Strictly Business Lincoln March 2015

TM

Lincoln • March 2015 • Strictly-Business.com

A Mortgage Team You Can Trust!

L-R: Micaela Meza, Brayden Boyes & Stephanie Boyes

IN THIS ISSUE:

Commercial Construction Workplace Wellness Personal Finance Joining Organizations

Star City Six

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS:

Cupcakes & more...

Nebraska Hearing Center

Scott Williamson

Tobias Sommer

Amber Zakaras

Derek J. Kats

Yuriy Zlenko

Jonathon Moberly

West Gate Bank®

Generators For Sale

Strong Box Storage

Real Estate Avenues: it Computers Concordia University, The Brokerage, LLC Nebraska MARCH 2015 Strictly Business 1

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

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

2

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

3

MARCH 2015

NEWS 4 Business 29 Personnel

www.Strictly-Business.com 38 Non-Profit 48 Health

COLUMNS 17 24 25 26 27 53

Ask the Expert: ComPro Lincoln Chamber of Commerce Downtown Lincoln Association LIBA Sandler Training Foster Care Column: CEDARS

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 AMAZEMENT.

SPOTLIGHTS

At the center of any successful marketing campaign—the foundation on which everything else is built upon—is your unique selling proposition, or what sets you apart from your competition. After you’ve pinpointed this, you’ll be better able to blow your audience away with your amazing offerings. Why? Amazement is the key to making a lasting impression on your targeted audience with your marketing message.

FEATURE STORIES

Consider Levinson’s example: “Although she takes much of her business for granted, she knows that her marketing must amaze people. So her marketing mentions that her custom-designed furniture is available at factory direct prices because she has her own factory. The prices are amazing, and so is the handmade touch. It enables her to custom-design furniture and offer it at an off-the-floor price. This element of amazement attracts attention to her ads.”

18 Star City Six 47 Client Spotlight: Nebraska Hearing Center 51 Client Spotlight: Cupcakes & more...

55 59 71 76

Personal Finance Commercial Construction Workplace Wellness Joining Organizations

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 Kate Krohn - Kate@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Exec. Sales Asst. Katie Danehey - Katie@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: Account Exec. Angela Woltman - AngelaW@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Founder/ Publisher/Blogger Shayne Zutavern - Shayne@Strictly-Business.com

24/7 @sbmaglincoln

StrictlyBusinessMagazine

To Subscribe:

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.

4

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

There are no mind readers out there folks-- it’s up to you to dazzle your current and prospective customers; to compel your target audience to action with your unique qualities combined with a strong, consistent and amazing message. In 2015 the bar is set pretty high as far as amazement goes, so it can be tricky to find the best approach in setting yourself apart. The recent Super Bowl commercials are a prime example—despite the fact that the brands that have successfully elevated themselves to this level all have such a large budget and wealth of talent and resources coming together on each spectacular commercial, which you’d think would unequivocally result in amazement, some still didn’t hit the mark or weren’t well received.

So how can you harness the power of amazement to capture your audience’s attention and keep it most effectively? Start by considering everything about your business and offerings; be sure to leave no stone unturned. Even things that you’ve written off as just doing good business may be the very things that will amaze your prospects. Above all, focus on how to showcase your strengths in a way that will impress (and amaze!) your audience, command their attention in a positive way, and then motivate them to pursue your call to action.

Now just to clarify, amazement isn’t synonymous with overly busy. Don’t fall into the trap of excess--highlighting what makes you amazing is most often conveyed best in a message that’s surprisingly concise; it should be quick and easy to digest. Amazement doesn’t necessarily mean bundling together each and every one of your strengths and firing it off all at once in a glorious, in-your-face explosion of content. Remember that your goal is to draw attention to the areas where you shine the brightest. Once you’ve isolated the “best of the best” aspects of your business and put them at the forefront of your marketing campaign, I guarantee you’ll see consistently AMAZING results in the areas of growth and profitability.

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

About the Cover TM

usiness.com

Lincoln • March 2015 • Strictly-B

You Can Trust!

A Mortgage Team

L-R: Micaela Meza, Brayden Boyes & Stephanie Boyes

Star City Six

in this issue:

ruction Commercial Const Workplace Wellness Personal Finance s ization Organ Joining client spotlights:

.

Cupcakes & more..

Center Nebraska Hearing

Scott Williamson ®

Tobias Sommer

Derek J. Kats

Yuriy Zlenko

West Gate Bank

Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC

Generators For Sale

it Computers

Amber Zakaras

Strong Box Storage

Steph the Mortgage Genie at Peoples Mortgage and her team are dedicated to making a difference in their local mortgage world. Stephanie Boyes, the Team Leader, uses her “get it done” attitude to help her clients achieve things they did not believe were possible. Micaela Meza, the Loan Coordinator, works with the clients throughout the process to ensure that the lines of communication are open and our clients feel comfortable.

61 % OF MAGAZINE ADS prompt readers to take action+.

Jonathon Moberly Concordia University, Nebraska

As a team, it is important to know the Passion, Mission, and Vision of Steph the Mortgage Genie and Peoples Mortgage.

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

OUR PASSION: To provide partnership for clients and real estate professionals on the financing end of buying a home. We are passionate about helping those that others say they can’t help. In the end, we are able to get more and more people to achieve the dream of home ownership.

OUR MISSION: We will consistently treat all clients with respect and have compassion for their individual situation, regardless of the circumstances.

Clients can feel that they are in a non-judgmental environment where they are given the tools to better their situation. We will treat everyone how THEY want to be treated.

OUR VISION: To create a team of mortgage professionals that function and interact in the real estate industry the way the San Antonio Spurs play basketball. There is a level of consistency, selflessness, loyalty, and unity which creates a fine-tuned machine of customer service. Our “superstars” will be treated the same way as the “bench” players so that they all perform at a level that is congruent to our mission. Our team members are all coachable, striving for constant improvement, and constantly moving their benchmark to continue to move forward.

“WHY” STEPH DOES WHAT SHE DOES: I grew up being the “guardian” of my family and friends. Born with a very strong-willed personality and not afraid to speak my mind, I always tried to help the underdog. If I ever knew someone I cared about was being mistreated, I stepped in. I was blessed with the ability to argue, much to the chagrin of my mother and now, my husband.

Today, I get to help clients achieve their dream of home ownership. The mortgage industry and its myriad of rules and regulations can be confusing and cumbersome for most home buyers. I get to walk alongside them, as well as my team, and create a roadmap of the final destination of owning a home. I have had some financial challenges myself in my life due to unforeseen circumstances and have had to navigate my way through those times. I want to take that knowledge, along with my natural strong-willed “get it done” nature, and use that to help clients and business partners do what they never thought was possible.

Call today for your NO cost, NO obligation pre-qualification!

Action taken includes: • have a more favorable opinion about the advertiser • consider purchasing the advertised product or service • visit the advertiser’s website • purchase the product or service

+

Strictly Business Magazine has been helping clients generate a stronger brand awareness and greater profit for over 20 years.

To find out how we can help you too, call

www.stephthemortgagegenie.com www.peoplesmortgage.com/stephanieboyes LO Licensing: NE-843037 IA-23720 SD-MLO 03426 NMLS-843037 Company Licensing: NE-6274 IA 2014-0040 SD MLO.05091 NMLS-6274 www.peoplesmortgage.com

402-466-3330 or visit

Strictly-Business.com Source: GfK MRI Starch, January–December 2013

+

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

5

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

Business News

Issara to Host Monthly Dinner & Wine Tasting Event Issara Modern Asian Cuisine is now hosting a Dinner & Wine Tasting event once a month on a Wednesday evening.

This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a unique dining experience complete with an expert pairing of Issara’s signature cuisine and unique wines. Walk-in or phone reservations are welcome; for upcoming dates or more information, please call (402) 261-5594.

LNK

ATL

LINCOLN TO ATLANTA. NO LAYOVER REQUIRED.

Issara Modern Asian Cuisine, located at 17th and Pine Lake Road, is a family owned and operated sister restaurant to Blue Orchid. Issara (itsah-rah) means freedom in Thai, which is a nod to the selection of modern Asian cuisine they have to offer including not only Thai but Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean dishes as well. All menu items pair well with their extensive selection of wine and distinctive cocktails. For more information about Issara Modern Asian Cuisine, please call (402) 261-5594, email cheers@issaracuisine.com, or visit issaracuisine.com.

Save The Date: DE Guns Announces GLOCK Event

DE Guns has announced that it will host a GLOCK sale and education event beginning Friday, April 10th, including an appearance by a GLOCK representative and a giveaway where one lucky customer will win a GLOCK pistol on April 11th. Stay tuned for more information in the April issue, or contact Derek Broman at (402) 875-6500 or derek@deguns.net for further details.

Located at 3101 O Street 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) 8756500 or visit the mobile friendly websites at DEGuns.net OR DEGuns.biz.

Holthus Convention Center to Host 2015 Nebraska Bridal Show 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.

6

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Attention all brides looking to create the wedding of your dreams! The Holthus Convention Center is set to host the Nebraska Bridal Show on Sunday, March 29th from noon until 4 p.m.

Vendors from all across Nebraska will be available and will be showcasing the top trends and new offerings in the bridal industry for 2015. This is an event you won’t want to miss! For more information about this event, please call (402) 366-1925 or email info@NebraskaBridalShow.com.

Conveniently located on Highway 81 just north of the I-80 York interchange, the Holthus Convention Center is a beautiful, brand new facility that offers 40,000 square feet of versatile event space designed specifically to meet the needs of a wide variety of clients. Highlights include a Grand Ballroom that can accommodate banquets up to 800 people (or 1100 with theatre-style seating), 11 flexible meeting and event spaces including outdoor and indoor options, a state-of-the-art audio/visual system and facility-wide free Wi-Fi for guests, and lodging room for up to 700 people within five blocks.

From weddings, meetings and banquets to trade shows and conferences, the staff at the Holthus Convention Center can help you plan any event.

For more information, please contact Terri Carlson at (402) 363-2675, via email at info@holthusconventioncenter.com, or visit the website at www.holthusconventioncenter.com.

Business News

Videos Present Virtual Tours of Nebraska Industries The Nebraska Departments of Education, Economic Development and Labor have produced a series of videos that provide a virtual tour of some of Nebraska’s largest and most innovative employers. The videos are aimed at engaging youth while informing them of the skills and education needed to prosper in these careers in the Nebraska economy.

Featured employers represent fields in Nebraska’s Career Education Industry Clusters model whose growth translates to employment opportunities for both the current and future workforce. The first three videos feature information technology (MACC, hudl and Yahoo!); manufacturing (BD, MetalQuest, Chief); and transportation, distribution and logistics (Werner Enterprises, Brown Transfer, CashWa). The video tours include employees and managers discussing work environment, salary, education requirements and career advancement opportunities. The videos are available online at www.

NEcareertours.com.

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

For all your real estate needs, call Brock and Trishel Owens

402-202-2114

4141 Pioneer Woods Dr. Ste 114 • Lincoln, Nebraska

Radio Ads - Digital Ads - Jingles Industrials - Music Production Mixing - Mastering

Auburn BBQ Restaurant Coming to Lincoln Hickory Road BBQ & Catering Co., which has been open in downtown Auburn, NE since 2007, has announced plans to open a location in the Briarhurst Center at 48th and Hwy 2. Hickory Road owner Dan Emshoff said he will be opening in the former Bablyon restaurant space, which is between Wolf Tackle Shop and Le Cupcake. His target opening date is May 4.

Drake Sobehrad Audio Engineer 254-541-5487

Alex Schneider Audio Engineer 254-749-1417

audioDNArecording.com

Hickory Road smokes all its own meats and makes its barbecue fresh daily. In addition to barbeque, the restaurant offers burgers, other sandwiches, steak and chicken, salads, desserts and a host of appetizers and sides. For more information, visit www. hickoryroadbbq.com.

Leadercast Lincoln Set for May 8th, Stephanie Boyes Signs On as Title Sponsor Cornerstone Leadership Solutions is proud to announce Stephanie Boyes – The Mortgage Genie as title sponsorship for Leadercast Lincoln.

A Nebraska native, Stephanie Boyes has been in the mortgage industry for almost a decade dedicating her time to helping customers get into their dream home or to improve their financial situations through a refinance. Stephanie is the Mortgage Genie, Your Friend in the Mortgage Business. For more information on the loan programs and tools available through Stephanie Boyes, visit www.stephthemortgagegenie. com or call (402) 917-5726 today.

Leadercast is a one-day leadership event broadcast live from Atlanta, GA to hundreds of locations around the nation on May 8th. This year’s speakers include Rudy Giuliani, Peyton Manning, Andy Stanley, Malala Yousafzai, Seth Godin, and more. A limited number of tickets are left! Discounts are available for groups of 5+ and non-profit organizations. For more information about Leadercast Lincoln and ticket purchase, visit www. leadercastlincoln.com.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

7

Business News Daily Cleaning Services Medical, Manufacturing & General Office Cleaning Certified Green Cleaning Services

We can tailor a service to fit any business, CALL TODAY!

2626 O Street • 402.476.2194 • www.smpbm.com

Year Round Towing For Your Convenience Damage free towing, light to heavy duty • Fully insured • Load shifts & transfers WreckMaster certified operators • Full accident recovery services D.O.T. inspections & repairs in shop

Large or Small, we do it all! Call today.

402-465-4567 (24 hrs) • LTRtowingandrecovery.com

Schmick’s Market Celebrates Opening of Second Lincoln Store With Ribbon Cutting Sc hmick’s Market recently opened its fourth store, and the second in Lincoln, after remodeling the old Sun Mart location at 1340 West O Street. To celebrate the new location and its fresh new look, Schmick’s Market hosted a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting event on Tuesday, January 20th.

Schmick’s Market is a true family owned, family operated neighborhood market. Bob & Debbie Schmick & their four sons came together to fulfill a family dream in the winter of 2005 and opened their first grocery store in McCook, NE. Schmick’s Market in Broken Bow, NE came five years later in 2010 and now the Schmick family is proud to expand in Lincoln by opening their fourth and newest store in west Lincoln.

Schmick’s Market offers the quality service you’d expect from a family owned neighborhood market. They offer a traditional Butcher Shop where you can actually talk to one of the expert butchers and get anything you want to the specifications you want at the best prices in Lincoln. Their newly renovated Liquor store has everything you are looking for from Nebraska Wines to Craft Beers. And their Fresh Produce and Deli/Bakery departments are second to none in quality and freshness.

For more information, call (402) 328-0561 or visit www. schmicksmarket.com.

Raising Cane’s Opens South Location, Donates Over $3,600 to Lincoln Children’s Zoo

Friends of Lied Presents

Style It Pretty CELEBRATING THE LIED’S SILVER SEASON

TABLE INSPIRATIONS 2015 March 25– 26, 2015 LIED CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Guest Speaker: Julia Knight, Founder and CEO of Julia Knight, Inc.

For prices, call 402.472.4700 or visit liedcenter.org 8

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

The long awaited South Lincoln Raising Cane’s is now open. In preparation for the grand opening at 58th & Old Cheney, an invitation only Friends and Family event was held to give the 65 new crew members a feel of what opening day would be like. The only difference—100% of the sales, $3,681.81 in total, was donated to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. On opening day, the first 100 paying dine-in customers received a commemorative Lincoln Raising Cane’s t-shirt along with a voucher for a FREE BOX COMBO that may be redeemed on a subsequent visit. These 1st 100 guests were also registered to win FREE CANE’S FOR A YEAR—one lucky winner was selected.

Some dedicated Caniacs even pulled out their sleeping bags and slept overnight in front of the doors to ensure they were first in line.

For those who don’t want to sleep outside, you can visit the new restaurant Sunday through Thursday between 10a-10p and Friday and Saturday from 10a-11p.

Raising Cane’s has one love—chicken fingers—and focuses its menu offering on fresh, made-to-order chicken fingers paired with their homemade Cane’s sauce, grilled Texas Toast brushed with garlic butter, creamy Cole slaw and crinkle-cut French fries.

Follow Raising Cane’s on Twitter (@CanesLincoln) or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanesNebraska.

Business News Lincoln Airport Honored for Runway Project Brewsky’s to Unveil New Menu The Lincoln Airport (LincolnAirport.com) recently received the 2014 Project of the Year award from the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics for the rehabilitation of its main runway. The project involved repairing concrete in the center portion of the runway and resurfacing asphalt strips on each side of the concrete. The runway is 13,000 feet long (nearly 2.5 miles), and 200 feet wide. It was originally built when the facility was used as an Air Force base.

Brewsky’s Food & Spirits announces the rollout of its most in-depth menu change in Brewsky’s 25-year history. Twelve items were removed, eleven new items were added, and changes were made to nine other offerings from the previous menu. The new menu offers five new gourmet burgers, new appetizers, a new salad, and a unique new sandwich, the Sweet Chili Chicken Stacker.

Brewsky’s is a local chain of six sports bar and grills, with two locations in Omaha and four locations in Lincoln. Brewsky’s was established in 1990 in Lincoln, NE, and expanded to the Omaha market in 2001.

Brewsky’s offers all the HDTV sports packages, a selection of over 100 unique craft, import and domestic beers, as well as a full menu consisting of grilled wings, burgers, chicken, steak, sandwiches, salads and more.

For further information, contact Jim Mumgaard at (402) 459-1374 or via email at jmumgaard@brewskys.com.

A centrally located runway of this length allows large military aircraft to take off and fly non-stop to destinations in the eastern and western hemispheres. It also makes Lincoln an important option for emergency landings of commercial jets. The length of the runway provides an extra measure of safety for pilots who need to land unexpectedly in the central U.S.

KEEPING LINCOLN CLEAN SINCE 1921 Commercial | Residential

During the planning process, Lincoln Airport Authority consulted with the Lincoln Wastewater System and Lincoln Electric System to coordinate work on underground infrastructure projects that impacted the main runway property. Construction on the main runway began last July and was completed on time in early November. FAA funding covered 90 percent of the $6 million cost with the Lincoln Airport Authority paying the remaining 10 percent.

Mention this ad and receive a 10% discount Locally owned and operated

Call today to sign up!

www.nbrefuselincoln.com • 402-475-8361

Aqua Systems Facilitates Discussion of Water Issues at WasteCap Green Team Roundtable Aqua Systems, in partnership with Lincoln Water System and WasteCap Nebraska, recently hosted a Green Te a m R o u n d t a b l e meeting. The topic of discussion was water related issues that affect business and the community. Participants also got to see and learn about Aqua System’s innovative mobile hydration station, which is designed especially for free water dispensing at outdoor events.

WasteCap Green Team Roundtables are open to the general public, offering brief presentations by local professionals as well as discussion on current environmental and social issues of concern to businesses and citizens in the community. To find out more, visit www.wastecapne.org.

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.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

9

Business News

SuperGlass Nebraska Receives A+ BBB Rating

Your Print and Digital Media Partner

Group

eaglegroupnow.com

Stop by and let us show you how affordable it can be 402.476.8156 1340 N Street • Lincoln, NE 68508

SuperGlass Windshield Repair is pleased to announce that its local franc hise recently received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This is the highest rating that any business can receive, and local franchise owner/operator Boyd Baillie is proud to be named to this prestigious category of businesses.

Established in Nebraska in 2009, SuperGlass Windshield Repair is the largest “repair only” franchise worldwide. By utilizing their state-ofthe-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. Boyd Baillie is the owner of the local SuperGlass Windshield Repair franchise whose 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.

Source Now Open, Helping Lincoln Eat Fit Source. Eat Fit, a new health-focused restaurant located at 17th and Pine Lake Road, recently opened its doors for business. Source caters to those who want a prepared meal that’s easy but not fast-food, with a menu that features a wide variety of options between 300 to 600 calories including steak, salmon, salads and wraps. Meals are prepared daily by a professional chef, which are perfect for dine-in as well as on-the-go with carry-out, drive-thru and delivery available. Online ordering is also available at www.sourceeatfit.com. Customers may also take advantage of meal planning assistance with Source’s 21 Day Challenge. The Source team works directly with customers to create a customized meal program that will help them reach their fitness and lifestyle goals. The 21 Day Challenge includes 21 days’ worth of fresh, fit, perfectly-portioned meals. Open seven days a week, there are plenty of great meals on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as healthy snacks and desserts. Nutrition facts are readily available and every item on the menu is served all day long.

Eat Fit at Source, founded in Lincoln and locally owned and operated. For more information, please call (402) 805-4688 or visit www.sourceeatfit. com. You can also find Source on Facebook and Twitter!

Transworld Business Advisors Facilitates Sale of Herbs & More

10

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Transworld Business Advisors recently facilitated the sale of Herbs & More, a Lincoln business that has been open since April 1, 1996. Founder and owner Arnold Freeman sold his business to Jethro Hopkins under the guidance of Transworld’s Mary Jo Cassner. Herbs & More was slated to close its doors this month for good, just short of its 19th anniversary, but will remain open for business occupying its current location at 5740 Old Cheney Road under new ownership. The store’s offerings included natural herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements, weight loss supplements and books. Over the years its inventory has grown to include massage therapy supplies, aromatherapy (essential oils) and accessories, natural beauty care products, herbal teas, natural household and cleaning products and more. Longtime owner Arnold Freeman is retiring and wants to thank all of his loyal customers for supporting Herbs & More over the years, and for their continued support of the store and its new owner Mr. Hopkins. For further details, please call (402) 423-7733.

For more information about Transworld Business Advisors or for a free consultation, contact Mary Jo Cassner at (402) 413-1095 or visit www. tworld.com/lincoln.

Business News

Specializing in

Friends of Lied to Host Biennial “Table Inspirations” Event

Residential & Golf Properties

Nebraska’s top food, interior design, gift, floral, and jewelry experts will be at the Lied Center for Performing Arts on March 25-26 for the Friends of Lied Table Inspirations event. Held biennially, this event is open to the public and features beautiful table displays throughout the Lied Center composed by area design professionals.

Working with Buyers & Sellers

This year’s design seminar on “Planning a Cocktail Party Like a Pro” will feature a panel of local experts from the floral, paper goods and food and drink industries. The event, themed “Style it Pretty,” will culminate with a keynote speech

by Julia Knight, the Founder and CEO of Julia Knight, Inc., a leader in the serveware, entertaining accessories and gifts industry sold at top retailers including Bloomingdales.

Deb Wagner, Realtor

402.440.1314

HomeSalesByDeb.com

The event centers on fundraising efforts for the Lied Center and includes a raffle of various donated items including a Julia Knight barware and bar cart from Borsheims, Julia Knight necklace and earring set, water color painting, and a hand-blown glass decanter and matching goblets. On March 25, Table Inspirations will kick-off with a Cocktails and Conversation Table Tour from 6 – 8 p.m.

To reserve tickets to this unique event, call 402.472.4704 or stop by the Lied Administrative Office (12th and R Streets). Ticket options include attending all Table Inspirations events, cocktail party only, March 26th events only, table tour and keynote speech, or just the table tour.

Talent Plus Announces New Website — Same Sophisticated Science, New Look 5+ Year Campaign Raises More Than $42 Million for Concordia University Concordia University, Nebraska recently announced that the university raised $42.3 million in gifts, pledges and deferred commitments during its Blessed to be a Blessing campaign, the second-largest campaign in the university’s history. The campaign concluded on Dec. 31, 2014.

The campaign, which had an overall goal of $38 million, sought to raise $6 million for capital projects, $17 million for operations and $15 million for endowment. It surpassed its goals in each of those areas, raising $6.4 million for capital, $19.8 million for operations and $16.1 million for endowment. Operational gifts provide scholarships, enhance campus life, strengthen academic programs and address strategic initiatives. Endowment gifts enable Concordia to provide competitive financial aid to students, recruit and retain talented faculty and staff, and provide additional resources for university programs.

Launched on July 1, 2009, Blessed to be a Blessing followed On a Mission, the most successful campaign in university history. Supporters of Concordia have provided more than $105 million in gifts to the university since July 1, 2002, during the two campaigns. Concordia is a private, Lutheran, Christian university with its main campus in Seward, Nebraska, its graduate college in Lincoln, Nebraska, and educational opportunities online. For more information, visit cune.edu.

After 25 years in business, Talent Plus® has announced a new look to their website.

Talent Plus’ new website highlights the ability to put solutions together to select and develop the innovative employees that organizations need. With more videos, client testimonials, original photography and a whole new layout, you’re sure to see a portion of their culture reflected in each page of the website. The competition for great talent is fierce and Talent Plus gives companies a leg up on their competitors by offering a scientific methodology to select an organization’s most precious resource: great people. That’s why you’ll see their people, the ones who bring you world-class service every day, on nearly every page.

But don’t just take their word for it, explore for yourself at www. talentplus.com. It’s the same sophisticated science with a whole new look and feel. Email info@talentplus.com and let Talent Plus know what you think of their new look and you could be highlighted on the new website. #SameScienceNewLook Talent Plus, Inc. is the Leading Talent Assessment PartnerSM with over 400 clients in 20 countries delivering selection and development in more than 20 languages. Headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska, Talent Plus also has an office in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.talentplus.com, call 1.800.VARSITY, or connect on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business 11

Business News Nebraska Construction Industry Council Launches New Website for Career Education The Nebraska Construction Industry Council is pleased to announce the launch of its new website BuildOurNebraska.com. The new site features extensive content to help educate Nebraskans on the wide variety of career opportunities available in the construction industry.

The new Nebraska Construction Industry Council (NCIC) site contains all the information a student needs to pursue a construction industry career, including career paths, educational requirements, potential wages, resources, events, job openings and scholarships. In addition to being a resource, BuildOurNebraska.com seeks to curb the stigma attached to the construction industry—that it’s not a worthy career path for smart, capable kids.

Aligning with its goal of providing a user-friendly experience, the new website works seamlessly across all devices. Whether you’re on a laptop or smartphone, the website automatically adjusts to fit your screen. For more information and news on the latest happenings in the construction industry, follow NCIC on Facebook at facebook. com/BuildOurNebraska or Twitter @BuildNebraska.

BuildOurNebraska.com is a group venture of the six member organizations that comprise the NCIC: Associated General Contractors-Nebraska Chapter, Associated General ContractorsNebraska Building Chapter, Mechanical Contractors AssociationOmaha, National Electrical Contractors Association-Nebraska Chapter, National Utility Contractors Association-Nebraska Chapter, Nebraska Concrete and Aggregates Association.

Slim Chickens Brings its Better Chicken to Nebraska Slim Chickens, a leader in the “better chicken” segment of fastcasual restaurants, has expanded its fresh c hic ken and unparalleled flavor to the Old Cheney area of Lincoln, Nebraska.

The expansion was s p e a r h e a d e d by restaurant veterans and local franchisees, Bill and Stacie Hooks, who have long-standing roots in the Lincoln community and look forward to sharing the Slim Chickens experience with neighbors and surrounding communities.

Located at 5805 S. 58th St., the restaurant opened on February 9 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. This is the first of five locations Hooks plans on opening in the Cornhusker State; the second location is set to open in March. Slim Chickens restaurants in Nebraska will offer beer to of-age guests to accompany the fresh, hand-battered chicken and homemade dipping sauces, in addition to its popular iced tea flavors. The down-home Southern brand offers diners hand-breaded or grilled chicken tenders, paired with a choice of eight handmade dipping sauces or seven handmade wing sauces for exceptional flavor, which have earned admiration from both customers and critics. If guests want to switch it up, Slim Chickens also offers fresh salads, wraps, and chicken and waffles.

To offset the savory side of the menu, rotating dessert flavors served in Mason jars are available.

12

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

To learn more about the brand, visit slimchickens.com.

Business News Executive Answering Service Celebrates 45th Anniversary Executive Answering Ser vice (EAS) proudly announces another company milestone, celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2015.

With roots of local ownership dating back to 1970, EAS has since established a name for itself as one of the most reputable answering services in the industry.

Executive Answering Service currently provides 24/7 live telephone answering services, call center services, emergency dispatch, order entry, and outsourcing services to over 500 clients in the local market and extending nationwide.

IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A

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

SUPERHERO

DONATE PLASMA! EARN UP TO $100 THIS WEEK

Biomat USA GRIFOLS

2002 N Street Lincoln 68510

GrifolsPlasma.com

Locally owned and operated by Megan Lipert-Murphy, who took over the business in 2000, Executive Answering Service works with clients that range from independent, freelance home offices and small businesses to large corporations and medical offices with high call volumes. Their goal is simple and has remained the same over the past 45 years—to give clients the highest quality service, tailored to the specific needs of their business and at a fair price, while providing a seamless link for effective communications between all parties. EAS has also been consistently at the forefront of communication technology, enhancing their offerings for their clients whenever possible.

For more information about Executive Answering Service, please call (402) 474-3434 or visit www.executive-answering.com.

Registration Begins April 1 for Bright Lights Summer Learning Classes Beginning April 1st at noon, online or mail in registration will be open for summer 2015 Bright Lights classes for students post kindergarten through 9th grade.

Students will stay motivated and keep learning throughout the summer with 127 half-day classes and 9 full-day camps to choose from. In Bright Lights classes, students will engage in group challenges and career exploration as well as having the opportunity to practice important learning skills through motivating and high interest curriculum. Before care and lunch care are also options to provide a convenient opportunity for families to schedule a full day of learning adventures for their student.

Many new classes have been added this summer in addition to old favorites. Students can explore their passion for art in Weaving In and Out, Sketch This! or Bugz, the Musical. They can embrace outdoor activities with Tennis 101, New Heights: Rock Climbing or Pedal Power. Hands-on science opportunities will be offered in The Science and Magic of FROZEN, Rockets to Infinity and Beyond and Robots in Wonderland. Old favorites include Lego EV3 Robotics, Fancy Nancy, Hogwarts Day Camp and Reptiles Rock.

More information is available at www.brightlights.org. Class and camp descriptions will be posted soon. Summer 2015 dates for Bright Lights classes are June 8-12; June 22-26 and July 6-10.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

13

Business News Nothing Planned Yet for Your Kids Over Summer Break? Strictly Business has it Covered!

Calling all i n d u s t r y professionals!

Are you a local business or organization that is preparing to roll out its summer youth programming for 2015? Registration for these events is coming right up, and each year Strictly Business includes a feature story in our May issue that offers the opportunity to reach our readers who are actively looking for ideas!

It is essential for kids of all ages to remain active, involved in the community and exposed to continuous learning experiences and new things over the summer months. There are so many great opportunities in Lincoln and the surrounding areas that cover all of these bases, and we want our readers to know about them! The story will focus on a variety of topics related to Summer Activities for Kids, including recommendations from experienced professionals in our community on a multitude of different activities and events that are perfect for specific age groups to participate in.

Are you looking to increase your business and profits this summer?

Do you want to get the word out about your products, services and expertise? Contact Katie Danehey at (402) 466-3330 or via email at Katie@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com to find out more about how you can get involved!

14

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

SCORE Announces Upcoming Dates for Small Business Workshops 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 informationpacked 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, the “What’s Involved in Starting a Small Business” workshop covers: Business Planning • Financing • Sales/Marketing & Social Media Practical Accounting • Legal Structures • Insurance Needs Nebraska Sales & Use Tax • Federal IRS Taxes • Technology Usage Workshop Location SCC Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center (301 S. 68th Street Place).

2015 Workshop Dates and Times: March 21: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., April 20, 21, 22: 6:30 pm - 9:30 p.m., May 16: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., June 20: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

To register or for more information, please call Southeast Community College at (402) 437-2700.

Business News W.C.’s South Lounge & Sports Bar Celebrates 30th Anniversary W.C.’s South Lounge and Sports Bar has reached a major milestone, recently celebrating 30 years in business. Locally owned and operated by Chuck Cheever, W.C.’s South held a celebration on February 26th and invited past patrons and members of the Lincoln community to join them on their 30th anniversary. Cheever credits the continued business of their loyal customer base and many great employees for its notable longevity. With a prominent location on Hwy 2, W.C.’s South is proud to have served many wonderful customers over the past 30 years and wishes to thank everyone for all of the great times! W.C.’s South Lounge & Sports Bar can be reached at (402) 421-2186.

T 402.483.6656 C 402.610.0169 F 402.413.8320 1221 N Street • Suite 800 Lincoln, NE 68508 www.WillekeFinancialGroup.com

• certified in baby sign language 1 block N. of 84th & Old Cheney 7am-6pm M-F • educational programs for 6 weeks-13 years of age • owned & operated by Certified Elementary teacher • full, part time & drop off care available • transportation available to/from school

Precision Aesthetics Moves to Sun Valley Business Park Serving Lincoln and dentists throughout the United States for over 18 years, Precision Aesthetics has relocated to Sun Valley Business Park at 221 Sun Valley Blvd., Suite B. The new facility was designed to maximize workflow and for the comfort of the Precision Aesthetics team. A separate CAD CAM room was also designed to take advantage of the new and emerging technology in the dental laboratory field.

Precision Aesthetics is a fixed prosthetic lab specializing in implants, crowns and bridges. According to the results of a recent nationwide survey conducted by an independent consultant on 28,138 dental labs in North America, Precision Aesthetics was rated in the highest possible category (exceptional). Precision Aesthetics currently employs eight technicians with a combined total of 216 years of experience. Sun Valley Business Park and its other tenants, Region V Services, EA Engineering, Science and Technology, and Companion Linc, welcome Precision Aesthetics and congratulate them on their new investment in Lincoln.

Only minutes from downtown, UNL, the airport, and all major roadways, and featuring free store-front parking, Sun Valley Business Park provides design, building, and management of quality office space. If you are looking for quality and convenient space, contact Mike Hughes at (402) 488-0940.

WE SELL TIRES! • Competitor Price Matching • FREE rotation for life of

new set of 4 tires

BBB and Porch.com Join Forces to Provide Homeowners With Trusted Resources An established and trusted business review organization is joining forces with a new and innovative home network to offer consumers the most comprehensive information available on home improvement and maintenance professionals. Better Business Bureau and Porch. com announced today that homeowners can now find BBB information, including ratings and accreditation status, for millions of professionals, right in their Porch search results. Porch will display BBB information on home construction, maintenance and repair companies, and the information is updated and refreshed daily. Consumers who wish to see more detail can click through to read the entire BBB Business Review.

Porch is the first website and mobile app in the home services space to offer nationwide integration of BBB ratings and accreditation status.

The agreement gives Porch six months of exclusive access to BBB accreditation and ratings for the home improvement and maintenance industry for use on Porch’s website and mobile app. The company has matched more than 3.2 million Porch profile pages to BBB Business Reviews, and is displaying the BBB accreditation status in its search results along with the BBB rating. Businesses can learn more about participating at bbb.org/porch-pro. For more information about Porch, visit porch. com or download the Porch App at porch.com/app.

• All Major Brands for Import

or Domestic Vehicles including Goodyear , Dunlop , Hankook , Bridgestone , Firestone , Michelin & more! ®

®

®

®

®

®

Authorized Tire Center

27th & Yankee Hill 402-858-1626 Service Department 888-486-4914 Check us out online for rebates & tire specials!

HondaofLincoln.com

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

15

Business News

Five Guys Burgers and Fries Opens Second Location

Look your BEST for her SKINCARE FOR MEN OF ALL SKIN TYPES • Hair Removal • Designer Facials • Enzyme Peels • Body Treatments • Scar Camouflage

Open by Appointment, Call Today!

For Your Special Day...

Custom Made Wedding Cakes, Cupcakes & more!

From elegant classic designs and flavors to your unique and modern favorites.

Call today to set-up your stress-free consultation with FREE cake samples!

402-261-6214

5700 Old Cheney Rd., Ste 2 Monday- Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

CupcakesAndMoreLincoln.com | 16

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Like us!

Five Guys Burgers and Fries officially opened its second restaurant in Lincoln at 2525 Pine Lake Road in February.

Owner Ryan Funke purchased the Lincoln Five Guys franchise rights in February of 2013, taking over the first Lincoln location at 1230 P Street. He has since turned what was a struggling restaurant at the time into a successful downtown burger joint that is now expanding across Lincoln due to popular demand. Under his ownership, Five Guys is also in negotiations for its third location near Gateway Mall, which would open sometime next summer. He also recently bought the franchise rights to three Five Guys restaurants in Omaha.

Five Guys’ specialty is made-to-order burgers which can be customized in over 250,000 different ways. Five Guys burgers are made with fresh, never frozen ground beef and served with hand-cut fries made daily in 100% peanut oil. For more information about Five Guys Burgers and Fries, find them online at www.fiveguys.com, on Facebook or Twitter, or stop in to either of the two Lincoln restaurants!

Centro Plaza Changes Ownership, Renovation Plans Announced An affiliate of Phoenix Investors, LLC recently sold Centro Plaza, a retail power center of approximately 116,000 square feet located at 400 North 48th Street, for $16,785,000 to an investment group including IntVent – CP, LLC, Westmore Equities, LLC and Mt. Hawley Associates, LLC. Centro Plaza had been a cornerstone of Phoenix’s portfolio for over twenty years. Until recently it was anchored by one of the largest Best Buy’s stores in the United States, and the only Best Buy in the Lincoln metropolitan area for 20 years. Given the current reduced footprint requirements for Best Buy’s prototype in an e-commerce environment, an opportunity arose to re-position the shopping center for the next decade. In recent months, Phoenix consummated leases with national anchors including DSW, Michael’s, and Beauty Brands in the space formerly occupied by Best Buy. TJ Maxx, another successful anchor tenant at Centro Plaza for over twenty years, agreed to a lease extension as part of the planned renovations. By fall, 2015, the renovation of Centro Plaza will be complete and the new anchor tenants will be in occupancy.

The transaction was brokered by John Dewhurst of Red Legacy Brokerage and Ember Grummons, Investors Realty, LLC, both of Omaha.

Calling All Industry Professionals: Strictly Business to Focus on Building Your Dream Home in May Issue Are you a business that is connected to the home building industry or that specializes in a related construction trade and looking to increase your profits in 2015? Are your product and/or service offerings perfectly suited for those who will be building a home in the near future? We’ve got a great opportunity coming up to showcase your business and what you have to offer! Our Building Your Dream Home story is not only an excellent means of exposure for area home builders but also for businesses that cover the multitude of other facets that go into building a home from the ground up.

Strictly Business Magazine recently kicked off its 2015 Construction Series in March, which will continue all the way through the October issue, and there are still opportunities available to be included as one of our featured businesses! Our stories are especially designed to assist our clients in getting the word out about their products, services and expertise. This series will focus on a host of seasonal industry topics, including Spring Landscaping in the April issue followed by Building & Financing Your Dream Home in May. Other topics include Commercial Remodeling, Residential Remodeling, Buying a Home, Resell Remodeling, and Fall Landscaping. Contact Katie Danehey at (402) 466-3330 or via email at Katie@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com to find out more about how you can get involved!

Business News

Vaughn Carter Launches TheFacilitator4U After an extensive career in organizational development and performance improvement, Vaughn Carter has decided to soar with his strengths and follow his passion by launching TheFacilitator4U, offering Neutral Process Facilitation services. At TheFacilitator4U, the focus is on process facilitation, meeting facilitation and strategic planning. The mission of TheFacilitator4U is to “support future focused organizations as they move forward, grow, improve, perform, achieve, succeed, and prosper through well-developed and well executed facilitated processes.”

Effective process facilitation is a structured process that equips an organization to more efficiently and effectively address challenges and capture opportunities. A Neutral Facilitator is not the expert in the subject at hand but manages the method of the process with the focus on effective decision-making. A well-designed and managed process assists an organization to make more effective use of the wealth of their existing knowledge, expertise, experiences and resources.

If you are interested in finding out more about Neutral Process Facilitation and how TheFacilitator4U might benefit your organization, check out their website at TheFacilitator4U.com or contact Vaughn Carter at Vaughn@ TheFacilitator4U.com. He can also be reached at (402) 432-6028.

Put Social Media to Work for Your Business! a Social Media Review Facebook,Twitter & LinkedIn Weekly Posts

◆

◆

(3 per site)

All for

$500 a month!

Call today & start promoting your business!

133.52+/- Acres Dakota County, Nebraska Tuesday, March 10 • 10am Hubbard Community Center For details, contact:

Eric Mueller, Broker/Auctioneer (402) 660-1044 EMueller@FarmersNational.com

402.525.6027

www.dksolutionsne.com

www.FarmersNational.com

Vision Home Buyers Now Offering Services in Nebraska Vision Home Buyers, an industry production leader in residential real estate, announced that the company has expanded its home buying services to both the Omaha and Lincoln areas. Since 2006, the Denver-based company has been buying homes “as-is” through a proprietary pricing and service model. Last year company owner, Greg Geller, began expanding through the licensing of qualified individuals and companies in several U.S. cities. Vision Home Buyers is also represented in Phoenix/Mesa and Tucson (AZ), Houston, Austin and Ft. Worth (TX), Tampa-St. Petersburg (FL), Richmond (VA), Salt Lake City (UT), Las Vegas (NV), Philadelphia (PA), San Diego (CA) and Nashville (TN).

Vision sellers are not required to make any improvements to the property before the sale, are able to set their own closing and moving dates, pay no commissions and are free to leave whatever they want behind for Vision to donate or dispose of after they move.

Please visit Vision Home Buyers (visionhomebuyers.com) and Vision Real Estate (visiondenverhomes.com) for more information about the companies’ services.

The Vision Home Buyers expert for Omaha/Lincoln is Doug Roberts. He can be reached at (402) 858-9695 or doug@ visionhomebuyers.com.

Kaplan University Expands Military Scholarship Program Kaplan University is pleased to announce the expansion of the American Freedom Foundation Kaplan University Family Scholarship Program to their Lincoln campus. 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. 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.

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 high school, or in college if they have attended higher education courses previously. To learn more about the scholarship program visit: scholarsapply.org/AFF. Potential applications with additional questions and eligibility requirements please contact Kaplan University-Lincoln, Michael Klacik at (402) 437-2100

Stop by one of our three convenient locations today!

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

17

Business News Lincoln Rotary Clubs Honor LI-COR The combined Rotary Clubs of Lincoln are pleased to announce that their 2015 ‘Salute to Business’ honoree is LI-COR for their innovation and contributions to the Lincoln community. The award will be presented by the combined clubs at a luncheon at the Cornhusker, a Marriott Hotel on Tuesday, March 3rd. Attending this celebratory affair will be newly elected Governor Ricketts as well as many other dignitaries.

LI-COR Biosciences is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of high quality, innovative instruments, software, reagents, and integrated systems for plant biology, biotechnology, drug discovery, and environmental research. The Lincoln-based company’s products are used in the extremes of the rain forests in South America to the harsh conditions of the Antarctic, and in cutting edge research laboratories and classrooms around the globe.

Two Lincoln Credit Unions Announce Merger Plan LincOne & Peoples Choice Federal Credit Unions have announced plans to merge to create a larger, stronger credit union that will benefit the community with a more diversified membership, expanded choices in financial products and services, improved convenience and a greater asset base that can lead to operational efficiencies. After each credit union’s board completed due diligence activities and both unanimously approved the merger, the request received regulatory approval from the National Credit Union Administration on January 26, 2015. The merger will occur April 1, 2015, pending a positive vote by Peoples Choice Members in early March.

The continuing credit union will be LINCONE Federal Credit Union.

LI-COR seeks to achieve its mission of Impacting Lives Through Science by developing technologies and products that improve the human condition. LI-COR systems are used in more than 100 countries and are supported by a global network of distributors.

LincOne, originally the Lincoln Goodyear Employees Federal Credit Union, was chartered in 1955. Peoples Choice FCU was originally chartered by 17 individuals as the Lincoln City Employees in October 1949. After the merger, the new LINCONE Federal Credit Union assets will increase to approximately $120 million with over 18,000 members being served through four branches located at 4638 W St., 5705 S. 86th, 2500 N St., and 6700 S. 70th. All who live, work, worship, or attend school in Lancaster County, Nebraska are eligible for membership.

Doors open at 11:30, program will begin promptly at noon. Individual tickets are $30, corporate tables are also available. For more information, go to www.rotary14.org.

For additional information or questions, please contact Jerry Barnett, President/CEO, LincOne Federal Credit Union at 402.441.3555 / 888.790.7261 / jbarnett@linconefcu.org.

LI-COR is a privately held company, founded in Lincoln in 1971, with subsidiaries in Germany and the United Kingdom. The company employs more than 330 people worldwide.

18

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Ask the Expert: ComPro 402-488-5100

www.comproins.com

Health Insurance and Taxes

by Chris McPike, Vice President

UGH!! It’s tax time. The Affordable Care Act has linked our health insurance and our income taxes in new ways. Here are some guidelines: If your employer contributes to the cost of your health insurance: • If your employer provides a group benefits plan that includes health insurance, you receive those benefits tax free. You are NOT required to show the value of the health insurance premiums that your employer pays as taxable income. That is because there is a law that specifically allows an employer sponsored group benefit plan to be a deductible expense for the employer and a tax free benefit for the employee.

Lincoln’s Premier

Property Management Company

We Make Your Real Estate Investments Work for You.

• If an employer reimburses you or pays the premium for an individual insurance policy, the tax treatment is different. There is no employer sponsored group benefit plan and the dollar amount of the premium that the employer pays is considered taxable income to the employee. For tax purposes, the premium paid by the employer is considered the same as receiving a raise.

If you have an individual health insurance policy and pay your own premiums, there are several tax considerations that may fit your situation: • You are not self-employed: The premiums you pay plus your outof-pocket medical costs can be itemized on Schedule A. However, only the amount that exceeds 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income is allowable as a deduction.

• You are self-employed: Premiums paid for health insurance for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents are generally deductible on line 29 of your tax return (Form 1040). The deduction cannot be greater than the income reported for your business.

• Your health insurance was purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace: Form 1095A is new for 2014. It is issued by the Marketplace and reports the amount of Premium Tax Credit that you received. It is available online at healthcare.gov through your Marketplace account. The forms were also mailed in February, 2015.

Form 1095A is used to complete another new form – 8962. This will be included with your 2014 tax return and is used to calculate the difference between your Premium Tax Credit (PTC) based on your final taxable income and the PTC that was estimated at the time you enrolled in the Marketplace. The difference in the two figures will result in a refund if you are owed more PTC or repayment of excess PTC that you received during the year.

• You did not have health insurance in 2014: Line 61 of your tax return (Form 1040) is where you report whether you had qualifying health care coverage throughout 2014. If you did not have coverage, you will have 2 options. o Claim an exemption using Form 8965. You can qualify for an exemption if your income is too low, if health insurance would have cost more than 8% of your income, if you have a religious objections, and others. Refer to https://www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/ exemptions-from-the-fee/ for additional information o You will pay a penalty if you did not have health insurance AND you are not eligible for an exemption.

Your health insurance agent and your tax preparer can assist you in determining how the new health insurance and tax laws impact you.

402.483.1214

JENNIFER & MATT KIRKLAND

Local & Family Owned Since 1957

847 S. 48th St. • www.realtyworksne.com “The Funeral Home Family & Friends Recommend.”

• Funeral,

memorial and

cremation services

• on-site

cremation Facilities

• on-site

reception Facilities

with kitchen

• pre-planning

consultation

with payment options

• on-site

chapel with

video screen

• accepts

4040 A Street Lincoln, NE 68510

pre-arrangement

transFers From other Funeral homes

488 0934

• personalized

Hickman Location 211 E. 1st. Street Hickman, NE 68372 402 . 792 . 2470

• centrally

•

• monuments • aFter

video tributes

and markers

services out-reach located

Owners / Directors

Visit Us Online:

bmlfh.com Locally Owned & Operated Since 1883

Jim Love

Pat McCashland Son-in-law of the late LeRoy Butherus

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

19

Tobias Sommer

Generators For Sale

Give Your Style a FresH Look for Spring!

Mention this ad for 19% OFF one regular priced item*

Clothing for Women & Men 402-904-5257 • 575 Fallbrook Blvd, Ste 106

offer expires 03-31-15

*

20

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

In 2003, Tobias Sommer started his own professional electrical company, Advanced Electrical Services, and began providing services for residential and commercial clients. A few years later Advanced Electrical Services started selling and servicing generators, and as his expertise in that particular area of the business grew, Sommer made the decision to focus on doing what he does best and Generators For Sale was formed. From the extensive online inventory to custom-made capabilities and expert turnkey solutions, Generators For Sale will have the generator for you. Tobias Sommer continues to own and operate his Omaha-based business and is very active in the sales, installation and maintenance of reliable back-up power systems across the Midwest.

How did you get started in the business? - In high school I was in an industrial class and over the span of a year we built a house, all stages of construction included. When I saw the electricians work, I knew that’s what I wanted to do and pursued it right after high school. When I started my business, I was just another electrician trying to be everything to everyone. After we were moving more towards a service-based business, I decided that I wanted to be in business to be the best in one thing. Generators were at the top of the list; it’s something that if you want to do it you’ve got to do it really well, so we focused all of our attention on that moving forward. We truly are the generator guys.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Aside from doing what I love, it’s been assembling a great team that is all unified in the same cause. We aren’t the biggest company out there but we take great pride in being the best.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Trisha and I have been happily married for over 10 years. We have three children; our daughter Bailey just turned 10 and our two sons, Braden and Lucas, are 6 and 2 years old respectively. When I clock out at work my only concern is being a husband and family man.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I’m an avid cyclist and triathlon guy. I don’t have many days off, but when I do I get in some biking, swimming or running.

What are you the most proud of? - My family and raising my kids to be the best people they can be.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received? - A business partnership is like a marriage; before you get married you need to be aware of what the divorce would look like. As a business owner this has definitely kept me away from making some bad mistakes.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t have it any other way.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - My cousin operates a local non-profit, The Bike Union, which helps disadvantaged youth learn job and life skills. It’s a bike shop with a mission to give youth from 14-21 years old the opportunity to get off the streets and learn many things from simply working on bikes together.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Brother Sebastian’s Steak House & Winery.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - At (402) 298-5355, via email at info@genomaha.com, or visit our website at www.HomeGeneratorsForSale.com.

Wyuka Funeral Home Where Family Matters Most

Amber Zakaras Strong Box Storage Strong Box Storage is Lincoln and Omaha’s premier storage facility, offering a secure, state-of-the-art facility complete with plenty of extra amenities. Their on-site offices are open six days a week and offer helpful, friendly staff. Strong Box Storage is also an independent U-Haul dealer and carries a wide variety of moving supplies for sale.

Amber Zakaras is the Property Manager of the Strong Box Storage facility in Papillion.

Let us know how we can help you.

402-474-3600

WYUKA Funeral Home • Cemetery • Park www.wyuka.com | 3600 “O” Street

Tell us a little about your business. - Strong Box Storage is a locally owned and operated storage facility with two locations, Lincoln and Papillion. We offer different sizes and types of storage, from temperature controlled to drive up units, and our Lincoln property offers outdoor parking also. Our facilities are different from others because we have a live onsite manager and we offer our customers dumpsters and free pallets as a courtesy to use while they’re renting with us.

How did you get started in the business? - September of 2009 is when I answered a help wanted ad online that indicated the position required living onsite. I called up the number listed and heard a nice lady say Strong Box Storage. I thought to myself can this be right?

Why would a storage property need someone to live onsite? Little did I know at the time how life changing that phone call would be. I met with Thomas Friedman, the owner of Strong Box Storage, for about an hour and at the end of our meeting he asked me if I had any other questions. I answered yes just one, what do I need to say for you to give me this job? We both laughed and he said he had other interviews and he’d get back to me, but later that same afternoon I got the call. I started on October 10th 2009 and have been the property manager for both locations since.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Our ever changing economy. Storage is a need, never a want. Keeping this in mind helps me help my customers no matter what the story of why they need our services.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? The U-Haul program offers a Top 100 Dealer award. There are over 17,000 dealers with U-Haul. I’ve been honored with this award twice in Lincoln and four times in Papillion.

Tell us a little about your family. - We are a blended family. I’ve been married to my husband Tony for three years. Not only did I marry Tony but he also came with two wonderful girls, Emily and Kate and in 2013 we welcomed our new addition, Riley. Our little family would not be complete without Sanders and CC, our two cats.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My mother gave me the best advice when my life was going crazy. She said, “Just breathe” and little did I know she was right. When I get worked up if I just breathe it gives my mind a chance to talk to my heart. I then respond to things from a better place.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We’ve always enjoyed supporting local Girls Scout troops and we look forward to helping them in 2015!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I can be reached at our Papillion facility (1502 Bristol Street) at (402) 596-1557 or our Lincoln facility (2701 West O Street) at (402) 4769292. You can also find us online at www.strongboxstorage.com.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

21

Eat Fresh. Eat Local.

Eat Healthy

M M

Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC

PIZ ZERIA & RISTOR ANTE

Stop In & Try Our NEW Sandwiches & Our Fresh Salads For Lunch and Later Join Us for Dinner!

Blvd • 402-261-5966 EAT • DRINK • LINGER 7701 Pioneersmomospizzeria.com

Brrr...

IT’S COLD OUT THERE! Treat yourself to a WARM car in the frigid winter months.

Remote CaR StaRteRS

Come Check Out Our NEW Facility!

STARTING AT $349 Get that car warmed up before you step in!

402.421.0888

ill Rd

16th Street & Cushman Dr. www.gp-customs.com

It’s Not CleaN

crystal clean

Special offer

$

60 two Hours with one housekeeper (includes 1 Kitchen, 1 Bath & 3 additional rooms)*

*New clients only, must mention ad to redeem. Amount of space cleaned may vary.

now Offering: Commercial Cleaning • office Cleaning Construction Clean Ups • apartment Move outs locally owned & operated Green Products • ecoFriendly trained Housekeepers • Insured

Call today to schedule Your appointment!

402.902.8113

CrystalCleanHousekeeping.com 22

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Derek J. Kats

Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC focuses on residential home sales in Lincoln, NE and strives to be at the forefront of the digital revolution by establishing its position as one of Lincoln’s first “paperless” Real Estate Brokerages, thus making for a quicker, safer, and more efficient transaction for all parties involved. The Brokerage office is located on the top floor of the Haymarket Square Building, overlooking Memorial Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District. Derek J. Kats is an active Realtor and the owner/founder of Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC. Tell us a little about yourself and your business. - I proudly represent Stephanie Krueger-Ponce of Third Generation Builder, a local new construction residential homebuilder primarily focused in south Lincoln.

I also represent some of Lincoln’s top residential investment companies as well as traditional home buyers and sellers. My marketing outreach and consistency is the biggest competitive advantage that I can offer my clients when working for them to sell their home or investment property.

With the online and digital revolution, how real estate is sold is less about the traditional word of mouth method or size of network/brokerage; in this modern marketing age it’s more about how many marketing dollars are spent, the consistency of the marketing, and where those marketing pieces are most effectively placed.

How did you get started in real estate? - I began my real estate career in 2003 when I purchased my first investment property, a rental home by UNL campus that I still own to this day. This was while I was also attending the University of Nebraska, where I refined my business and marketing skills and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

I continued to develop my passion for real estate investment, and in 2006 I formed Real Estate Avenues, LLC, a local investment company whose primary revenue stream was derived from house flipping along with building equity via buying and holding investment properties. Shortly thereafter, I formed the sister company Real Estate Avenues: General Contracting LLC, a construction company that was put in place to better maximize our investment company’s contractor relationships and create efficiencies in the areas of flip remodeling/rehabbing and investment property management/maintenance.

Investment real estate came easy to me, and with success came the requests from others to help them on that same path. So in January 2010, during the peak of the foreclosure market, I decided to become licensed and start offering those same services to other real estate investors and traditional home buyers/sellers alike. As anticipated, my skill set and overall business-building skills transferred over well causing my client list to grow and business to expand at a rapid rate.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? With hard work, passion, and strong business acumen, I became ranked as the #1 Buyer’s Agent Realtor by the end of 2011 and was recognized with the honor of receiving the RE/MAX 100% Club Award. I continued ranking as the #1 buyer’s agent in the years to follow, and in early 2014 decided to put my business building skills to work by founding Real Estate Avenues: The Brokerage, LLC. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

- I can be reached via phone call or text message directly on my cell phone at (402) 770-5021, through our brokerage main line at (402) 466-3748, or via my scheduler/assistant at (402) 805-5589. I can also be contacted via email at DerekJKats@REAtheBrokerage.com. Our Brokerage Office is in the Haymarket Square Building above Vincenzo’s Restaurant at 808 P St Suite 460. You can also find us on Facebook or via our website REAtheBrokerage.com.

Jonathon Moberly Concordia University Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward that offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs at its main campus, graduate college in Lincoln, and online. Jonathon Moberly is the director of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Concordia University.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Concordia University MBA Program has been designed to produce ethical leaders who will make an immediate impact on the organizations who are blessed to have them. Our program can be completed in two years where students have the opportunity to be taught by business industry leaders from Lincoln and Omaha. Our instructors are highly-trained to provide an engaging environment for students where they get hands-on experience applying the concepts to real world situations. The students go through the program in a lock-step method with a cohort in order to build strong professional relationships and a community for their education venture. Our goal is that every student sees every course as a positive return on time and monetary investment.

How did you get started in the business? - After being given the opportunity to teach a Sports Law course at Washington University School of Law in St. Louis I fell in love with teaching immediately. This led me to focus on pursuing other higher education teaching opportunities and also start on my path to coaching. In January of 2014, I received a call from Concordia University Nebraska inviting me to interview for their position of MBA Program Director and Assistant Professor in Business and the rest is history.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The largest challenge I faced was when I was an agent for professional athletes. So many of my competitors were using highly unethical means to secure clients and I knew if I went down that same path, I would be successful like they were but I’d ruin my integrity. That was ultimately why I made the difficult decision to leave the industry and follow what I was truly passionate about: teaching and coaching.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? My most important achievement thus far in my career has been designing a curriculum for the Concordia MBA program and knowing that it will indeed prepare students to become ethical leaders.

Tell us a little about your family. - My lovely wife Jennifer, who is also an instructor at Concordia, and I have been married for over six years. We have two amazing daughters, Adeline and Eloisa, who keep us on our toes.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When I realized that my career for the rest of my working days needed to be in higher education, not just as an instructor, but as an administrator.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins. I try to treat every day like it’s the greatest day.

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

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Men with Dreams. This non-profit was founded by two Concordia Nebraska graduates, Preston Harris and Brandon McWilliams. They are doing great things in Lincoln, helping boys learn life skills and study skills so they can pursue their dreams.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I can be reached at (402) 643-7430 or Jonathon.Moberly@cune.edu.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

23

EVERYBODY

PLAYS

TM

Mon-Thurs 10-8 • Fri-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5 48th & Vine • PlayItAgainSportsLincoln.com • 402.483.7447

Where Does the Leprechaun Store His 364 Days a Year? y Happ ck’S

tri St. paDay!

Outside storage for extra cars, boats & trailers

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

strongboxstorage.com • 2701 West O St. • 402-476-9292 24

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Scott Williamson West Gate Bank®

West Gate Bank®, a full-service community bank focused on Lincoln with seven local branches, is committed to providing a strong foundation for building relationships that empower its customers and employees to achieve their dreams. Scott Williamson is the Senior Vice President of West Gate Bank® Mortgage.

Tell us a little about your business. - West Gate Bank® is a true local bank devoted to serving the needs of the Lincoln community. We carry this focus on the community not only into what we do, but how we do it.

When you visit West Gate Bank®, your lines will be short, the people will be friendly, and your service will be prompt. When you call us, a knowledgeable person will answer the phone; not a computer set on a loop. Here, we know the difference that truly makes a difference is in the details.

How did you get started in the business? - My career in this industry actually began in 1982, when I started working part-time for Nebraska Title Company during college. That part-time gig turned into a full-time opportunity when I graduated from UNL in 1985. I worked my way up to the President of Residential Title and Closing and continued there until 2001, when I took a chance to do something different. I started with West Gate Bank® in October of 2001 as a commercial lender, and transitioned to a retail mortgage loan originator in October of 2007. I am now a Senior Vice President in charge of our retail mortgage division.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Without a doubt it was transitioning from commercial to residential lending. There was a steep learning curve, but I worked through it and advanced.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Successfully revamping our business line into the growing area of the bank that we have today. There were some very important people along the way who made it all possible, because I could not have done it on my own.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been blessed with a wonderful blended family. My wife, Michalla, is a teacher with LPS. I have two sons, Ben and Nate, both attending UNL, a step-daughter, Rachel, attending Doane College, and a second step-daughter, Leah, attending Lux Middle School.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Relax. I love being outside when the weather is decent, and working on the yard or getting in a round of golf is not out of the question.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I never learned how to swim.

What are you the most proud of? - My wife and children.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - While I have been involved with some really great non-profits over the years, I would have to say the two I’m on the boards of currently, Neighborworks Lincoln and Centerpointe, stand out hands-down. Neighborworks is a natural fit due to the homeownership component (which is only one of the many great things the organization does). Centerpointe helps people with co-occurring mental health and substance misuse disorders, and does a terrific job helping people get better and stay better for longer.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Tough call, I love food. A tie between Venue and Florio’s (will it ever open again?).

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

- I can be reached at (402) 323-6521, via email at swilliamson@ westgatebank.com, or visit us online at www.westgatebank.com.

NOW LEASING NW 1st and West Highland Blvd

Yuriy Zlenko it Computers

Locally owned and operated, it Computers specializes in on-site set-up, maintenance, and repair of servers/networks, PCs, laptops and tablets, and smartphones of all makes and models for both retail and small business customers. The staff at it Computers take pride in offering fast, professional service with support guaranteed. The store, located at 115 S. 66th Street, also carries a wide variety of new and used items and components/parts. Yuriy Zlenko is a Certified Technician at it Computers, and leads the company’s new Small Business Support division.

• Modern European Influence in the Exterior Architecture • 2 Commercial Bays (1250 sq ft ea) Available, with Finishing Touches to Suit Your Company’s Needs • FREE Fiber Internet - FREE Office Front Parking

3 BR Condo NOW AVAILABLE

Contact Christine Niemann at 402.310.7036 • braquebuilding.com

Tell us a little about your business. - Computers are our specialty and we provide services for both retail and small business customers.

We also carry a plethora of computer components and parts in the store, and we are always available to help with troubleshooting.

Whatever your computer need is, whether it’s a budget systems or one that will run an entire operations center, we’ll build it for you in no time.

How did you get started in the business? - I began my career in the computer business in 1996. I’d been working for DIT Corporation in Lincoln for five years and with my experience and background in computer technology, I had some ideas on how to improve service for our customers that I shared. I was later afforded the opportunity to expand on these ideas and ended up finding a way to make our offerings better and more affordable for small businesses.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I find satisfaction every time I am able to help a customer, whether solving a simple problem or one that is complex and requires time and parts. I also take great pride in the numerous referrals of friends and family that have helped us grow the business. Customer satisfaction, and just being able to understand a customer’s need and help them, is very rewarding to me.

Tell me a little about your family. - My wife Lana and I have been married since 1997. I have two awesome children, Albina and Bohdan.

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

- Without a doubt, when I arrived to the United States. It opened many new doors for me.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my wife and kids, watch movies, or go on a bike ride. I also like to take short trips with my family driving around Nebraska through small towns and interesting areas.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Treat people the way you would like that they treat you.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Valentino’s, Sakura China and Lazlo’s to name of few.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - I can be reached via email at lincolnitcomputers@gmail.com or by phone at (402) 466-4646. You can also find us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincolnitcomputers.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

25

Chamber of Commerce Count on us for EVERY Season 402-436-2350

by Wendy Birdsall, President COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES “TOTAL GROUNDS CARE”

snow removal, lawn care & so much more OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!

402-217-2314

www.1776gm.com

REVOLUTIONARY SERVICE

Resolve Your Pest Problems Quickly & Effectively • Commercial & Residential • EPA-Approved Methods • Fully Licensed & Insured • Results 100% Guaranteed!

Environmentally Safe & Responsible Locally Owned & Operated • For a FREE estimate, call today!

Arrow Pest Control Protecting Health and Property

402-435-3747

www.ArrowPestNeb.com

www.lcoc.com

Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Supports Expanding Lincoln’s Sales Tax for Public Safety Needs In the April Primary election, Lincoln voters will get to decide on a measure that would increase Lincoln’s local option sales tax rate by one-quarter of one-percent.

The change would raise Lincoln’s overall sales tax rate from 7% to 7.25% for a period of no more than three years.

The increased revenue would then be used exclusively to upgrade the 911 radio system, relocate two fire stations, build one new fire station, and one new joint police substation and fire station.

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce supports this proposal.

Rest assured, the Board of Directors did not come to this decision hastily or without thoughtful consideration. In this situation, they believe a small, temporary increase to the sales tax rate makes fiscal sense for Lincoln.

The voters will be given the chance to make the final determination.

Let me explain.

Throughout this entire process, the City of Lincoln has made it clear the 911 radio system is at a point of failure. The system is 20 years old and the technology is obsolete. To illustrate this, Public Safety Director Tom Casady often describes the smart phone in your pocket right now as having more computing power than the current 911 radio system.

He makes a striking comparison.

As for the fire stations, anyone driving around our city can see the tremendous growth that has taken place since the last time a new station was built in 1996. Growth is a positive thing for Lincoln and a direct result of the great work being done by our local businesses as they grow and expand. However, many new areas of town are now beyond the industry standard four minute response time for emergency services. By relocating the stations and using existing fire companies to staff the new buildings, the city can improve the response times AND do it with current staff resources. Adding the police substation will mean officers can begin and end their shift somewhere around the 70th and Pine Lake Road area as opposed to reporting to headquarters downtown, then commuting for 20 minutes before beginning their shift.

A similar project that added a substation in north Lincoln has produced tremendous dividends in efficiency.

The City, being good stewards of our dollars, didn’t just say “take our word for it”; they asked Lincoln residents to get involved in the process.

The Council and the Mayor convened a citizen’s panel to study the issue and make a recommendation on the necessity of the projects and how to fund them. Chamber members and Board leaders were invited and took part in the discussions. After a month’s worth of meetings, the panel overwhelmingly said “yes”, these are worthwhile projects and sales tax is the most advantageous way to fund them.

The bottom line is this: The radio system must be upgraded and we must improve our response times to maintain Lincoln’s ability to keep citizens and property safe and secure. Using sales tax instead of property tax spreads the cost among all those who come to our community and depend on our 911 system. Voting yes makes the most fiscal sense; I hope we can count on your support.

Phone: 402-476-8132 Fax: 402-476-8129 www.leisurelimoservices.com

26

5008 NW Cuming St Lincoln, NE 68521 ride@leisurelimoservices.com

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

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.

Downtown Lincoln Assoc. Are you tired of wondering who

by Terry Uland, President 402-434-6900 www.downtownlincoln.org

Downtown Lincoln Association

New Family Owned GNC Opens Downtown It’s always exciting when a new retailer pops up in Downtown Lincoln and GNC is no exception.

GNC recently opened its doors in the newly developed Larson Building on 1317 Q St near the Nebraska Bookstore. GNC started from the ground up in 1935 in Pittsburgh, PA and is now one of the most recognizable names in nutrition in the world with 6,000 stores in 49 countries.

Nathan Hanson, a Bellevue native and the new franchisee, is no rookie to the nutrition game and is excited to expand into the Lincoln market. He has 12 years of experience and three stores already under his belt. We were eager to catch up with Nathan and learn about his store, his drive, and his love for his family.

DLA: Why did you decide to start your business downtown and what do you think you’ll enjoy most about having it located down here?

Nathan: We picked our location because we wanted to be part of the UNL community! We are really excited to be downtown, looking forward most to the atmosphere and diversity it offers.

DLA: For people who have never heard of your store, explain to them a little about the types of vitamins, supplements, and products you have to offer there. What can people expect?

Nathan: Our store offers the widest selection of vitamins, minerals, herbs, sports nutrition, healthy aging, men’s and women’s health, fish oils, and plant based proteins for specialty stores like ours. We also offer healthy snacks, including chips, bars, drinks, jerky, soft chews, and dried fruit. We have just about anything and everything, and if we don’t, we can most likely get it for you!

DLA: How long have you been in the nutrition business?

Nathan: I have personally been involved in the nutrition business since 2003.

During my college years I started part time at GNC, working my way up to manager over the next few years. In 2005 I decided to take it a step further, go into training, and start my own Franchise GNC in Bellevue, NE. DLA: What makes your GNC different from the others?

Nathan: We are a family operated GNC, and the only one of the four GNC’s in Lincoln. Being family operated, we are able to carry a wider selection of product, ones you won’t see at corporate stores or even our competitor stores. Our manager has been with us for over six years, so there is a lot of knowledge in our stores. Having staff that has been around for a while also assures you the same great experience every time you shop with us! Moreover, we ask lifestyle questions to find you the right product for you. No pressure selling with us, we want you to get the right product and earn your business for years to come. We are able to run special discounts/ offers, have free samples daily, and offer gifts with purchase!

DLA: Any specials or deals you are running? Price match?

Nathan: Right now we are running a grand opening special, 30% OFF your entire purchase, Free Gold Card (Our member card that saves you up to 50% off every day) and Free Shaker bottle.

We price match bodybuilding.com and other select websites, as well as beat ANY local competitor’s price, ANY DAY! DLA: Biggest struggle?

Nathan: Organization, that’s where my wife completes me. She’s an amazing partner.

DLA: Biggest reward?

Nathan: Helping people improve on a daily basis. Leading by example living a healthy lifestyle with my family.

DLA: Favorite spot in Downtown Lincoln other than GNC? Nathan: Downtown YMCA, and then Leadbelly for a post workout meal/beer!

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.

clean

is going to show up to this week?

your house

With BEYOND CLEAN, you will have the same person every time.

Christine Wirthele | 402.770.6098

BROOKE ROMAN

STUDIO

Hair • Nails • Skin • Eyelash Extensions 4300 S. 48th Suite 3

402-486-1466

THE N ARTISANS

CLUB

OF DINING

THERE IS

LIKE THE

NEBRASKA CLUB. SKYLINE VIEWS HIGH ABOVE THE HEART OF L INCOLN. PRIVATE DINING FOR LARGE PARTIES AND INTIMATE GATHERINGS .

A DISTINCTIVE DESTINATION FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND BUSINESS

CALL 402.476.3228

.

TO RECEIVE

A GUEST PASS TO TRY THE CLUB .

NEBRASKA CLUB , 20 TH FLOOR , U.S. B ANK BUILDING 233 S OUTH 13 TH S TREET , L INCOLN, NE, 68508 402.476.3228, www.nebraskaclub.net

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

27

From The Orchard,

To The Office

402-466-3419 www.liba.org

by Coby Mach, President & CEO Lincoln Independent Business Association

Lincoln Needs More Police Officers Once again the Lincoln Journal Star has chosen to take a swipe at the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) for seeking more police officers for our city.

402.488.8463

Once again, LIBA disagrees with the LJS.

Sign up at FreeMyTime.net

Get your hair back to its Natural Beauty with z.one conceptTM Milk Shake!

Call me today to set up your appointment!

Lason & Spa

LIBA

.

402.304.7988 2300 Winthrop Rd.

The city of Lincoln needs more police. That became very evident when emails were released last week in which the Lincoln Police Chief stated “I think for the most part, most of you already know that the amount of police officers that Lincoln has on its force is relatively small for the size of City that we are responsible for policing. At times we are just flat out of police officers now to even be able to respond to citizens who are calling for assistance.”

The email above was dated February 22, 2015. This email is quite alarming. Knowing that sometimes we are out of officers to respond to a call for help is not an acceptable way to run a city.

While everyone in the community is pleased we have solved the recent rash of armed robberies, we can’t just go back to normal. We would like to remind you that just five months ago, a reporter quoted Tom Casady, Lincoln’s Director of Public Safety as saying “there’s been a rise in the number of gang members and the intensity of gang crimes.”

Casady also said that gangs are “aggressive, shooting at each other, hacking each other with machetes, committing armed robberies.” Casady said, “there’s a tipping point at which bystanders start becoming collateral damage.”

LIBA would agree. Now is the time to get more officers on the streets so we can avoid having an innocent bystander injured due to this violence.

But there are other reasons too. For example, victims of Lincoln crimes would like to have the criminal caught by police, and would like to get their stolen items returned to them. Last week Casady posted on his blog that only 9% of the residential burglaries are cleared. For business owners, like members of LIBA, the clearance rate of commercial burglaries is 10.4%. The 2013 national average for burglary clearance is closer to 13%. Surely LIBA is not alone in wanting to see a higher clearance rate for local crimes.

Lincoln Police officers are doing a terrific job with the resources they have, just imagine if they had more of those resources.

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.

28

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Sandler Training 402-403-4334

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

Step Five of Professional Selling: Who Signs the Checks?

I recall a sales opportunity I chased in my previous career. I sold HVAC solutions and I came across a rural hospital that was interested in an energy upgrade to their facility. The building was old and the systems were inefficient. On the outside, this opportunity had all the indicators that it would go all the way to close. So, I began to work on the proposal, flew in the experts that understood how to implement such a complex project, dialed in all the right solutions that would cut energy costs, improve the system to newer technology, and be more reliable and functional for the customer. I was convinced that my proposal would bring to the customer exactly what they wanted for their facility.

I gave an awesome presentation about how we would transform this small hospital into a high performance building. . . “This proposal is great! I will share this with the administrator and let you know what he thinks about it.” Needless to say, after dozens of hours and thousands of dollars spent, the administrator cast my proposal aside as if it was an afterthought. AAAARRRRRRGGGGGG!!!!!!!!

It was my fault for this failure. The prospect I was working with was not a decision maker. A good rule to remember is that there are no bad prospects; only bad salespeople.

This takes us to the fifth step in professional selling: Decision. It is vitally important that the sales professional understand all the aspects of the prospect’s decision process before committing time , energy and money into generating a proposal. This issue of the buyer/seller dance has multiple dimensions that must be explored if we are to properly qualify our prospect before he/she gains access to our intellectual property.

Let’s take a look at each dimension: WHO? You cannot assume that just because you are talking to a prospect, that prospect has the authority to make buying decisions. You must ask the question. Careful however. Phrase the question in such a way that you protect the dignity of the prospect. “Who besides yourself would be involved in making a decision to buy my solution?” All decision makers must be present for any presentation you plan on giving.

HOW? It is foolish to think that you are the only vendor offering a solution to the prospect. More than likely, your competitors are as well. Therefore ask! “How will you go about making this decision?” Here is where you will find out that there are multiple bids that must be considered. Ask who the other bidders are and how the prospect will choose which one is best. Right here, the prospect will tell you how to win.

WHEN? Timing is everything. “When would you want our solution up and running?” This question reveals the urgency of the prospect. If the prospect wants the solution immediately, make sure you can deliver to the expectation. If the prospect doesn’t want the solution until next year, then it is time to end the sales call and check back in 10 months.

WHY? “Why now would you decide to change vendors?” This question can be asked in many different ways but the issue we are trying to uncover is the same: Why would the prospect buy from us? Incumbents don’t just lie down while you steal away their business. They will fight to keep it so you need to make sure that you are not just being used to keep the incumbent honest. If you are, then it is time to end the sales call.

WHAT? To fully understand the prospects decision making process, it is time to ask the “What” question. “What has to happen between now and when I would receive a purchase order?” It is here that you will catch anything that might have been missed concerning how your prospect will decide to buy.

Remember, if you fail to get a decision when the above questions are asked, you do not have a qualified prospect and you should end the sales call. It is unlikely you will make the sale unless the prospect you present to has the authority to sign the check.

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

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

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

29

Let Gateway Mortgage Group Make It Easy To Finance Your New Home

We’ve Got it Covered

Tips on Protecting You and Your Business By: Lisa Henning, 402-434-7200 www.UnicoGroup.com

Executive Wellness Consultant UNICO Midlands

Human Risk Improvement Contact Lisa White & Apply Today!

Lisa White, NMLS 876206 Loan Originator

402-333-4920

lisa.white@gatewayloan.com • GatewayLoan.com/lisa-white

Nebraska’s Largest

Custom Home Builder

What do you think of when you think of unhealthy lifestyles… overweight, unfit, smoker? Most people think of wellness as a physical measure when in fact, a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services of 1352 businesses demonstrates that stress is the biggest issue affecting the worksite. The results are 3045% more prevalent than issues surrounding obesity or physical inactivity. The new Human Risk Improvement model takes another view on people. It looks at the resources that impact human performance and builds a cultural advantage strategy.

It is well known that companies with a competitive edge do several things correctly.

Fully Customizable Homes • Over 20 Floorplans Interactive Design Studio • Energy Efficient Furnished models located west of N 14th St & Humphrey Ave

Call today! 402-884-3202 • LegacyHomesLincoln.com

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

1) They recruit and select the best candidates 2) They invest in their people with training and development programs 3) They mitigate loss with aggressive programs to protect people 4) They invest in wellbeing programs to improve culture and decrease cost.

The UNICO Human Risk Improvement platform is a blend of traditional wellness, human resource management, disability and loss control, and training and development. It looks at the following areas and provides services for success: Productivity Solutions: Training and development Intellectual wellness Social and spiritual wellness Financial wellness Health Solutions: Health benefits Physical wellbeing Wellness strategy ties to benefit and performance metrics Assessment and analytics to build and evaluate programs

"…the support and insight I have gained from TAB in regards to running my small business has been invaluable. I feel like everyone wants to help me succeed as badly as I do!”

--Mike Domgard, CEO of Output12 Studios, Lincoln, NE ✔Grow Your Business ✔Solve Problems ✔Increase Profitability ✔Improve Your Life

Find Out If You Qualify.

Call 402-502-2404

Absence Solutions: Safety and loss control Emotional wellness Employment practices Voluntary benefit design Disability Solutions: Injury management Return to work strategies Short and long term insurance Claims advocacy Why is this important…the challenge is to look at wellness through a different lens. Human beings are complex and every organization is unique in its structure, culture and needs. The Human Risk Improvement model recognizes and provides resources to meet the needs of the whole person and whole organization.

To find out more about the value to your organization contact UNICO Midlands at (402) 434-7246.

30

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Personnel News Kristin Reimers Joins RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

Eastmont Towers Foundation Names Melinda Stone as Development Director

RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts would like to welcome Kristen Reimers, who recently joined their Lincoln team. Prior to becoming a licensed real estate agent in 2013, Kristen worked as a housing advocate. She has since excelled in working with first time home buyers, but enjoys working with anyone who is looking for a new home.

For assistance with your real estate needs, please contact Kristen Reimers at (402) 4701877, via email at kreimers@remax.net, or online at www.KristenReimers.com. For more information about RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts’ Lincoln office, visit www.myhomeinlincoln.com.

The Eastmont Towers Foundation is pleased to announce the selection of Melinda Stone as its new development director.

Ms. Stone, a Lincoln native, is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University. Most recently, she worked for Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters as the director of community relations. With over 10 years of fundraising experience Stone’s expertise includes donor stewardship and cultivation, event planning, and using technology to build relationships and connect donors with the mission of the organization. The Eastmont Towers Foundation, established in 1997, seeks, receives and administers philanthropic support for the needs of the Eastmont Towers Community and the benevolent programs undertaken by Eastmont’s residents and staff.

Dakota Guardian Trust Names Nebraska Leadership Team Dakota Guardian Tr u s t r e c e n t l y announced its leadership team that will now serve the Lincoln and Omaha areas.

Led by Lincolnbased company president Tracy Edgerton, whose prior experience Renee Zikmund Tracy Edgerton includes positions at SMITH HAYES Financial Services, the University of Nebraska Foundation and private law practice, the company will start with an experienced leadership team in both Lincoln and Omaha.

Tom Van Robays, JD Ted Hall, JD Other Dakota G u a r d i a n Tr u s t officers include: Renee Zikmund – Vice President, Senior Trust Officer – Renee Zikmund has worked within the financial services industry for more than 30 years.

She has built extensive knowledge while at Gateway Bank & Trust, Texas Commerce Bank and FirsTier Bank. Most recently Zikmund worked at First Nebraska Trust Company in Lincoln for more than 18 years, spearheading all auditing examinations and trust operations in addition to working closely with her clients to ensure their financial legacy.

Tom Van Robays, JD – Senior Vice President, Senior Trust Officer – Tom Van Robays brings more than 25 years of experience in estate planning, financial services and trust services, all at established regional banks in the Omaha area.

Ted Hall, JD – Vice President, Senior Trust Officer – With more than 12 years of experience administering trust services for his clients and more than 30 years in the financial services and banking industries, Ted Hall previously held vice president-level positions at four Omaha financial institutions. He also serves as the Omaha Chapter President for the Society of Financial Services Professionals and is the former Chairman of Junior Achievement of the Midlands. Learn more about the trust services Dakota Guardian Trust offers at DakotaGuardianTrust.com.

Eastmont, a comprehensive senior lifestyle community, offers independent living, assisted living, skilled rehabilitation, long term and end-of-life care. As a not-for-profit, Eastmont is mission driven and committed to being the choice provider of progressive senior living services, setting the standard for the delivery of personalized care where individuals thrive in all stages of life. For more information about Eastmont’s unique lifestyle options, please contact Betsy Sheets, director of marketing and development, at (402) 489-6591.

Michael Fosdick Joins Guild Mortgage as Midwest Regional Manager Guild Mortgage Co., one of the fastestgrowing independent mortgage banking companies in the country, has named Michael Fosdick as its Midwest regional manager. Fosdick joins Guild with over 40 years of experience in the mortgage lending and banking industries. He will be based in Omaha and lead growth throughout the region, which includes Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas and Missouri.

Fosdick spent the last eight years as managing director of mortgage sales at Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Prior to joining Mutual of Omaha Bank, Fosdick was president and CEO of Security Federal Savings Bank and previously served as the head of the lending department at Gateway Bank and Trust, where he oversaw all commercial, installment and mortgage lending. Fosdick is a past president of the Nebraska Mortgage Bankers Association.

He has also served the community as an educator, teaching courses in real estate investment and finance at Southeast Community College in Lincoln.

Guild has a strong presence in Colorado and Nebraska. Fosdick plans to expand Guild’s presence throughout the region’s other states.

Guild offers a traditional range of residential mortgage products and funds most of its loans, which provides consistency and also speeds approvals. It has pioneered programs to help first-time homebuyers achieve their dreams of home ownership, often through government loan programs, helping responsible people obtain a loan. For more information, visit www.guildmortgage.com.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business 31

Personnel News Woods Bros Realty Welcomes Two New Associates

West Gate Bank® Welcomes Kyle Poppe as Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

Woods Bros Realty would like to welcome Scott Albers to the Lincolnshire Square office and Megan Yank to the Country Club Plaza office. These professionals have undergone extensive training and are well-qualified to help their clients in every aspect of real estate, including the latest in electronic document management and the finest technology tools in the area.

The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Kyle Poppe as Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer.

Poppe brings over twenty seven years of experience working as Chief Financial Officer and Cashier at Adams Bank & Trust to his new role at West Gate Bank®. As Sr. Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Kyle is responsible for overseeing the financial activities of the bank. Duties range from budgeting, internal auditing, vendor negotiation, cost/benefit analysis, as well as other financial responsibilities.

Woods Bros Realty is a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. The full-service company offers 126 years of expertise in real estate as well as experience in mortgage, title, closing, and insurance services. Providing an easier way to buy and sell, over 200 sales associates work with clients in Lincoln, Seward, Beatrice, York, Wahoo, Grand Island, and southeast Nebraska.

For more information about Woods Bros Realty, visit www.WoodsBros.com.

Scott Albers

Poppe received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado and the Financial Managers School at the Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road and can be reached at 402.434.3422 or kpoppe@westgatebank.com.

Megan Yank

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.

MBA WITH PURPOSE cune.edu/mba

Learn more at an Open House MARCH

24

4:30 - 6:30 32

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Concordia University Campus 570 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 68521 888-505-2863

Personnel News Sandra Larsen Honored as BancWise Realty Essential Team Member BancWise Realty is proud to announce Sandra Larsen as the recipient of the “BancWise Realty Essential Team Member Award” for 2014. Sandra consistently went above and beyond for her clients AND her fellow agents to represent BancWise in the community. Creating a positive culture is of the utmost importance at BancWise and Sandra helps lead that charge on a daily basis. Taking time to mentor new agents and a selfless attitude that always puts others above herself is what makes Sandra so worthy of this award. “We could not be more grateful and proud to have Sandra on the BancWise team.

An excellent problem solver who constantly looks for the win/win in every situation and sees the best in those around her, we are blessed beyond belief to have her here,” said owner Josh Sand. Sandra can be reached at (402) 499-9607.

BancWise Realty, located at 6120 Apples’ Way #100, is your one-stop resource for saving time and money while minimizing stress during the process of buying or selling your home. Their experienced agents provide all of the guidance a home buyer or seller needs with flexible fees, full service and proven results. The mission of BancWise Realty is to simplify the process, while making a positive difference in the lives of their clients and employees. For more information, visit www.bancwise.com.

Alzheimer’s Association Welcomes Megan Myers as Special Events Coordinator The Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter is excited to announce that Megan Myers has joined the Lincoln team as Special Events Coordinator. This position will oversee the Nebraska Chapter’s signature events including the Lincoln Gala, several Walks to End Alzheimer’s in the state of Nebraska, and the statewide efforts of The Longest Day.

CAN YOU HELP US? The New Year Means New Needs Your donation is crucial to maintain an adequate level of healthcare professionals for the future of gastrointestinal research & treatments.

Megan comes to the Alzheimer’s Association from KLKN-TV in Lincoln, where she spent the last four years, most recently as Promotion Manager. Prior to that, she was an on-air reporter and anchor at the FOX affiliate in Rapid City, SD. Megan served as the PR chair for the 2015 Alzheimer’s Association Gala held on January 24th, and also volunteers with CASA and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She lives in Lincoln with her husband John.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease. There are 17 Walks across the chapter in August and September. Learn more at www. alz.org/walk.

The Longest Day is held on the summer solstice. From sunrise to sunset, teams across the globe participate by putting their passion to good work — doing what they love, trying something new or selecting an activity that honors a friend or family member. Learn more at www. thelongestday.alz.org.

To join the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, contact Megan at mmyers@alz.org or call (402) 420-2540.

Make A Donation Today!

Memorial Gifts • Honor Gifts • By Mail or Online

THANK YOU

ShortBowelFoundation.org 402.770.0554 • 6705 Milan Drive • Lincoln, NE 68526 MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

33

Personnel News Longtime SCC Welding Technology Legacy Retirement Communities’ Chef Huerta Recognized by Food Service Director Instructor Howard Bay Retires Howard Bay, a Welding Tec hnology Magazine Certified Healthcare and Executive Sous Chef, Bobby Huerta was recently recognized as one of the 30 under 30 in the food service industry by Food Service Director Magazine. Huerta was chosen for his dedication to continued learning and leadership skills. His “do whatever it takes” attitude impressed his supervisor and the magazine.

Huer ta is known for his skills with experimenting with flavors, cooking methods and techniques for time efficient food prep and tastier food. He believes that a recipe can always be improved and feels great satisfaction when a resident tells him how much they enjoyed the meal. According to Huerta, “It can be intimidating cooking for a senior population, as it seems the entire dining room is full of critics, but it is also very rewarding. I love what I do and the people I work with.” Huerta is also learning the fine art of ice carving and debuted his first carving last year.

If you would like more information regarding the Legacy Retirement Communities’ five-star dining, please contact Kayla Schaf at (402) 430-3000 or visit www.legacyretirement.com.

34

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

instructor at Southeast Community College (www.southeast.edu), retired on Jan. 30 after a 37-year career. Bay began employment at SCC on Jan. 1, 1978. His first assignment was to teach welding classes for the Nebraska Department of Corrections, including the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

He then taught welding on SCC’s Lincoln Campus in 1991 before transferring to the Milford Campus in November 1996. There he served as co-chair of the program for many years and also served on the Milford Campus Safety Team.

Bay also was very willing, when asked, to teach continuing education welding classes in surrounding communities such as Crete and Beatrice, which he did for more than ten years. In 2003 he was honored for his 25 years of service to the College and ten years later he received the “Al” Havener Award for his 35 years of service.

He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served from 1969-1971. Bay trained numerous employees through the years on how to set up and maintain welding equipment, welding safety, proper materials, and the techniques of welding in on-site environments and situations. Colleagues say Bay was very dedicated to teaching, and that he loved working with his students.

Personnel News Tabitha Welcomes Carla Cage as Director of In-Home Program Tabitha, your answer for Elder Care, is pleased to welcome Carla Cage, director of Tabitha’s non-medical and private duty in-home support services. As director, Cage directs and coordinates all operations and care for clients throughout 24 Nebraska counties, including the cities of Lincoln, Nebraska City, York, Seward and Crete. Cage brings more than 30 years’ experience in a health care administrative setting. She is familiar with Tabitha, where she previously served as administrative services manager for Tabitha Home Health Care.

As a nonprofit organization serving 28 Nebraska counties, Tabitha’s love embraces a society where everyone is valued and empowered to live life to the fullest, with compassionate at-home support, innovative living communities, exceptional rehabilitation, health care and hospice services.

For answers to all your aging questions, tune in to Tabitha’s Answers on Aging, airing each Saturday morning, 9:30 a.m. on KFOR 1240 AM, or subscribe to Tabitha’s quarterly magazine, The Answer, at www.

Tabitha.org.

Nebraska Bank of Commerce Promotes Four Nebraska Bank of Commerce is pleased to announce the promotions of four team members.

Joel Clements was promoted to the title of senior vice president of commercial banking, senior loan officer.

Joel Clements joined Joel Clements Dave Pool NBC in April of 2007 as a commercial banker. Clements is responsible for leading the bank’s lending staff and overall lending functions.

Dave Pool was promoted to the title of vice president of commercial banking, assistant Danielle Smith Josh Baldwin chief credit officer.

Dave Pool joined NBC in February of 2008 and has worked throughout the bank in loan operations and credit analysis prior to becoming a commercial banker in 2011.

Danielle Smith was promoted to the title of vice president of compliance, HR, security, and training. Danielle Smith joined NBC in August of 2012 as the compliance, HR, security, and training manager.

Josh Baldwin was promoted to the position of branch manager. Josh Baldwin joined NBC in February of 2014 and has been managing the bank’s downtown location at 250 N. 14th Street.

Nebraska Bank of Commerce is owned and operated by people who call Lincoln home. At NBC you’re more than just an account number. You’re a member of our community. For more information about Nebraska Bank of Commerce (NBC), please call (402) 423-2111 or visit: www. thenbcbank.com.

They’re Back!

Chicken Select Tenders

Stop in Today!

2140 K St. • 875 N. 27 th St.

• Traditional Funerals • Memorial Services • Basic & Full Service Cremation • Graveside Ceremonies • Living Funeral • Grief Support • Preplanning Available

Call Us Today 402-464-6400 5844 Fremont St. Lincoln, www.Lincolnffc.com

Scot DeWitt Vicki Newman Paul Seger Owner/Funeral Owner/Community Funeral Director Outreach Director

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

35

Delivering Results

Personnel News West Gate Bank® Promotes Four

The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors has elected Brian Hoffart to the title of Vice President, Cheryl Meyer to the title of Senior Our comprehensive market reports provide Vice President Chief Compliance Officer, an insider’s view on what the office, retail Susan O’Neill to the title of Office Coordinator and industrial markets mean to you as and Steve Sloup to the title of Executive Vice tenant, owners and occupiers.

President Chief Information Officer.

Brian Hoffart began his West Gate Bank® career in 2005 as a Teller and has held various 2nd Half 2014 report positions within the Retail Banking Group. In available now!

2010, Hoffart was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the naifmarealty.com Southridge location. As Vice President, Hoffart Brian Hoffart will continue to oversee the operation, quality of service and market development for the Southridge Branch. Brian Hoffart is located at West Gate Bank® Southridge at 5555 S. 27th Street, and can be reached at (402) 323-8929 or bhoffart@westgatebank.com.

Cheryl Meyer began her career at West Gate Bank® in February 2006 as Compliance Officer and was elected to Vice President in March 2008. As Senior Vice President, Meyer will continue being responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and for conducting all employee Cheryl Meyer compliance training at West Gate Bank. In addition, Meyer will continue as BSA Officer.

Cheryl Meyer is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 323-8988 or cmeyer@ westgatebank.com.

Susan (Sue) O’Neill started at West Gate ® SB ad 5-14.indd 1 2/19/2015 9:52:16 AM Bank in October 2006 as a Receptionist, and her responsibilities and contributions to the bank have increased considerably. As Office Coordinator, O’Neill will continue to provide support to all teams and departments at Electric Motor Service West Gate Bank® Center as well as assist all Susan O’Neill branches. Sue O’Neill is located at West Gate Bank® Center at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 434-3456 or soneill@westgatebank.com.

Steve Sloup has been in banking in Lincoln for over 40 years and has been with West Gate Bank® since May of 2006. Sloup most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the bank before making the transition to Executive Vice President Chief Information Officer. In his new role, Sloup will oversee and manage the West Gate Bank® Information Technology (IT) area as well as the bank’s Information Systems (IS) area. Steve The Region’s Leader in AC/DC Motor & Pump Steve Sloup Sloup is located at West Gate Bank® Center Sales, Service, & Related Equipment at 6003 Old Cheney Road, and can be reached at (402) 323-8987 or ssloup@westgatebank.com.

•Predictive Maintenance •Belts West Gate Bank® is a full-service community bank focused on Lincoln.

•Vibrations Analysis •Pulleys Visit www.westgatebank.com for more information.

•Variable Frequency Drives •Bearings •Capacitors •Controls •Fan Blades

Get the inside story.

402-476-2121

Serving the Region Since 1912

36

520 West ‘O’ Street 24-Hour Emergency Service Available

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

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.

Personnel News Joe Courtney Named Top Producer for 2014

by BancWise Realty BancWise Realty is proud to announce Joe Courtney as Top Producer for 2014. He earned this honor in 2012 and 2013 as well. The award is given to the BancWise Realty Specialist with the highest dollar volume of closed sales in a given year. In 2014, Joe Courtney assisted 96 clients and closed more than $13.5 million dollars in real estate transactions. “Joe is a valuable member of our team and has a reputation for providing excellent customer service,” said Josh Sand, the Managing Broker and co-owner of BancWise Realty. Fellow coowner Bryan Trost adds, “Joe represents his clients at a high level with creative problem solving skills, on-point judgment and attention to detail. He supports his fellow team members by participating in our Mentoring Program as well. We appreciate his significant contribution to our company.” Joe can be reached at (402) 3041583.

BancWise Realty, located at 6120 Apples’ Way #100, is your one-stop resource for saving time and money while minimizing stress during the process of buying or selling your home. Their experienced agents provide all of the guidance a home buyer or seller needs with flexible fees, full service and proven results. The mission of BancWise Realty is to simplify the process, while making a positive difference in the lives of their clients and employees. For more information, visit www.bancwise.com.

EXECUTIVE ANSWERING SERVICE Don’t Miss an Important Call Again!

24/7/365 Personalized Answering Live Customer Service • Conference Calls Order Taking/Processing • Appointment Scheduling Voice Mail Only Accounts

Call today to find out how we can help.

402.474.3434

145 S. 56th St. • www.executive-answering.com

UNICO Group and Midlands Financial Benefits Welcomes Brian Clanton to the Executive Team UNICO Group, Inc. and Midlands Financial Benefits, Inc. recently welcomed Brian Clanton to the team. Clanton holds a new position as Director of Operations and oversees all operations within UNICO and Midlands. The new position was created as a result of the recent merger between both companies.

Clanton’s experience includes underwriting management with two commercial insurance carriers, Director of Operations for a national life and annuity carrier, and AVP of Operations for a national group benefits carrier. In addition, Clanton owned a successful insurance agency in Madison, Wisconsin.

“As we continue to expand our business, Brian will play an instrumental role in increasing our efficiencies to ensure optimal organizational performance so we can best serve our employees and customers,” said Scott Nelson, President of UNICO. “Brian is recognized as a leader in business management and we are thrilled to have him on board.”

UNICO and Midlands merged in October 2014. This integration provides UNICO’s valued customers with a greater level of industry professionalism, products, and services to help protect individuals, families, and businesses.

The team at UNICO and Midlands can be reached at 1-800-7550048 or online at www.unicogroup.com.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

37

Personnel News

Escape.Unwind. INSPRO Insurance Announces New Hires INSPRO Insurance recently welcomed two new employees who will be Refresh. working at the Lincoln office.

Receive $10 OFF any service (of $50 or more)

now through March!

5600 S 48th St, Suite 118 • 402.476.7855 • BodyNouveauxSpa.com

Respect. Dignity. Compassion.

Pain Management • Certified Oncology Nurses • Bilingual Nurse Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Nurse • Joint Commission Accredited

Nolan Day joined the Lincoln office of INSPRO Insurance as an Account Executive. He is responsible for sales production and service in the INSPRO Benefits Division. Day comes to INSPRO with 10 years of experience in sales and customer service, with the last two focusing on voluntary group benefits. Prior to joining INSPRO, Day was a Regional Sales Manager with Assurity Life where he focused on developing, implementing, and enrolling voluntary benefits in groups of all sizes.

Nolan is a lifelong Nebraska resident and graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Finance.

Connie Peterson joined the Lincoln office of INSPRO Insurance as Human Resources Manager. She will be responsible for employee relations in all INSPRO offices. Peterson was most recently an Operations Director for Allied Insurance in Lincoln, having spent 24 years with Allied including management roles in their claims organization. Peterson is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has completed her CPCU designation.

INSPRO is an independently owned insurance agency providing commercial and personal insurance, group benefits and bonds. For more information, visit www.insproins.com.

HOME Real Estate Welcomes Six New Associates We are here to help. Call us today.

402.328.2350 5550 S. 59th St. Ste. 12 | HospiceCareNebraska.com

38

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

HOME Real Estate would like to welcome the following Realtors to the company: Amanda Ottley, Colleen Potratz, Lisa Eley to the Pine Lake office, T.J. Gibbons, Dayton Spomer to the Cotner office and Shannon Meysenburg to the Amanda Ottley Colleen Potratz North 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 Lisa Eley T.J. Gibbons an additional training program offered by HOME Real Estate.

HOME Real Estate, an affiliate of HomeServices of America, is the area’s leading real estate company serving the Lincoln, Seward, and surrounding areas.

T h e c o m p a ny ’ s Dayton Spomer Shannon Meysenburg 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.

Personnel News

Cornhusker Bank Welcomes Jim Essay Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Jim Essay, Private Banking Officer to its staff.

Barry Lockard, President/CEO noted, “We are excited to have Jim join us with over 35 years of experience in banking. Jim’s blend of experience and personal character set him apart. His focus on integrity and building trusted relationships are highly valued by his clients.”

Mr. Essay earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has been involved in many community organizations, including: past president of the Nebraska Mortgage Bankers Association, past board member and treasurer of the YMCA of Lincoln, past board member of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Lincoln, past president of Legatus of Lincoln, past president of the Serra Club of Lincoln, board member and treasurer of Eastmont Towers Foundations, board member and treasurer of Christian Retirement Homes, Inc., dba Eastmont Towers, chairman of St. Joseph’s Church finance council, mentor for the Lincoln TeamMates program.

Cornhusker Bank is the community’s oldest locally owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness and continued commitment to the success of its valued customers and associates. For more information please visit us at CornhuskerBank.com.

Seniors Foundation of Lincoln/Lancaster County Announces New Executive Director Tammy J. Ward The Seniors Foundation of Lincoln and Lancaster County recently announced the hire of Tammy J. Ward as Executive Director.

Ward most recently served as Director of Mission Development and Advocacy for Tabitha Health Care. Previously she was U.S. Senator Ben Nelson’s Lincoln District Manager and has been involved in local, state and federal government policy issues since 1988.

The hiring of Ward comes at a pivotal time as the organization is currently embarking on its biggest project yet. Ward’s duties will include overseeing the finance, design, building, management and maintenance of the mixed-use development at the current 58-acre VA complex at 600 S. 70th Street. Preliminary plans call for a wide range of health and housing services benefiting seniors and veterans. This partnership is the first of its kind and the “one campus” concept could become a national model for other cities. Current plans call for construction to begin this fall.

The Seniors Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed in 1981 to provide financial support for Senior Centers located throughout Lincoln and Lancaster County. They support Aging Partners, the City of Lincoln’s senior services department; including the purchase of the Clayton House Hotel transforming it into low-cost senior living; purchase of vans and exercise equipment for the elderly; and support of other quality of life enhancements for area seniors.

(402) 715-5300 13633 S. 217th St. • Gretna Exit 432 (1/2 Mile North of Outlet Mall)

www.MalibuSunrooms.com MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

39

Non-Profit News Kuck Motorsports Event to Benefit the Heartland Cancer Foundation

Lancaster Prevention Coalition Presents “The Parenting Style That Works”

The Heartland Cancer Foundation is proud to announce the Kuck Motorsports Event on Saturday, April 18 from 2pm-5pm. Join us for this rare opportunity to see this remarkable, over 35 years in the making, private collection of automobiles. You will see over 100 exceptional cars including antiques, classic 60’s & 70’s muscle cars, and a variety of race cars.

The collection also includes vehicles and memorabilia from old TV shows like the “Munsters”, the “Monkees”, the “Dukes of Hazzard” and “Batman”. The collection is not open to the general public.

The Lancaster Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce the launch of The Parenting Style That Works, a new campaign intended to help parents understand how parenting style can impact binge drinking and other risky behaviors in adolescents. Operating under the Nebraska Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success Grant, the campaign focuses on the characteristics and effects of the four major parenting styles with special care given to authoritative, or as the campaign calls it ‘heart-to-heart,’ parenting.

The campaign also includes the creation of the comprehensive and engaging website, TalkAboutAlcohol.org.

The cornerstone of the new campaign, TalkAboutAlcohol.org offers a number of valuable resources to help parents have more meaningful and effective interactions with their teens, including details about how to implement the heart-to-heart parenting style. For additional help and resources, the comprehensive site also provides contact information for other local community groups and partners, such as school, community, or religious groups.

This project was supported in whole or part by Grant #93.243 under the Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success Grant for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Center for Substance Abuse Prevention through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

The Lancaster Prevention Coalition consists of nine Lincoln and Lancaster County community groups working together to reduce risky alcohol-related behavior, as well as empower parents to be active in prevention efforts.

In conjunction with our partners the Rebels Auto Club and the Paul Brown Memorial Rally, the Heartland Cancer Foundation invites you to attend and support our mission to connect local cancer patients to care and reduce the financial stress that often accompanies cancer treatment. All proceeds from the event benefit cancer patients in our community. A big thank you to the Kucks for their generosity and this wonderful opportunity!

Only a limited number of tickets are available via our website at www.HeartlandCancerFoundation.org or by phone at (402) 2619974.

40

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Non-Profit News National Association for the Self-Employed Announces Expansion of 2015 “Growth Grant” Awards The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and microbusiness community, recently announced the expansion of the association’s Growth Grant program to help small businesses across the country increase capacity and grow their company to the next level. In 2015, NASE is expanding the Growth Grant program to award over $48,000 in small business grants, an increase from the $20,000 awarded in 2014.

Since 2006, the NASE has awarded over half a million dollars to members through the Growth Grant program by providing small business grants. NASE’s Growth Grant program is intended for businesses planning to take the next step in their venture. It provides available capital for small businesses and sole proprietors to be able to hire and train additional employees, market their business in new and existing ways or invest in new equipment or software.

What will you be wearing ON GAME DAY?

Applications for the NASE’s 2015 Growth Grant program are currently being accepted from now through December 10th, 2015.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis throughout the year and winning small businesses will be awarded $4,000 grants monthly throughout 2015.

Visit NASE.org for more information or to apply online.

STOP IN TODAY!

Mon-Fri 11-7 • Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5 Clothing • Shoes • Jewelry & More!

402-465-0018 • BluVelvetBoutique.com • 2600 N 48th St.

Friendship Home Welcomes Four New Board Members in 2015 Friendship Home of Lincoln is pleased to welcome four new members to their 2015 Board of Directors.

Wade Walkenhorst is a returning Board Member and is the Vice President – Credit Administration for Cornhusker Bank. Ben Kopsa works for the City of Lincoln as an investigator for the LPD. Charlotte Liggett is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Nursing at Nebraska We s l eya n U n i v e r s i t y.

And Gene Garza is an Engineering Specialist for the City of Lincoln.

Thank you all for donating your time and talent in From left to right: Wade Walkenhorst, Ben Kopsa, Charlotte Liggett, Gene Garza keeping domestic violence victims safe and well-caredfor in the Lincoln community.

Friendship Home provides safe shelter, support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and their children. Services include emergency shelter, transitional shelter, crisis intervention and referral to community services. To access safe shelter and services, call (402) 437-9302.

To learn more about Friendship Home, visit www.friendshiphome.org.

NRAEF Announces 2015 Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners Nebraska Restaurant Association announced the state winners of the acclaimed National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (NRAEF) Restaurant Neighbor Award. The Restaurant Neighbor Award, developed in partnership with American Express, celebrates the outstanding charitable service performed by restaurant operators throughout the U.S. Created 17 years ago, this award recognizes the impact restaurants and entrepreneurs have made on their local communities.

The 2015 Restaurant Neighbor Award winners from Nebraska are Cappy’s Hotspot Bar and Grill, Dish, Runza National and Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill.

Cappy’s Hotspot Bar and Grill is involved in numerous charitable activities around the area including Nebraska Special Olympics and hosting local fundraisers for members of the surrounding communities.

Dish has participated for 10 years in two large chef dinners for the March of Dimes and Junior League of Lincoln. Runza National has partnered with the Teammates Mentoring Program since 2009 and store managers are encouraged to work closely with nearby elementary schools, and youth organizations. Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill raises significant funds each year for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation along with several other causes.

The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity, and excellence in and of its membership.

For more information, please visit www.nebraska-dining.org.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

41

Non-Profit News

SCOYF Honors Youth Volunteers

TeamMates Hosts Annual Recognition Event In honor of National Mentoring Month, approximately 400 mentors, mentees, school facilitators and school principals attended the annual Recognition Event on Thursday, January 22nd, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Lincoln Station, 201 N. 7th St., Lincoln.

WISB to Host Monthly Luncheon on March 11th

During the program, four categories of awards were presented, including: 2015 Decade of Difference Award winners: Thomas Christie, Chris Gittins, Jay Marshall, Wendy Morrissey, Charlene Reimers, Mandy Scheidt, Cynthia Wehland-Falk, Mar k Westphalen.

2015 TeamMates Mentor Hall of Fame: LeeAnne Call, Debra Campos, Jessica Clark, Nate Duden, Shana Durham, Janet Eskridge, William Jackson Jr., Cheri Janeck, Brian Johnson, Robert Klucas, Kendy Konecky, Annette Kurth, Kelly Lauer, Dave Merrill, Janice Nelson, Kathy Wichtendahl.

Judi Yost, Facilitator Award of Excellence recipient

Join Women in Sales and Business on Wednesday, March 11th for an interactive session on Internal & External Customer Service presented

by Linda Hartman. Linda is a Business Administration & Entrepreneurship Instructor at SCC with a Master of Science degree and many years of marketing, customer service and management experience. She is a hands-on instructor and you will walk out of the meeting with concrete ideas to improve your customer service experience.

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.

Take the Lead With CASA at Kuck Motor Sports Museum Maggi Thorne and Dr. Tom Osborne

2015 Student Achievement Award winners: Brooks B., Claire C., Diane C., Raven C., Zia E., Jana G., Anthony H., Mackenzie H., Le’nya K., Seth M. 2015 Facilitator Award of Excellence: Judi Yost The TeamMates program secures in-kind donations to be able to provide this evening. Special thanks for their generous support goes to Carmen and Tony Messineo for providing the venue, food and servers through Premier Catering, Roland Temme and TMCO manufacturing for providing the table centerpieces, KOLN(10/11) and 96KX for media sponsorship, volunteer video/photographers Doug Dickeson, Carissa Martin, Dan Ochoa, and Cynthia Wehland-Falk, and Information Technology Focus Program, Brent Jarosz, instructor and student Jacob Hotovy for editing the high school seniors video.

For more information about Lincoln TeamMates, call (402) 436-1990 or visit www.lincolnteammates.org.

Photos Courtesy of LPS Photographer, Cynthia Wehland-Falk.

42

At its recent annual Friend of Youth Awards Banquet, the Star City Optimist Youth Foundation (SCOYF) honored recipients for their long-time volunteer efforts on behalf of youth in our community. Receiving the Bob Lund Optimist Sportsmanship Award was Kay Reinmiller of Lancaster Youth Softball. The Hartley Doane Optimist Mentor Award was presented to Boy Scout volunteer Bryant Beckman and the Optimist Corporate Friend of Youth Award was accepted by Jan Moore for Amigos. In addition, President Todd Loseke presented the Foundation Leadership Award to Fun Day in the Park chair Kathy Mueller and Service Awards to retiring President Gaylea Sturgis and Treasurer Tom Shriner.

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.

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 21st and plan for a visit to the Kuck Motor Sports Museum from 1-4 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy refreshments w h i l e v i ew i n g a n exquisite car collection and supporting CASA for Lancaster County. Proceeds will support recruitment, training and supervision of community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children in the Lancaster County Juvenile Court system. Tickets are $25 per person for advance registration or $35 per person at the door. You can reserve your tickets by contacting the CASA office at (402) 474-5161 or by emailing Dawn Rockey at drockey@casa4lancaster.org. Help support volunteer advocacy for vulnerable youth in our community!

Kuck Motor Sports is located at 2551 Humphrey Street (north of I-80 off of 27th Street and Arbor Road/Alvo Road). For more information about CASA for Lancaster County, please see our website at www. casa4lancaster.org.

Non-Profit News

Pius X High School Receives Support for Teacher Salaries

LUX Center for the Arts to Feature Nationwide Juried Cup Exhibition

The Pius X Foundation has received a $56,000 gift from a Lincoln couple to support Pius X High School’s efforts to increase teachers’ salaries to within 90% of Lincoln Public Schools. The gift from George and Barb Hendricks of Lincoln is twofold with $26,000 being applied to the John Hanigan Endowment for New Teacher George & Barb Hendricks Salaries. This fund, created

by John’s family after his passing in March 2014, will benefit Pius X teachers who have five or fewer years of teaching experience. The remaining $30,000 establishes the George & Barb Hendricks Bonus Fund for New Teachers in Memory of John Hanigan. Through this gift, newly hired, full-time teachers at Pius X will receive a $1,000 signing bonus.

LUX Center for the Arts is set to present “Mug Shots: 7th Annual Juried Cup Show,” featuring the selections of juror Brian Harper, Associate Professor of Fine Ar t and Ceramics Area Coordinator at Indiana U n i ve r s i t y S o u t h e a s t .

Harper personally selected the pieces from a submission pool that included some of the most intriguing and exceptional cups produced by contemporary ceramic artists for LUX Center for the Arts’ seventh annual nationwide juried cup exhibition.

Tax-deductible donations to either the John Hanigan Endowment for New Teacher Salaries or the George & Barb Hendricks Bonus Fund for New Teachers in Memory of John Hanigan can be made at any time by visiting piusx.net or contacting the Pius X Foundation at (402) 488-1046.

Many functional and non-functional interpretations of the cup, produced in clay, were submitted for a chance to be included in the exhibition. The show opens Friday, April 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Best in Show as well as two Honorable Mentions will be awarded during the event. The show will be on view from April 3 to May 30, 2015.

LUX Center for the Arts is free and open to the public. Free parking is available on the west side of the building just off of 48th and Baldwin. LUX Center for the Arts is located in historic University Place at 2601 N. 48th Street. For more information about the LUX Center for the Arts visit www.luxcenter.org.

Goodwill® Announces Dates for Third Annual Neighborhood Challenge Goodwill Industries Ser ving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has announced intentions for the third annual Neighborhood Challenge.

This year the event will take place between May 1st and September 19th.

The Neighborhood Challenge is a friendly competition to promote community involvement among the neighborhood associations and organizations of Lincoln. Last year the winning neighborhoods eac h expressed how they planned to strengthen their community with the prize money, which included planting trees along Fletcher Boulevard in the Highlands and sponsoring the portable toilette at Herbert Park in the Meadowlane area.

Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc.’s mission is willing workers employed and community resources maximized.

Donations to Goodwill fund employment programs for individuals who face barriers to employment as well as help to fund other organizations’ employment programs, including Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lincoln Literacy, Community Justice Center, and YWCA Job Outfitters.

For more information about Goodwill’s Neighborhood Challenge, visit www.lincolngoodwill.org.

W here Home Is WILDERNESS HILLS

Memory Care • 8939 Keystone Drive Call for a Personal Visit 402.890.0972| www.thewaterford.net COLLEGE VIEW ASSISTED LIVING 4800 S 48th Street 402.890.0972

WILLIAMSBURG ASSISTED LIVING 3940 Pine Lake Road 402.423.0000

The Waterford Communities are locally owned and operated.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

43

Non-Profit News

Local Professional Group to Host Networking Skills Workshop The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Lincoln presents “Make Your Contacts Count!” on Thursday, April 16, 2015, from 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., in the NET community room at 1800 N. 33rd St. The workshop will be led by former Lincolnite Bonnie Coffey, who is currently the principal consultant and certified trainer with international professional networking company Constant Contacts, LLC. The workshop focus is on developing face-to-face networking skills. The interactive seminar is geared toward those who want to learn how to build business relationships, attract more customers or want to expand contacts to explore professional career options.

Coffey will use short lectures, self-assessments, paired exercises, written exercises, discussion and more to teach the rules and tools for creating, cultivating and capitalizing on networking relationships and opportunities in various career, professional and social settings. Topics include the best use of networking time, developing mutually beneficial relationships, being more visible, promoting initiatives and projects, how to find mentors and how to connect with people.

An early-bird rate of $79 is available through March 31; the registration rate from April 1-13 is $99. In addition, there are special rates for a group of six. Registration deadline is Monday, April 13. Lunch and refreshments are included. For more information about IABC Lincoln or to register, visit http://lincoln.iabc.com or call (402) 440-8689.

HBAL Installs 2015 Officers and Board of Directors

PLANTRONICS CS540

A new PLANTRONICS CS540 Wireless Headset is available for a 15-day trial

ABSOLUTELY FREE

GET YOURS TODAY! Contact Suzy 402.951.9115

suzy@headsetters.com www.headsetters.com

44

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Mike May, May Custom Homes & Cabinets, Inc., was installed as president of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln on Jan. 12, 2015. The 2015 Home Builders Association of Lincoln board of directors is as follows: Executive Committee: Mike May, May Custom Homes & Cabinets, Inc., president; Justin Johnson, Hoppe Homes, LP, president elect; Matt Kleinschmit, Pride Homes, first vice president; Perry Haralson, Cornhusker Bank, second vice president; Lori Wellman, Lincoln Cabinet, secretary; Bob Bryant, Bryant, Katt & Associates, treasurer; Mike Kinning, Kinning Design Build, Inc., immediate past president; Mike Benker, executive vice president.

Board of Directors: Taylor Ashburn, Union Bank & Trust Co.; Jess Baker, Wilderness Construction, Inc.; Jeff Bielenberg, Bielenberg Builders, Inc.; Ruth Hietbrink, Black Hills Energy; Bo Jones, Tru-Built Construction; Matt Karl, MK Builders, Inc.; Tim Kenny, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA); Jerry Maher, Maher Custom Homes; Linda Potter, Reimers-Kaufman Concrete Products Co.; Lance Roach, JL Exteriors, Inc.; Marlene Stroup, Schwinn Homes, LLC; Ken Svoboda, Ray’s Lawn & Home Care. Remodeler’s Council chair: Mark Aksamit, Earl Carter Lumber Co. The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL.org) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums. HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes.

Non-Profit News

WasteCap Nebraska Presents Sustainability Webinar

Join WasteCap Nebraska for a special opportunity to hear from Adam Hammes during his webinar presentation, Sustainability Advocacy: Leverage Your Emotions, Avoid Burnout, and Influence for Good. The presentation can be viewed at a watch party on Thursday, March 5 from 3:30 5:00 p.m. at Firespring, 1201 Infinity Court in Lincoln. Presentations are followed by a Q&A session.

You can participate in the live Q & A during the presentation by tweeting your question using the hashtag #SLPSThursday. (Those who attended WasteCap's 2013 Sustainability Summit may remember his breakout session as the raucous one that had to be admonished to quiet down.)

Adam Hammes will share how his experience of life, work, and family shifted profoundly as he learned to connect with people less-passionate about environmental sustainability, communicating his beliefs in ways that moved others to action. His story is profoundly unique, spanning his rural, conservative upbringing... to time spent as an environmental educator... a community organizer and non-profit founder... an awardwinning corporate sustainability professional... an adjunct university business professor... a successful sustainability consultant... and director of a state sustainable business association. Join the conversation and learn from Adam about emotional stages and myths of advocacy, stages of influence, and other topics that can help you be a sustainability leader.

For more information visit www.wastecapne.org.

Melissa Hegarty and Steve Patterson Join Merrymakers Board of Trustees Merrymakers is proud to announce Stephen Patterson and Melissa Hegarty have agreed to join the Board of Trustees of the Merrymakers Association. They were voted in by the Board at their meeting on January 14th, bringing the total to 13 board members.

Stephen R. Patterson currently serves as an Investment Advisor for Lutz Financial Services. Prior to Lutz Financial, Mr. Patterson worked for First National. He earned both his B.S.B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from Creighton University. Mr. Patterson currently lives in Omaha with his wife Dana and children Megan, Grace and Stephen, Jr. Melissa Hegarty is the co-owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes with Sharon Hansen. They opened their first bakery in Omaha on November of 2010 and their second bakery in November of 2013 in Lincoln. Melissa considers herself an Omaha native having lived here for 20 years. She has been married for 10 years to Doug and they have 2 daughters, Sophia (6) and Charlotte (3).

Licensed and Insured

Stephen Patterson

Melissa Hegarty

Both Mr. Patterson and Ms. Hegarty bring a wealth of experience in both the non-profit and commercial world, and are excited to help the organization achieve its mission of music, memories and joy to our area’s senior population.

Merrymakers is pleased and proud to have them as Board Members.

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

Since 2002 TDK Lawn Care, Inc. (Timely, Dedicated and Knowledgeable Lawn Care) has been taking care of its client’s one at a time and treating them with the utmost respect. Our goal at TDK is to create a complete annual lawn care program that focuses on your individual or corporate needs and that is honest and professional. With several different options giving you the lawn and service you deserve at a price you can afford. All while using local suppliers and resources to help our local community thrive.

Mowing Fertilizing Aerating Over Seeding Yard Clean-up Snow Removal -

$25 per mowing $39 per application $60 per aeration $3 per pound $60 per labor hour Commercial & Residential

MENTION STRICTLY BUSINESS FOR A 10% DISCOUNT! All prices are based on a 3,000 sq. ft. lawn | Grass Seed Only-usually done after aerating lawn

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

45

Non-Profit News NCUL Forms Credit Union Foundation of Nebraska The Nebraska Credit Union League has partnered with the National Credit Union Foundation, the U.S. credit union community’s 501c (3) charitable organization, to create the Credit Union Foundation of Nebraska (CUFN). The Credit Union Foundation of Nebraska is operated by the Nebraska Credit Union League and the National Credit Union Foundation, funded by the generous support of organizations and individuals.

To achieve its mission of “promoting the shared values of people helping people” the Foundation will provide the Nebraska credit union community with grants and other financial assistance. These grants are to be used by credit unions to deliver adult and youth financial education, enhance member service, train staff/volunteers and assist those impacted by natural disasters.

Credit unions across Nebraska are improving their communities and empowering people of all ages to become financially independent.

And, the Credit Union Foundation of Nebraska is with them every step of the way supporting them. Each grant the Foundation provides helps strengthen the entire Nebraska credit union community.

Credit unions and partnering organizations can donate or apply for funds by visiting the CUFN page on the League website, www. nebrcul.org, under League Initiatives.

46

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

2nd Annual “Spayghetti and No-Balls” Fundraiser to Support Local Animal Advocates The 2nd Annual Spayghetti and No-Balls fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 7th at the WSI Hall, 1430 N. 10th St. in Lincoln. Guests will enjoy a spaghetti dinner followed by a dessert auction. Admission is $25 and includes dinner and entertainment.

Wine and beer will also be available for purchase. Tickets are available at lincolnanimalambassadors.org. You can also email a reservation request to info@lincolnanimalambassadors.org or call (402) 817-1168.

This is a joint fundraiser for Lincoln Animal Ambassadors and Nebraska No-Kill Canine Rescue. Both LAA and NNKCR are 501(c) (3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organizations funded entirely by donations and fundraisers.

Lincoln Animal Ambassadors is committed to improving the lives of animals and alleviating cruelty in Lincoln and the surrounding area. We assist pets and their people with our low cost spay/ neuter program, our temporary assistance pet food bank, a low cost vaccination clinic and by educating the community about being responsible pet guardians.

NNKCR is a no-kill dog rescue group that provides emergency foster care for homeless dogs, veterinary care for dogs in their care and helps find forever homes for homeless dogs.

Non-Profit News Theatre Art For Kids Presents “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” Theatre Art For Kids recently hosted auditions and has c hosen the cast of the upcoming production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”

Performances will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 4325 Sumner Street, on Friday, March 27th at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 28th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

In conjunction with this production, TAFK will also host performance workshops for ages 3-6 and 7-15 every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until March 21st and will also have Tech Rehearsals for the crew prior to opening night. This is a great opportunity for kids to get involved in a local theatrical production and it will be a fun show for all in attendance! Tickets can be purchased at www. brownpapertickets.com.

Theatre Arts For Kids is a challenging musical theatre program specially designed for the young and aspiring performer interested in learning about, participating in, and producing musical theatre.

Through teamwork and workshops, performers gain lifelong skills as they build self-esteem and develop leadership ability in addition to building their skill base as singers, dancers, and actors. TAFK offers a FREE Musical TheatreTroupe, voice lessons, classes for performers ages 3-6 & 7-18, and fully staged Broadway musicals are our specialty! Visit our website for more information at www.ta4k.com or call (608) 322-4549.

CEDARS Celebrates 68 Years of Helping Kids in Crisis It started with one home. One couple.

The Reverend Charles and Alberta Danner, who lovingly opened up their doors and hearts to a homeless child in need. As the number of vulnerable kids in their home grew, the Lincoln community began to wrap the couple with support, eventually helping them to purchase a farm way out in the country and construct the CEDARS Home for Children.

Today, that original 1950s building ser ves as the home of CEDARS administrative offices. A new wing, finished in 2010, is the new 24-hour emergency shelter—the only emergency shelter for unaccompanied youth in southeast Nebraska.

In the past year, CEDARS Emergency Shelter served 122 youth, providing them with a safe place away from the dangers of abuse, neglect, homelessness and other significant crises.

Over the years, CEDARS has become more than just an emergency shelter, although that is still a big part of how the organization serves the community. This past year, CEDARS served 2,671 children and youth through its integrated programs, of which the four cornerstones include Out-Of-Home Residential Services; Juvenile Justice Services; Family Support and Prevention Services; and Early Childhood Development and School-Age Programs.

For more information or to get involved, call (402) 434-5437 or visit CEDARS online at www.cedarskids.org. Additionally, those interested in helping are encouraged to like CEDARS Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/cedarskids/) or follow @cedarskids (https:// twitter.com/cedarskids/) on Twitter.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

47

Non-Profit News

Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Gala “Mardi Gras Masquerade” Raises Over $80,000 The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual Gala, held on January 24th at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel, honored those who fight the disease on a daily basis. Five caregivers were recognized for their role in caring for their loved ones: Jack Lorenzen, Jack Fuhs, Joan Johnson, George & JoAnn Churley, and Pat Quattrocchi. They all attended the event and shared their struggles with this devastating disease, currently the 6th leading cause of death in the United States.

Special thanks go out to Presenting Sponsor, HoriSun Hospice. Dr. Robert Bleicher of HoriSun Hospice spoke at the event and helped to honor those who are caregivers, especially in the world of hospice care. Other sponsors included CountryHouse Residences, Runza Restaurants, and Phat Jack’s BBQ. Patrons dined on a meal donated by Sysco, The Nebraska Pork Producers Association, and the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. Chef Jack Harding and his team deserve special recognition for their fantastic Cajun charcuterie display during the cocktail hour.

The 2015 Gala, under the direction of co-chairs Kim Kallhoff and Josh Wolfe, raised a grand total of $80,532. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association provide care and support for those battling the disease, and fund research to find a cure. To learn more visit www.alz.org/nebraska.

Mandatory Education and Fun: Could It Be True?

The Lincoln Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD-Lincoln)— an affiliate of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), the world’s largest association dedicated to the training and development profession— will offer a learning event and workshop presented by Susan Meyerle of Life Resources, LLC. Trainers often feel challenged when “dry” material needs to be disseminated to learners. This session focuses on effective strategies to engage the audience to enhance learning outcomes. Participants will explore techniques to improve audience participation and increase content retention. At the end of this session, participants will be able to: * Identify multiple strategies to engage an audience even when the material is considered boring * Recognize the benefits of using humor to enhance retention.

Take away strategies to engage audiences within participants’ organizations.

The event will be held at Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place in Lincoln on Thursday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Lunch is included. For more information and to register, visit www.astdlincoln.org.

TeamMates Proud to Partner With Community Sponsor HobbyTown

Turn Your Backyard Into a

Vacation Oasis

Call 402.421.2005 today to turn your plans into a reality

See hundreds more ‘vacation’ spots at

Lance Roach | Owner 48

www.JLexteriorsNE.com

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

The TeamMates Mentoring Program of Lincoln works closely with community partners and counts on community support to achieve its mentor recruiting and fundraising goals.

Community partner HobbyTown provides paid time off to their employees for weekly mentoring.

To further engage employees and enhance levels of interest in the program, the company often arranges TeamMates awareness days and encourages employees to meet as mentors to share best practices and experiences. The company provides polo shirts that it terms “the Blackshirts” to recognize its elite HobbyTown mentoring team.

Mentors enjoy wearing these shirts on the days that they mentor and establishing a familiar presence in Lincoln public schools. HobbyTown also sponsors and sends mentors to the annual TeamMates Tailgate fundraiser.

HobbyTown began franchising in 1985 from a single hobby shop in Lincoln, where its national headquarters remains to serve and support the entire franchise. Today, there are more than 160 franchise stores and growing nationwide, making the company the leading retailer in the hobby and specialty toy industry. The HobbyTown National Convention has grown into the largest dealer trade show in the hobby industry and is held annually in Lincoln at the Embassy Suites Hotel.

TeamMates welcomes new partners and invites you and your business, service club or faith-based organization to get involved. To become engaged in the TeamMates Mentoring Program, visit www. lincolnteammates.org or call (402) 436-1990.

Client Spotlight

Nebraska Hearing Center Offers New Technology Give us a brief synopsis of what your company does.

The Invisibel 2 is a device that you put in and take out yourself. It goes completely into the ear canal and is invisible. New technology is designed to nearly double Nebraska Hearing Center is where better hearing begins. our already leading noise reduction while still preserving We have offices located in Lincoln and Beatrice and have speech. What this means to you is that background noise been serving those and surrounding areas for over 30 years. will be greatly reduced when in a noisy environment. It works best for those with a mild to moderate hearing loss.

Our mission is to enrich people’s lives through better hearing. We pride ourselves in providing top-notch The A3 has new technology that analyzes the sound customer service with cutting-edge technology and expert coming in and provides patients with an automatic setting service. “It is really rewarding when a client tells us how for the best audio. The A3 is also an excellent fit for those they are hearing things they didn’t even know they suffering from Tinnitus. were missing,” says Leslie Frank MS, CCC-A, owner and “There are so many people who contemplate hearing Audiologist at Nebraska Hearing Center. devices,” Leslie states. “Now is really an exciting time to see what is new on the market”.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?

The world’s first IIC is now even smaller.

What is new to your industry?

We are excited to announce brand new technology for Audibel hearing devices, which are made by Starkey Labs.

Just released are the Invisbel 2 and the A3 hearing devices.

There is no pressure here. Our goal is to educate you about your hearing so that if hearing devices are needed, you can make an informed decision. “I firmly believe that hearing health is as important as any other annual check-up,” emphasizes Audiologist Leslie Frank. “Because of this, Nebraska Hearing Center offers free hearing evaluations.” Leslie encourages everyone to monitor their hearing on an annual basis. “It makes sense to set a baseline and annually monitor that baseline since the exam is free.”

Nebraska Hearing Center is centrally located at 5625 O St., Ste 104

Call 402.486.3737 today for your FREE hearing evaluation!

Leslie M. Frank - M.S., CCC-A, Owner, Audiologist

www.NebraskaHearingCenter.com MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

49

Health News Nebraska Community Blood Bank Donor Wins Winter Getaway

Dr. Susan Meyerle to Serve as AASCB President-Elect

Congratulations to the lucky Winter Getaway winner, blood donor Sue Mundt of Lincoln!

Selected in a random drawing of eligible blood donors who presented to donate in December, Sue won the three night getaway for two at a Hyatt Place of her choice. Although she’s not sure yet where she’ll be going—she is certain it will be a trip to remember!

The American Association of State Counseling Boards voted Dr. Susan Meyerle as President-elect at their annual meeting in Savannah, Georgia. As President-elect, Dr. Meyerle will serve a three year term of leadership. The American Association of State Counseling Boards is comprised of state licensure boards throughout the country.

As a loyal blood donor with Nebraska Community Blood Bank, Sue makes giving blood a part of her routine. “It is something I can do for the community without an expectation of anything in return,” Sue said. “It is just a GREAT feeling. The need is huge but I know the number of donors is not. So I just keep giving.”

Maintaining a stable blood supply can be especially difficult during the holidays, and during winter weather, but the Nebraska Community Blood Bank would like to thank everyone who stepped up to give. Each donor helps to ensure that the patients in our local hospitals have the blood they need to survive. The need for blood is constant; please consider donating today. All types are needed, especially O negative (O-) and O positive (O+).

To make an appointment, call 1-877-486-9414 or visit NCBB.org.

50

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Dr. Meyerle has served for thirteen years on the Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice, a board comprised of mental health practitioners, social workers, marriage and family therapists, professional counselors, and public members. During her involvement with the Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice, Dr. Meyerle has served in every leadership position. She has created a mentoring program to enable new board members to learn quickly their roles and responsibilities with the Board. She co-authored changes in regulations to enhance public protection, as well as a jurisprudence exam for licensees.

In addition to serving on the Nebraska Board of Mental Health Practice, Dr. Meyerle speaks throughout the country on ethics in health care. She launched Creating Ethical Boundaries after recognizing the need of regulatory boards to enhance ethics education among licensees. The author of three books, Dr. Meyerle owns and operates Life Resources, LLC in Lincoln, a private counseling practice. To learn more about Creating Ethical Boundaries, to request Dr. Meyerle to speak with your organization, or to request a counseling appointment with a member of the Life Resources team, please call (402) 477-0651.

Health News Genesis Psychiatric Group Now Open Michelle Lemon, APRN-NP, board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, is pleased to announce the opening of Genesis Psychiatric Group. Genesis is conveniently located at 2130 South 17th St., Ste. 100. Lemon is eager to welcome new and existing patients to the practice.

Lemon has extensive experience in the treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. She is the former director of Behavioral Health Services at BryanLGH and has worked for many years collaboratively with providers and physicians in the community. Lemon has been active in community service, volunteer work, and trained in mediation and conflict resolution. She has also taught psychiatric nursing at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, her alma mater.

A 2014 Nebraska Nurse Practitioners Helping Hands Award recipient, Lemon has presented at national conferences on topics that include treating those with Dual Diagnosis and Implementing Mental Health Services in hospital emergency departments. She has served on numerous non-profit boards in the Lincoln community including St Monica’s and Cornhusker Place. Lemon is a consultant at Houses of Hope and most recently has been working in a busy private practice.

Lemon is joined by Jason Schmid and Melissa Schmid, therapists who are both licensed independent mental health practitioners (LIMHP designation). The practice provides mental health assessment, medication management, and psychotherapy services. For more information or an appointment, please call (402) 454-7454 or visit www.genesispsychiatricgroup.com.

Council Awarded Affiliate Status The Nebraska Safety Council and WorkWell, a division of the Council is pleased to announce affiliate status with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health’s Total Worker Health ™ program. The Nebraska Safety Council is the first organization in Nebraska to be awarded affiliate status. Total Worker Health ™ promotes the integration of safety and wellness to prevent worker injury and illness and advance employee health and well-being. In most organizations that have safety and wellness programs, these functions are carried out by separate departments and are not necessarily tied together. Research is showing that by integrating these two functions, organizations can see more effective results.

According to Laurie Klosterboer, executive director of the Nebraska Safety Council, being awarded affiliate status brings great credibility to the Council and what it can provide organizations. The affiliate status provides further validation that the Nebraska Safety Council and WorkWell are recognized leaders in the field of wellness and safety and have the talent, knowledge, and capability to advance these efforts across the state of Nebraska.

Tonya Vyhlidal, WorkWell Director, is currently working with three organizations to integrate their worksite safety and wellness programs.

These include the Lincoln Airport Authority, Distribution Inc., and CK Contracting (Casper’s Construction). It’s an exciting time to be on the forefront of this initiative as organizations are realizing the value of good health and how good health relates to improved business performance and profit.

For more information about Total Worker Health™ and integrating your safety and wellness programs, visit www.nesafetycouncil.org or call (402) 483-2511. The Nebraska Safety Council is a nonprofit organization and its mission is to provide leadership and resources to promote a safe and healthy environment in our workplace and community.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

51

Health News The Waterford Wilderness Hills Memory Care to Offer Monthly Family Support Group T h e Wa t e r f o r d Wilderness Hills Memory Care is in the process of formulating a plan for a family support group that will be offered monthly.

The Family Support Group will meet the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford Wilderness Hills Memory Care at 8939 Keystone Drive. CEO Eric Haider wishes to extend this invitation to the public and to all who may have interest in family support for caregivers.

The mission of the Family Support Group will be to provide regularly scheduled and ongoing opportunities for dialogue among family members. At the outset, the structure of the meetings will be informal and will provide an avenue to glean helpful information, share stories, celebrate successes, and simply provide empathetic listening and caring. As the group develops, norms will be established by the needs of the family members at The Waterford Wilderness Hills. Dr. Mary J. Greenfield, Family Caregiver at Waterford Wilderness Hills Memory Care, will be coordinating this family support group process.

The first family support group meeting will be April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at Waterford Wilderness Hills Memory Care. Families of residents will receive written confirmation of the meeting along with an informal agenda. For more information, please contact Eric Haider at (402) 890-0972.

Handy Bored Product Line for Dementia Patients Unveiled Handy Bored, a therapeutic product line designed especially for those who are affected by dementia, has recently made its debut as a new tool that provides stimulation through cognitive physical, and memory therapy. Handy Bored, “The Board for Bored Hands”, is the brainchild of local entrepreneur Kelly Adams. Based on a strategy he came up with while working privately with an Alzheimer’s patient, Mr. Adams has officially brought this design to market. The goal of this product line is to enhance the lives of those with dementia and other disabilities.

Handy Bored utilized the power of interactive stimulation and sensory development, while also helping to avoid restless hands in order to offer respite for caregivers. While the main function is designed for people with dementia, it can help people who have other forms of impairment such as autism, brain injury, childhood development and more.

For more information please contact Kelly Adams, owner of Handy Bored, at (402) 312-3785, via email at kelly@handybored.com, visit www.handybored.com or find Handy Bored on Facebook.

Grifols Announces Extended Hours, Welcomes New and Returning Donors For thousands of Americans, and more around the world, enjoying Lincoln would not be possible without the generous plasma donations by thousands of committed plasma donors who regularly visit our Grifols Biomat USA Inc. plasma donor center on 2002 N Street.

Plasma contains hundreds of essential proteins and antibodies that are vital to the body’s ability to maintain critical functions such as controlling bleeding and fighting infections. Without enough of any one of these proteins, a person could have a life-threatening illness such as an immune deficiency, genetic emphysema, or hemophilia.

Thanks to our donors’ generosity, Grifols is able to produce plasma protein medicines that help treat those suffering from these rare and chronic conditions. These medicines help give people around the world the chance for more productive and healthier lives.

Grifols, along with our patients, thanks the more than 2,500 healthy, committed donors who contribute over 42,000 plasma donations each year. Your donations truly do make a difference in helping to improve the lives of thousands of patients struggling with rare and chronic conditions in the U.S. and worldwide.

For those of you who are not already donors, please consider visiting us at 2002 N Street, Lincoln, NE or visit www.grifolsplasma.com.

We are now open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 8am4pm. Grifols: Pride for Donors. Passion for Patients.

Mental Health Practice Relocates to Mill Towne Building

52

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

The offices of Dr. Karen Sharer-Mohatt and Carry Green, MA have officially moved to the Mill Towne Bldg. at 650 J. St., Ste. 201 in Lincoln.

Dr. Karen Sharer-Mohatt is a certified psychoanalyst and licensed clinical psychologist specializing in treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma and relationship issues with individuals, couples, and families. She may be reached at (402) 328-8300.

Carry Green, MA is a licensed independent mental health professional specializing in treatment of depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and adoption issues with individuals, couples, and families. Ms. Green may be reached at (402) 890-7434.

Dr. Sharer-Mohatt and Ms. Green are accepting new patients with qualified insurance and cash payment plans.

Client Spotlight

So Many Sweet Treats to Choose From!

Cupcakes & more… is a specialty bakery unlike any other in Lincoln! With a talented team of designers and bakers led by owner Regina Henson who specialize in desserts of all kinds, there is no shortage of creative freedom or variety, that’s for sure. In fact, many of the incredibly gifted staff members have been working in the south Lincoln bakery from day one Since opening its doors in February of 2011, the locally owned and operated sweet treat parlor has made a name for itself with a host of unique desserts and flavor combinations that are absolute perfection!

Cupcakes & more… offers a hodgepodge of sweet treats including: Cupcakes, of course! • Cakes • Cake Balls • Cake Pops Chocolate Covered Strawberries • Cookies • Brownie Shots • & more…!

Complimentary Consultations

Cupcakes & more… offers quality products, great customer service, and a friendliness that leaves customers walking away with a smile.

Among the extensive list of goodies available you’ll find something perfect for every craving, celebration and occasion.

Creative freedom is one of the best parts of working with Cupcakes & more... You can schedule an appointment any time during business hours, seven days a week—there is a consultant available at all times. The talented staff at Cupcakes & more… will turn your ideas into an exclusive design concept; their goal is unforgettable taste AND presentation!

Gourmet Flavors

Community Involvement

Daily flavors include *Wedding Cake (white cake frosted with white buttercream and topped with wedding day sprinkles and a rose ornament), *The Tuxedo (chocolate cake frosted with white buttercream and topped with sprinkles), *Princess/Prince (almond flavored white cake frosted with pasted pink/blue swirl of vanilla buttercream and topped with colorful confetti sprinkles), *Go Big Red Velvet (red velvet cake frosted with traditional cream cheese frosting and topped with red sprinkles), *Peanut Butter Chip (chocolate cake frosted with peanut butter buttercream and topped with peanut butter cup crumbles), *Cookies & Cream (chocolate cake frosted with chocolate cookie crumb buttercream and topped with crumbled Oreos), *Signature (chocolate cake frosted with the house colors, chocolate and hot pink swirled buttercream), and *Chocolate Lovers (chocolate cake dipped in chocolate ganache, sprinkled with mini chocolate chips and topped with a dollop of chocolate buttercream). In addition to these popular flavors, just about any combination you can think of can be customized by Cupcakes & more...! Some past flavors include White Chocolate Raspberry, Snickers My Doodle, Pineapple Upside Down, Maple Bacon, Mallow Crunch, Caramel Apple, Irish Mint, Hazelnut Swirl…the list goes on and on! In fact, there are over 350 possibilities to choose from!

Locally owned and operated, Cupcakes & more… is committed to serving the community as well as its customer base. The team is actively involved with several local non-profit organizations; People’s City Mission, Friendship Home, the American Cancer Society and Voices of Hope.

Dietary Restrictions – Cupcakes & more… takes great measures to accommodate their customers’ specific needs. Several allergen-free options are available and special requests are always welcome. This includes gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and sugar-free recipes already on-hand for many of the specialty flavors.

Cupcakes & more… is open seven days a week for a sweet fix, to pick up some sweet treats for a special event, or to help you turn your dessert vision into a reality. Stop in today for a treat or pick up the phone and place your order! Delivery options are available in the Lincoln area as well as surrounding areas for special events. Pricing inquiries are welcome and special discounts are always available.

You can also place an order online or find Cupcakes & more… on Facebook to check out the latest creations!

5700 Old Cheney Rd. Ste 2 • CupcakesAndMoreLincoln.com • 402.261.6214 MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

53

EXPERTS WANTED Strictly Business Magazine is seeking experts to feature in print, in person & online.

We are looking for experts and professionals in healthcare, financial, trade, retail, construction, government and business. People with outstanding knowledge and expertise in their field to advise our readers.

If you are an expert and desire to increase your visibility and credibility in the Lincoln marketplace, we would like to talk to you and your organization.

People don’t buy— they make choices.

Let Strictly Business help you.

• • • •

Create a marketing program to compete on more than just price.

Create press releases, feature stories, and advertisements to showcase your expertise.

Create and strengthen your credibility with buyers.

Cause the right people to choose you over your competition and increase your profits.

Call today & learn how easy it is!

402.466.3330

Get Known in Print, in Person & Online with Strictly Business

strictly-business.com | 402.466.3330 54

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Brenda felt like no one believed in her. That’s what she expressed to CEDARS Foster Care staff when she first came to us. She was coming out of a situation where she was living in unsanitary conditions and was badly neglected. Who would want to believe in her? Who would want to take her in?

For a teenager in the foster care system, she was experiencing a very understandable fear.

For many potential foster parents, the picture has been painted for them that they will be opening up their homes to babies and young children.

In some cases, this is true, but the reality is there are teenagers in need of the safety, stability and family relationships that a foster family can provide. CEDARS Foster Care works with all ages of children and youth in crisis.

“Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t need to define who they are,” says Adrianne Poppe, CEDARS Foster Care recruiter.

“They have been dealt a hard hand, but that shouldn’t define who they are. They have the same excitement, hope and pride that other children have. Their response is the same regardless of their age. They really just want someone who’s going to open their home to them, take time to sit down with them, get to know a little bit about them and just be their support and give them love.”

Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS’ goal is to either safely reunite children in our care with their families or find a permanent new home for them.

Until these goals can be achieved, our foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals.

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

Knowing Brenda’s fears, and acknowledging just how difficult it was to be removed from her home, CEDARS staff thoughtfully placed her with Heidi, a single mom of a daughter already away at college. Heidi was relieved she wouldn’t have to think about dirty diapers or daycare, that she could talk to her new foster daughter like an adult, that she would have someone at home with whom to discuss fashion and the newest technology. She was confident that CEDARS had found the right fit for both her and Brenda.

At first, Brenda was hesitant and resorted to behaviors she had learned in her past, but Heidi’s patience and love slowly allowed Brenda to confide in her. Eventually, she shared her desire to try out for the basketball team – a big step for Brenda. Heidi thanked her for her willingness to share and helped make the arrangements for a tryout. When Brenda made the J.V. team Heidi went to every game.

“I finally have someone to believe in me,” Brenda said.

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

Our foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt and empty nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart, and a willingness to reach out to a child in need. At CEDARS, we are committed to providing our foster children and foster families the best experience possible, and thoroughly enjoy walking alongside families as they uncover the rich rewards of seeing a foster son or daughter begin to relax and grow in their home.

Foster parents play a special role in the life of a child.

If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Adrianne Poppe at 402.890.1410 or apoppe@cedars-kids.org.

Safety, Hope & Well-being for All People www.LFSneb.org

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

55

April 14, 2015

56 Strictly Business MARCH 2015 19721_StrictlyBizOneDayWithoutShoes_FullPg_2015.indd 1

2/16/15 12:41 PM

While managing personal finances is something universal that we all deal with, it is also something that looks very different for each of us. As such, this is an area where we may benefit from professional experience and a healthy dose of objectivity.

Overall, maximizing your hard-earned income, budgeting properly, making educated investments, managing risk, and planning ahead are the fundamental steps towards a future that’s financially stable.

Clearly establishing your financial goals first will set the foundation for what your plan for the future will look like. “We understand that every individual has unique financial goals consisting both of short and long-term time frames,” emphasizes Lisa Karnatz of Nebraska Bank of Commerce. “Short-term goals may include a dream vacation or a new car while long-term goals may include purchasing a home, saving for college or owning a business. Our job at NBC is to make every dream a reality.

Lisa Karnatz Nebraska Bank of Commerce

services enable customers to transact business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are free services of the bank. In the very near future, mobile deposit will enable customers to deposit checks at any time from any location.

Our employees are our greatest resource, partnering with customers to help them attain their financial goals. NBC personal bankers are able to offer a wide array of banking products including home equity lines of credit, personal and business checking and savings accounts, debit cards, and certificates of deposit. Above all, NBC personal bankers play a consultative role when helping customers make financial decisions. By thoroughly understanding customer needs, our personal bankers are able to recommend products and services that help customers reach their financial goals, whatever those goals may be. Personal bankers aim to build long-term relationships built on a foundation of trust. We want to partner with customers to create successful financial results.

In today’s fast paced world, we respect our customers’ time and strive to deliver fast and accurate results. We align our customers’ needs with customized products, services and advice and build trust by putting the customers’ needs first.”

NBC offers a wide variety of products and services that help customers attain their financial goals. Properly managing and paying off debt is among the most Two very popular savings products target youth and seniors by common concerns with respect to personal finance. “Eliminating offering highly competitive rates. Online and mobile banking debt is a great short term financial goal to set, and establishing a budget is the first step in eliminating debt,” adds Jordan

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

57

Moehlenhoff, a Business Banking Officer at West Gate Bank®. “Being able to account for every dollar in and out of your account is necessary to living within your means and achieving no debt.

West Gate Bank® is extremely ‘handson’ when it comes to personal finances.

We are a big bank with a small-town feel. At any of our seven locations, you will find that every one of our employees is not only willing, but extremely capable, of answering any questions that a customer might have. We make it really convenient to bank with us, and offer products that allow our customers to keep their personal finances in order. Any one of our bankers will take Jordan Moehlenhoff the time to sit down with a customer and ® West Gate Bank listen to their financial goals. We can then put together a plan to help our customers achieve their goals and provide personal financial freedom.

We also have Free InstAlert at West Gate Bank®. InstAlerts notify you, through text message or email, of important account activity without having to login to online banking. These personalized account alerts can notify you anytime a debit card purchase has been made, when your balance drops below a certain threshold, and many other convenient notifications. This product is very beneficial for many busy professionals and people that struggle to find the time to keep up with their account.” dakotaguardiantrust.com

A simple principle to remember is that financial planning starts with a plan. First, you should take time to really understand your current financial situation by reviewing your income, assets and liabilities, evaluate your insurance coverage, your investment portfolio, your tax exposure and your estate plan.

Once you have an understanding of what you truly have, then it’s easier to prioritize your financial and life goals and figure out how much time you may need to pursue your goals. Finally, implement strategies that address your financial weaknesses and build upon your strengths and don’t forget to review it every year. Some people like to choose a date each year to have a ‘State of the Finances’ meeting with their family, which can be quite rewarding and fun if you’ve made progress towards your goals.

While many aspects on the planning side depend so much on the individual, one piece of advice that applies to almost everyone is not to wait until you have a crisis to create a financial plan. The last thing most people want to worry about in a crisis is money, yet without a plan it very well could be the main thing you focus on, and you could really limit the options that you have by waiting.

For those just beginning the journey, have a goal to set a budget and stick to it. Make sure that you take care of the cornerstones of a good financial foundation -- emergency savings equal to 3-6 months of income, eliminate debt, make sure that your life insurance, disability insurance and property and casualty insurance is sufficient and start saving for retirement.

For those further along, it’s important to have conversations with your children and your parents to find out how their financial plan is going to impact your plan. The last thing anyone who has been doing a good job saving wants is a surprise (most often in a crisis) that throws your financial plan out the window. Financial advisors can be helpful with facilitating those conversations that can be difficult, and sorting through the complexity of how each generation’s plans impact the others. Of course, if

58

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

you haven’t started your own plan yet, it’s never too late and the same goals would apply – create an emergency savings account, pay down debt, save for retirement, and make sure that your insurance coverage is appropriate.

As you approach retirement, a goal should be to review your Social Security filing options - just because you can file early doesn’t mean you necessarily should. Review your asset allocation and make any necessary adjustments. It is a good idea to meet with a financial advisor about how you are going to spend your savings in retirement, and how you can mitigate the risks of outliving your money.

There are a number of reasons to consider working with a financial advisor. Developing a comprehensive financial plan can require knowledge and experience in several areas. What seems like a small financial decision today can have a big overall impact on your money in the future. A financial advisor can help you see the big picture, help you to identify opportunities, make recommendations based on your goals, and sometimes more importantly hold you accountable to your plan.

Bringing clarity to your long-term financial picture can seem like a significant challenge, even more so if you’ve never really taken the time to give it a thorough review. However, pursuing your investment goals does not have to be as daunting as it may appear. Not if you have a sound plan…and an experienced financial partner. A financial advisor will have direct access to experienced investment professionals, products and services.

“When it comes to personal financial planning, it is critical to establish specific goals and stick to them,” explains Renee Zikmund, Vice President and Senior Trust Officer at Dakota Guardian Trust. “Of course, even the best financial plan may need to be revised in light of changing circumstances, and it is so important to inform your Trustee and Financial Advisor so that your plan can Renee Zikmund be updated accordingly. Furthermore, Dakota Guardian Trust always remember to pay yourself first even when creating provisions for family members. Saving for your financial future is so very important and a habit you should start early in life. Even if the amount you save moves up and down during your lifetime, the fact that you are saving regularly is very important.

In addition to a lifetime financial plan, another critical component of safeguarding your assets and supporting your family’s financial security is a good estate plan. This should include a Health Care Power of Attorney, a Power of Attorney for Finances, a Will that directs who will receive your assets, and in some cases a Trust. Dakota Guardian Trust can serve as Power of Attorney for Finance and as personal representative in settling an estate along with serving as trustee. A corporate trustee such as Dakota Guardian can be very helpful in ensuring that all beneficiaries are treated fairly according to the terms of the will or trust, and that each person receives timely, consistent information during the estate settlement process. This may minimize concerns regarding fairness that sometimes arise when an individual or family member serves as trustee or personal representative. We want to know our clients well and be ready to step into our clients’ shoes to fulfill any of these roles. Spending time with a trust officer and sharing information about family dynamics can be very helpful.”

Renee further advises, “Some people may be nervous or overwhelmed to start down the path of estate planning. Often, there are specific triggering events that may naturally lead to estate planning, such as getting married, buying your first home or having a child, just to name a few. Keep in mind that your estate planning attorney will ask important questions about your financial and family goals to ensure your estate plan reflects your specific intentions.”

Your banker, accountant, financial advisor/planner, trustee and legal counsel are all valuable resources to consult on matters of personal finance. It is never too late (or early for that matter) to evaluate your current financial situation and develop a plan for moving forward. Establishing a relationship with a team of professionals can allow you to make informed decisions that can support your short-term and long-term goals.

Personal Savings & Checking Small Business Checking H S A Accounts Certificates Home Equity Lines of Credit

Let NBC Bankers help you with your personal and business finance needs.

At NBC, we partner with you to create success!

DOWNTOWN 250 N 14th

JOSH

NMLS 422453 402-420-8372

LISA

NMLS 1205213 402-420-8373

MAIN 6000 Village Drive Suite 100

SARAH

NMLS 464873 402-420-8340

SUE

NMLS 464654 402-420-8358

250 N 14th St • 402-420-8370 6000 Village Drive, Ste 100 • 402-423-2111 www.thenbcbank.com

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

59

Does Your Company’s 401(k) Program Need a Check-Up or Full-Blown Operation?

Jason Peplinski, Awarded

Four under Forty

by Advisory Today magazine 2014

Does your company retirement plan need a checkup or a full-blown operation?

Call Today!

402.817.4282

Contact Jason Peplinski for an examination of your employees’ 401K to see how a change will benefit your business.

770 N Cotner Blvd, Ste 411 • 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.

60

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

As Lincoln continues to grow and evolve, the commercial landscape of our community is in a constant state of change. Just take a drive around town and you’ll see many new projects from ground zero to those that just opened their doors for business. In accommodating the influx of commercial construction projects, our local workforce is composed of highly skilled professionals who in many cases offer generations of knowledge and expertise. From start to finish, there are many different aspects that go into this type of project so it’s of the utmost importance to be in good hands when it comes to commercial construction endeavors.

Getting Your Project Started Besides finding out the specifics of your budget, the first step in planning for commercial construction is to choose who will be taking on your project. Lincoln certainly isn’t lacking in talent or experience in this area, but as these are generally lengthy projects that require a major investment, it is important to do your research and ask plenty of questions before making a final commitment. This will help to ensure that you will be working with the professionals who are the best fit for the job.

Cheever Construction is a full-service commercial contractor that will not only construct your new building, but can also assist in the initial planning stages by coordinating the design team required to transform your wants and needs into reality. “Cheever Construction has a diverse history of successfully building various types of structures,” explains Wes Oestreich of Cheever Construction.

“Our experienced superintendents and skilled tradesman are well equipped to install concrete foundations, rough and finish carpentry, as well as the installation of doors, Wes Oestreich hardware, cabinets, toilet partitions, and a Cheever Construction wide variety of specialty items.

Incorporating design and fixture selections that lend themselves toward energy efficient operational costs are an important factor to most every commercial construction project. Some of these features are required by current codes (i.e. lighting sensor controls), while others are practical selections that will provide a ROI (return on investment) in a few short years and make the initial higher cost a smart long term choice. This might include LED lamp fixtures in lieu of fluorescent or incandescent, or a groundwater closed loop well for pre-heat/cool in lieu of electric or gas fired systems.

At Cheever, we emphasize communication and education. When a client fully communicates their wants, needs and how they intend to utilize their new space or building, we are then able to educate them on advantages of certain materials or finishes that will function best for their demands. We also provide realistic cost assessment for their budget analysis, allowing them to make informed decisions. Our first objective is to LISTEN carefully to a client’s requests; next, to fully COMPREHEND their expectations for function and cost; lastly, to DELIVER a professional result in a timely manner. We accomplish this through the talents and skills of our experienced managers, estimators and craftsmen.”

TCW Construction is another local powerhouse that has made a name for itself in the area of commercial construction. “Our main points of concentration really focus on concrete and metal building work; we like to tie those together,” explains Chad Aldrich of TCW Construction. “In this way, we are a oneChad Aldrich source company for concrete work, building TCW Construction

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

61

and erection and we work with many local architects for design-build projects as well. Commercial construction is always a team effort where the owner and builder get together and form a team in order to come up with a plan for the most efficient way to complete the project. This includes our professional recommendations as to the best course of action with respect to constructability and value engineering. With all of the details in front of us, we can implement a plan that allows for the best outcome while sticking to constraints with budget and timeline. Our experience allows us to offer plenty of options to solve just about any problem. For example, with the Pinnacle Bank Arena paving we utilized Fibermesh instead of Rebar, which sped up the process of pouring the concrete significantly without sacrificing the quality of work or integrity of the finished product. A builder’s experience really helps to solve a lot of problems.

As I previously mentioned, we are a one-source builder so we can do dirt work, foundation, paving, floors, and as a Butler Builder we can even supply the pre-engineered building and erection. This also helps to avoid any confusion as there is only one source for communication as well.

We are held accountable as the only ones working on the project, which works well for us and our clients.”

With respect to a good starting point, he advises, “Set a budget and then make sure you have the banking assets and funds to back up that budget.

As a contractor we can always help the customer set that budget early. Once we have a ball park estimate of the facets of the project and a little scope, we are able to provide a rough estimate that can be used to set an initial budget. This is most helpful in deciding whether you want to move forward. This then moves to the next phase of 30% design and a better idea of the budget, which is also another chance to evaluate before fully committing to the project. Then, if the decision is made to move forward at that point it goes to 100%. The beauty of our planning system, which incorporates these checkpoints, is the level of accuracy on the financial side before you’ve gone too far in the process to turn back.”

The bidding process also has a lot to do with the planning and budgeting of a project. “There is an established perception that the low bid in a competitive bidding process results in the best value,” explains Scott Sandquist of Sandquist Construction. “While this may sometimes be true, the exceptions may actually constitute the majority in this case. Why? The fault of this common misperception is that every bidder will provide the same identical services. Oddly enough, most clients know this to be quite untrue. Yet despite the common knowledge that different contractors will provide different quality of services, many potential clients still often seek a low bid rather than best economical value. We recommend selecting the best qualified and competitive bidders. A general contractor selected for their credibility can select the best qualified and most competitive subcontractors and suppliers, and with few exceptions, this is our recommendation to achieve the most successful results.

Sandquist Construction provides full service Construction Manager and General Contractor services during the preconstruction phase, working with the owner’s other consultants and recommending the most beneficial approach to ensure project costs are within the owner’s required budget. We continue this same approach of cost control as we Scott Sandquist transition into the construction phase as the General Contractor. Sandquist Construction has been selected for more Sandquist Construction and more projects during or preceding the design phase based upon our credibility and qualifications--essentially our extensive knowledge and skills, expertise, reputation and integrity. We plan to focus on continuing this approach in addition to competitive bidding with the best value for our clients in mind.”

“Commercial construction has changed a lot in recent years. Something that does not change is the need for valuable planning that should take place before construction starts,” adds John Henry (Jack) Zohner, owner of John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. “Careful planning sets the tone for successful final projects that will meet needs for years to come. In many ways planning for commercial construction could be considered part of a formal Business Plan because of the long-term impact on John Henry (Jack) Zohner the bottom line.

John Henry’s Plumbing, A great example is in heating and air Heating and Air conditioning design. Too often concentration Conditioning is placed on low bids that typically result in substantially higher energy bills and an uncomfortable building with poor indoor air quality. Planning up front can help avoid issues.

The trend seems to be towards smaller buildings, which gives more opportunity for energy savings. As a prime example, heating and air conditioning equipment itself is considerably more energy efficient and affordable. Maintenance is also typically cheaper. A Service Maintenance Plan will pay for itself in energy efficiency and equipment life. Rooftop air handling units are improving energy efficiency as well; newer rooftop units are operating at 80% or more in efficiency while the older models are only at about 40%. That’s an incredible savings you’ll see over the entire life of the unit.”

He further advises, “It’s important to start with a company that concentrates on service first before proceeding with the final construction design. The end result will be much better.

It’s equally important to avoid the temptation to take the cheapest bids. A friend that lives in a nearby county recently found out the hard way after the construction project for his business was completed. The low bid was a local contractor that installed water piping in an attic that was not heated. The piping froze and flooded the business. The PVC sewer piping did not get glued properly either, which resulted 62 Strictly Business MARCH 2015

in moldy sewage in the walls. The HVAC equipment operates poorly and inefficiently. The project did not require permits or inspections in that county. There was a cost overrun of 60%. The lawsuit continues on.

Personally, I have never had to apologize for good quality!”

The commercial landscape of Lincoln continues to flourish; and with such a healthy economy and a business community full of opportunity, this will continue well into the future. “We are seeing continued interest from clients and property owners in the downtown and Haymarket districts, especially for housing and hospitality markets,” says Gill Peace, owner of Peace Studio Architects, Inc. “We are currently working with several interested developers to find suitable downtown locations to build large scale student housing, apartments, and a new hotel.

There is increasing activity in the area south of the traditional downtown area as well. Recent projects built along Centennial Mall by Farmers Mutual and NEBCO are evidence that the areas surrounding downtown Lincoln and the Haymarket are gaining momentum. We believe this momentum for downtown living and entertainment opportunities will continue and hope to be an active part of this exciting time for Lincoln.

Owners are also looking at opportunities outside of downtown that range to the corners of the city. Many of those opportunities involve our input on land planning and master planning the development of multi-acre sites. Our planning Gill Peace background gives us a unique added value to help shape the architecture as well as the land use patterns of new Peace Studio developments.

Architects, Inc. Peace Studio Architects, Inc. is a group of dedicated professionals who are passionate about design and committed to client service. We work on a diverse range of projects with a common focus: to improve the built environment and exceed expectations. A year and a half into our venture, we continue to seek clients that value great design and innovative, creative solutions to challenges. We really like Lincoln and what we do and hope that it is expressed in our projects.”

In truth, the relationships that are established between commercial builders, trade professionals and the clients who are taking on such a major investment are the ones that are responsible for the growth and prosperity of our business community as a whole.

Dan Klein, Sr. Regal Building Systems

“Regal Building Systems strives to help our fellow Lincolnites move forward with plans for their new building and we have the capability to handle the project from conception all the way to completion,” explains Dan Klein, Sr., owner of Regal Building Systems. “Our goal with every project is to deliver our clients the space they need to breathe life into their operations or growth as they continue to pursue their goals and follow their dreams. Regal started 24 years ago as a home builder, and 18 years ago we embarked on our first commercial project. We have completed commercial projects ranging from a small office at 5,000 square feet to a healthcare facility in Salina, KS encompassing over 100,000 square feet. In Lincoln, The Waterford Communities continue to flourish with the support of our team at Regal Building Systems. Aside from these projects, which are truly our passion, we have the capabilities to extend out to all types of projects in the community that are seeking value engineering—our approach is to do things in an economical way while maintaining the beauty, functionality and design that the client has envisioned.

On the commercial side, a great deal of our experience is in building healthcare facilities of all types. As a prime example, we recently completed a state-of-the-art, 16-apartment Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility that was designed specifically with the needs of these residents in mind. Taking on this project required us to design a facility that would meet these individuals’ specific needs—large spaces are disconcerting to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, so we designed the property with cozy, smaller apartments and community spaces for that reason. Our skill set has allowed us to thoughtfully blend commercial and residential property design together for functionality and comfort in a healthcare setting. Over the years we’ve assembled a wonderful team of subcontractors and jobsite leaders who are dedicated and excel in their attention to detail. Dan Klein Jr. has been instrumental in leading our team and overseeing all commercial projects from start to finish; his eye for detail and strong organizational skills allow us to create an end product that looks and functions every bit as well as what was intended in the original concept. In commercial construction projects, there are so many aspects that need to be brought together and done well, and we hold each other to a high standard of excellence.

When you form a team to build something, you are also building a working relationship and even a friendship. You give your word that you will accomplish what you set out to do, and you are all contributing something of value to one another. My best advice is to make sure you are working with professionals of integrity and forming valuable relationships that will carry on well after your building is finished. These projects aren’t always smooth or easy, but if you are able to put your trust in the people you work with, it will ensure the collective success of everyone involved.”

Building Basics There are basic elements of any structure that are taken into consideration when designing the plans to be used over the course

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

63

Lincoln’s 24 Hour Electrical Service Experts Residential | Commercial | Industrial Remodeling | Ceiling Fans | Computer Cabling | Security Lighting

The Qualified Electrical Contractor Since 1932

Call us today!

402-435-3514 | www.abcelectric.net

Never Be Without Power Again!

Generac Automatic Standby Generator

SHOWROOM HOURS M-F 8-5

Portable•residential•CommerCial

Call GENERATORS FOR SALE Today!

402-298-5355

4138 S 89th St, Omaha HomeGeneratorsForSale.com

64

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

of the project. Darin Cielocha of McGill Restoration offers key areas to consider with respect to commercial structures: Roofing: Commercial roofing systems, in most regards have not changed in basic design concepts over the past quarter of a century, but the materials and installation methods have continued to evolve and have been improved upon. Design professionals have a great variety of different types of materials that are lighter, more durable, Darin Cielocha designed to last longer, and have a wider variety of color and textures to choose from today than McGill Restoration they did many years ago. At the same time, the most important criteria of a roof structure should always be kept in mind – keeping moisture out of the building’s structure and looking to divert water away from the structure as quickly and easily as possible. These are tasks that are easier said than done! Like any key component to a building structure the roof and foundation are probably the most critical parts of the building, but not always the simplest to design. However, you DO NOT want to cut cost out of these two areas of the building structure in construction or future maintenance. What it really comes down to is that there are always good, better, and best options to choose from when looking at different types of roofing systems. They vary by price tags; expect different life cycles of materials and different warranties that manufacturers can offer to owners. In short, you get what you can afford to pay for. Regardless of what roofing system you choose for your building, it really comes down to the small details. This includes making sure that the roof’s termination points, overlaying seams and roof-to-wall details are flashed and sealed properly. Those areas of the roof should be checked and maintained every year, to ensure that any problem is caught and corrected before real issues start.

Windows & Doors: This also falls back into that good, better, and best selection criteria when designing new buildings or renovating older ones. In my experience, it’s best to make selections of materials that best fit the functionality and design that the owner wants. It’s also important to understand how those windows and doors are going to be integrated with the different materials they are being installed with or next to (i.e. brick, metal, wood, etc.). All materials have different coefficients of linear expansion; in simple terms, they all heat up and cool down differently. Speaking from our side of construction, this is very important to understand. We need to know what types of joint sealants are going to be compatible when sealing around the perimeters of doors and windows. There are many different types of joint sealant materials (urethane, silicone, hybrid, etc.) still available to choose from today. It’s best to understand the benefits of each of the different types of joint sealants to utilize the one that best suits the materials being used. Also, make sure to take the expected life cycle of each into account. Joint sealants around doors and windows need to be looked at every 3 –5 years, but they can last on the upwards of 20 years.

Overall, in terms of his experience with commercial buildings, he advises, “What I have seen is that design professionals have been asked to design for the ‘economical’ times owners find themselves in. By this I mean that when businesses are looking to get up a building fast and occupy quickly, they look to construction methods that get the building up and opened – ready for business as soon as possible! When this type of approach is taken, best construction practices get compromised and the life-expectancy of a structure can be shortened. It is almost a ‘disposable’ approach to building. This was really prevalent back in the mid-90’s when there was such a construction boom and the economic outlook was strong. Like anything that goes up, it eventually comes down. In the marketplace today, I believe that there were lessons learned and design professionals and contractors are looking to build structures that will be around for the next turn of the century. As a society, we are moving towards being more sustainable in our approach to constructing buildings and more conscientious of what we are going to leave behind for the next generation to take care of.

As far as quality and durability of materials, cost of maintenance, efficiency and longevity, and what’s worth the extra money for the overall

investment in the building – that’s simple, build with concrete and masonry! If you look at the majority of buildings around the country that have shaped the skylines of many cities, the use of concrete and masonry materials are a very common building component to most building structures. Now, I know that you cannot design roof systems out of concrete and masonry, but clay tiles can also be used in a roofing application. Although I am not an expert on all of the different roofing systems available today in the marketplace, I would strongly suggest looking for the best system that would complement a masonry and/or concrete structure. I might be a little biased when it comes to suggesting concrete and masonry materials for a building, having spent almost the last twenty five years selling and fixing these types of materials and structures, but I can assure you they are well worth it in the long run.”

Incorporating Building Systems and Technology Technology is moving forward in leaps and bounds, giving us more power at our fingertips than ever before. While its applications in the commercial world are constantly evolving to be more elegant and expansive, technology in this area has also moved in a more user-friendly direction and become more widely accessible. This includes technology that helps us communicate and display information, promotes efficiency and facilitates our day-to-day work, and assists us in controlling our building’s environment and safeguarding our operations. In this day and age it’s certainly not surprising that there’s a wealth of technology designed specifically for commercial use, and even more specifically for the different needs of each business.

Planning to include technology that will control your building’s systems during the construction phase can greatly enhance your general operations in many ways. Pat Killeen of Engineered Controls offers his expertise on current technology available as well as key areas where building control technology can be extremely beneficial: “As a building control technology contractor, our goal at Engineered Controls is to provide customers with targeted products and services to create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments. Most of our day-to-day business Pat Killeen includes servicing and installing Honeywell building automation systems, or simply referred to as BAS systems. The BAS Engineered Controls is a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control the mechanical sub-systems (i.e. fan systems, chilled water system, hot water system, steam system, pumping systems, etc.) and the electrical sub-systems (lighting systems, electrical, water and gas metering, security systems, access systems, video systems, etc.) in a building. The BAS core functionality is to: 1) Keep the building climate (temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, etc.) within a specified range; 2) Maintain desired light levels in the space; 3) Ensure that the building is being monitored and controlled from a security perspective; 4) Monitor and control all the sub-systems performance constantly and advise the building operator when deviations from norms or device failures have occurred; 5) Do all of the above with the minimum amount of energy (electricity, gas, water, etc.); and 6) Provide all of this information to the customer by way of having internet connectivity at anywhere they are in the world.

Engineered Controls has two primary business segments – New Construction and Building Service. Our New Construction group focuses on providing traditional temperature control and digital building automation systems (BAS) for the new construction industry. With our experienced staff of sales, engineers and installation technicians, combined with our excellent relationships within the consulting engineering and contracting community, Engineered Controls has positioned itself to be the low cost leader in the plan and specification market in Nebraska and Iowa. Our Building Services group’s focus is to provide a variety of products and services directed to our existing customer base. It is their responsibility to perform our scheduled Planned Service Agreement (traditional preventative maintenance work), retrofit work, and unscheduled demand service work for equipment breakdowns and repair.

Energy use in a commercial building is becoming an ever-increasing financial concern and operational problem for building owners. Building owners are looking for reliable, cost-effective solutions to answer these new energy challenges and reduce their carbon footprint. To that end, Engineered Controls has an Energy & Environmental Optimization or EEO program that is designed to leverage a broad portfolio of energy efficiency products and solutions, as well as offer a high level of energy expertise to commercial buildings in the hands of our skilled, knowledgeable and certified EEO professionals. Our EEO team can help building owners and managers obtain real-world data to help them make fact-based decisions about how to optimize their buildings for occupants comfort and save energy at the same time.

Our preventative care program focuses on the building hardware and is a standardized preventative maintenance program on a building controls system to maximize the systems reliability and to minimize the operational costs. In other words, our PSA program offers comprehensive system wide checkups and testing to ensure that the control system is always operating at peak operating performance. Building systems that are properly maintained and controlled will enable you to focus on the core of your business while ensuring that everything is running efficiently. This also promotes longevity of equipment, protection of employees and equipment due to proper security measures, and energy efficiency which will result in minimizing operating costs and future unplanned capital expenditures.

Interoperability and computer/ cloud security are hot buttons right now that can be addressed in the planning process. In the building technology industry, interoperability is the ability to make a variety of a building’s sub-systems (like pumps, motors, generators, switchgear, lighting equipment, etc.) communicate on a common protocol and MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

65

The Perfect Balance of Style & Performance

Stop in or call today!

EMO FLOORING

carpet • hardwood • laminate • vinyl ceramic • porcelain • decorative tile

402.420.2323 • 4815 S. 14th St. • EmoFlooring.com

402-466-1355

4701 Pierce Dr, #A-8, Lincoln

Honesty - Loyalty Hard Working - Knowledgeable Dedicated 402.558.7989 402.438.4110 Omaha

Lincoln

www.McGillRestoration.com 66

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

indirectly work together. Think of it as an industry standard that allows for the exchange of information regardless of equipment type, model or manufacturer. This provides a valuable ‘scalable solution’ for building owners to manage data and make the necessary adjustments to maximize a building’s environment and energy.

As more and more building owners want to manage their buildings remotely, building automation systems or ‘smart buildings’ are networkable by allowing them to connect to the Internet. But the functionality that the Internet brings can have a price to pay. It’s important to remember that when introducing the Internet into the BAS environment all of your system devices, equipment and computers on the network are now subject to attack from outside intruders. There are various ways building owners can protect their systems from attack. Putting systems behind firewalls is highly recommended. Another defense is keeping their systems updated. As with computers, building automation systems require updates to add enhanced functionality and security measures. We encourage our customers to purchase planned service agreements to keep their BAS systems up-to-date with the latest software patches and to perform frequent backups.”

He further advises, “Building owners need to know what they are buying, so it is crucial for them to participate in the bidding process and to be a smart buyer. Since the new construction industry consists of architects, consulting engineers, general contractors, mechanical contractors, and so on, many of the basic decisions that are being made regarding the BAS system are all being made by everyone EXCEPT the customer. Far too often we spend months at a time assisting in the construction of a new building, only to find out later the client did not get what they wanted.

Or occasionally the BAS system is too complicated for them to operate.

So the moral of the story for building owners is to get involved, ask questions, know what you want, and know what you are getting BEFORE the decisions are made by everyone but you, the customer.”

It is also crucial to safeguard the operations of your business by incorporating a back-up power system, and this is something that can be considered in the planning process as opposed to waiting until after construction has been completed. Generators serve as a valuable back-up system that can be tailored to the needs of small businesses as well as larger ones. “We’ve worked with many small business clients, such as data centers, offices of real estate agents, and restaurants as just a few examples,” says Tobias Sommer, owner of Generators for Sale. “At the end Tobias Sommer of the day for business owners, time is money Generators for Sale and if the power goes out it can very much impact your operations and your bottom line. A generator can keep vital systems such as security, lights, heating and cooling, refrigeration, and even the phones working in the event of a power outage. Having a back-up system for power in case of outage, whether it’s a smaller one for an important part of the business or one that keeps the entire business up and running, is absolutely in the best interest of any business owner.

Here’s a great example – one of our clients, a small restaurant franchise, had us supply a back-up system that could run their entire store. The power went out one day and they were the only store in the area that remained operational. Their sales that day tripled, because they were the only ones open, so the generator paid for itself that day alone! Not only did they not lose product or business, they had a serious competitive advantage. Another current concern is cyber-attacks, and our back-up systems can help prevent someone from taking the entire grid out. More and more businesses will be affected by this in the imminent future; we can all potentially be affected by these large scale outages.

Many times a generator is an afterthought for businesses, whether after suffering the effects of being unprepared for an outage or realizing what they have to lose in the event that an outage occurs. At Generators for Sale, this is our specialty and we enjoy being a part of the planning process for commercial construction projects. We can assist in planning for the components that you want to continue running no matter what, or in tailoring a system that will best fit the comprehensive needs of your business. For those who don’t know who to talk to in this area, I can

certainly facilitate the engineering. We have the ability to build the system in so that it doesn’t take as big of a generator to run the specific parts requested, so our clients can save a lot of money here as opposed to re-engineering after the fact. Bringing professionals from every aspect of the project on at the very beginning will allow you to save money and get the best of the technology and systems that are available.

As a manufacturer, we are always up on the newest products coming out that can alleviate common issues or work better for certain scenarios. If you’re considering an upcoming commercial construction project, and your goal is to never have your business or its essential systems go down, we can definitely be of assistance.”

Aside from keeping your building’s vital systems up and running, you’ll also want to focus on integrating technology to enhance other areas of your operations.

“2015 is shaping up to be a year that embraces audio/visual systems in facilities,” poses Adam Karavas, President of Electronic Contracting Company. “Our customers are not only looking to upgrade A/V systems for the boardroom, but also extending their communication capabilities throughout their facilities with digital signage. The systems industry will continue to gravitate to I/P network based digital communications to deliver services and content in 2015. As processing power increases and content storage costs decline, the capabilities of the systems we offer continue to grow.

As technology continues to change and evolve, Electronic Contracting Company has Adam Karavas factory trained technicians who can provide Electronic Contracting facilities with programming, configuration, Company and system design services that allow our customers to maximize the value they receive from a new system.

Customers can receive the most value by working with integrators like Electronic Contracting Company that can facilitate integrations across previously disparate systems.

We always advise prospective clients to do their own research on companies they are considering to provide their systems. Many systems have an effective life span of 10-15 years. As an owner, you want to be sure the company you select for your design, installation, and service has been in the market and knows what they are doing. Of equal importance is determining if the company is financially strong enough to ensure that they will be available to service your system across its 10-15 year life span. Ask for customer references and visit with existing customers of the company before you commit. Electronic Contracting Company prides itself in being available to help customers before, during, and after the sale as it has done since 1978.

Above all, Electronic Contracting Company prides itself in its ability to respond to a customer’s needs and provide solutions to their low voltage systems requirements. We are unique in our ability to fabricate in-house custom configurations and components required for one-time specialty applications. Our company has provided safety, security, and communications solutions for educational, industrial, heath care, correctional, hospitality, and religious facilities. These includes total design, installation, and service of Audio/Visual, Fire Alarm, Security, Nurse Call, Pro Sound, Intercom, CCTV, and Access Control systems in a design/build process. We can work directly with the owner or work with consultants, architects, engineers, and prime and electrical contractors to provide complete solutions to the commercial/industrial end user.

Electronic Contracting Company provides many more system solutions than those mentioned above. For a deeper dive, we encourage prospective customers to visit our website at www.eccoinc.com for a more complete look at all of the solutions we can provide. We look forward to embracing new and evolving technologies and making those solutions available to our customers in 2015 as the economy continues to grow.”

Thinking outside of the box for solutions that best address your project goals is important in commercial construction, especially with the wide range of applications as technology evolves. “Many people don’t think 3M Window Films when they hear the words ‘Commercial Construction,’” says Keith May, owner of The Tint Shop. “Believe it or not, 3M Window Films are still somewhat new in the commercial construction industry and quite an untapped resource for solving problems that buildings and builders face. Even though 3M invented window film in 1966, people are still unfamiliar with everything the window film industry has to offer besides automotive films, and because of that, are missing out on the benefits 3M Window Film can offer.

The technological advancements in 3M Window Films in the last decade are simply amazing. Micro-layering technology and Daylight MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

67

Build Your Vision, Build With Quality We manufacture only the highest quality brick — from standard runs to custom blends in all sizes & shapes

Face Brick | Paver Brick | Import Brick Wallcaps | Bullnose

Call today!

402-477-6663 Residential & Commercial

3705 S. Coddington Ave • www.YankeeHillBrick.com

building your vision from the ground up!

New Construction - Remodeling Commercial - Residential Let’s Get Started!

402-477-4663 www.Tru-Built.net

68

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Redirecting Film are just the beginning of what is to come in options for Solar Control Window Films. But 3M Window Films have MUCH more to offer than Solar Control Films too. Decorative Window Films, sometimes referred to as “Frost Films” are one of the BIGGEST trends in new commercial construction right now. The 3M Fasara line of Decorative Films offers a wide variety of Frost finishes including Lined, Dot, Prism, and Etched finishes. These films are perfect for today’s modern office designs, which are replacing walls and doors with glass. While this gives the office a very ‘open’ feel and makes the work space not as closed off to the world, it does come with some drawbacks. One of the biggest complaints we hear regarding the glass ‘open’ floor plan is the lack of privacy. Privacy in an office, or on a desk, is a big concern in some cases. This may also be the case in conference rooms. Sure the glassenclosed conference room looks great and is very impressive, but if you are trying to have an important meeting with an overhead or projector, you are having that meeting with whoever is on the outside of the glass room as well. Another problem that comes along with giving full visibility into offices is clutter. Whether it’s an unorganized employee’s desk, an employee break room, server-IT room, or even just the bundle of wires under employee’s desks, 3M Fasara Window Films can conceal all of those things, and do it without sacrificing light or costly glass upgrades.

At the same time, it gives the whole office a nicer decorative appeal as well as breaking up all the glass.

3M Safety and Security Window Films are another product that is often written into plans or added after the fact, once a possible problem arises with the design. For example, the 3M Security Films are used on all federal government buildings internationally for blast mitigation and protection. Even 3M’s mid-level security film will meet GSA 3b blast requirements, and will outperform any film of equal thickness on the market. 3M’s Security Films use a micro-weaving technology that gives a 4 mil film the strength of a 7 or 8 mil film from a competitor. These films are also used widely in jewelry stores, pawn shops, banks and financial institutions, and even front doors of convenience stores to prevent the quick ‘smash and grab’ thefts. A few local companies have decided to install these films for that fact alone. With the correct film, bricks and cinder blocks will simply bounce off the window. The window will break, but the film will not tear and will hold the glass together to stop intrusion.

To be fair though, given enough time, and determination, a criminal may still get in the building, but the idea is that the film prolongs that enough to give law enforcement time to arrive.

The Tint Shop is the ONLY 3M University-Certified Window Film Dealer in the state of Nebraska. This gives us furthered education on the products and practices of 3M, as well as education on glass types, situations, and customer service expectations. So our clients are guaranteed to get all of the information and professional advice they need to find a film that is right for their building or situation. Call for a free estimate, or any questions you may have about 3M’s line of Window Films.”

Exterior Features of Your New Property In planning for the construction of your new building, you’ll want to broaden your focus out to include the entirety of your property as well.

This includes all exterior features you’ll be incorporating; parking lot, entrances, outdoor gathering spaces, landscaping, signage, and so on.

The sooner you involve all parties who will be assisting you with your project, the better the end result!

“All too often an in-field landscaper is not at the table during the design stage,” explains Ken Svoboda, owner of Ray’s Lawn & Home Care.

“Yet for ease of maintenance, which in most cases saves money, the damage is already done for the sake of a construction budget or the vision of the architect or designer involved on the project. A landscaper involved in the early stages of design can eliminate or drastically reduce many of the maintenance nightmares that add to the high annual maintenance costs.

For example, one common practice in commercial developments is to plant grass below trees that are planted on parking lot Ken Svoboda islands. No one will argue that grass adds Ray’s Lawn & Home Care

beauty to an otherwise stark concrete desert and the tree adds shade and coolness to an oasis. Unfortunately, the cost to add irrigation to parking lot islands is prohibitive and within a few years the grass is thin if non-existent due to the excessive heat and lack of moisture. If the experienced voice of a professional landscaper is injected in the early stages a similar look can be suggested with far fewer budgetary issues.

There are numerous options to this common problem. The design experts at Ray’s Lawn & Home Care with nearly fifty years of experience can provide the design team cost effective yet attractive alternatives.

Additionally, I always help my commercial clients project the on-going maintenance costs of a new or renovated landscape. A beautifully installed landscape will always require a certain level of upkeep to maintain that initial luster. After the first year, plants will grow and if not trimmed or pruned will quickly get out of hand. If mulch is added to the landscape, stirring of the mulch for that fresh look each spring or replacement for that new look is required. I always encourage my clients to landscape to their future annual maintenance budget.

We also work very closely with our clients with a very careful and experienced eye on safety; safety for both clients and their employees.

A landscape design should never provide hiding places for would-be thieves or those wishing to do harm to individuals or property. The one stable and common thread throughout all of our commercial clients is the value of a well-maintained landscape whether it be for their employees or their clients.”

He adds, “Commercial landscapes are no different than residential landscapes. They should match the owner’s personality, lifestyle and values. A bank or financial institution will want to project a conservative stability with large mature trees at the initial planting while a factory or manufacturing plant wishes to soften the large box-like look. A retail center wants an open inviting look where an office building prefers a well-manicured professional appearance.

A properly installed and well-manicured landscape will add real monetary value to the property. A well maintained landscape shows potential as well as returning customers that their comfort is important.

It reflects on the business’s appreciation of not only their clients but complimenting the neighborhoods beauty and inclusion. Ray’s Lawn & Home Care not only shares the values of our commercial clients but goes beyond the basic services to enhance our client’s appearance.

Jeremy Hunt, owner of Hunt Irrigation, also offers some insights on exterior aspects of commercial construction projects: “Presenting a positive image is important to any business, and a healthy, attractive lawn and landscape can certainly boost a visitor’s impression of a property or an employee’s enjoyment of their work environment. Hunt Irrigation, Inc. is a full service commercial company. We offer CAD design services using the latest computer aided drawing programs, and promote the latest BMP (best Jeremy Hunt management practices) in irrigation design Hunt Irrigation and layout which ensures the most efficient irrigation system. Our staff also has a nationally Certified Irrigation Contractor (certified by the Irrigation Association), as well as an EPA Water Sense Partner and two Nebraska Certified Backflow Operators to handle all of the backflow requirements of your commercial building.

Water is a nonrenewable resource, and at Hunt Irrigation, The Water Smart Company, we take that responsibility very seriously. With potable water being a large portion of our business model we believe that being good stewards is of the utmost importance.

There has been some great water saving advancements in irrigation technology in the last ten years. One of the biggest advancements has been in Smart Controllers. ‘Smart’ irrigation controllers maximize outdoor water use efficiency by using climate and site, or soil moisture data, as a basis for irrigation scheduling/maintaining, and in many cases enhancing, the health and beauty of landscaping. Once the ‘smart’ controller is installed and set up, the ‘smart’ controller automatically takes care of seasonal weather/site specific adjustments and does not require ongoing monitoring.

/HuntIrrigationInc

Let Us Help You Open New Doors Commercial | Residential | Industrial

Garage Doors

Call or stop by today!

402-477-5504

Sales Service Installation

1634 South 3rd Street

www.raynordoorsofnebraska.com

A Regal Experience

Our latest commercial project: The Waterford at Wilderness Hills Memory Care Facility 8939 Keystone Dr. (South 27th behind Kohl’s) Over 25 years of Residential and Commercial experience in the Lincoln Area

1901 SW 5th Street, Suite 100 (402) 435-3550 www.regalbuildingsystems.com

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

69

Thanks Lincoln!

Your working relationships with us made this possible!

No ime rt m overges fro cha -7pm

7amdays .

7 eek aw

24 Ho Servi ur Avail ce able

Service Experts you can trust! 402-435-5555 • www.jhlincoln.com 70

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Commercial outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than 9 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for lawn and landscape irrigation. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of this water is wasted due to over watering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Irrigation control technologies can significantly reduce over watering by applying water when and where the turf and plants require it.

Drip irrigation has been used for years in landscape beds; however, a newer concept in drip is SDI (subsurface irrigation) for turf. Subsurface drip irrigation is a variation on traditional drip irrigation where the dripline (tubing and drippers) is buried beneath the soil surface, rather than laid on the ground. SDI is more than an irrigation system; it is a root zone management tool. Water and fertilizer can be applied to the root zone in a quantity where and when it will be most beneficial, resulting in greater use efficiencies and better turf performance.

Subsurface works great in high traffic areas, in those places that are harder to irrigate such as the parkways (area between the curb and sidewalk) and areas prone to vandalism. The SDI is typically buried about 5” below the surface and there are no mechanical working parts to malfunction. In our area the soil is heavy in clay and while SDI will operate efficiently in clay soils to yield the maximum benefit of SDI amending the soil or replacing the top 5” of soil with a loam soil will improve the overall efficiency of the SDI and produce a healthier turf.

Along with climate ‘smart’ controllers and SDI some areas of Lincoln experience high water pressure. When irrigating with spray heads (the ones that pop up but do not oscillate) the optimum pressure for the head is 30psi. As the pressure increases over 30psi the efficiency of the head decreases. Using a pressure regulated spray vs. a non-pressure regulated spray head in those high pressure situations can reduce water consumption by 30%. So if you are irrigating a one-acre commercial site with spray heads you could save 8,146 gallons of water per week or roughly 285,000 gallons of water per year -- $1,400 per year (27,154 gallons of water/acre 1”).

Along with these manufactured water saving products the most important part of any underground sprinkler system is the design. Like just about anything in life, with a good foundation come excellent results which will last a lifetime. Components can always be upgraded, but to upgrade a bad design can become very costly. At Hunt Irrigation, we offer design services as well as the installation and service of commercial irrigation systems. With the use of CAD (computer aided design) we can work with your engineer or architectural firm to layout/design the most efficient irrigation system possible. After the installation we also offer our clients a scaled as-built blueprint. The as-built is the road map to your irrigation system. We not only deliver this blue print to your facility at the completion of the installation, but we also archive every as-built on our in-house server and in the cloud so if you ever lose it we will have a back-up copy at your request.

Construction planning is a fundamental and challenging activity. It involves the choice of technologies, the estimation of the required resources and durations for individual tasks. A good construction plan is the basis for developing the budget and the schedule for work, so developing this is a critical task. In addition to these technical aspects of construction planning, it may also be necessary to make organizational decisions about the relationships between project participants/ subcontractors and even which organizations to include in a project.

When it is time to design your irrigation system think Hunt Irrigation, Inc., The Water Smart Company.”

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

So for anyone who will be considering an upcoming commercial construction project, no matter the size or scope, the most important thing to consider is exactly what you want and who you’ll need to work with to reach that goal. Assembling the best team of professionals for the job will allow you a farther reach into all of the possibilities that are available to you (many of which you might have no idea about going into the planning process), will allow you a clearer picture in terms of budget, timeline, and future considerations, and will protect you from costly errors and/or delays along the way.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

71

72

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

As far as workplaces go, no matter the varying characteristics, the majority of owners and key management professionals are united in the quest to do what’s best for their employees. There are two key principles that should always be taken into consideration with respect to workforce: wellness and safety.

Safety is one of the key factors on the preventative side that greatly contributes to overall wellness in the workplace.

Implementing the proper training can help to avoid accidents and injuries that have the potential to negatively affect both the employees and the business alike.

“A safe and healthy workforce directly impacts a business’s bottom line,” emphasizes Laurie Klosterboer, Executive Director of the Nebraska Safety Council. “Employees who are healthy actually perform better and stay focused on their job. This focus allows them to engage well with others and utilize the safety training they have received to manage their everyday job duties. Incorporating effective safety and wellness programs will also result in fewer days away from work due to illness or injury. Implementing these programs can build positive goodwill among your workforce and make you an employer of choice. With the low unemployment rate in Lincoln, being known as a business that truly cares about the safety and health of their employees and ‘walks the talk’ is a major advantage. An effective safety and wellness program just makes good business sense.

In most organizations that have both safety and wellness programs, these functions are carried out by separate departments Laurie Klosterboer and are not necessarily tied together. Research is showing that by integrating these two functions or promoting the Nebraska Safety Council Total Worker Health™ model, organizations can see more effective results such as a reduction in workplace injuries and illnesses, reduced absenteeism, increased employee engagement, and improved job performance. Our goal is to help organizations make the connection, develop the infrastructure to support the connection, and achieve positive outcomes.”

She also offers direction as to the main points of focus for an effective workplace wellness and safety program. “First and most important is to have top-level support and commitment. This support needs to be shown not only through words but through action. It is very difficult to have an effective safety and wellness program if senior management is only paying lip service to the program. Senior management should be involved in all aspects of the program and should be visible during activities such as pre-shift stretching, safety trainings, wellness activities, and should play a key role in recognizing positive behaviors on both the wellness and safety fronts. Messages and actions coming from ‘the top’ should make the connection between safety and wellness to reinforce that both are a priority for the organization. Second, is to involve your employees. What a great opportunity to get your employees engaged by asking for their involvement in these programs. Getting them involved on the safety and/ or wellness committee, asking for feedback on their specific positions and duties, getting them to participate in the wellness program and in specific wellness activities are all great engagement ideas. In addition, asking them for feedback and ideas for improving the overall health and safety of the organization, and empowering them to make changes in their personal safety and wellness are all key to building a strong safety and wellness culture.

The Nebraska Safety Council was recently awarded affiliate status for the National Institute of Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH) Total Worker Health™ program. As an affiliate, the Council directly collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and NIOSH. This collaboration allows us direct access to technical expertise and resources that we would not have otherwise. This empowers us to provide unique solutions and resources to businesses that are interested in integrating their wellness, safety, and occupational health programs.

As a resource for businesses and organizations across the state, we offer a variety of programs and services to assist with safety and wellness. This includes what we call ‘public’ classes across the state where businesses can send their employees to training on various safety and wellness topics. We can also provide training onsite at a business’s facility for a more economical and/or customized program.

We offer a wide range of consulting services including written program review and development, mock OSHA inspections, customized wellness programming and consultation, industrial hygiene services, technical support, onsite training/education, and much more. We work with businesses based on where they are currently and where they want to go with their program. Every company has different needs and goals, and we work with each company individually to create a custom program that will achieve the outcomes they are looking for.

Some organizations are just beginning to develop their safety and wellness initiatives, while others have established programs but need our assistance to grow and enhance their offerings. As a non-profit organization, and the only organization in the state to offer both wellness and safety resources under one roof, our mission is to provide leadership and education on safety and wellness to organizations.” *For more information on Total Worker Health ™ visit the Nebraska Safety Council website www.nesafetycouncil.org or call 402.483.2511.

If you are looking to design a new training program, or to update MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

73

an existing program by incorporating a new multimedia element, you may also want to consider having your own safety training videos produced. This will allow you to focus on addressing the safety issues that are specific to your workplace and training your employees properly in those areas.

“For those who need a professionally looking Board Certified Psychiatry, Family Practice training video, whether for OSHA compliance & Anti-Aging Medicine or situational training for educational purposes, we are very well seasoned and have many Hormone Replacement Therapy examples of training videos to provide if you are looking for ideas,” advises Mike Nutrition & Weight Loss Domgard, President and CEO of Outpost 12 Advanced Training in Botox & Dermal Fillers Studios. “It doesn’t matter if it needs to be animated or filmed; we have the expertise, Debbie Reynolds Hughes MSN, PMHNP, FNP, BC staff, and experience to produce top quality Schedule Your 15 Minute FREE consultation with Debbie today! training videos for your business.”

Outpost 12 Studios is the Midwest’s premier 402-486-9373 • 4747 Pioneers Boulevard full service production studio, offering all Mike Domgard in-house services including 3D, VFX, film and Outpost 12 Studios interactive design capabilities. This allows them to infuse your brand and content with their creativity and expertise for a finished product that will capture the interest of your intended audience and effectively deliver your message. Safety videos are among Outpost 12’s offerings that are specifically designed with practical applications that benefit local businesses. Utilizing tools that educate your employees and bring awareness to the key issues that will likely affect them at some point is mutually beneficial and fundamental in the success of your wellness and safety programming.

In terms of overall health and wellness, there are a lot of different factors at play for each individual and a well-designed workplace wellness program should strive to take this variance into account. Professionals also agree that the benefits of setting up a wellness program are abundant and far-reaching.

“The numerous benefits of incorporating a wellness program in the workplace can be seen in many different areas,” advises Steve Holzwarth, owner of the Profile® by Sanford franchise in Lincoln located at 70th and Pioneers. “Not only does it help to improve healthcare costs for the employees and employer because everyone is healthier, it provides an entire lifestyle change to effectively improve the quality of work and overall person. The ability to properly manage one’s work can be directly affected by the ability to effectively manage one’s body and lifestyle. The employee morale and camaraderie will bloom and the improved level of work will benefit any business.

We utilize an Employer Partner program that offers ½ off the membership for all employees once a business is signed up and then 20% off our product. We offer this program at no cost to the employer. The membership will then cost $150 for one year. We utilize one-on-one support at our location to help coach members to success in the areas of nutrition, activity, and lifestyle. Our integration of technology and products with certified coaching provides a simple, effective, and sustainable route from establishing health goals to meeting them.

My best recommendation for a business looking to start a workplace wellness program is to find one that provides Steve Holzwarth overall value to you as the employer. Utilizing a program that can have a lasting effect on your business is extremely Profile® by Sanford important in guiding the efforts geared toward that program. Some of the most successful programs are designed with simplicity and accountability at the forefront. Furthermore, our health and wellness culture has evolved drastically in the last 15 years and the need to help the ‘non-scientist’ to understand and implement the proper techniques for a healthier lifestyle is crucial. Profile

by Sanford focuses on simple education pieces to help our members understand the premise of the need for change and how it will help them. We also hold them accountable with the technology and coaching we provide. Our culture is filled with choices—and too many of the bad choices.

Providing a foundation to know how to choose correctly is vital.

Workplace wellness can be a very beneficial component to any business and their ability to function properly. Under the guidance of a major healthcare system and numerous doctors and physicians Profile by Sanford has a found a very basic and safe concept to improve the quality of life. This can be an everlasting productive piece for an employer in the improved quality of employee they produce.”

“There are numerous benefits to having a wellness program in the workplace,” agrees Austin Weaver, DC, owner of Holmes Lake Chiropractic. “The biggest I would say is happier and healthier employees. It is proven that having a wellness program reduces injuries and sickness and increases productivity! Another aspect that management might enjoy is typically a reduced insurance rate due to fewer worker compensation claims and promoting a healthier safer work environment.

Some main points to focus on are to simply be active and pay attention to your daily posture and ergonomics. Whether we are sitting at the desk all day or doing construction, the way we do things matter. Our bodies are built to move, so when we are stationary all day then go home and watch TV, we don’t allow for this to happen. This leads to chronic pain and tightness in the neck, shoulders and low back. Try setting a timer on your phone or computer to go off every 45 minutes and when it does, stand up move your shoulders, squat up and down, stretch your arms and your neck. This only takes a couple of minutes to do, but can save you from much discomfort later on and allows for better focus when your resume work.

Austin Weaver, DC If you are using tools and equipment, pay attention to how you operate them. For construction workers or maintenance staff, Holmes Lake Chiropractic if you are raising your arms above your head or are crouched in awkward positions it will definitely take a toll on your joints and muscles. It is best to use the right tool for the job and use ladders, extenders or other items that may help with getting to those hard to reach places. You may have to spend a little extra time preparing for the job at hand, but it will save you from unnecessary injury or pain later on.

Holmes Lake Chiropractic offers learning workshops, demonstrations, and treatment options to help prevent pain and injury and promote health and wellness in the office. We cover the how-to’s of workplace ergonomics and offer ways to improve conditions for wellness. Also, treatment is available for those who are already experiencing the pains and discomfort of the daily grind and will offer solutions to prevent it from returning.

The hardest but most important part to a wellness program is simply getting started. It can be a work in progress, but start with something basic and get everyone excited about it. Some helpful tips that I can offer to businesses would be to pick a day and promote it as a wellness day.

Achieve Balance & Improve Well Being!

74

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Something like, Wellness Wednesday, where a healthy lunch is offered and information can be shared about health and wellness.

Movement is key to wellness. The research shows that static stretching, like touching your toes, is not very beneficial to the body. What you want to do is dynamic stretching, which is movement, like running in place, jumping jacks, high knees, arm swings. Motions that will get your heart rate up and your muscles warm. Studies show this will improve brain and body function.

Lastly, contact your insurance company and see if implementing workplace wellness can actually save you money! Everyone can benefit from a wellness program both in health and financially. For more information or if you would like to meet to talk about more wellness program ideas, contact Holmes Lake Chiropractic at (402) 483-4409 or by e-mail at aweaver@holmeslake.com.”

Many of us are familiar with the saying “happiness is an inside job.” Taking charge of your own health and wellness in the workplace as an employee is just as important as promoting a culture of wellness in the workplace as an employer.

Eric Haider, CEO of The Waterford at College View, offers ways to assess and improve your Occupational Wellness: “According to the McKinley Health Center, a renowned leader in the science of wellness, ‘Wellness is a state of optimal well-being that is oriented toward maximizing an individual’s potential.’ There are six different dimensions of wellness, and Occupational Wellness is one that we at The Waterford Communities strive to have all of our staff work toward.

Occupational Wellness makes it possible for you to explore and enhance wellness right where you work. It also assists you in looking for opportunities to expand doing what you enjoy most. In order for you to be in the healthiest state of Occupational Wellness, you can do some very simple things right in your work place before or just after each work day is over. This will allow you to be more satisfied and enjoy your daily work routine along with being more comfortable with your personal Eric Haider and financial situations while improving your The Waterford at well-being.

College View The Waterford Communities have a few recommendations to make occupational wellness easier and life better: • Take Breaks! Work can be a struggle at times so get in the habit of taking a break from what you are doing even with things that have deadlines. Taking a break will actually improve your job performance and it can reduce your overall job stress. Even stretching a minute or two will help or take a short brisk walk. Take a break!

• Make Lists! Making lists is a great time management technique that helps reduce stress and improves your ability to get your work completed in a timely manner. The most basic list is the To-Do List. The Waterford Communities recommends when making a list, keep it short and prioritized so you can plan to get things done for the day without overwhelming yourself. The best feeling is crossing an item off that list and knowing you are one step closer to finishing!

• Clean Workspace! When your workspace is clean and organized, it makes it much easier to keep track of everything that you need to do and it will help minimize anxiety. When your work space is cluttered, it is easy to become distracted, stressed and disorganized. Keep it neat!

• Set Goals! This is personal as well as work related. Goals should be short, clear and attainable with a timeline. Setting mini-goals will help you get through your day with a little bit of added fun. Start with the hardest things or what you enjoy the least so they are out of the way for the rest of the work day. For example, ‘I’m going to get this whole stack of paperwork sorted and filed in an hour.’ This way the goal is necessary, attainable and time sensitive. When you achieve the goal, it’s like winning a contest! This will help you to accomplish more with a sense of good organization, good planning and personal satisfaction, ‘I can do it!’ for you and the team members around you.

When evaluating your Occupational Wellness ask these three questions, and if you answer ‘No’ to any of them, it may mean that some things need to be changed in the area of your Occupational Wellness and well-being.

• Do I enjoy going to work most days? Why or why not?

• Do I have a manageable workload and positive attitude? Why or why not?

• Do I perceive that I have improved in Occupational Wellness in the last month? Why or why not?

Most of us realize Occupational Wellness is a real investment of our own time, skills and abilities to serve those around us. It is also important for us to improve our overall well-being. When we are doing what we enjoy and see the benefit we bring to those we serve, we are able to get a deeper sense of our meaning and purpose in the work place. The Waterford Communities wish you well in growing better in Occupational Wellness.”

Employees are one of the most important assets to a business or organization, and as such, their health and wellness is fundamental to their performance, and therefore, everyone’s success. “The most important benefit of incorporating a wellness program is a healthy MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

75

workforce,” emphasizes Mike Hahn, Director of Wellness for Husker Health/Husker Rehabilitation & Wellness Centers, P.C. “A healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. It has been well documented that employees that maintain a healthy weight, and exercise frequently take less sick days than employees that are overweight, and do not actively exercise. The main focus of a wellness program should involve healthy lifestyle education, weight management, nutrition information and exercise.

Mike Hahn A great wellness program would encompass a wide range of health topics, and would not Husker Rehabilitation & just focus on one or two subjects. A trend that Wellness Centers, P.C. I see in the wellness community is emphasis on education. There are a lot of misnomers out there regarding health, especially when it comes to nutrition and exercise. People get bombarded everyday with so much information it is hard to sort out fact from fiction. A good wellness program would educate the employee not only on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, but how to go about it the right way.

Husker Rehab’s staff of physical therapists, nurses and trainers have the education and experience to support any wellness program. Our physical therapists have years of experience treating patients so they can return to their jobs after an injury or accident. They also are a great resource for proper work place ergonomics. Our physical therapists can teach individuals better posture and ergonomics so they can not only perform their job more efficiently but also reduce the risk of injury while at work. At our Husker Rehab in Beatrice, we have Husker Health, which houses our wellness center and occupational health departments. Our Wellness Director and occupational health nurses routinely work with the community to teach and promote a healthy lifestyle. The Husker Health wellness center has gym memberships and nutrition counseling available to assist any wellness program. Husker Rehab as a whole has the knowledge and experience to assist any wellness program succeed in developing a healthier workforce.

An individual’s health is something that should never be taken for granted.

However, at times it seems that it is not a priority. A workplace wellness program is a great tool to educate and empower people to make health lifestyle a priority, and to improve their quality of life.”

As previously mentioned, regular exercise and proper nutrition are two of the main contributing factors to good health, both in the workplace and outside of it. Tammie Collier of Farrell’s eXtreme Bodyshaping offers the following advice for employers who are considering offering programs to encourage their employees to exercise more and eat healthier: “If an employer has the ability to help fund a portion of a gym membership to encourage employees to be healthy, or even offer a facility on-site, that is a great benefit to offer.

Tammie Collier Also, offering lunch and learns for employees Farrell’s eXtreme regarding healthy eating is very beneficial.

Bodyshaping However, the key words here are healthy eating—NOT dieting. Dieting has a negative connotation and generally has associated start and end dates, whereas healthy eating is a lifestyle.

My biggest recommendation is to talk about it! This dialogue can happen at employee meetings, in newsletters, during special events, and so on.

It is important to showcase employees who have embraced a healthy lifestyle, along with information about what their program is, how they have been successful, and how it has changed their life at work and at home. Any encouragement and support that an employer can give is great. Of course, setting an example is also key—don’t just preach it, live it! There are all kinds of ‘feel good’ reasons to support and offer workplace wellness initiatives but what may be the most important reason for an employer is the bottom line: having employees take better care of themselves is one of the best ways to reduce the costs of healthcare coverage…and this comes back twofold to the employer!”

She adds, “Many things happen when you follow an exercise regimen and focus on healthy eating. Physically, the obvious changes are fat 76

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

loss, muscle tone and an improvement in the overall shape of the body.

Many things also happen internally, such as confidence levels improving in many areas of life which are not only confined to a stronger belief about your ability to challenge yourself more at the gym. These higher confidence levels translate into your personal and professional life as well. People tell me all the time how much better they feel about themselves at work—their job performance, productivity, and mood.

People who exercise naturally have more energy, sleep better, are healthier in general, and incur fewer injuries on the job.”

Support from those who surround you is often crucial to the success of wellness programs, whether in the workplace or elsewhere. Collier states, “Most people who have a workout partner are more likely to succeed with an exercise routine. They are less likely to skip a workout—when you have someone counting on you to be there and workout together, you’re not going to skip out on them! Accountability is a huge factor with regard to success! People often find workouts more fun with a friend and they also tend to workout harder. Plus, it’s always more fun to celebrate successes with a friend; set goals for yourselves and schedule a celebration when you reach those goals! The same can easily be true for co-workers. If you surround yourself with people who are active and eat well, there’s a good chance you’re going to do the same.”

Aside from recurring themes of exercise and nutrition, there are a host of other things to consider when it comes to overall wellness and the factors in your workplace that affect your health. Do you spend a good portion of your day on a computer? iPad? Smartphone?

Chances are you do, and there is more and more research coming out regarding the exposure to blue light and how it causes damage to your eyes. “The blue light emitted from electronic devices (computers, tablets, smartphones) is damaging to our eyes and can lead to macular degeneration, which is the Dr. Andrew Bateman leading cause of blindness in adults, as well as Clear Vision Eye Care eye strain and dry eyes,” explains Dr. Andrew Bateman of Clear Vision Eye Care. “The good news is that there are now blue light blocking coatings that can be added to your eyeglass lenses (for adults and children). This will not only help protect your eyes from the damage blue light exposure can cause, but also from digital eye strain that comes from spending long periods time on a computer.

It is a common misconception that if you don’t need eye correction, then you don’t need an eye examination. A comprehensive eye exam is much more than just the eyeglasses prescription. I tell my new patients that I basically perform two different exams. First, we’ll test your current vision to see what we can do to make your vision the best it can be. Second, and more importantly, we’re going to do a medical eye health exam to test the future of your vision. This will involve a number of diagnostic eye health tests you may not have experienced before. I invite every patient to ask questions at any point during the exam. I believe that patient education is the best way to preserve eye health, and I always want to hear from my patients.

We offer a lens coating made specifically to block blue light. This allows you to enjoy your devices while making sure your eyes (or your children’s eyes) are protected. We also offer comprehensive dry eye treatment. When people stare at the computer their blink rate drops from 21 times a minute to 7. This staring at the screen leads to irritation and burning that can actually affect the clarity of your vision and overall work place productivity.

For you multifocal wearers: do you feel like you have to move your head around to find the ‘sweet spot’ in your lenses? Especially when working on your computer? We’ve got the answer for that too! If a company ever has questions pertaining to their specific workplace eye wellness and safety they can send me a direct email to DrB@yourclearvision.com.”

Adjust your lifestyle through Chiropractic Care - Acute and Chronic Pain - Spinal Decompression - Adults,Children & Infants Schedule your appointment today!

Austin WeAver, DC • 402.483.4409 " Where Pain Relief Comes Naturally"

2855 S. 70th St., Ste 101 • www.HolmesLake.com

In today’s workplace, the wellness and safety of employees is at the forefront of discussion. Implementing a program that takes these two areas into account will ensure that your workforce is operating at its maximum potential with little interference from a host of preventable issues. Creating a culture of wellness in the workplace has far-reaching benefits, and it has the potential to positively affect the lives of each and every person that plays a fundamental role in the continued success of your business.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

77

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST VALUABLE ASSETS AVAILABLE TO BUSINESSPEOPLE IN THE AREA? One of the top answers for most seasoned professionals is highly likely to be a local organization they are involved in—which by definition is simply an organized body of people with a particular purpose. Being a part of a professional organization in your community is something that will positively influence the success you have overall in the business community for a few major reasons.

First, creating relationships with other like-minded professionals within your industry as well as with those in other fields are both valuable networking and community building opportunities that are among the goals of any worthwhile organization. Making these connections is the lifeblood of growing your professional network. Secondly, and similarly, they foster mentorship. Mentoring is the cornerstone of many professional organizations; among its members there will usually be industry veterans as well as the next crop of stars entering the workforce. This allows for interaction among all levels of businesspeople, which may not happen organically in the workplace. In fact, many professionals just entering their field of study out of college may never get in the same room with someone at the top of their field for a very long time unless they attend engagements as a part of a professional organization. Finally, being involved in an organization generally allows you exclusive access

78

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

to training and skill building activities. Opportunities for professional development might include courses, workshops, publications such as monthly newsletters, and other materials that are available to members.

So you’ll essentially meet new people, swap ideas, learn new skills, stay informed—all keeping your career moving in the right direction.

Whether your goal is to network, meet mentors, gain insights on the latest industry trends, learn more about your profession, or to just to keep your finger on the pulse of the community, joining a local organization will help you get where you want to be and you’ll have plenty of support on the journey. There are many different types of organizations composed of all types of people. Some can be laser focused while others are broader in their scope. You’ll have plenty of options when choosing the best fit; most welcome visitors at meetings or events to get a feel for what they are all about, which is something to definitely take advantage of. Being an active member of a local organization (or as many as you can keep up with for that matter!) is the key to a successful future in the business world, and with all of the other great people you’ll meet, there’s not only the opportunity to make valuable connections but friendships as well. If you are looking for an organization to join in the Lincoln area, we’ve highlighted a few that are well worth checking into!

Christian Business Men’s Connection: Most men struggle with areas of their life that hinder them from becoming all they can be. During the past 84 years, CBMC has been meeting business and professional men, where they are, and assisting them to become all God designed them to be. Effective Small Group Topical Studies, Leadership Development, Roundtable Discussion, Networking, Relationship Building and 1-on-1 coaching to develop successful life-applications that equip men to succeed in the most significant issues of their lives: Walking With God, Living Their Faith, Marriage, Raising Children & Teenagers, Money, Sex & Moral Purity, Work, Going Through Hard Times and Making Life Count.

LINCOLN NORTHEAST SERTOMA CLUB celebrates its 45th year of improving the quality of life for those impacted by hearing loss and supporting those in need. Members work event concessions to annually raise and donate $30,000 to 24 worthy human service organizations. The club recently donated $10,000 to Norwood Park elementary school to purchase a hearing application system enabling teachers’ voices to be more clearly heard by all students in ten classrooms. The Club meets weekly from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. Thursdays at the HyVee community room, 5010 “O” Street. Program speakers are public/private sector leaders making a difference in our community. Guests are welcome. For more information call/ email club president Sharon Cunning, (402) 540-1515, sharoncunning@gmail.com.

Perhaps you are finding it increasingly difficult to function in a moral and ethical way when so many others around you have another agenda. Receiving support and encouragement from fellow business people is an important part of CBMC. Go to lincoln.cbmc.com and let us know how we can help.

The Lincoln Young Professionals Group is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. Serving 900+ members, the Lincoln Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the country. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities for its people to flourish.

Lincoln Business Women’s Association - (Formerly ABWA) Lincoln Business Women’s Association(LBWA), is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to women of diverse occupations to come together for personal and professional growth through networking, leadership, education and support.

To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Jaime Henning at (402) 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.

Formerly known as American Business Women’s Association, we have disassociated with the national group and reorganized as a local group, starting January 1st, 2015.

Our goal is to provide scholarships to non-traditional students attending two or four year programs. We do this with a fundraising event/silent auction.

As a new organization, we are working on building our membership and support through our members. We offer advertising in our newsletter and on our website at a minimal cost.

Being a member of our organization offers your business another means of reaching other business women making connections to further ourselves with our careers.

If you would like more information please contact: LBWA President Chellie Williamson|Chelann1@yahoo.com | (402) 580-1946.

At the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, our goal is to make doing business in Lincoln, Nebraska the very best it can be.

We provide advocacy for your business and opportunities to help you flourish. It’s important that we ensure every member business thrives. Our members are the best and brightest companies in the region who are investing in Lincoln’s future.

We can accomplish so much more together.

For more information on how to get your business engaged call Kristin Holmes at (402) 437-7835 or e-mail at kholmes@lcoc. com. For more information please visit our website at www.

LCOC.com.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

79

The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors is in business to promote free enterprise within the construction industry and to serve as an advocate for merit shops throughout Nebraska. The organization’s main purpose is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed.

Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value because the group helps members win work and deliver it safely. ABC also offers training, continuing education courses and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes.

For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Deb Hose at 402-477-4451 or debh@ abcnebraska.org.

American Advertising Federation of Lincoln has been a part of the Lincoln c o m m u n i t y fo r o ve r 60 years, providing a platform in advertising and mar keting. The club is recognized by the American Advertising Federation and club members receive affiliation and benefits with the AAF through their local membership. If your business advertises, membership in American Advertising Federation of Lincoln could assist you as the changing scope of reaching consumers evolves. The club hosts nationally known keynote speakers each month along with offering seminars and workshops benefiting college students and professionals alike.

The club focuses in several advertising areas including Education, Legislation, Cultural Diversity and Public Service.

AAF Lincoln brings events such as Winterfest to our community in their fundraising efforts. Each year a non-profit is selected to benefit from the organization’s experts in meeting the individual needs of the recipient. AAF Lincoln is currently accepting applications from non-profits for the upcoming year.

You can read more about the American Advertising Federation of Lincoln, its initiatives and membership benefits at www.aaflincoln.org.

80

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

Training and development professionals’ roles are much broader and deeper than ever before, and they have become a critical business partner. The Association for Talent Development (ATD)—formerly known as the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)—is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations.

ASTD-Lincoln c hapter members make valuable local connections, gain knowledge at learning events and workshops, and enjoy access to nationally recognized certificate programs.

Members have full access to a website packed with resources, job postings, and more. Through ASTD-Lincoln you can connect with ATD’s 125+ U.S. chapters and professionals from over 120 countries with an ATD national membership.

For more information, to become a member, or to attend a learning event, visit us at www.atdlincoln.org.

Women in Sales & Business (WISB) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987. Networking is a powerful and cost effective advertising tool. If you are looking to build relationships with friendly, hardworking, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. At WISB meetings you will have ample opportunities to share information about your business or the company you represent, hear speakers about better business practices and make new friends along the way. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at The Knolls Restaurant from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. We welcome you to be among our group of passionate and supportive women. Want more information? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com, call (402) 937-8872 or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.

Celebrating 5 years of r e l a t i o n s h i p b u i l d i n g, Center Sphere is the choice for for ming authentic relationships and passing quality referrals. With over 550 members in the Midwest, Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. Our members are trained and committed to creating alliances, partnerships and synergistic opportunities within your sphere of influence.

Our network also expands to Denver, Phoenix and St. Louis.

Our weekly meetings are built around forming bonds that make referral passing a natural reaction. Our monthly socials bring more resources together to connect with one another. And our Digital Referral Dashboard makes the referral process even simpler and instantaneous!

Visit www.centersphere.com to learn more about how this affordable option is still the fastest growing network around.

Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA) LHRMA is the go-to resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry.

The organization is comprised of 400 Human Resources professionals from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members.

Benefits of membership include: • Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers • Professional networking • Career development • Sharing of HR information • Monthly newsletter access • Membership directory • Professional certification study groups • Committee work with peers • Salary & Benefits survey data • Legislative updates • Scholarship programs • Diversity programs Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 10th, luncheon 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Country Inn & Suites. “Employee Attorney vs.

Management Attorney: Case Law Update” presented by Kathleen Neary, Attorney, Vincent M. Powers & Associates and Christopher Hedican, Partner, Baird Holm, LLP. Annual membership is $50. Become a member of LHRMA in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon. For more information or to register for a meeting visit: www.lincolnhr.org.

BNI of the Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm networking foundation, to nurture referral partner(s).

Last year alone, BNI generated more than 6.6 million referrals which resulted in over $8.6 billion dollars’ worth of business for its members - over 175,000. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $36.3 billion dollars in business for our membership!

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that carry your information with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they recommend you.

BNI provides a structured, supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment during breakfast, lunch and happy hour meetings in which you develop personal relationships with other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business.

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

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes h o m e b u i l d i n g t h ro u g h professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums.

With more than 600 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit our members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.

To learn more about joining HBAL, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 64-year-old builders association.

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

81

Providing leading-edge strategic communication education to help you and your organization achieve tangible results.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) has set the standard of excellence for professional communicators with a vibrant network of 14,000 members in more than 70 countries. IABC is recognized worldwide as a leading resource for communicators, providing tools, activities and networking opportunities to achieve excellence in: Written communication • Graphic design • Marketing Public relations • Employee relations Stakeholder relations • Social media • Printing Consulting • Education IABC-Lincoln offers regional and international services, and provides professional development through monthly meetings, workshops and seminars.

To learn more and to register for our Spring Workshop, “Make Your Contacts Count!,” go to: lincoln.iabc.com.

LIBA offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Bizco BizNet events are free to attend with complimentary food and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too.

While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, we also have a morning “LincTrack Coffee & Contacts” every month. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards. The LIBA Referral Networks (LRN) offer a more personal method for you to expand your sales team by educating other LRN members about your business. These groups do more than just exchange business cards, tips and leads. They also offer marketing ideas that get results and discuss events in Lincoln’s business community.

Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. We would like to add your voice to our organization. Call (402) 466-3419 today for more information.

A lot of networking groups suck. They are stiff and boring and they are too formal to really get to know people on a personal basis.

At PNG one of the biggest compliments we get is that people feel welcomed and they love our laid back meetings. Don't get us wrong, we are there to pass and gain business. In fact, over seven years we have passed thousands of referrals surpassing over $1 million dollars in business. However, we know there are numerous ways to get that done and we have had a ton of success in growing our five groups in Lincoln by building an enjoyable culture first and knowing that the business will follow. For more information and a complete list of our groups, locations and times visit www.PNGLincoln.com.

The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity, and excellence in and of its membership. The association is dedicated to serving Nebraska's restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion and the highest quality member benefits.

Membership is a small investment with big rewards in the health of your business and the entire food service industry.

It’s a big world out there and we will do all we can to make it a bit smaller! For membership information contact Brandy Nielson at bnielson@nebraska-dining.org or 402.488.3999.

We are on the web at www.nebraska-dining.org or facebook.com/NebraskaRestaurantAssociation.

82

Strictly Business MARCH 2015

MARCH 2015 Strictly Business

83

84

Strictly Business MARCH 2015