interest. What do you need to get approved? Like other mortgages, borrowers seeking jumbo loans need to demonstrate that they’re able to make the payments. Most banks like to see borrowers spend no more than 29% of their gross monthly income on a mortgage. But that includes all the things usually bundled into a typical monthly house payment — loan principal, interest, taxes and insurance, often abbreviated as PITI. It’s best to bring a 20% down payment to the bargaining table, but some lenders offer jumbo loans to buyers who put less money down. Be prepared to show that you have other assets in reserve in addition to the down payment. Even hard-to-access money such as retirement funds is usually acceptable, but lenders want to see that you have some money in reserve to pay your bills in case of a job loss. As you prepare to apply for a mortgage, take steps to improve your credit score. Pay down debt, clean up errors on your credit report and avoid opening new credit accounts right before applying. These days, outsize home loans are well within reach for buyers whose finances are in order, and you might get an interest rate as low as on a smaller loan. If you have the income, assets and credit to qualify, getting a jumbo mortgage should be no big deal. (Source Credit: Virginia C. McGuire, NerdWallet) Brett Sundberg, Loan Officer, Commercial and Residential Construction Lender for West Gate Bank ®, also offers the following tips for buyers who are looking into financing to build their own home: It’s essential to find a good builder and get comfortable with their experience and also their banking relationship. You want to make sure you are working with someone reputable and that has reasonable financial wherewithal. It can be beneficial to allow the builder to get the construction loan in their Brett Sundberg name, as most notably this increases their West Gate Bank ® accountability to perform. The downside to this is that you do not get to see the actual costs on a fixed price contract. For this reason, you want to negotiate with the builder for transparency, when you have a cost plus a percentage contract. We can also line you up with a pre-qualification for the permanent mortgage and try to get your rate locked at the appropriate time. The construction loan only lasts for 6-9 months and will be replaced by your long-term mortgage. During this time you want someone watching mortgage rates with you and helping you lock the all-important mortgage rate. The rate lock mitigates your exposure to the interest rate risk on your long term mortgage because while the home is being constructed, rates could climb. It remains a great time to buy or build due to the historically low mortgage rates. Because of low rates housing prices are higher and supply is low. Current supply of existing homes is very low, so if you are in a hurry to buy you may pay more. You may consider looking at homes that are under construction but have not sold. This shortens the time before you can move and mitigates the risk of interest rate changes. There are always several homes under construction that are available for sale but may not be listed yet. By driving through new housing developments you can possibly find a home that suits your needs. Depending on the

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stage, you may be able to make some design or furnishing decisions. It’s advantageous to talk to a construction and/or mortgage lender that is consultative versus someone who is simply trying to get a loan closed. Be open to advice about what the banker is advocating for you. Bankers are aware of many pitfalls and it is wise to take advantage of this free advice. Look for a bank that will locally service your loan to avoid dealing with slow and poor service. It is always nice to know the people who service your loan are right here in Lincoln. When your mortgage loan is with West Gate Bank®, we have something many banks can’t offer—local decision-making, local processing and local servicing.”

Protecting Your Investment As such a major investment, it’s important to make sure your new dream home is protected. Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity, and while there are many similarities, there are certain differences that may apply to those who choose to build their dream home as opposed to buying an existing home. “Generally when building a house, nine out of ten people go with hiring a builder,” explains local American Family Insurance agent Douglas Kruce, LUTCF. “That one out of the ten will act as the builder themselves and then hire their own subcontractors as needed. In the latter case, American Family offers a special endorsement called Builder’s Risk Coverage that can save a person a great deal of money if they are comfortable with being their own general contractor. For the other nine out of ten that hire a general contractor to build their houses the way they want it done, or even for those who buy spec homes, American Family has the largest discount for insuring a new construction home. In fact, if you’re buying a brand new home we offer the largest discounts in the state, and that applies to a home from 0-10 years old. By the time you combine that with the other discounts a prospective client can qualify for, it’s been possible in my experience to cut a premium in half on a new home, sometimes more. So no matter if you’re building or buying a newly built home, an American Family Insurance agent can be an excellent resource who will be able to help you find the right fit save you a great deal of money on your homeowner’s insurance.” Douglas Kruce, LUTCF

Kruce adds, “Over the last decade, storms have been noticeably stronger and the Midwest sees its fair share of inclement American Family weather. As a general trend, many homeowners are choosing to purchase hail resistant roofing material, which also Insurance provides for another sizeable discount on home insurance. Make sure to talk to your agent about how the roof, siding, and gutters are treated because there can be subtle differences as to how different insurance companies handle these items. Also, make sure to talk about coverage of personal belongings. Whether it’s jewelry or just your lawn mower, there can be subtle differences on these items as well. Many times people find out at the wrong time that their insurance policy only covers personal belongings for the ‘actual value’, which is generally what they would be priced at a garage sale or on Craigslist. It is very important to have the ‘replacement cost’ covered, so that you can get your items replaced with new, comparable items. Overall, it’s always good to meet with an agent, lay everything out on the table, and then discuss and verify the ins and outs of your policy. Scenarios in our homes will change, so after the initial visit make sure to stay in contact with your agent to keep everything current—it’s always better to be proactive as opposed to reactive when it comes to having the proper insurance coverage.” At the completion of the build, a final walkthrough of the home is advantageous to protect your best interests as the homeowner. This will ensure that everything is in working order and to your satisfaction as the buyer. “Most builders have a clean-up crew that does final detail cleaning before the home is occupied as well as a crew that goes through the house and tests all lights, outlets, appliances, fireplaces, sprinklers, and so on to ensure proper operation,” advises Randy King of King’s Home Inspections, Randy King LLC. “If a final walk-through isn’t set up with King’s Home your general contractor, I highly recommend Inspections, LLC requesting one. In some instances I’ve had clients request a home inspection to have an independent set of eyes on the property, which ensures impartiality. However, as most builders offer at least a one year warranty, any issues that arise during the first year are addressed without any additional costs to the homeowner. A good builder spells out his warranty; exactly what is and is not covered. A booklet or workbook for the first time homebuilder to use as a guide is also a very valuable resource. While it’s fun to build your ‘dream home,’ it can be a lengthy and frustrating process, and that can be minimized with good, effective communication and by being an educated consumer.” While building a home may present its host of challenges, there are also a lot of really nice perks. Be prepared to make a lot of decisions, and as such, ask a lot of questions and don’t hesitate to utilize all of the different resources that are available. Most importantly, make sure you are working with experienced professionals who you trust to turn your unique vision into a reality. Building a home isn’t for everyone, but it is the way to get exactly what you want for the largest investment you’ll likely make in your lifetime, and you can’t top that!

Strictly Business MAY 2015

MAY 2015 Strictly Business

Strictly Business MAY 2015