Strictly Business Omaha June 2019

TM

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

OMAHA • JUNE 2019

• Senior Health • Company Retreats • Growing Your Business • Commercial Remodeling Client Spotlights • Cornhusker Bank • Cox Business • Engineered Controls

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

Specializing in strategic insurance solutions for your business!

KATE GALLAGHER Modern Work Suites & Studios

HANNAH CHRISTENSEN STEPHANIE PHELPS Concentric Corporation McGill Restoration

LISA KORFF SCOTT GETZSCHMAN Getzschman Heating and Care Consultants for Strictly the Aging Air ConditioningJUNE 2019

SPENSER WARE AnyWare Security

Business

1

L AU R I DAU N OY Perfect Plan Identifier

since 2010

At Cox Business, we know a lot is riding on your success. That’s why we don’t just have Sales Reps, we have Perfect Plan Identifiers.

Choose from a variety of fast, reliable Internet speeds, including gig-speed options. Plus, get voice solutions you can manage from any device, in or out of the office. It’s all backed by 24/7 business-class support from dedicated specialists who know business. Switch today.

You deserve more.

And you can expect more from us.

FAST, RELIABLE INTERNET

GET A $200 COX BUSINESS VISA® PREPAID CARD AFTER ONLINE REDEMPTION.† Mention “reward promo” to qualify.

SWITCH TODAY.

FLEXIBLE VOICE SOLUTIONS

24/7 BUSINESS-CLASS SUPPORT

84

$

/mo*

for 6 months with a 3-year agreement

50 Mbps Internet One Voice Line Unlimited Nationwide Calling

Call (402) 934–3891 or visit coxbusiness.com

*Offer ends 8/31/19. Available to new commercial data and voice subscribers (excluding govt agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $84.00/mo includes VoiceManagerSM Essential with unltd nationwide long distance and Cox Business InternetSM 50 for mos. 1-6 and $99.00 for mos. 7-36. Price based on 3 yr. contract. Early term. fees may apply. Std. rates apply thereafter. Price exclude equipment, installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 modem may be req’d, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Unlimited plan is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling, auto-dialers, call center applications and certain switching applications. Phone modem provided by Cox, requires electricity, and has battery backup. Access to E911 may not be available during extended power outage or if modem is moved or inoperable. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 5/1/19 and 8/31/19 with min. 3 yr. contract. Must mention “reward promo” when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min. of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 9/30/19 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $200. Allow 15 days after2019 redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa#PrintProudDigitalSmart U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring 2 Strictly Business JUNE payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Other restrictions apply. © 2019 Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

Giving, Support, and Development

Meet your team of experts.

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Committed to Success of the Community through

“We exist to serve by providing solutions for lifelong success.”

Cornhusker Bank associates demonstrate commitment to improving the well-being of the community they serve every day through their actions both on and off the job. Not only do they donate generously to non-profit organizations, they also give generously of their time. At all levels of the company, associates are encouraged to volunteer their time and expertise to our community and lend a helping hand. Cornhusker Bank does this by organizing volunteer opportunities and events and incorporating the Bank’s core values, including “Care Deeply” and “Do Life Together” and mission, “We exist to serve by providing solutions for lifelong success.” Bank associates serve as directors and committee members for organizations throughout the community.

Cornhusker Bank produces two signature community events each year.The first is One Day Without Shoes, an event the Bank planned for its eighth consecutive year in 2019 for the benefit of the People’s City Mission. With approximately 160 business partners participating in shoe collections throughout the city, this year’s annual April event saw the total number of pairs of shoes collected in its history surpass 150,000. The second event is a free youth fair for kids. This event is planned and staffed by bank associates each August with the ultimate goal of exposing youth to a financial institution as a positive experience. The event features carnival type games, face painting, balloon artists, and the opportunity to learn more about saving and spending wisely.

Employee participation in the community is not the only way the Bank exhibits it commitment to community. The Bank has two community rooms in Lincoln, one at the Bank Center at 84th and O Street, and one at the Apple’s Way location at 6100 Apple’s Way which the Bank offers for use to non-profit organizations and business customers for meetings and programs at no charge. Last year, the Bank Center community room hosted 140 groups and Apple’s Way was utilized by 58 groups.

The Bank also donates to and/or sponsors hundreds of community organizations and events every year, helping fund everything from post prom parties to health-oriented events; church and school fundraisers to seniors programs; veterans programs to youth organizations; recycling organizations to environmental causes; and much, much more.

Cornhusker Bank also supports the economic vitality and development of the community, through our lending and depository products, with a focus on helping individuals and businesses plan their financial roadmaps.The Bank also helps develop the leaders of our community through its support of education. In the last year, the Bank funded the Alice M. Dittman Chair of Banking and Finance at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Corporate Banking with Cornhusker Bank You need timely solutions that fit your business. At Cornhusker Bank, our team of local experts is ready to meet those needs

Corporate Banking with Cornhusker Bank Cornhusker Bank locally owned, displaying since quickly. Rely onremains us to provide solutions that Nebraska add valuevalues to your

1903, and investing in the financial health and general well-being of the

You need timely solutions fit your business.

AtinCornhusker business right when youthat need it. Call or stop today to team up.

Lincoln-Omaha metroplex area, its valued customers, and bank associates.

Bank, our information, team of localplease experts ready to meet those needs For more visit is www.Cornhuskerbank.com. quickly. Rely on us to provide solutions that add value to your

Member FDIC up. | | 402-434-2265 CornhuskerBank.com business right when you need it. Call or stop in today to team

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

CornhuskerBank.com | 402-434-2265

Member FDIC

|

3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Step Two: Crafting a Unique Selling Proposition that is Actually Unique In our April letter, we introduced this series by defining the key traits of a unique selling proposition (USP) and how it is fundamental for a business to succeed in making profits. In May, we saw examples of effective USPs that create new demand and the importance for a business to compete on more than just price. A key distinction between a USP and advertising is that while advertising concentrates on delivering a message to potential customers, a USP focuses on meeting a truly unique demand for a specific customer base. If your competition is doing it, you are not unique. This month, we will focus on why your USP needs to be based on facts and research, not on hopes and dreams.

A potential problem for business owners is that, because of their closeness to their own business, they may have a hard time stepping back to look at their own business from the customer’s perspective. This is why New York Times best-selling author Donald Miller argued in an interview for the podcast, Inspiring Game Changers: With Molly Fletcher, that “clarity is the new creativity” for effective, memorable branding. In short, having a memorable, viral ad can be useful, but not as useful as an ad that clearly communicates your business proposition to the customer.

The reason clarity can be hard for business owners is because they are so knowledgeable of all the tiny details of their business...they can’t see the forest through the trees. As Michael Senoff, CEO of Hard to Find Seminars, puts it, “Do not believe what a business owner tells you the USP is. He might be right, but if you don’t take the time to do thorough research, the costs could be traumatic.”

The benefit of this research is it can identify strengths that were previously hidden assets. For the model Senoff describes, there are three key target groups for your research to focus on: • Your own employees, especially in sales. If they are successful in selling your product or service, they likely know why it sells, so ask them why people buy.

• Your current customers who have a reason for choosing you above the competition. Ask them why.

• Your competitors who may be offering the same service. What do they promote? Do they have a USP?

During the research “Identify how you can win in a phase, “yes or no” competitive market by finding questions that only a more specific promise to the scratch the surface customer than ‘good quality’ or ‘great are not enough customer service,’ which are just to identify your not unique and have no power.” business’s strengths and weaknesses. As Senoff puts it, humorously, “...you don’t want your research to come back with, ‘Oh yeah, customers like your products.’ That’s not a USP.” This means your research needs questions that focus on answering the “Why?” Why did you buy this product or service? How are you improving your customers’ lives or their bottom line? If you lost a customer, what did the competition offer them? If you gain a customer, what did the competition fail to offer them?

While it can be costly to misidentify your business’s unique selling proposition, the value of research is that it allows you to course correct.

As Senoff puts it, “The only way to know if a USP is working is to test it, so don’t be afraid of what that testing might come back with. Listen to the marketplace—be open-minded and willing to go back to the drawing board if necessary.”

While researching the market to identify a truly unique selling proposition takes extra work, it also reaps benefits. You must identify how you can win in a competitive market by finding a more specific promise to the customer than “good quality,” or “great customer service,” which are just not unique and have no power. The importance of surveying your staff is to identify traits they can sell and be excited about; the importance of surveying your customers is to ask about these specific traits and identify their demands and expectations; and the importance of surveying your competition is to know whether they even are competing with you to provide for a specific need and return to the drawing board as the market evolves.

Let Strictly Business Magazine help you lock in your status as THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet and social media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 24 Personnel

28 Non-Profit 33 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

1 15 16 22 23

Cornhusker Bank Cox Business River City Six Engineered Controls Foster Care Column

FEATURE STORIES

34 37 40 45 4

Senior Health Company Retreats Growing Your Business Commercial Remodeling Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Sarah

Holly

Hannah

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Hannah E. Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Sarah Young - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com 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 ©2019 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

ABOUT THE COVER STRICTLYBUSINESSOM AHA.COM

Facing Risk Head On With Employee Benefits

In May 2018, Daniels and the rest of her team in Omaha (pictured on the front cover) joined North Risk Partners, one of the largest, privately held independent insurance brokerage firms in the Midwest. In 2019, Daniels also became part owner of the firm.

“As part of North Risk Partners, we can now do so much more to help businesses face the complex risks that inevitably come with being an employer,” says Daniels. “We believe in investing our commission dollars in platforms and services that ease the administration burden for our clients. This, partnered with a thinkoutside-the-box approach to managing health care spend, allows us to create long term plans and partnerships with our clients.”

RIVER CITY SIX

In ThIs Issue

Health • Company Retrea ts • Growing Your Busine ss • Commercial Remod eling Client SpotlightS • Cornhusker Bank • Cox Business • Engineered Contro ls

KATE GALLAGHER Modern Work Suites & Studios

HANNAH CHRISTEN SEN STEPHANIE PHELPS Concentric Corporati on McGill Restoratio n

AGO

“Employers offer group insurance as a means of recruiting and retaining top talent, as well as keeping their greatest assets, their employees, healthy and productive,” says Lisa Daniels, benefits risk advisor with North Risk Partners in Omaha. “A benefits program is often one of the top three largest expenses for a company, which is why it must be well-managed in order to best serve the needs of the business.”

respective communities,” says Daniels. North Risk Partners currently has over 300 employees working in 26 locations across three states: Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota.

TM

Specializing in strategic insuran ce solutions for yo ur business!

• Senior

Strictly Business PO BOX 57397, Magazine Lincoln, NE 68505

Employee benefits usually isn’t the first thing a business owner thinks of when they hear the term risk management, though it’s often a key factor in an employer’s ability to mitigate risk.

OMAHA • JUNE 2019

SCOTT GETZSCHMAN LISA KORFF Getzschman Heating and Care Consultants for Air Conditioning the Aging

SPENSER WARE AnyWare Security

North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance and risk management solutions for businesses, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, and a wide range of programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness, enrollment platforms, and more. The firm also has a significant surety bonds practice.

For more information, visit northriskpartners.com.

As pictured on the cover from left: (back row) Michael Martines, account processor; Shelly Hermsen, account manager; Matthew Mikula, office manager; Jenny Leidy, senior account manager; (front row) Lori Nielsen, account manager; Candace Chapman, senior account manager; Wendi Peterson-Stott, risk advisor; Lisa Daniels, risk advisor, partner.

North Risk Partners’ office in Omaha was formerly known as Benefit Professionals, Inc. and a division of Bearence Management Group based in Des Moines, IA. The Omaha team, led by Lisa Daniels, Wendi Peterson-Stott and Candace Chapman, have over 100 years of combined experience in the employee benefits industry.

“Being part of a larger team means we are able to combine resources to better serve our clients, each other, and our

8204 South 109th Street • La Vista, NE 68128 402.592.7777/Phone • 402.592.1924/Fax www.northriskpartners.com

STAY CONNECTED /StrictlyBusinessMagazineOmaha

To Subscribe:

24/7 @SBMAGOMAHA

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com/subscribe-strictly-business #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Strictly Business Magazine (402) 466-3330 Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

5

BUSINESS NEWS Aqua Systems of Nebraska Named 2nd Fastest Growing Dealer in USA

Crane Coffee Hosts Grand Reopening and Ribbon Cutting at New Eagle Run Location

Aqua Systems of Nebraska was recently recognized as the 2nd fastest growing dealer group in the United States at a growth rate of over 15% last year. They were also announced as the 3rd largest Aqua Brand Partner in the U.S. in terms of total purchases. This is out of a dealer network of over 300 nationwide.

Crane Coffee, Omaha’s Original Coffeehouse since 1991, celebrated the reopening of the Eagle Run location at 3695 N. 129th St. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 3, conducted by the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President David Brown spoke at the event, along with Crane Coffee’s founder, Paulette Spath, and COO Rachel Ayala.

“Our team cares about the customer and we’re very motivated to help their water problems by offering the best solutions and products to solve those water issues,” said Jeff White, owner of Aqua Systems of Nebraska.

Aqua Systems nationwide has been helping people improve their water since 1959. Aqua Systems of Nebraska provides installation and service for residential and commercial clients in Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, and Gretna. They also improve the quality of drinking water throughout eastern Nebraka, both rural and urban.

Services include water softeners, reverse osmosis, nitrate reduction, odor removal, distillation, carbon filtration, bottleless water coolers, and more.

For more information about Aqua Systems of Nebraska, call (402) 466-6800 or email info@ilovemywater.net. Go online to www. ilovemywater.com to learn why nine out of 10 people who talk to Aqua Systems, work with them!

6

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

In October of 2017, Crane Coffee experienced a terrible accident when a vehicle drove into the previous Eagle Run coffeehouse location, endangering the lives of four employees and totaling the store. Since then, the business has rebuilt and they are ready to get back to serving delicious lattes, smoothies, and all the Crane Coffee classics to the Eagle Run community.

Over the last 28 years, Crane Coffee has had one goal here in Omaha: to build long-lasting relationships both inside and outside the coffeehouses. Learn more about how Crane Coffee works hard every day to be a leader in coffee trends by visiting one of their six locations in Omaha (not including shops inside Methodist Hospital and Children’s Hospital), or go online to mycranecoffee.com. The Eagle Run location is open every day, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and can be reached at (402) 933-1030.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Center Sphere Extends Fundraising Efforts for Flood Victims

Fun-Plex Celebrates 40th Anniversary with a Summer Full of Fun Events

The Center Sphere Network has not slowed down their efforts to raise money for those affected by the flooding in Nebraska. In fact, they are looking for companies/ corporations to match donations! Center Sphere received several application from families that lost their homes, vehicles, and everything else. Their goal was to raise $100,000 for these families that have been directly impacted by the flood and they are well on their way. Center Sphere partnered with ACCESSbank to provide a safe way to donate.

Anyone in the community is still encouraged to make personal donations at any ACCESSbank location. Mailed in donations can be sent to: Laurie Cradick, ACCESSbank, 203 N. 180th St., STE 101.

From humble beginnings as “The Kart Ranch” in 1979, to “Nebraska’s Premier Waterpark and Rides,” Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides has been providing summer memories for 40 years. In the weeks preceding the park’s opening on Memorial Day weekend, Fun-Plex asked fans to submit their favorite Fun-Plex photo memories via the park’s website and Facebook page for the “40 Years of Fun Photo Contest.”

Operations Manager Katie Anderson had this to say: “Celebrating 40 years in the waterpark and rides business is so special to us because we know our guests made this milestone possible. So, it’s only fitting that we give them a chance to share their memories through this contest.”

Fun-Plex is also touting twilight discount events each week, Monday through Thursday, from daylight to twilight. Themes this year will include “Play Like a Kid Day,” “4 for $40 Thursday,” and more. Also returning are the family-friendly Dive-In Movies and the 21+ event, Sunsets Concert Series at Breakers Bay. Fans can check www.fun-plex.com or the Fun-Plex social media pages for all promotion details. Fun-Plex is also kicking off the first full park season for Rockin’ Rapids–a colorful five-story doublerider, 3,000-gallon tube slide that opened in June of 2018.

Fun-Plex Waterpark & Rides is located on 70th and Q. It is the state’s largest ride and water park, complete with mini golf, go-karts, kiddie and family rides, Rockin’ Rapids, Makana Splash AquaPlay Structure, and a wave pool, lazy river, and Nebraska’s only swim-up bar. Learn more online at www.fun-plex.com.

To go towards Center Sphere’s fundraising efforts, a network-wide BBQ event was hosted on April 23 at the offices of Carlson & Burnett.

Attendees enjoyed food and beverages ,while raising funds for this meaningful cause that is still effecting families today.

To learn more about Center Sphere and the many networking opportunities they offer, please go to www.centersphere.com or contact Amy Nieman at (402) 709-1774 / Amy@CenterSphere.com.

Little King Celebrates 50 Years Little King – Deli & Subs can officially say its been around for half a century. Bob Wertheim remembers how his dad, Sid Wertheim, started Little King with one store in Omaha in 1969 and then watched as the chain grew to over 100 locations across the United States. The journey to 50 years wasn’t always easy, though. In the late 90s, Sid sold the company and within one year Little King filed for bankruptcy.

Sid bought the company back in 1993 then merged into Jreck Subs Group. Under the ownership of Jreck, Little King continued to give its customers that authentic deli taste its known for, but stores everywhere continued to struggle. Two years after Jreck bought the company, the Wertheims decided to buy back their shares in hopes of turning things around for the restaurant. There were 25 Little King stores at the time and the Wertheim’s goal was to sell off the corporate stores and be a franchise company, and that is exactly what they did.

In 2001, Sid Wertheim retired and Bob Wertheim took over running the company. Bob is committed to strengthening the Little King name and growing its regional foot print again. In 2012, Nikhil Mehta and Jose Partida bought into Little King and together with Bob they did a rebrand and enhanced its marketing efforts. The campaign earned an ADDY Award, the highest recognition in the advertising industry.

Currently, there are eight Little King stores—five in Omaha, two in Lincoln, and one new store in Grand Island—and five franchise owners. Today Bob and Nikhil are excited about bringing new franchise owners into the fold and opening up more stores in communities where Little King used to thrive, like Hastings and North Platte. To celebrate 50 years, last month each store offered daily specials and hosted a three-foot sandwich eating contest!

Little King boasts the best New York deli-style submarine sandwiches in the Midwest. Even after 50 years, people all over town still love the delicious taste of bread that’s baked on-site, quality meats, and cheeses sliced right when you order, and soups that are second-in-line to none.

When it comes to freshness, flavor, and friendliness, folks know that Little King is the place. “Fresh Rules Here.” To check out the menu and learn about catering options, go to littlekingsubs.com. For questions about franchising, contact Bob Wertheim at (402) 510-8093. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Localize the impact of your outsourcing with Outlook Business Solutions.

Your marketing and customer care projects take on new meaning when you work with our team — many of whom happen to be blind or low vision.

Find out how we help businesses succeed by using the untapped talents of visually-impaired professionals.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

402.614.3331 | OutlookBusinessSolutions.com JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

7

BUSINESS NEWS Real Property Management Legacy Hosts Suburban Rotary of Omaha After Hours

AVI-SPL Omaha Office Celebrates Grand Opening with Ribbon Cutting

Real Property Management Legacy (RPM Legacy) was honored to host an After Hours event for members of the Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha and their significant others on March 28. Carmela Kramer Karni, broker for RPM Legacy, is a member of Omaha’s Suburban Rotary Club. RPM Legacy, located at 14245 S. St., welcomed 30–45 guests to their office for this social gathering. They also served food and drinks.

AVI-SPL’s Omaha Grand Opening on April 25 kicked off at its new office building, located in Papillion.

To celebrate the event, the day’s festivities included games, food and drink, and tours of the facility. Guests were invited into the building to see the new space where AVI-SPL designs, engineers, and tests the solutions that it delivers to the greater Omaha area and beyond.

Shelley Salys, senior VP for AVI-SPL’s central region, welcomed guests to the celebration. Those guests included representatives from the Sarpy County and Greater Omaha Chambers of Commerce, who spoke to the audience about the excitement AVI-SPL’s presence brings to the local communities. AVI-SPL CEO John Zettel thanked the chambers and Papillion Mayor David Black for their support, and noted Omaha’s growth and need for collaboration solutions among its organizations, schools, and businesses. Zettel and other AVI-SPL executives joined both chambers of commerce and the mayor to cut the combined Sarpy County and Greater Omaha Chamber ribbons to mark the official opening.

Everyone at AVI-SPL, especially those in the Omaha office and the executive team, extends their thanks to the 130 guests that stopped by and welcomed AVI-SPL with open arms to the greater Omaha community.

AVI-SPL designs, builds, integrates, and supports AV and video communications solutions for organizations of all types. See examples of their work at avi-spl.com.

The mission of Suburban Rotary Club of Omaha, a part of Rotary International, is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

RPM Legacy is an independent franchise of Real Property Management, which was launched in 2005 and is the largest property management organization in North America. As a full-service real estate brokerage firm in Nebraska and Iowa, RPM manages, buys, sells, and improves investments, specifically for single-family homes and complex buildings. RPM’s mission is to help property owners maximize revenue, minimize expenses, and avoid costly and unnecessary mistakes with their property investments.

To learn more about RPM Legacy, owned by Jean and James Duffy, visit www.realpmlegacy.com, contact (402) 905-0459 / info@ RealPMLegacy.com, or connect on Facebook (@Realpmlegacy).

SPOIL DAD THIS YEAR WITH A TRIP TO THE SPA POWER PACK AGE Hydrotherapy Tub Full Body Massage Sport Pedicure Sport Manicure

MEN’S CLUB Steam & Shower Full Body Massage Gentleman’s Facial Haircut & Style

12025 PACIFIC STREET | 402-330-5660 | CREATIVEHAIRDESIGN.COM

8

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Fashion Week Announces Designer Lineup for August 2019

Millard Business Community Foundation Presents Annual Ribstock Festival July 27

The producers of Omaha Fashion Week (OFW) have announced the designers who have been selected to show collections during the next season of OFW, taking place August 18–24. The schedule for the week and designer lineup are as follows: Sunday, August 18—The Aisle (formerly Omaha Wedding Salon): Omaha Fashion Week is partnering with Wedding Essentials Magazine for this premier bridal salon! Grab a glass of bubbly and enjoy an evening of inspiration during their glamorous bridal-themed showcase.

Plan your dream wedding surrounded by fashion and elegance, with delicious cocktails, a red carpet experience, and a high-end runway show full of designer bridal looks.

Tuesday, August 20—TERRA Emerging Designer Showcase, featuring: • A.N.N. Designs by Andrea Neill • Anna Naomi by Anna Kuhlman • Indigomaha by Zachary Roland • Karma LiLoLa by Alej Bustillos, Jr. • Lauren Glowacki Designs • Little Jo Designs by Joenne Hartley • Malek R. by Malek Rasmussen • RoninScar by Alexander Scarpello

The annual Ribstock BBQ Festival was created to benefit the Omaha community and fundraise for the Millard Business Community Foundation (MBCF). This year’s event will be on July 27 from noon to 10 p.m. at Stinson Park, 2232 S. 64th St. There is no charge at the gate; local BBQ, beer, soda, water, and other beverages will be available for purchase at the event.

Wednesday, August 21—AURA Emerging Designer Showcase, featuring: • Anna Leigh by Anna Heinold • Kat Wallace by Kat Burdette • KLYNNE by Kelsey Sextro • Kyrie Eleison Couture by Esmeralda Lole • MAANG by Yasi Fayal • Melissa Atkinson Thursday, August 22—IGNIS Featured Designer Showcase, featuring: • AD Delgado by Agustin Delgado • Aida Stenholm • Judy Bales Design • Nokota.Style by Tonya Pesch • Pattern + Shape by Erin Hennings • Rachel Andrew • ROOM 22 by Andrew Hale Friday, August 23—AETHER Featured Designer Showcase, featuring: • Amanda Casarez • Angela B. by Angela Balderston • Chessna von Abstrakt • Crystal Brakhage Designs • MELODYNOY by Melody Noy • Vivi Design Studio by Claire Thomas-Morgan Saturday, August 24—VIP Runway Finale: Celebrate the best of Omaha Fashion Week and watch the top Emerging and Featured Designers compete for their respective Fashion Cups and prize packages! Finalists to be announced in August.

Sunday morning, August 25—Shop the Runway Sunday: Join the OFW Team from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Omaha Design Center for a “breakfast of champions” featuring donuts and mimosas. Guests will have the opportunity to shop the collections featured on the runway and meet the designers behind the clothing. Free and open to the public.

Omaha Fashion Week has proudly grown into the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, supporting more independent fashion designers than any other organization in the region. Tickets to the August show went on sale on June 1 at www.omahafashionweek.com. Contact (402) 937-1061 / info@omahafashionweek.com with additional questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Ribstock 2019 continues the themes of business, community, and BBQ, which is truly what this event is all about. There have been so many people within the community and Millard Business Association that have contributed to this event, and every year it continues to grow. Ribstock has generated thousands of dollars for MBCF’s two designated charities: Project Wee Care and The Scholarship Fund. Project Wee Care’s mission is to create a strong community where children have a bed to sleep in, coats to wear in winter, and warm food on the family table. In addition, over the last eight years, the Scholarship Fund has distributed approximately $60,000 in scholarships to graduates from the Millard Public High Schools and VJ Skutt Catholic High School.

The Millard Business Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation born out of the Millard Business Association. Learn more about Ribstock at www.ribstockbbq.com and the MBCF at www.millardbcf.org.

Discover the

Power of Plants Inspire your space with Ambius.

Optimize the human potential of your facility by placing people at the heart of your building’s performance and design. Ambius design experts will show you how to tap into the power of plants to promote a healthy environment that meets your facility’s performance needs.

Call 402.999.4825 For your FREE expert design consultation. ambius.com

Experts in Interior Landscapes Since 1963

Interior Landscaping | Living Green Walls | Holiday Dècor | Blooming / Floral | Design Programs | Acoustic/Corporate Art | Premium Scenting

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

9

BUSINESS NEWS Cox Named No. 11 on DiversityInc 2019 Top 50 Companies List

Papio Fun Park to Feature Mid Week Madness June 5–August 14

Cox Communications, the largest private telecom company in the country and an employer of more than 800 people in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa, earned the No. 11 spot on the 2019 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. This marks the 14th time the company has been recognized among the nation’s corporate diversity leaders. Cox was also specifically praised for its leadership in executive diversity councils and ranked in the top five for supplier diversity and philanthropy.

The DiversityInc Top 50 list, issued yearly since 2001, recognizes the nation’s top companies for diversity and inclusion management. These companies excel in such areas as hiring, retaining, and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT, and veterans. Cox first appeared on the list in 2006 and was ranked No. 13 in 2018.

DiversityInc’s extensive annual survey yields an empirically driven ranking based on talent results in the workforce and management, senior leadership accountability, talent programs, workplace practices, philanthropy and supplier diversity. This year’s competition was improved by adding questions that connect talent programs and workplace practices to desired talent results. The Top 50 analysis also addressed the intersectionality of race by analyzing women and men representation of each race/ethnicity separately, rather than combined.

To view the entire Top 50 list and specialty lists, visit www.diversityinc. com/top50 or follow the conversation at #DITop50.

Cox Communications (www.cox.com) is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband apps and services.

Every Wednesday, from June 5 to August 14, Papio Fun Park will feature Mid Week Madness. On these days, the park will offer EXTREME wristbands at half price ($12/each), which include unlimited access to gokarts, miniature golf, laser tag, Spaceball, Jumpshot, and Water Wars. Wristbands are good for all day fun, creating memories for a lifetime.

10

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Papio Fun Park also just honored first responders on May 26 during its Heroes Day. Members of the police, fire, medical, and military services were invited to enjoy the facilities for only $7 per person. This included their family members and personnel. In addition, June 2 was Education Day, which was held to thank all staff involved in the education of children. Teachers, administration, food service, paras, janitors, and bus drivers were invited to attend with their families for the reduced $7 wristband fee.

These once-a-year celebrations give Papio Fun Park a chance to honor and say thank you to the people that make the Omaha community so special.

Throughout the summer, Papio Fun Park is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily, but private and exclusive company events can be scheduled. After Labor Day, the park continues to operate on the weekends through the fall and winter months, and serves as a great venue for events. Learn more online at www.papiofunpark.com or call (402) 592-5671.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS MetLife Opens New Customer Service Center in Downtown Omaha

Honeyman Rent-All Adds New Items to Equipment and Party & Event Inventory

On April 25, MetLife officially celebrated the opening of a new customer service center in the Gavilion Building in downtown Omaha. At full capacity, MetLife expects the customer service center will create up to 250 jobs in the Omaha market. The new campus represents a major investment by MetLife in digital initiatives that are transforming the customer experience. It also continues the company’s broader strategic effort of transforming the workplace by bringing employees together in state-of-the-art collaborative environments.

MetLife is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Learn more online at www.metlife.com.

Honeyman Rent-All has added new items to each of its separate divisions: Equipment Rentals and Party & Event Rentals.

A c c u m u l a t i n g a n ex t e n s i ve inventory over the years, and continuing to add new items regularly, the divisions are housed at separate locations, with the Equipment Rentals division at 4423 S. 84th St. and the Party & Event Rentals division at 11226 Wright Cir. Major new equipment rental items include: a 200-foot pipeline inspection camera and an Auger electric water jet for plumbing; battery-powered grinders, leaf blower, blower/insulation with hose, and 14” chain saw; gas post driver for fence installation; ride on aerator, spreader kit; stump cutter; ride on tile stripper; and more.

Noteworthy new event rental items include: beaded chandeliers, 66” crystal gems columns (white and chrome), crystal gem trees, cupcake ferris wheel, white drape with LED lights, a 20” X 36” portable gas griddle and a 20” X 52” griddle on a fixed stand, large inflatable hula-hoop toss game, inflatable cash vault, dualsided inflatable bounce course with slides, and octagon money machine.

Check out all that Honeyman Rent-All has to offer online at www. honeymanrentall.com or by visiting either location. The Equipment Rentals division can be reached at (402) 331-6013 and the Party & Event Rentals division can be contacted at (402) 333-2882.

Conklin Commercial Roofing Systems Announces Final Spring Seminar Heartland International, Inc. a nationwide distributor of Conklin Commercial Roofing Systems, has announced the final MR (Metal Roofing) Seminar, being hosted in Kansas City, MO on June 7, 8 a.m. –5 p.m.

This program is designed to provide an opportunity for experienced contractors to qualify to tap the potential to expand into the field of large volume, high-profit, commercial roofing. Presentations by experienced contractors from across the US will be shared at the Hilton Kansas City Airport.

Dennis Nun, president of Heartland International, says, “We have been installing our proven commercial roofing systems for over 40 years.

There continues to be a need for qualified general contractors, as well as those with experience in remodeling, siding, insulation, and even commercial painting, who have the essential experience to be trained as commercial roofing contractors, installing our proven fluid applied Conklin Roofing Systems.”

Interested contractors can register for this one-day qualified training program by contacting Dennis at DennisLNun@gmail.com / (402) 4307727. Learn more at www.thesecureroof.com.

Midland Pumping Service Beats the Cold The harsh conditions this winter affected everyone in the community, but Midland Pumping Service was able to maintain their year-round pumping and drain cleaning services despite the extremely cold temperatures and record snows.

The crew, including Keith Hoffman, Justin Elge, Justin Case, and Michael Ward, endured many days of being cold and wet while also having to face extra equipment challenges and wintry roads. When the long winter gave way to devastating spring flooding, they again had to deal with unique service challenges and unpredictable scheduling issues. The team is now looking forward to the summer months as they continue to work hard to meet the needs of their customers.

Midland Pumping wants to remind septic tank owners that tanks should be routinely pumped every 3–5 years. Restaurant owners should stay on top of drain and plumbing issues by having grease traps regularly serviced. Midland also provides general pumping services and drain cleaning for car washes, auto shop pits, and more.

Midland Pumping Service has built a solid reputation on excellent customer service, efficiency, and unmistakable quality over the past 25 years. Learn more online at www.midlandpumpingservice.com or call (402) 332-5575 for a free estimate! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Centris Federal Credit Union Breaks Ground for Headquarters Building at Sterling Ridge Centris Federal Credit Union broke ground on May 1 for its new headquarters in the Sterling Ridge development at 132nd and Pacific Street.

Joining the Centris executive team and board of directors were over 120 guests including Pictured (L-R): Steve Edgerton, SVP Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, corporate operations; Joe Sacco, board Greater Omaha Chamber of chairman; Steve Swanstrom, president/ Commerce President David CEO; Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert; Brown and family members of David Brown, Greater Omaha Chamber one of the original founding of Commerce president; Ann Helm, members of Centris. The new EVP retail and administration; Tom Huston, EVP chief financial officer; facility will provide office space Jeff Shapiro, EVP lending; and Sean for 150 Centris employees and Heyen, SVP chief marketing officer. includes a full-service branch, four drive thru lanes, and a publically available community room.

Since moving into their existing headquarters in 2010, Centris has experienced a 43% growth from 71,248 members to over 100,000 members. Centris is currently Nebraska’s largest federally chartered community credit union.

Centris operations are scheduled to move in the spring of 2021. Centris retained the services of Holland Basham Architects to design the new building and MCL Construction to manage the implementation of the project.

Centris Federal Credit Union, founded in 1934, is Nebraska’s largest federally chartered community credit union. Their mission is to be a trusted life-long financial partner. Visit www.centrisfcu.org to learn more.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS Modern Work Suites & Studios to Host June Networking Mixxer

Business4Business Presents New Event Experience at Empire Room July 10

Modern Work Suites & Studios, Omaha’s new business ecosystem, is committed to bringing the most value to their tenants and guests. One of the ways they accomplish this is through their monthly Networking Mixxers, held in their 60s-style “Mixx Lounge.” The next event is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, from 4 to 6 p.m. During this time, guests can enjoy an open bar with delicious drinks served up by Modern Work’s friendly bartender.

The event continues to grow in popularity every month, bringing new faces into the lounge for a great time to make connections and build relationships. Why wait until Friday to start the weekend?

Located at 8790 F St., Modern Work Suites & Studios offers innovative private offices in its 50,000-square-foot space. With the belief that people should love where they work, Modern Work was created to inspire, motivate, and optimize the day-to-day work experience for its tenants. With 46 single studios, 18 double studios, nine triple studios, and nine suites, each floor plan delivers an ideal space for businesses and entrepreneurs hunting for the right workplace to rent in Omaha. In addition to the Mix Lounge, other amenities include a low-impact gym; free and easy access parking; a business service center, where things like fax services, copying, and scanning documents are available; a mailing and packaging service; and game rooms to blow off some steam, featuring a ping-pong table, pool table, and Lego room.

You won’t find another business community in Omaha like Modern Work Suites & Studios. Take a virtual tour online at modernworksuites.com or contact Kate Gallagher, on-site manager, at (531) 600-6901.

Join Business4Business (B4B) Professional Society for a new event experience at Empire Room on Wednesday, July 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to network with other business professionals, community leaders, and influencers, while getting an exclusive look at the all new Empire Room, located at 200 S. 31st Ave. in Midtown Crossing. Cost to attend is $15. Space is limited, pre registration is required.

The Empire Room’s sprawling French Chateau-inspired patio overlooks Turner Park and a backdrop of the downtown Omaha skyline. Once inside, Empire Room’s beautifully designed spaces deliver a “wow” moment to all who enter. Experience culture, elegance, glamour, and opulence!

Business4Business Professional Society is an engaged and effective community of leaders and professionals who commit to empower, serve, and develop one another while giving back to the community. B4B focuses on bringing motivated people together and providing resources that create lasting relationships, insights, and experiences. They aim to offer ideas and inspiration that help push ourselves further and strive for greater and more meaningful accomplishments. Tapping into the potential of our community and its people, B4B creates experiences throughout the year that are unique, impactful, empowering, and exciting.

Tickets to the Empire Room event can be found on Eventbrite. For more information about Business4Business Professional Society, please visit their website at www.b4bsociety.com.

Customized

SOLUTIONS

At UNICO, we’ll help you find complete solutions designed to protect your business and family. Our exceptional service and attention to detail will save you time and hassle.

Property & Casualty Worker’s Compensation Employee Benefits

Home and Auto Individual Health Financial Services

Trust UNICO to connect you to a full suite of insurance solutions. unicogroup.com 402.434.7200 12

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Gratton Warehouse Integrates New Product, Smart Parcel via 3PL Central

Millard Business Association Launches Young Professionals Group

Gratton Warehouse Company recently integrated SmartParcel, a product that offers a relatively newer solution in the marketplace.

Given its success over the past few years, Gratton Warehouse felt it was the right time to bring in this software. SmartParcel works by integrating Gratton’s parcel shipping with their warehouse management system to help minimize and eliminate the need for manual entry from system to system, which allows them to streamline the flow of information between the two. This will have the potential to increase efficiencies and improve visibility amongst all departments within the organization. It will also provide real time tracking to customers, custom label printing, and the ability to work with all major shipping carriers. Gratton Warehouse is excited to now have this piece in place and continue to grow with the most up to date technology.

The Millard Business Association has a new and thriving young professionals organization titled the MBYP, which stands for Millard Business Young Professionals.

The purpose of the MBYP is to connect a diverse group of young professionals across the Millard area, and to create a force that will both strengthen and grow Millard and the young professional community as they attract even more young professionals to live, work, play, and stay in Millard.

Gratton Warehouse Company is a local 3PL warehouse company that has been servicing customers in the warehousing industry for 125 years. They pride themselves on their customer service and operational execution to deliver above and beyond customers’ expectations.

• Meeting new people and developing new business opportunities.

• Expanding your network of business contacts.

• Increasing your visibility through attendance, participation, and volunteering.

• Strengthening your teamwork skills by joining a subcommittee.

• Strengthening your leadership skills by serving as a subcommittee chair.

• Broadening your knowledge base and skills through useful programs and presentations, including learning from both your peers and more experienced professionals.

To learn more about the Millard Business Association’s Young Professionals group, email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.

Learn more about Gratton Warehouse Company online at www. grattonwarehouse.com. Further questions can be directed to Michael Wohlgemuth, vice president of sales and operations, at (402) 339-0846, Ext. 501 / michaelw@grattonwarehouse.com.

MBYP provides a structured environment for the development and exchange of good business referrals. Employers benefit from sending their younger employees to the MBYP because they will strengthen and develop skills that make them more valuable employees, their morale will improve, and they will feel appreciated by their employer. Other benefits of MBYP include:

Scantron Technology Solutions Sponsors 9th Annual Future OPS Bank Tech Conference The ninth annual Future OPS bank tech conference, sponsored

by Omaha-based Scantron Technology Solutions, was held in Council Bluffs, IA on April 25.

Twenty-five vendors sponsored the event and several industry leaders, including Microsoft, Harland Clarke, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, exhibited for the first time. The conference hosted 85 attendees from dozens of community banks and financial service providers throughout Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota.

Created specifically for community banks, this unique oneday conference consisted of 18 sessions on bank technology concerns and solutions. Topics included preventing, responding to, and mitigating cyber attacks, business continuity, analytics, communications, managed services, and many more topics. At the end of the conference, multiple technology firms presented a highly anticipated one-hour Security Round Table.

In a follow-up survey, vendors and attendees alike praised the variety and relevance of the sessions. Presentations are now available on the schedule page of the conference website (www.futurebankops. com). Details on Future OPS 10, which is slated for April of 2020, will be posted to the website in December.

Omaha-based Scantron Technology Solutions has been a leader in managed IT solutions for more than 35 years. Scantron empowers growth through intelligent, mission-critical assessment, technology, and data capture solutions for business, education, certification, and government clients around the world. Learn more at www.scantron. com/omaha or call (402) 697-3308. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Sharing your community, your values, and your dreams.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

19_POG30_JUNE_STRICTLYBUSINESS_DOCK_AD.indd 1

13 5/9/19 1:42 PM

BUSINESS NEWS Ironhide Construction Begins Work on New Omaha Projects

TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest: Opening Summer 2019

Ironhide Construction, a leading Midwest general contractor that specializes in constructing pre-engineered metal buildings, has announces new projects beginning this month. These projects include: The Garage at 204 and Sam Wageman.

TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest is expected to open by mid-July. The 103-element adventure park will include two aerial trails— its signature attraction, TreeRush, for ages 7 to adult; and KidRush, which provides adventures ideal for kids ages 4–6. TreeRush Adventures is fun for families, friends, coworkers, and teammates.

The Garage at 204 will be Omaha’s only private car condo complex, located at 204th and West Center Road. It will feature a private community and private clubhouse for the purpose of car clubs, charitable events, sponsored club events, and car shows. In addition, Ironhide Construction will supply and erect the foundation design for a Chief PEMB (pre-engineered metal building), the Sam Wageman building at 11808 Grant St. This $124,000-project will get its start in late June with an estimated 10-day completion.

Today’s metal buildings can meet the demands of both design and function. Ironhide Construction builds metal into modern, including structures such as athletic complexes, warehouses, office buildings, retail space, manufacturing plants, clubhouses, and so much more.

Founded in 2008, Ironhide Construction is an Authorized Builder for Chief Buildings, a division of Chief Industries, Inc., and has since grown into one of the top producing companies nationwide.

Their team specializes in commercial and industrial construction and offers an array of general contracting services.

For more information about Ironhide Construction, please call (402) 420-4961 or visit www.ironhideconstruction.com.

14

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

TreeRush guests wear full-body harnesses and use specialized climbing gear. This equipment allows guests to remain always attached to safety lines while exploring seven trails that extend from the top of a main tree platform. Each trail is color coded by the degree of challenge it offers. These trails include swinging wooden beams, suspended cables with hanging “vines” to grab for support, netted tunnels, and zip lines.

The easiest trails are about 10 feet above the ground and the most difficult trails are higher than 50 feet. At KidRush, young guests explore tree-to-tree crossings similar to those used by “big kids.” However, KidRush challenges are just a few feet above the forest floor. Young adventurers can experience the joy of physical accomplishment with a little confidence-boosting help.

To learn more about TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest, go to treerush.com. Sign up for the newsletter or check out the Facebook page (@TreeRushOmaha) to be the first to know about park developments and the grand opening celebration! For questions, call (402) 316-7038 or email info@TreeRush.com.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS The Nebraska Collaborative Center to Host Open House for Grand Opening

The Associated Builders and Contractors Introduces Pre-Apprenticeship Program

A public open house will be held on June 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the Nebraska Collaborative Center, located at 1411 N. 72nd St. Anyone who is interested is welcome to tour the facility, meet collaborative professionals, and learn more about the center and its mission to empower and inspire family law in Omaha. Light drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be provided.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)—Cornhusker Chapter is introducing a series of classes for high school juniors and seniors and recent graduates.

The Nebraska Collaborative Center is the first of its kind in Nebraska and was established with the mission to transform the experience of dispute resolution into a process that provides healing, hope, and opportunities for clients, practitioners, and the larger community to grow. The Nebraska Collaborative Center is doing this by bringing together, in one space, a community of multidisciplinary collaborative professionals dedicated to providing clients with all aspects of care as they go through a life change.

From legal services to financial professionals, therapists, and experts to help you with your physical well-being, the Nebraska Collaborative Center makes it easy for you to schedule and talk to professionals with the same vision but different core competencies. Whether it’s divorce, adoption, or a unique family situation, the Nebraska Collaborative Center can help every step of the way.

Learn more about the Nebraska Collaborative Center, including leasing opportunities, upcoming events, and more at www.necollabcenter.com.

Please contact Jodie McGill at (402) 506-6799 with any questions.

BNI Heartland Shares “Succeed Anyway” Moments from 2019 BNI Heartland ® understands that life presents everyone with c hallenges. With the recent flood and the storm disasters, and as we wrap up Mental Health Awareness month, they encourage those in need to reach out. At the same time, they are also inspired to see how people come together during these times. This reflects the message of the keynote speaker at the BNI 2019 U.S. National Conference, Mike Rayburn, who challenged attendees to “Succeed Anyway.” BNI Heartland is excited to share some of their “Succeed Anyway” moments of 2019.

BNI continues to grow in Omaha and Lincoln, launching a new chapter in Omaha, and adding members during their recent Visitor Day events. They continue to branch out into new areas of the state as well. BNI is planning their Leadership Team Workshops, bringing more education to ensure members have the support they need. To further this goal, BNI has added an Ambassador Team in the Lincoln area.

At BNI Heartland, they care about every member, whether new or seasoned, and strive to help their business grow. More importantly, they cultivate strong relationships that help members on a personal level. They do this with a strong focus on their guiding principle of Givers Gain and living out the spirit of “Succeed Anyway.”

For over two decades, BNI Heartland has been here to support members and the local business community. They look forward to helping you “Succeed Anyway.”

BNI ® is the world’s leading referral organization, with over 250,000 members in 70+ countries. Their members generate wordof-mouth business for each other through structured, results-driven groups around the world. In 2018 alone, BNI members generated over $15 billion (USD) in revenue for member-businesses. For more information on becoming a BNI® member, visit bniheartland.com or contact (402) 880-6311 / info@bniheartland.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The program will provide a STEM-based curriculum, both classroom and hands-on learning, and a NCCER education and certification. It will also help students to qualify for advancement into a registered apprenticeship program, and a head start to a great career! First session is June 3–7 and June 10–14; second session is July 8–12 and July 15–19.

Classes will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break.

The cost of the program is $350 (includes tuition, lab fee, and book).

Both sessions will be located at the ABC Lincoln Training Center, 830 Westgate Blvd.

For more information about the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)—Cornhusker Chapter’s pre-apprenticeship program, feel free to contact Anne Klute at annek@abcnebraska.org. If interested in only attending one session, please email education@abcnebraska.org. To learn more about Associated Builders and Contractors, you may visit www.abcnebraska.org or call (402) 477-4451.

BLUEBARN Theatre Presents Strangemen Theatre Company’s “The Woodsman” BLUEBARN Theatre is excited to present Strangemen Theatre

by James Ortiz Company’s Obie Award-winning The Woodsman by James Ortiz, may 16 – June 16, 2019 with Music by Edward W. Hardy and Lyrics by Jen Loring, May 16–June 16, Thursday– Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m.

Based on the forgotten writings of L. Frank Baum, The Woodsman tells the origin story of the Tin Man from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This hauntingly beautiful love story is told through original music, physical storytelling, and innovative puppetry. Members of Strangemen Theatre Company re-create their Obie Award-winning experience with an ensemble of Omaha professionals. Follow ‘Nick Chopper’ on a magical adventure filled with dangers and wonders that are breathtaking to behold.

The performance ensemble for The Woodsman features Moira Mangiameli, Matt Olsen, Anna Jordan, Stephanie Jacobson, Barry Carman, Be Louis, Caulene Hudson, Michael Burns, Beau Fisher, and Samantha Perkins (violinist). The original creative team behind The Woodsman is in Omaha to work with our incredible local talent in bringing this haunting tale to life. The Strangemen Theatre Company and the BLUEBARN share another origin story—each company was formed by graduates of the same acting conservatory, SUNY-Purchase. Strangemen mainstays James Ortiz (director/playwright/set design), Claire Karpen (director), Will Gallacher (movement director), and Amanda Lederer (associate director) will lead the BLUEBARN ensemble. The Woodsman features lighting design by Jamie Roderick, costume design by Jennifer Pool, scenic painting by Craig Lee, original sound design by Adam Salberg, and stage management by Meghan Boucher.

This BLUEBARN Theatre production is sponsored by Amy Haddad and Steve Martin, Kerry Dobson and Bruce Renaud, First National Bank, Valmont, and Anne Thorne Weaver. General admission ($35) and senior ($30) tickets are available at bluebarn.org. Educator, military, and BLUCrew tickets are available through the box office, (402) 345-1576.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 15 2016 rd Obie Awa Winner

StrAngemen tHeAtre compAny’S

music by edward w. Hardy and lyrics by Jen lOring

www.bluebarn.org Generously sponsored by

Amy HAddAd And Steve mArtin Kerry dobSon And bruce reneAud Anne tHorne WeAver

BUSINESS NEWS Echo Systems Joins The Guild Alliance Echo Systems is excited to announce an important new alliance in their industry: The Guild (theguildintegratorsalliance.org). The Guild represents the best of luxury residential A/V, lighting, and technology integration firms in the United States.

With over 12,000 companies that operate in this niche industry across the country, you’ll find a wide spectrum of skill and service—from great to poor quality—but there are companies whose work truly stands above the rest, and The Guild has set out to find them. Through rigorous review, region by region across the country, a very select group of 14 companies have met their impeccably high standards. Echo Systems is proud to be on this list and become a Guild member.

The Guild is ushering in a new era of luxury-level standardization to technology integration projects from coast to coast. Meaning, once you’ve worked with a member of The Guild, you will be able to confidently engage any other member firm in the country, and expect to receive the same level of creativity, care, and execution on any type of project.

Echo Systems is the residential and commercial automation and lighting division of Echo Group, Inc, which has roots in the community dating back more than 60 years. Echo Systems has quietly emerged as the Midwest’s fastest growing provider of professional electronic systems for homes, schools, offices, hospitals, hotels, and houses of worship. Echo System’s Experience Center is located at 4315 S. 120th St. in Omaha. Learn more online at echosystemsmidwest.com.

Bryson Airboat Tours Refers Business to River Life Tours After Flood The flooding this year was unkind to many, including Tim Bryson, owner of Bryson Airboat Tours in Fremont. As a result, Bryson is referring people to River Life Airboat Tours, another Platte River excursion experience. Let owner and operator, Kyle Ke r n , b e yo u r g u i d e o n a River Life Airboat Tour. Raised in Cedar Bluffs, NE, Kern has AIRBOA T TOURS been a member of the Nebraska Airboat Association since 2009 and has served on the board as a director since 2013. He knows the ins and outs of the river and will show you and your group a fantastic time!

BRYSON’S

Bryson Airboat Tours will spend this season rebuilding and cleaning up the land that was washed away by the river during the flooding. Tim started out his business with a dream to give cancer patients and folks with disabilities a chance to experience the outdoors. Over the years, he has taken thousands of groups on boat rides in the Platte River, educating them on Nebraska’s history and wildlife along the way. Bryson is very determined to get his business back up and running.

Airboat Tours are a great way to spend quality outdoor time with your family and friends on the Platte River. You’ll skim across the waters of Nebraska at speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Each ride is an adventure in itself, offering a chance to see bald eagles, deer, and other unique Nebraska wonders.

To schedule your next adventure with River Life Airboat Tours, go online to www.riverlifetours.com or contact Kyle Kern at kyle@ riverlifetours.com / (402) 699-4489.

16 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Veterans in Business Forum Announces Upcoming Meetings and Speakers The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900). Their next meetings are 7 June and 5 July at the University of Nebraska–Omaha College of Business Administration, Mammel Hall – Room 215, 6708 Pine Street, Omaha, NE 68182-0048. guest speakers are Tony Barnes from the Victory Riding Academy and Cody Sears from USPS Every Door Direct Mail. The July guest speaker is Taylor Law from NBDC (Nebraska Business Development Center) and PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Center). He will speak on Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) Certification.

For the latest information, to be a guest speaker, and/or to be added to the mailing list, contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com (email is preferable). Visit www. omahanebraska.com/VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking to learn more about the organization.

Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum Announces Adults Only Events This summer, the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will hold a series of adult-only evening events. On July 27, the Museum is hosting a magical celebration of Harry Potter’s 39th birthday from 7 to 11 p.m. The event includes food and drinks, butter beer, variety of magical vendors and a ball, with music headliners such as DJ Sean Michael and violin DJ Olga Smola. Fire spinners with Norsefyre will be entertaining guests, as well. Two ticket options are available: general admission and VIP tickets. General admission tickets include access to the main event. VIP tickets include early access to the VIP only pre-party, wax sealed initiation, private meet and greet with the performers, one drink voucher and one food voucher. Tickets are $35 and $95 respectively. This event is hosted in partnership with Omaha Sexy Nerd Society and SAC Aerospace Museum and is sponsored in part by 89.7 The River.

On August 10, the Museum is hosting a friend-raiser from 6 to 9 p.m. A comedy-filled night with the comedic headliner, Richard Reese. Reese has been bringing laughter to crowds for years! He was voted “Most Entertaining” at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and won at the Great American Comedy Festival in 2008. He received much praise for his comedy specials entitled Smoke, Jokes & Lasers and Always Laugh Forever Before You Die Yesterday. In 2016, Jetpack Tuxedo arrived on digital platforms. As a tenacious agent of humor, Reese brings an original and unpredictable approach to his show. Creatively witty and intelligently silly, this comedian/filmmaker continues to delight audiences near and far. The tickets are $25 per person and each ticket includes one drink voucher and access to the Museum before the show. Cash bar open all night. $10 of every ticket sold goes back to the Museum for general operations support.

On August 24, join the Museum for Flight Night. This is a ticketed event with interior airplane viewing, music, and a mixologist shaking up drinks from the 1940s. Experience the Museum after hours and enjoy an evening of mingling and learning about our aircraft. The bar is open from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and include access to the Museum and one drink voucher.

To learn more and purchase tickets to the events above, go to v. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

SmartBiz Omaha, Powered by Cox Showcasing Business Technology of the Future

Governor Pete Ricketts proclaimed May 1 as “SmartBiz Omaha Day, powered by Cox,” kicking off a first of its kind event showcasing cutting edge technology that is advancing organizations across industries. In partnership with The Startup Collaborative, a program of the Greater Omaha Chamber, SmartBiz Omaha, powered

by Cox allowed attendees to see, touch, and feel the future in five smart, immersive, interactive hubs: connected healthcare, connected retail, connected city, connected education, and connected workplace.

SmartBiz Omaha, powered by Cox was an engaging and immersive event where attendees examined and explored new ways to build smart businesses and organizations to become better connected with the demands of a growing community.

SmartBiz Omaha, powered by Cox was also an experiential event, where attendees interacted with technology to understand how a smart city supports smart businesses who are improving economic development, efficiency, sustainability, and enhancing quality of life.

The event demonstrated Omaha’s commitment to technology investment, business innovation, and career creation; raised awareness of Omaha’s position in the Silicon Prairie and how businesses are using technology and ‘smart’ integrations to deliver next-level citizen engagement and satisfaction; and highlighted the cutting-edge Cox infrastructure currently in Omaha as civic leaders plan to further develop a smarter community ecosystem to support residents and to help businesses drive customer satisfaction, operational efficiencies, and growth opportunities.

“Businesses and entrepreneurs want to be in Nebraska because the state is on the move. We have tech giants building new data centers; a startup community continually churning out fresh, novel technology companies; and a diverse set of industries and municipalities harnessing advancements such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and autonomous vehicles, to better serve their customers,” Governor Ricketts said. “This technology infrastructure is underpinned by a powerful, gigabit network, which is continually being upgraded to serve Nebraska residents and businesses.”

Panelists included Dee Baird, SVP of economic development, Greater Omaha Chamber; Marcus ‘djWHEAT’ Graham, Director of Creator Development, Twitch; Cathy Lang, State Director, Nebraska Business Development Center; and Victoria Novak, Director of Workforce & IT Innovation, Metropolitan Community College, Center for Advanced, and Emerging Technology.

Organizations at SmartBiz Omaha, powered by Cox offered high-touch experiences demonstrating how technology advancements help various industries prosper included: • The University of Nebraska Medical Center, which showcased a hologram, augmented, and virtual reality (AR/VR) that are part of its visionary iExcel learning program.

• RetailAware, which demonstrated solutions that count people, track action and trigger alerts. Guests saw how a smart end-cap display uses sensors and artificial intelligence to monitor customer activity and gather real-time data.

• All Makes, which offers the latest in innovative office equipment like ergonomic stools and stand up desks, alongside Cox Business, which showcased smart phone integration, voice activated office technology, and WiFi management systems to enhance customer experiences.

• Cox2M and Smart City development in the areas of transportation, public safety, connected resources and smart agriculture. This powerful data allows community leaders and business owners to make better decisions.

• Trapollo, a connected health provider supporting healthcare systems and physicians and revolutionizing healthcare delivery through virtual house calls to patients with chronic or complex medical issues.

“The Greater Omaha Chamber shares the ideals of SmartBiz Omaha – using once aspirational, but now real technology and connectivity, to help achieve our vision: ensuring our community is a vibrant place to do business, work and live,” said David G. Brown, Greater Omaha Chamber CEO. “As a leading technology provider in greater Omaha, Cox proudly serves more than 15,000 local businesses as well as hundreds of thousands of homes,” said Ashley Perkins, vice president of Cox Business Omaha. “Our role as an innovation leader extends beyond providing broadband connectivity and into creating meaningful connections. At SmartBiz Omaha, we fostered intriguing dialogue to help industries identify solutions to advance their unique businesses.”

In addition to Gov. Ricketts, SmartBiz Omaha, powered by Cox attendees heard from a panel of distinguished panelists, moderated by Ken Kraft, SVP marketing of Cox Business, who discussed how Omaha is powering the Silicon Prairie which included an insightful discussion on what makes Omaha the epicenter of the Silicon Prairie.

As part of the “Smart Retail” hub at the first-ever SmartBiz Omaha event, Steve Bonnell, sales director for Cox Business Security Solutions, explains how advanced monitoring enhances safety and productivity.

For more information, visit www.coxbusiness.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

17

KATE

Kate Gallagher

MODERN WORK SUITES & STUDIOS Meet Kate Gallagher, on-site manager of Modern Work Suites & Studios.

Building Connections That Matter Partnering with our Commercial Lending Team is more than just business—we build connections that matter. Trust our team to provide a custom, solutions-based approach to support your efforts and help your business succeed.

Ready to get started? Give us a call today!

Jon Dittenber 402.758.8718 jdittenber@westgate.bank NMLS#902316

Rob Glorvick 402.758.8719 rglorvick@westgate.bank NMLS#1779050

Shane Reardon 402.758.8721 sreardon@westgate.bank NMLS#623868

Tell us a little about your business. - Modern Work is a community work space with fully furnished private studios and suites. We’re located in the historic Pamida building at 8790 F St. We offer our tenants a fun and welcoming vibe with our unique, mid-century modern décor. Tenants enjoy their stylized private offices with access to the community spaces like our Living Room and Mixx Lounge. Modern Work has the feel of a “business neighborhood” or “business ecosystem,” filled with a variety of professionals that crossover on a daily basis in our community spaces, as well as during monthly and weekly networking opportunities that we host. Our many amenities such as conference rooms, internet, all-day coffee, and regular food truck visits are enjoyed by all of our tenants.

How did you get started in the business? - After more than three years working as a volunteer coordinator at the non-profit NorthStar Foundation, I was ready to take on a new challenge. I attended one of the first networking events that Modern Work hosted and fell in love with the space and concept.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Taking on a new job opportunity always has its challenges. Every day is different at Modern Work when you’re taking care of a variety of tenants with different needs, especially as we continue to grow and fill our studios and suites.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Honestly, landing this job that I love! I’ve spent the majority of the last 20 years raising my kids. After I graduated with my masters degree, I had a great career at AT&T, but becoming a mom put me out of the workforce for many years. Modern Work has been such a fun place to restart my professional life.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’m the proud mother of four great kids: Nolan (24), Libby (22), Simon (18), and Greta (16). My kids are my life, along with my two dogs: August, a basset hound, and Mattie, a golden retriever.

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

- My current situation! My kids are quickly growing up and will all be out of the house.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to play tennis.

In the summer, I have a great group of friends that play every Saturday.

I also love to decorate my house and take care of my flowers.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I can play the piano.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Kate” by Ben Folds Five.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - The ability to blink and make anything happen, like in the show I Dream of Jeannie. I always do “the blink” when my kids and I are sitting on our luggage waiting for our exit home from vacation. It gives us all a good laugh.

westgate.bank | 402.434.3456 EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

18

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

What is your favorite movie? - You’ve Got Mail.

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

- Phone: (531) 600-6901; Email: kate.gallagher@modernworksuites. com; Website: www.modernworksuites.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HANNAH

Hannah Christensen

CONCENTRIC CORPORATION Meet Hannah Christensen, marketing manager for Concentric Corporation.

Tell us a little about your business. Concentric Corporation is a recruiting and staffing firm that truly sees how important a career change can affect someone’s livelihood. We have authentic conversations with the companies we work with and the professionals we represent to really get a feel for who they are and what they want out of their life and career. By taking that extra step and having these conversations, it allows us to find the right fit for both sides. It’s truly rewarding to be a part of this industry knowing that you can affect others’ lives in a positive way.

How did you get started in the business? - I began my career at Concentric Corporation in 2015 as the receptionist. I had just graduated from UNL and wanted to provide a good life for my son. I did not know on my first day that I had stepped into my second home! Over the past four years, I have grown into this company and industry, realizing that my first day was actually the start of my professional career and I am very excited to see what is still to come.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Learning the world of Information Technology. This ever-changing, fast-paced, and captivating industry is tough to stay up to date on, but it is enjoyable to try!

Tell us a little about your family. - My family consists of my husband Josh and my son Jaxon. Jaxon is a “big kid now” who loves preschool, board games, and most importantly dinosaurs! We always enjoy the little things in life, so a Costco trip or a car ride becomes our adventure for the day.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Becoming a mother was the most rewarding, challenging, and positive turning point in my life. From that point on, I’ve tried to view the world from my son’s eyes, and to see the good in life and enjoy every moment I can with those I love.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - A family day at the Henry Doorly Zoo or, in the fall, an afternoon at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.

It’s a standing tradition.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - A previous coworker once told me, “The most important decision you will make in your life is the person you choose to share it with.”

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Wedding planning. I not only love to throw a great party, but learning about a couple’s history and story would also be fascinating.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha. To the families this organization serves, even the smallest acts of kindness truly go a long way. I am currently on the committee for their Kids and Clays event, held in October, which I couldn’t be more thrilled about!

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I am currently reading The Power of Moments by Chip Heath and Dan Heath.

What is your favorite movie? - Mamma Mia. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Vincenzo’s Ristorante.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 991-8400, Ext. 101; Email: hannah@concentriccorp.com; Website: www.concentriccorp.com; or any of our social media accounts! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Goin’ Fast & Lookin’ Good!

LEGACY

DPC Unlimited LLC is a performance diesel and truck outlet. offer diesel performance parts RPM Legacy isaccessory new to theWe Omaha Metro and tuning required for on and off-road Area. We specialize in residential performance for big rigs and and light-duty pickups.

We also have your property management offer buying chrome and truck accessory needs covered from the and selling real estate services. front to the back and the top to the bottom.

• Manage single family homes and residences • with up to 10 units

• Help rental owners maximize revenue, • minimize expense, and avoid costly mistakes • Provide top notch customer service Contact us today!

402-466-0555 | DPCUnlimitedLLC.com support • Offer 24/7 maintenance • Use cutting edge technology to market, • communicate, and maintain properties

LEGACY RPM Legacy is new to the Omaha Metro RPM Legacy isArea. a full-service real estate brokerage firm founded We specialize in residential management and offer buying income. to protectproperty investments, minimize costs and maximize andand selling real estate services.

Jean James Duffy, Owners

Carmela K. homes Karni, • Manage single family residences @RealPMLegacy E: info@realpmlegacy.com | andBroker • with up to 10 units

402.905.0459 | www.RealPMLegacy.com • Help rental owners maximize revenue, • minimize expense, and avoid costly mistakes • Provide top notch customer service • Offer 24/7 maintenance support • Use cutting edge technology to market, • communicate, and maintain properties

1st place 14 straight years!

Jean and James Duffy, Owners Carmela K. Karni, Broker

402.905.0459 | www.RealPMLegacy.com

402.558.3500 402.502.8757 402.502.5511 Corner of 50th & South Saddlecreek

SW Corner of 144th & Industrial Rd

SW Corner of 120th & Maple

402.933.9400

Corner of Washington & Lincoln; Papillion

Dingman’s Mechanical Repair now open on the SW Corner of 120th & Maple!

“We’d Rather Be The Best Than Apologize for Anything Less.”

www.dingmans.com JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

19

STEPHANIE Stephanie Phelps

MCGILL RESTORATION

Thank You Omaha!

Meet Stephanie Phelps, human resource manager at McGill Restoration.

Tell us a little about your business. - At McGill Restoration, we do a variety of restoration projects across the Midwest region. While our primary focus started with masonry restoration, over the years it has expanded into many different areas of repairs. We currently offer services in four main divisions: parking garages/stadium repairs; industrial restoration and coatings; infrastructure repairs and highperformance coatings; and masonry. We are committed to providing the highest quality restoration services in the industry.

How did you get started in the business? - I have worked in the human resources field for numerous years within other industries. My husband grew up in the construction/trades industry his entire life and I have grown to appreciate it as well. When McGill Restoration recruited me, I knew this was the business and industry that I was supposed to work in.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The human resources field casts such a large net that it is often difficult to be an expert at everything HR related. My previous experience was heavy on the operations side of human resources, so coming to McGill Restoration was a challenge for me in that I would be handling more of the recruiting, which was outside of my comfort zone. I have had to brush up on my education and be innovative in our recruiting efforts.

402.575.0102 | bigbirgeplumbing.com

Lowest Priced A/C of the Year!

Rebates up

$2700.oo to

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Josh builds custom log homes. Together, we have a son named Andrew who is 12. We are also parents of two lovely rescue dogs.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Moving to Omaha. We moved from a small town in northern Wisconsin just over 10 years ago.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Sleep in!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - My family and I are a foster family for a local dog rescue. We are constantly taking in foster dogs, giving them the proper care they need, and finding them a home.

Who inspires you? - Everyone! I believe that everyone has a story and their own set of obstacles. It’s inspiring to see others overcome those obstacles. My dad also inspires me professionally. He has done a lot in his years in the engineering world.

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

I love to travel but I hate getting there!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - It’s cliché, but I think I could be successful as a wedding planner! I probably couldn’t handle Bridezillas, though, so I’m not sure I’d make it very far.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Little White Dog Rescue and any of the other animal rescues in the area. I was also recently introduced to Make a Wish through McGill Restoration.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I am currently reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.

Call 402-554-1110

20

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Sinful Burger in Bellevue.

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

- Phone: (402) 558-7989; Email: sphelps@mcgillrestoration.com; Website: www.mcgillrestoration.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

SCOTT Scott Getzschman

GETZSCHMAN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING Meet Scott Getzschman, co-owner of Getzschman Heating and Air Conditioning.

Tell us a little about your business. - Getzschman heating was founded in 1960 by Richard and Dolores Getzschman. Current owners are Ron Getzschman, Roger Pannier, and myself. Getzschman Heating is a premier heating and air conditioning company serving the Greater Omaha area, including Fremont and Blair. We provide heating and cooling solutions to both our commercial and residential customers. We are the company with technicians you can trust with your house keys.

How did you get started in the business? - I graduated from Southeast Community College in 1978. I began at Getzschman in June of 1978.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - In 1980, interest rates were over 15%. Financially, it was a very difficult time for the overall economy. The second challenge has been recently losing a long-time employee in a vehicle accident and the impact it had on our company.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Getzschman heating will have been in business 60 years in 2020. We employ over 55 people. Our success is attributed to quality employees and a foundation of prompt professional service.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my beautiful wife Judy. Together, we have five children and two grandchildren.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Getting married to Judy on 11/11/2011.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Travel.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have been the mayor of Fremont for almost nine years.

Who inspires you? - My father, who passed away in 2005. He raised me to live a life with honesty and integrity. I learned a tremendous work ethic, which I carry on today.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Take the time to listen before you speak.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Taking Care of Business”

by Bachman Turner Overdrive.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am passionate about Fremont and its growth. I have served as a city councilman and mayor since 2005. I feel it’s important to give back to my community.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Gung Ho! Turning On the People in Any Organization by Ken Blanchard or Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles.

What is your favorite movie? - Any western with John Wayne— probably True Grit or The Cowboys.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - As a franchise, Firebirds, but I have lots of great memories at The Flatiron Café.

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

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

- Office: (402) 721-6301; Cell: (402) 720-1105; Email: ScottG@ getzschman.com; Website: www.getzschman.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS RUNNING With Your Exclusive Commercial/Fleet Vehicle Experts

All Day. Any Day. No Appointment Necessary.

49.95 DOT Inspections $

NOW SERVICING A/C!

Complete Vehicle Maintenance

207 N. Jackson St. | Papillion, NE www.FleetmarkSolutions.com

Oil Service • Transmission Services Antifreeze/Cooling System Services Differential Services • Brake Services

PREFERRED ARI VENDOR

Power Management

DCIM

Monitoring

Cooling

Keep Your Business Technology Running Smoothly PTI protects this business so that you can do your business.

Connect with us today!

11011 Q Street, Suite 103C Omaha, NE 68137 402-592-4259

www.PTISolutions.com Full Service Provider

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

21

LISA

Lisa Korff

CARE CONSULTANTS FOR THE AGING

Check out these new businesses who have joined the Chamber!

4Cleaning Sisters Atlas Solutions Plus BerganKDV Blair Freeman-Nebraska Realty CBD American Shaman CycleBar West Omaha EventPrep Farmers Insurance - Kevin McTaggart Fidelity Investments Goosmann Law HBE LLP Holiday Inn Express & Suites Omaha Downtown Horizon Rehabilitation Center Jerry Banks Group K Watson Group Klink Chiropractic Ludacka Wealth Partners Michael Powers Agency, LLC ParkvilleMedia, LLC Pinwheel180 Pool & Associates Sadoff E-Recycling & Data Destruction Sage Capital Society of St. Vincent DePaul Starbucks Coffee Company 222 S. 15th 8734 Pacific 12540 K St 411 N. 114th St 219 S. 72nd St

15821 14801 12245 17396

W. W. W. W.

Dodge Rd Maple Rd Center Rd Center Rd

Straxen Swartz Delicatessen, LLC The Strawhecker Group Tree Rush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest Tyson Foods Urgent Care of Papillion Venus Vein Clinic WorkHaven Studio Xcel Roofing

Greater Omaha Chamber 808 Conagra Dr., Ste. 400, Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 346-5000

22

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Meet Lisa Korff, client care coordinator at Care Consultants for the Aging.

Tell us a little about your business. - Care Consultants for the Aging is an in-home care registry. We provide care for seniors anywhere from one hour to 24 hours a day. Our caregivers are CNAs, so they are able to provide a wider range of care—companionship, toileting, bathing, meals, hospice assistance, and much more. Our goal is to provide our clients with the services and care they need to stay in their homes longer. Our caregivers are the heart of our business!

How did you get started in the business? - I had worked in retail for over 25 years, so when a friend of mine approached me about working in the senior care industry, I was a little bit hesitant, but looked forward to a new challenge. I worked in a community for eight years as director of community relations and assisting residents move in.

After taking a few years off, another friend contacted me regarding Care Consultants. Now, as the client care coordinator, I enjoy the opportunity to meet with our current and prospective clients as well as their families to ensure there needs are being meet. I absolutely love working with seniors and their families! To know you have helped someone and given them a little peace of mind is truly rewarding.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Recently, it would be updating and revamping the 13th edition of the Omaha Eldercare Resource Handbook. The Omaha Handbook is an A to Z guide of resources, including financial, legal, and medical support; home health; living options; and senior services.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Cook, spend time with friends and family, and shop.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - In college, I was an extra in the movie The Day After and I was also on the bowling team!

Who inspires you? - My children.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

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

If you had a superpower what would it be? - To be able to fly.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I would love to play the guitar.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I’d be a chef! I love to watch The Food Network, read cookbooks, and exchange recipes with friends. Food is a great way to bring people together and good food always makes people happy!

What is your favorite movie? - A Star is Born—both the Barbara Streisand and the Lady Gaga versions.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Good Doctor.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - God. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 398-1848; Email: Lisa@CareConsultants.com; Website: CareConsultants.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

SPENSER

Spenser Ware

ANYWARE SECURITY Meet Spenser Ware, owner of AnyWare Security.

Tell us a little about your business. AnyWare Security is a locally-owned security guard service with the mission of providing expert protection to any private or public event in the United States. Our team will always go above and beyond our clients’ expectations in providing a safe environment. We’re a huge advocate for showing our work. We want people to see what we can do. While other security companies may flaunt their quantity, we are proud of our quality services that are based on a strict code of conduct, proving leadership, responsiveness, diligence, and experience. We are at our best at any given time and we don’t break our clients’ bank.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been in the security industry for over five years. Originally from Florida, I have worked with a variety of security companies and I have seen the difference that training makes within a security business. A lot of companies that I have worked for did not prioritize training and that made me decide to branch out and start my own business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Being a boss versus being an employee. Learning all of the paperwork has proven itself to be a learning curve, but over time I’ve been able to get it nailed down.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Successfully providing secure and safe environments for our clients.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have two children, a son (13) and a daughter (8).

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

- Moving to Nebraska.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my family.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m kind of a handyman or a jack of all trades. A lot of times, it surprises people that I have certain skills or know how to do certain things. I’m a visual learner and have taught myself quite a few things over the years.

Who inspires you? - My father. He served three tours in Vietnam. I started my business based off of my father.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never give up, even when times get hard.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Half the Man I Used to Be” by Nirvana.

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - Bass Guitar!

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

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Alex Cross series by James Patterson.

What is your favorite movie? - The Expendables 3.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Spezia.

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

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

- Phone: (531) 333-0321; Email: Anyware402@gmail.com; Website: anyware-security.business.site. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Your friends get it...

Your colleagues read it...

The competition is in it.

What are you waiting for?

It’s time to advertise!

Call (402) 466-3330 www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Septic Tanks • Grease Traps Hydro-Jetting • Car Wash Pits

(402) 332-5575 MidlandPumpingService.com

AUGUST 18-24, 2019

PHOTO Heather and Jameson GARMENTS Crystal Brakhage Designs + Junebird STYLING Aya Zacharias + Samone Davis BEAUTY Lealani Morton + Whitney Grubbs MODELS: Kennedy. of Develop Model Management

www.omahafashionweek.com

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

23

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Engineered Controls Offering HVAC, Building Automation, and Security Training Because it is not always possible to get away for training, Engineered Controls offers affordable, customized classroom or on-site technical training for building owners, building managers, system operators, and technicians. Our cost-effective training programs are designed for anyone who needs a working knowledge of environmental and building automation systems.

Every organization understands the value of having a skilled workforce.

Effective product training increases employee effectiveness, enhances employee skills, decreases employee turnover, and improves your company’s bottom line.

Training Options to Meet Your Needs In association with Control Depot, our building technology distribution partner, Engineered Controls can offer our valued customers local product and systems training for a variety of hardware and software products.

One of Control Depot University’s newest training opportunities is their HVAC Control Systems Basics course. This 12-week course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of key building technology concepts on HVAC fundamentals, commercial heating/cooling systems, HVAC equipment, indoor air quality (IAQ), security, video and access control systems, Building Automation Systems (BAS) and user interfaces.

Once an individual has successfully completed the HVAC Control Systems introductory course, additional advanced classes are available in BAS networks and web-based controls, Energy Audits, BAS interoperability, and advanced technologies.

To help with understanding the control technologies associated with the HVAC control industry, Control Depot has added a state-of-the-art training facility to their Omaha office. Training courses are available in-house or on-site for control contacting partners, mechanical service providers, and end-users.

Our cost-effective training programs are designed for anyone who needs a working knowledge of building controls, BAS, security, and parking systems. These include but are not limited to: • • • • •

Building Owners Building Managers Engineers Operators Maintenance Tech’s

In our 21 years of operation, Engineered Controls has achieved a reputation as the premier service provider in our industry by developing a solid reputation for creating innovative building management and energy performance solutions. Our portfolio includes corporate, education, government, healthcare, hotel and housing, industrial, parking structures, recreation and entertainment, religious, technology, and green building projects.

When you choose Engineered Controls, you can be confident you are receiving dependable service from highly-trained industry experts, who will respond promptly, work diligently, and who are committed to ensuring the best possible outcome.

With offices in Omaha and Lincoln, Engineered Controls employs over 90 people throughout Nebraska and Iowa and our employees collectively represent over 825 years of industry experience. When combined with our hands-on experience, this ensures that our clients receive the most cost-effective and professional service possible.

To learn more about our Custom Training offerings or to speak with one of our experts today, please submit an online inquiry on our website or contact your local Engineered Controls office today!

Our goal is to maximize the potential of every student by delivering comprehensive instruction in an interactive learning environment.

Additional training can be purchased through our service department to refresh your current knowledge and update you with new features that become available in future versions of system software and hardware.

Omaha Office: (402) 339-1300 | EngineeredControls.com | Lincoln Office: (402) 434-2110 24

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

FOSTER CARE: CEDARS (402) 436-5437

AnyWare Security

vv

Security Guard Service

Parenting is Tough. CEDARS is Here to Help.

“The biggest thing is to have parents know that it is okay to ask for help,” says Kristina Hagan, prevention ser vices program director at CEDARS.

402.991.9200

“Every parent wants the best for their child, regardless of their circumstances,” Kristina continues. “We’re all just doing the best we can to make sure our kids have a really bright future. Sometimes though, what gets in the way of that is what we don’t know.”

When that happens, Kristina says, it’s important for parents to reach out to their trusted family members, friends, neighbors, or an agency like CEDARS. Founded in Lincoln in 1947, CEDARS has been supporting children and families in this community for over 70 years. CEDARS staff walk alongside children and families every step of the way. With encouragement, guidance, and direction, the team has the honor of watching lives change.

Security services include: University Teams Large Club Events Concerts Private Events Spenser Ware Construction Sites Owner & More!

We provide expert protection for any private or public event in the U.S.

/TheOmahaBakery 608 S. 72nd St. • Omaha, NE

(531) 333-0321 www.anyware-security.business.site

Your partners for all things business.

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and powerful experiences in a person’s life. For many, it is also the most overwhelming and stressful of experiences. Many parents might be feeling pressure to be a “good parent,” and it’s important to know that being a “good parent” can mean a variety of things.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or wanting to grow your business No Coast Business Advisors can provide the pain free solution to your problems.

Parenting doesn’t always come naturally. No one is born knowing everything there is to know about parenting, and that’s okay.

Contact Jeff or Jethro to get started!

“There’s nothing wrong with seeking a little guidance,” says Kristina. “Reaching out is a sign of strength. CEDARS is here to help them on the journey of parenting.”

402.217.2833 | WWW.NOCOASTBUSINESSADVISORS.COM

CEDARS doesn’t point out the things a parent is doing wrong. Staff seek to encourage families in their strengths and build on them.

These services are free, voluntary, and open to any family in the local area.

It is the goal of CEDARS to keep children with their family. “We never want kids to have to be anywhere but in their homes.

If that’s a safe place for them, that’s where we want them to stay,” says Kristina.

If you would like support for your family, please call (402) 4365437 or visit cedarskids.org.

Lisa always had a heart for kids who needed someone to care about them.

SHE BECAME A FOSTER PARENT.

YOU CAN TOO

402.437.8959 CEDARSKIDS.ORG

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

CEDARS JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

25

PERSONNEL NEWS Wendi Peterson-Stott of North Risk Partners Elected to OAHU Board Leadership North Risk Partners is pleased to announce that Wendi Peterson-Stott has been elected to serve as president elect for the Omaha Association of Health Underwriters (OAHU) Board of Directors.

The Omaha Chapter of the Nebraska Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) represents licensed health insurance agents, brokers, consultants, and benefit professionals who serve the health insurance needs of employers and individuals seeking health insurance coverage. She has now served as a member of the Board for four years, having been reelected for consecutive terms.

Peterson-Stott has nearly 30 years of benefits experience and joined North Risk Partners as a vice president in February 2014.

She is currently responsible for providing account management, client relations and new business growth.

North Risk Partners, is a group benefits brokerage firm. The professionals at North Risk Partners work with clients in Nebraska, Iowa, and Minnesota, finding solutions to meet the individual needs of each when it comes to employee benefits. For more information, please call (402) 592-7777 or visit www.northriskpartners.com.

FireGuard Honors Chuck Dworak for 22 Years of Service FireGuard, Inc. would like to recognize Chuck Dworak, a seasoned businessman dedicated to service and growth in the life safety industry, as he announces his retirement, effective August 30. Prior to his 22 years of employment at FireGuard, Dworak worked at Baker’s Supermarkets in marketing and management for 25 years.

Dworak has worn many important hats over the years at FireGuard, including restaurant hood suppression system and fire extinguisher technician, inside and outside sales, installation services, service department manager, VP of pre-engineered systems, Lincoln facility manager, deficiency sales, warehouse manager, and he has instructed multiple fire extinguisher safety trainings throughout the community. In addition, Dworak has represented FireGuard over the years at the National Safety Council of Nebraska.

Dworak’s retirement plan includes building a shed in his backyard and spending quality time with his wife Linda, children, and grandchildren. Please join FireGuard in congratulating Chuck Dworak on his retirement!

Serving clients across the Omaha Metro and in Lincoln, FireGuard, Inc. eliminates the need to contact multiple companies by offering complete life safety solutions. As a locally owned and operated company, FireGuard designs, sells, installs, inspects, and services all types of equipment, including fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems, special hazard systems, fire extinguishers, fire door inspections, restaurant systems, exit and emergency lights, fire appliances and accessories, and more!

For more information about FireGuard, Inc., visit www.fireguardusa. com or contact the office at (402) 592-1999.

26 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Concentric Corporation Welcomes Renee Fox Concentric Corporation is excited to welcome Renee Fox as their new senior business development manager! As experts in recruiting, Concentric Corporation understands the importance of how hiring decisions affect the success and culture of a company. Renee has over 20 years of experience in recruiting and nine years specifically in Information Technology recruiting. She has been an enormous asset to the Concentric team already. Being a very close-knit office, Renee was able to jump in feet first and excel as a member and mentor to the team.

Concentric Corporation is bringing back the fundamentals of recruiting, which starts with the relationship. They are upgrading the approach to executive search and recruiting by being deliberate and purposeful, always taking the extra step with their audience’s best interests in mind.

Concentric uncovers true motives in hiring and career advancement by having transparent and honest conversations. This allows an execution of what they like to call ‘connecting excellence.’ Once Concentric determines the tangible skillset, culture fit, and urgency of both sides, they become the bridge between their client’s future hire or career.

Learn more about Concentric Corporation online at concentriccorp.com or contact (402) 991-8400 / Jobs@concentriccorp.com.

Nebraska Restaurant Association Honors Industry Leaders at Annual Taste of Nebraska M’s Pub and Hiland Dairy received the Nebraska Restaurant Association hospitality awards at the association’s annual banquet, Taste of Nebraska. This year’s event was held April 11 at the Scottish Rite Ballroom in downtown Lincoln and catered by Venue Restaurant & Lounge. Winners of the award are selected for NRA board president, John Wade, the contributions they make to presents award to Scott Barnard, both the hospitality industry and Hiland Dairy, with Jim Partington, NRA executive director. the communities in which they do business.

M’s Pub accepted the 2018 Restaurateur of the Year Award and Allied Member of the Year was presented to Hiland Dairy and accepted by Scott Barnard.

Hillis & Co. set the stage for the 75th anniversary celebration of the Nebraska Restaurant Association NRA board president, John Wade, with an elegant black and white presents award to Bobby MeKiney, theme. They keynote address was M’s Pub, with Jim Partington, given by Matthew Hansen and NRA executive director.

Sarah Baker-Hansen, Food Critic with the Omaha World Herald on exploring hidden Nebraska treasures in food and drink across the state. The association would also like to thank special guest, Governor Ricketts, and the many sponsors and guests that made the 29th annual Taste of Nebraska another success.

Money raised at Taste of Nebraska supports the mission of the Nebraska Restaurant Association to represent, educate, and promote the hospitality industry across the state. Additionally, money is used to support Nebraska ProStart—a two-year high school curriculum to get students interested in the hospitality industry. Learn more at nebraska-dining.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Blake Lohnes Named Director of Business Development at Outlook Nebraska

Creative Hair Design Recognizes 23 Work Anniversaries this Year

Blake Lohnes has been named director of business development for Outlook Nebraska, an organization that serves the visually impaired and is the largest employer of the blind in the state. More than 60% of Outlook’s associates are legally blind. Lohnes will support Outlook’s mission to positively impact everyone who is visually impaired as a member of the non-profit’s strategic leadership team.

Lohnes will lead and implement strategies that drive the sales of janitorial and restroom paper products manufactured in Outlook’s Omaha facility. Additionally, Lohnes will be responsible for expanding the organization’s overall product line to meet client needs, collaborating with cross functional teams and assisting in the development of Outlook Nebraska associates.

Lohnes joined Outlook Nebraska after serving in roles that included director of sales for a member-based non-profit and business development consultant for one of the world’s leading research firms.

Learn more about Outlook Nebraska online at outlookne.org.

Creative Hair Design is not only a luxurious salon and spa, it is also a great place to work! This is made evident by the many team members who have been at Creative Hair Design for many years. Out of 92 total team members, 23 are celebrating a work anniversary of over five years; seven of which are celebrating an anniversary of over 20 years!

Work anniversaries being celebrated include: 5 years—Brooke Ryan and Kenzie Kenkel; 6 years—Amber Bollich, Katy Scott, Cassie Lacy, Lily Hering, Bridget Murphy, and Deanna Mack; 11 years—Brea Jany, Jordan Classen, Nicole Schlagenhauff, Dallas Durick, and Natalie Brown; 15 years—Abi Babko, Stacy Casson, and Amy Buene; 20 years—Nickie Spears and Paige Trudell; 21 years—Shelli Hansen and Jenny Becker; 30 years—Kristin Mantell; 31 years—Tess Schomers; and 35 years— Maryjane Mohr.

Creative Hair Design Salon and Spa has been in business since 1982.

Their handpicked technicians are continuously updating their artistic and technical skills with the latest knowledge in their individual fields of expertise. With a hair and nail salon on the first floor, and an extensive spa on the second floor, Creative Hair Design has grown to become Omaha’s #1 destination for salon and spa services with 800 years of total combined experience. Check out all their services online at creativehairdesign.com or stop by their beautiful, 18,000-square-foot salon at 12025 Pacific St. To get in touch with one of Creative Hair Design’s awesome team members, contact (402) 330-5660 / info@ creativehairdesign.com.

West Gate Bank Promotes Teresa Nelly, Welcomes Shane Reardon The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors has elected Teresa Nelly to the title vice president, branch manager; and welcomes Shane Reardon as a commercial loan officer.

Nelly joined West Gate Bank in July of 2018 as assistant vice president, branch manager.

A native of Bellevue, NE, Nelly brings more than 20 years of banking experience to her role with West Gate Bank. As vice president, branch manager, Nelly will continue to be responsible for developing and maintaining business relationships with customers and Teresa Nelly providing personal service to meet their financial needs. In addition, she will lead and coach her staff to achieve customer service and sales goals. Teresa Nelly is located at West Gate Bank 97th and Q Street and can be reached at (402) 731-2179 / tnelly@ westgate.bank.

A native of Columbus, NE, Reardon graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in financial markets and commercial banking. He brings nine years of Shane Reardon banking and financial experience to his new role at West Gate Bank. As a commercial loan officer, Reardon will assist customers with their business financing needs, including real estate lending.

He will be available to council customers on different credit options and utilize West Gate Bank’s resources to help them meet many other business needs. Reardon is a past member of the Risk Management Association and participates in various bank-supported community and volunteer activities. Shane Reardon is located at West Gate Bank’s 180th and Pacific branch at 1020 S. 179th Ct., and he can be reached at (402) 758-8721 / sreardon@westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver.

Visit westgate.bank for more information. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Berry Law Firm and John S. Berry, Jr. Receive ESGR Pro Patria Award Berry Law and John S. Berry, Jr. were awarded the Pro Patria Award by the ESGR (Employer Suppor t of the Guard and Reserve) on April 26. The Pro Patria Award is presented annually by each ESGR State Committee to recipients who have demonstrated the greatest support to Guard and Reserve employees through their leadership and practices, including adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve. This is the highest level award that may be bestowed by an ESGR State Committee.

Attorney John S. Berry Jr. helps his clients fight some of the most important battles of their lives. Not only has he led successful teams in the courtroom, resulting in several jury trial victories, but he has also led soldiers in deployments to Iraq and Bosnia. After receiving his commission as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, John completed Airborne School and Ranger School. In 1999, while assigned to the First Cavalry Division, he deployed to Bosnia for Operation Joint Forge. John also served as a Company Commander in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later as a Battalion Commander in the National Guard.

Berry Law Firm was founded in 1965 by Attorney John Stevens Berry, Sr. They continue to uphold a heritage of aggressive, effective, and reliable legal advocacy to individuals in Omaha, Lincoln, and the entire state of Nebraska. Due to their team’s diligent work, thousands of clients have trusted Berry Law Firm with their cases and, more importantly, their futures. Learn more online at www.jsberrylaw.com.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 27

PERSONNEL NEWS Ahern Fire Protection Promotes Adam Krcilek to General Manager

The Set Me Free Project Presents Sydney Loofe Scholarship

J. F. Ahern Co., Ahern Fire Protection is pleased to announce that Adam Krcilek has been promoted to general manager of the Omaha office. Adam, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, has been with Ahern since 2013. He has held many roles including fire protection designer, estimator, service manager, and contract sales project manager. Adam also has 21 years of military service currently serving as a Major in the Army National Guard.

The Set Me Free Project had a wonderful night on May 17 honoring Sydney Loofe by presenting a scholarship in her memory. This scholarship was awarded to Abigail O. of Sutton, NE. She intends on attending either the University of Nebraska at Omaha or Hastings College to obtain her bachelors in criminology and criminal justice.

“This broad experience that Adam has gained at Ahern and his leadership role in the military have prepared him well to become our next leader in Omaha,” said Jace Hierlmeier, executive vice president of Ahern Fire Protection.

J. F. Ahern Co. is a mechanical and fire protection contractor specializing in HVAC, plumbing, controls, sprinkler, extinguisher and alarm, and fabrication for construction and service projects.

Founded in 1880, the company has over 1,500 employees servicing commercial and industrial customers across the United States. To keep up with the latest company news and events, visit jfahern.com.

MLCDC Adds Kimberly Chalek and Rafael Maldonado III to Board of Directors The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) recently welcomed Kimberly Chalek, executive vice president of the Platte Institute for Economic Research, and Rafael Maldonado III, director of human resources at One World Community Health Centers, to the Board of Directors.

Chalek brings 10 years of experience in nonprofit strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, and program development to MLCDC. Her passion to empower small business owners and helping people achieve Kimberly Chalek economic opportunity and mobility inspired her to work with MLCDC. Outside of the Platte Institute, Chalek is chair of the Finance Committee for the Bellevue Offutt Rising Professionals and a member of the Economic Development Committee for the Bellevue Area Chamber of Commerce.

Maldonado is a strategic senior leader and change agent with comprehensive strategic planning, business development, and consulting experience in multiple industries.

His knowledge of human resources will be a Rafael Maldonado III great asset to MLCDC. A retired Air Force veteran, Maldonado is active in the community and is a member of multiple non-profit boards.

The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation provides low-income communities with opportunities to generate economic growth by providing financing products, development services, and community development that advances their ability to develop a sustainable future in the Midlands. MLCDC is a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). For more information, contact Marta Sonia Londoño Mejia at (402) 933-4466 / info@midlandslatinocdc.org or go online to midlandslatinocdc.org.

28 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

“Human trafficking happens more than what we see in the headlines,” said Abigail. “I hope that as a criminal behavioral analyst or forensic psychologist, I can try to understand why people act and think as they do and playing an active role in stopping violence in the community I live in.”

The Set Me Free Project loves the Loofe family and they are so happy that they are able to honor Sydney in this way. Their hope is that Abigail will use this scholarship to flourish in her career, preventing situations like Sydney’s from ever happening.

The organization would also like to thank everyone who showed them support during Omaha Gives! on May 22. This, year they hope to use the funds received to expand their reach throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and a few new states, such as South Dakota and Missouri. If you didn’t get the chance to donate during the event and would still like to, you can do so by visiting setmefreeproject.net/give.

The Set Me Free Project brings prevention education to youth and families to stop sex trafficking before it starts. Learn more online at setmefreeproject.net or contact Stephanie Olson at (402) 521-3080 / info@setmefreeproject.net.

Amy Wheeler Joins American National Bank American National Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Amy Wheeler to the American National Bank team. Amy Wheeler has joined American National Bank as senior vice president, director of risk assessment and internal audit. Amy has more than 30 years of regulatory, compliance, risk management, and audit experience in the banking industry. Originally from California, Amy spent seven years as an examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation before working at various community banks in northern California. She has been in the Omaha area for 13 years.

“Amy is a knowledgeable, dynamic, and proven industry leader who will be instrumental in taking our risk assessment and audit foundation to the next level,” said John Kotouc, executive co-chair.

Amy serves on the board for the American Red Cross and was a founding Board Member of the Greater Omaha Chapter of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists. She is a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Regulatory Compliance Manager, Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, and a graduate of Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

American National Bank is the second largest locally-owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. With $3.8 billion in assets and greater than 570 employees, it operates 30 full-service offices in Nebraska and Iowa, and seven locations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, operating under Western Bank, a division of American National Bank. American National Bank also has loan production offices in Kansas and Texas. For more information, visit www.american.bank. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Alan Hauschild of Heritage Financial Services Earns CFP® Designation

Omaha Police Foundation Honors Officers, Announces 2018 Officer of the Year

Heritage Financial Services, LLC is proud to announce that Alan Hauschild has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP ®) designation. The CFP® designation is awarded to experienced candidates who complete a prescribed program of study and a 10-hour comprehensive exam, and fulfill certain ethical and professional experience requirements. Designees receive training in financial planning; more specifically, income tax, cash flow, retirement, estate, and investment planning.

The Omaha Police Foundation (OPF) hosted its 19th annual Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon on April 25 at the Scott Conference Center. Forty-two Omaha Police Department (OPD) officers, one non-sworn personnel, and the Patrol Rifle Instructor Group were recognized for their outstanding work in the prior year. Awards presented during the event included the Police Lifesaving Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, and The Purple Heart. The Patrol Rifle Instructor Group received the Foundation’s Community Impact Award.

Police Lifesaving Medal recipient Brent Kendall was selected from among the honorees as the 2018 Officer of the Year. On May 14, 2018, a Metro Area Fugitive Task Force developed information that a wanted robbery suspect was located at a residence. When the Task Force arrived on scene they requested uniformed officers to assist. Sergeant Kendall heard the request and proceeded to the scene to assist, both as a supervisor and department negotiator.

Sergeant Kendall established phone contact with the suspect and within minutes was able to talk him into exiting the residence. The suspect exited with a large, self-inflicted cut on his neck. Sergeant Kendall requested an OFD Squad on stand-by, but they had not arrived yet. Sergeant Kendall retrieved his personal emergency kit and utilized a pressure dressing to keep the wound closed, controlled the bleeding, and monitored the suspect for nearly 10 minutes until the Squad arrived. The suspect was transported to Bergan Mercy with life threatening injuries and underwent immediate surgery to save his life. For excellent police work and efforts, Kendall’s actions saved a life and he was awarded the Police Lifesaving Medal. For his heroic efforts, he was also honored as the 2018 Officer of the Year.

The Omaha Police Foundation also presented a Community Impact Award to the OPD Patrol Rifle Instructor Group for its work to ensure that officers are prepared to protect the public in responding to nearly unthinkable criminal encounters. Sergeant Jeff Baker accepted the award on the Unit’s behalf.

For the second year, the Foundation awarded its Dr. Jack K. Lewis Memorial Scholarship to Millard West High School senior Elise Fricke and University of Nebraska-Lincoln student Brooklyn Housh.

Fricke and Housh, both the daughters of active duty Omaha Police Officers, were selected based on their exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, and scholarship application essay.

Since 1999, the Omaha Police Foundation has worked in partnership with the Omaha Police Department to provide financial support and create community partnerships that ensure the Department has highly qualified officers who have the training, equipment and technology to prevent crime, save lives, and make Omaha a safer community. Over the past 19 years, the OPF has raised more than $5 million to fund a variety of initiatives not covered by funding from the City of Omaha. For more information on the Omaha Police Foundation, visit www.OmahaPoliceFoundation.org.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 29

Alan Hauschild specializes in working with individuals and businesses on their insurance and financial service needs through Heritage Financial Services. Alan is also a registered representative with Securian Financial Services, Inc., securities dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Alan’s office is located at 1010 S. 120th St. and his contact information is (402) 5586860 / ahauschild@heritagefinservices.com.

Heritage Financial Services, LLC is independently owned and operated.

By taking the necessary steps to position themselves for pursuing their financial goals, Heritage clients can gain greater confidence in their future financial prosperity. Learn more online at www.heritagefinservices.com.

Sarpy County Chamber Recognizes 2018-19 Leadership Sarpy Class Graduates The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is excited to congratulate the 2018-19 Leadership Sarpy class on their recent graduation and commends them on the hard work they put into the program and their community. Graduates include: Amber Powers, City of Papillion; Andrew Wesley, Ayars & Ayars, Inc; Derek Peterson, NiteLight Marketing; Efrain Rosas, Pinnacle Bank; Jerad Kuhl, The Weitz Company; Jacob Betsworth, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Department; Jerrod White, Citizens State Bank; John Schwartz, Papillion La Vista Community Schools; Katlin Wilson, Sarpy County YMCA; Kevin Sasse, Olsson; Laura Schwartz, Papillion Community Foundation; Lisa Bowen, KidGlov; Elizabeth Stratman, Hillcrest Health Services; Marcus Madler, Sojern; Matthew Rau, FNTS; Michelle Seiter, Papillion Manor; Pete Pirsch, Sarpy County; Rachel Carl, City of La Vista; Sarah Schram, Sarpy/Cass Health Department; Todd Mack, DLR Group; Travis David, Core Bank; and Travis Jacott, Adams & Sullivan, P.C., LLO. Leadership Sarpy, a program offered by the Sarpy Chamber, develops leaders with the scope of serving an entire county. A series of interactive sessions offers participants a program orientation retreat, comprehensive tours of the cities of Sarpy County, an in-depth look at the community’s non-profits and medical facilities, as well as the Offutt Airforce Base. Participants also attend workshops on crisis management and educational talks from local government representatives and business leaders on Sarpy County’s economic development.

Over the course of this nine-month program, participants are assigned to smaller teams and tasked with creating a Legacy Project. These are community initiatives created by Leadership Sarpy teams that allow them to directly apply their new skills and knowledge to a project that will leave a lasting, positive impact on Sarpy County. The 2019 Legacy Projects include the Veterans Community Project, Rejuvenating Women Project, Medical Crisis Response Initiative, Historic Downtown Papillion Walking Tour, and the La Vista Beautification Club. Visit www. sarpychamber.org to learn more about these projects. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NON-PROFIT NEWS Heartland Family Service Presents Jefferson House “Stand Up for Kids!” Comedy Night

NAMI Omaha Announces Upcoming Mental Health Affiliate Meeting Information

Join Heartland Family Service for the 15th annual Jefferson House “Stand Up for Kids!” Comedy Night on Friday, August 16, 6–9 p.m. at the Fremont Golf Club. This year’s theme is “Going Above and Beyond!” The event will feature live, comedic entertainment, as well as dinner, silent and live auctions, a raffle, and more.

Guests will also hear a story of hope from a Jefferson House child. Business casual attire is suggested.

Heartland Family Service is in need of sponsorships, which start at $400. Individual tickets are $60 or $800 for a table of eight.

Sponsorship commitments and program advertisements are due

by July 15.

The mission of Heartland Family Ser vice is to strengthen individuals and families in their community through education, counseling, and support services. Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service currently serves more than 52,000 individuals of all ages each year from over 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Their 50+ programs provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of their community in the following focus areas: child and family well-being; counseling and prevention; and housing, safety, and financial stability. For more information, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org. Additional questions can be directed to Mary Brown at (402) 552-7424 / MBrown@ HeartlandFamilyService.org.

NAMI Omaha has announced that, due to the holiday, there will be no meeting in July. The next Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting will be held on Thursday, August 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public. Stay tuned for information about the August speaker and topic.

These meetings take place the first Thursday of each month at First United Methodist Church, located at 7020 Cass St. in Omaha. Parking is available on the east and north side of the church. Enter through doors #4 or #6 and proceed to room 112.

NAMI Omaha is a non-profit organization composed of consumers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious brain disorders. Along with education/literature, support, workshops, conferences, and more. NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families.

For information on NAMI Omaha, go to namiomaha.org or call (402) 345-8101 or (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles on mental illness, follow on Facebook (@NAMIOmaha).

Summit Dental Community Lemonade Stand to Support Open Door Mission Join Summit Dental Health in supporting Open Door Mission by hosting your own private lemonade stand with supplies provided by Summit Dental Health. Visit one of the Omaha Summit Dental Health locations or the Open Door Mission Admin office (2828 N. 23rd St. E) to pick up your Lemonade Stand Kit, complete with lemonade, cups, and lots of other goodies. If you or your business are not able to host your own, visit one of the hundreds of lemonade stands in the area during the weekend of June 21–23.

You can help support Open Door Mission breaking the cycle of homelessness in the community by hosting a lemonade stand! Find a lemonade stand near you or give through a virtual lemonade stand at one.bidpal.net/summitlemonade/welcome.

Open Door Mission serves the homeless and working poor, especially victims of domestic violence. The organization is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring hope for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children; serves over 3,500 nutritious meals; and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty.

To learn more, visit www.opendoormission.org or contact Deb Saraka-Rubin at (402) 829-1503 / dsaraka-rubin@ opendoormission.org.

30 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Nebraska Community Foundation Establishes Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund In response to catastrophic flooding across Greater Nebraska, the Ethel S. Abbott Charitable Foundation and Nebraska Community Foundation have established the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund with the purpose of assisting Nebraskans, especially low-income Nebraskans impacted by flooding in 2019, to recover and rebuild their lives.

To capitalize the fund, the Abbott Foundation is providing a challenge grant opportunity for donors matching the first $500,000 one-to-one for a possible campaign total of $1,000,000 to benefit Nebraskans with priority given to those with a desire to remain in their Greater Nebraska communities.

The floods of March 2019 are having profound impacts on many Greater Nebraska hometowns including damage to homes, small business, farms and ranches, and governmental services including schools, healthcare and basic infrastructure. It has been estimated that a community continues to feel the repercussions of a catastrophic flood up to nine years following the event.

Dollars donated to the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund will be granted to local and regional charitable organizations, such as 501(c)(3) non-profits and local political subdivisions to assist flood victims with recovery. Eligible uses may include housing, transportation, health and wellness (including mental health), or other forms of individual or community distress. A Fund Advisory Committee is currently being assembled to oversee granting decisions.

Donations may be made to the Nebraska Flood Recovery Fund online at www.nebcommfound.org/give/nebraska-flood-recovery-fund or by calling (402) 323-7330. All contributions will be matched by the Abbott Foundation up to $500,000.

Learn more about the Nebraska Community Foundation’s efforts at www.nebcommfound.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NON-PROFIT NEWS Boots & Buckets Fundraiser Slated for September 19, Benefitting Dreamweaver

MICAH House Raises Record Amount at Kentucky Derby Fundraiser

On Thursday, September 19 at A View on State (13467 State St.), Dreamweaver Foundation’s annual Boots & Buckets fundraising event is set to take place.

Cocktail hour will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and an auction. This event is sponsored by Pinnacle Bank and has proven to be a success year after year. In 2018, over $350,000 was raised for making the dreams of terminally ill seniors come true.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite style of boots and come ready to raise the spirits of terminally ill seniors by making dreams on their bucket lists come true! Join Dreamweaver Foundation for this magical evening.

Dreamweaver Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling life-long dreams for terminally ill seniors in need. They strive to enrich the quality of life and are committed to honoring our most cherished generation in their final days. If you would like to learn more about Dreamweaver, please visit www.dreamweaver.org or call (402) 697-5471. For Boots & Buckets’ early table registration and sponsorship information, contact Cheri Mastny at cheri.mastny@dreamweaver.org.

MICAH House’s 22nd Annual Champagne and Diamonds event took place on May 4 and raised $146,626, which is $40,000 more than last year. All proceeds support the services M I C A H H o u s e p ro v i d e s t o children and adults experiencing homelessness in the community.

Project Harmony Brings Awareness to National PTSD Awareness Day, June 27 Project Harmony reminds the community that, in order to bring greater awareness to the issue of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the United States Senate designated June 27 as National PTSD Awareness Day. In addition, June has been designated as PTSD Awareness Month by the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD).

PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after someone has been exposed to a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic events, such as sexual or physical assault, natural or man-made disaster, and war-related combat stress. Often times, PTSD is associated with adults, specifically war veterans, however children are just as likely to suffer from PTSD. More than 60% of all children and adolescents are victimized by violence each year. This can cause trauma and toxic stress, leaving victims to suffer in silence or act out. Despite this, only 20% of children with mental or behavior disorders are identified and receive mental health services.

All children and adolescents deserve a healthy, happy, and safe upbringing. Project Harmony exists to provide support and help to children and adolescents who are victims of abuse and neglect, but as crucial as it is to protect victims and prosecute offenders, prevention is just as important.

Connections at Project Harmony, a voluntary program based on parent consent, was founded on the idea that when mental health or trauma symptoms can be identified early in a child’s life, a wide range of problems can be prevented, including child maltreatment. Through Connections, Project Harmony links children and families to preventative and early intervention mental health services. Their focus is to help children get back on track developmentally, function better at home and in the classroom, and be safer at home and in the community.

Project Harmony is currently working with four local school districts to help identify and refer students to Connections. To learn more, contact Jude Connelly at jconnelly@projectharmony.com or go online to projectharmony.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The derby-themed event included a silent and live auction, a live simulcast of the Kentucky Derby race, awards for best dapper suit and best hat, dinner, and the much-anticipated diamond raffle.

“This year’s event was a tremendous success,” said Jaymes Sime, MICAH House executive director. “We are so grateful for the support shown to the homeless children, families, and women that MICAH House serves every day! Without the donors, sponsors, supporters, and volunteers—this event just wouldn’t be possible.”

Founded in 1986, MICAH House is an emergency homeless shelter that serves single women and families in the Omaha Metro area and Southwest Iowa. MICAH House provides safe shelter, nutritious meals, intensive case management services, an on-site health clinic, and adult budgeting classes as individuals seek a better tomorrow. For more information on future MICAH House events or to get involved, please visit www.themicahhouse.org.

Carnival of Care: Summer Family Day at Grief’s Journey Grief’s Journey will host its Carnival of Care on the weekend of Saturday, June 22, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Join Grief’s Journey at these free, fun-filled “Family Days,” held for families that have experienced a significant death. The event offers summer-themed activities and opportunities for remembrance and support. Family Days are hosted several times through the year. The fall and winter events are themed around Dia De Los Muertos and the holidays, Tinsel and Tears. The half-day programs can also serve as an introductory opportunity into the other services provided by Grief’s Journey.

Most people (including parents, clergy, teachers, doctors) aren’t taught how to talk about death or support grieving children and families. It’s known that 6% of youth will experience the death of a parent; 20% will experience the death of an immediate family member, but 90% of children and teens will experience the death of someone significant in their lives before graduating from high school.

Research indicates that unresolved grief correlates to issues such as poor school performance, employee absenteeism, loss of school and workplace productivity, and lingering emotional and behavioral burdens. Healthy coping leads to long-term success for children, families, businesses, and communities.

Family Days at Grief’s Journey are open to adults and youth ages 3–18. There is no charge to attend these programs. Preregistration is required and is available at www.griefsjourney.org or via phone at (402) 502-2773 (Ext. 105, Español).

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 31

NON-PROFIT NEWS Bland Cares Partners with Angels Among Us for Annual Golf Outing

Omaha Heart Walk Raises $1M for American Heart Association

Bland Cares Foundation with Bland & Associates is partnering with Angels Among Us again this year for the Bland Cares Golf Outing on July 8 at Champions Run, 13800 Eagle Run Dr, Omaha. Shotgun start is at 11:30 a.m. Event registration includes a foursome with cart, lunch, and, following the round, dinner and a short program. This year there are new games on the course and raffle prizes unlike any other outing including: a smart TV, Chris Stapleton tickets for four, hotel stays, golf rounds, and more! This event is one you don’t want to miss.

The 2019 Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, locally presented by Physicians Mutual, Noddle Companies, and Union Pacific on May 11, raised $1 million for the American Heart Association, the first-time the walk has crossed into seven figures raised.

The event, chaired by President/CEO of Noddle Companies Jay Noddle, a survivor, and Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of The Nebraska Medical Center Dr. Harris Frankel, brought together 5,000 people to Aksarben Village to celebrate survivors and remember those lost while raising lifesaving funds.

“What a profound impact on the fight against heart disease and stroke,” Noddle told the crowd during the opening ceremony. “You are truly making a difference in the lives of survivors like me. On behalf of all survivors, I say ‘thank you.’”

The top fundraising companies for the 2019 walk are Physicians Mutual, Noddle Companies, Union Pacific, H&H, and First National Bank. Team Physicians Mutual, Team Noddle, UP Executives with Heart, Team Hinchcliff, and Tyson Food were the top fundraising teams.

The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit heart.org.

Angels Among Us is a Nebraska non-profit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for financial support. In 2018, Angels Among Us provided financial support to 99 families, giving over $355,000, so they were able to remain stable during their pediatric cancer journey.

If interested in registering a team and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Alyssa Theilen, director of community relations/ development, at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org. Register at www.

MyAngelsAmongUs.org.

Inclusive Communities to Present at 2019 APPA Training Institute In partnership with the Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation, Inclusive Communities has been invited to present at the 2019 Training Institute for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). The conference will take place August 18–22 in San Francisco, CA. The Training Institute provides an interactive learning experience for professionals involved in the community corrections, juvenile justice, and treatment professions across the United States and several other countries. Through workshops, intensive sessions, guest speakers, and Resource Expo, the Training Institute provides knowledge and tools to help shape the future of community corrections by meeting the needs of today’s professionals.

Inclusive Communities and the Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation will conduct an interactive workshop entitled “Creating Inclusive Communities: Honoring the Diversity Between Each Other and Preparing for Interactions with Those We Work With,” in which participants will reflect on the diversity around their identities, intersections, and cultures. The presentation will begin to prepare agencies for interactions with the diverse identities of staff, clientele, and stakeholders, recognizing that change starts with the individual.

The Nebraska Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation partnered with Inclusive Communities of Omaha to launch a branch-wide Inclusive Communities Initiative in 2017. Presenters will share how this initiative has been forging creative partnerships, training capacity, and communities of practice to create an inclusive organization.

Inclusive Communities envisions a society that is strengthened by diversity, inclusion, respect, and justice for all people. Visit www. inclusive-communities.org or call (402) 391-4460 to learn more.

32 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Parkinson’s Nebraska Awarded Community Grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation Par kinson’s Nebraska is thrilled to announce it was awarded a $7,000 community grant from the Parkinson’s Foundation to provide the lodging, meals, and mileage for 40 professionals and the guest speaker who will attend the Midwest Delay the Disease training in Grand Island, NE on July 18–19. The Parkinson’s Foundation community grants support health, wellness, and educational programs that address unmet needs in the PD community.

“We are proud to announce these community grants and expand programs and resources in Parkinson’s communities across the entire nation,” said John L. Lehr, Parkinson’s Foundation president and chief executive officer. “These grant recipients share our passion and commitment to making life better for people with Parkinson’s.”

Parkinson’s Nebraska is grateful to the Parkinson’s Foundation for believing in their vision for the Parkinson’s community and helping to make the Delay the Disease training accessible to the professionals who impact the lives in Nebraska each day.

Delay the Disease is an evidence-based, Parkinson’s-specific exercise program designed to empower participants by optimizing their physical function and helping to delay the progression of symptoms. This training will provide Parkinson’s professionals across the Midwest with the knowledge, tools, and techniques to create and lead a comprehensive community-based, PD-specific exercise program.

Parkinson’s Nebraska is the primary source for education, support, and services for those whose lives are touched by Parkinson’s disease across the state. To learn more, please visit www.parkinsonsnebraska.org or contact Amber at amber@ parkinsonsnebraska.org / (402) 715-4707. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NON-PROFIT NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Announces Program Updates This spring, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Midlands plans on going near and far to spread the organization’s message. Big Brothers Big Sisters is currently launching a partnership with the YMCA, enabling BBBS to serve their 10 local branches. Also, be on the lookout for BBBS around the Benson community, as the agency continues to do Benson park cleanups and have youth activities in the area every first Friday of the month with Benson First Fridays.

BBBS is geared up and ready for a summer of recruiting volunteers.

There are over 150 youths that still need mentors! These Littles are eager to be mentored; they just need people 19 and older to give them four hours of their time, two times a month.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands strives for all youth in the program to reach their full potential. A Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple provides youth with a sense of safety and security, emotional support, and social skill promotion. Bigs and Littles are matched based on common interests so they can have the benefit of doing activities together that they both enjoy. With a Big by their side, more Littles are discovering who they are and what they can achieve in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to clear the path for our youth’s biggest possible futures. Learn more online at bbbsomaha.org or contact Abiola Kosoko at (402) 504-4719 / akosoko@bbbsomaha.org.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Hosts Grant Writing Palooza The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands hosted a Grant Writing Palooza on May 20 at the Scott Conference Center. Many non-profit professionals took part in this full day of grant writing training, learning critical skills from local experts, hearing from funders, and networking with peers to share ideas on grant writing best practices.

Workshops at the event included: What Gets Funded?, a discussion with local funders; Do Your Numbers Add Up?, budgeting for grants; But What Does This Mean?, common grant application section headings explained; Finding Money, prospect research and finding grants that work for your organization; Combating Compassion Fade, incorporating emotional appeals into your grant writing that are effective and get results; Make Your Case, how to write stronger needs and impact statements for better grant applications; and Open Writing Time, subject matter experts will be on hand to help you incorporate the knowledge you just learned into your grant applications.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of non-profits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. With NAM’s growing base of non-profits, the organization is committed to enhancing public recognition of the importance and role of the non-profit sector; providing access to high-quality assistance and information on effective non-profit management and practices; advocating on issues that affect the capacity of all non-profits to address their community’s needs; and fostering communication and cooperation among non-profits. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of non-profits.

To keep up with upcoming events hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands, go to www.nonprofitam.org/events. For questions about the Grant Writing Palooza held last month, contact Hannah Young at (402) 557-5800 / hannah@nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MODERN PAYMENTS Fast & Simple Meet Clover Flex!

Advanced Features that make running your business easier.

Your local advocate when it comes to payment solutions.

No Contracts.

No Price Increases.

Many Solutions.

Nicki Burnham, Senior Business Consultant

402.450.4476

IntegrityMerchantSolutions.com • nburnham@integritymerchantsolutions.com

YES Announces Dancer Lineup for Dance for a Chance Fundraiser Youth Emergency Services (YES) is proud to announce the dancer lineup for its 11th Annual Dance for a Chance fundraiser on Thursday, August 1, at the Omaha Design Center. Event tickets will be available online beginning June 3. This year’s event, Red Carpet Affair, features a mix of Pictured (L-R): Hannah community and business leaders who will raise money leading up to the night of Bolte, Dr. Mike Price, Tina Hruska, Marnie Albert the event and then compete against one Marvin, Emily another for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Corsaro, Melissa Williams, and Matt Feller.

Dancers this year are as follows: • Hannah Bolte, All Makes Office Equipment • Nicole Cleveland, Lincoln Financial Group • Marnie Corsaro, First Data Resources • Matt Feller, C&A Industries • Callie Greene, Mod Salon • Tina Hruska, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska • Melissa Marvin, CSO Bank of Bennington, Special Projects MCC, Community Volunteer • Dr. Mike Price, Koca Chiropractic • Dr. Maria Vazquez, Metropolitan Community College • Emily Williams, Lindsay Corporation This year’s dance instructors are: • Leigh Chaves, JCC Dance Department • Rebecca Hamata, Independent/Dance Out Loud Productions • Michael Misra, Vintage Ballroom • Derek Pasqualetto, Vintage Ballroom • Rebekah Pasqualetto, Vintage Ballroom • Lucas Vargas, Vintage Ballroom • Terry Vargas, TV Dance • David Vieceli, Vieceli’s Dance Studio Similar to Dancing with the Stars, Dance for a Chance pairs up dancers with instructors, who then work together to create a dance, pick accompanying music, and practice over the summer before competing.

At the same time, the dancers are working within their personal and professional networks, largely via social media, to raise awareness and money for Youth Emergency Services.

C&A Industries returns as this year’s Presenting Sponsor, while Lindsay Corporation is the YES Champion Sponsor. Other sponsorships remain available. Please contact YES Director of Development Barb Farho at bfarho@yesomaha.org if you’re interested in becoming a Dance for a Chance sponsor. Dance for a Chance will also include silent auction items.

Contact Barb if you’d like to make donations for that.

Learn more about the dancers, instructors, and how you can help support Dance for a Chance and Youth Emergency Services at yesomaha.org.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 33

NON-PROFIT NEWS Bunker Labs Announces Grand Opening of 26th Chapter in Omaha

Over 350 Attend Kids Can Community Center’s Can Do Luncheon

Bunker Labs, a national non-profit headquartered in Chicago, IL, will celebrate the official opening of the Omaha chapter with a ribbon-cutting party on June 27 at the Magnolia Hotel. Bunker Labs seeks to inspire veterans and veteran spouses to start their own business, then equips them with right training and connects them to the right people to grow those businesses.

Kids Can Community Center’s 15th annual Can Do Luncheon was a great success! It was held on April 18 at the Omaha Marriott in the Capitol District.

Over 350 attendees grooved with Nelson Mandela Elementary Sc hool’s Meer kat Melodies choir as they found their seats.

The event emcee, John Knicely, began the program and five amazing community members and organizations were recognized for their hard work to educate, engage, and inspire children.

The Omaha chapter’s three volunteer city leaders (Tamar Yellin, Valerie Rivera, and Trevon Brooks) have spent the last six months building momentum by hosting events and meeting with various people and organizations throughout the Omaha area. By knowing what’s out there, they can quickly help potential entrepreneurs find what they need and they’re already seeing results.

Bunker Labs is committed to seeing that every entrepreneur in the veteran community has the network, tools, and resources they need to start their own business. For more information, visit www. bunkerlabs.org.

Heartland Hope Mission Provides Week’s Supply of Groceries to Working Poor Heartland Hope Mission is able to provide the working poor in our community with a week’s worth of groceries.

By connecting people and families with services that help them get back on their feet, Heartland Hope Mission provides hope for the future, and volunteers make it all possible. Heartland Hope Mission encourages people to volunteer as an individual or as a group. Ages 12+ are welcome to volunteer; ages 12–15 must be accompanied by a parent or group leader.

As a volunteer at Heartland Hope Mission, you will help working poor families choose food, clothing, and hygiene items. Join the Mission’s community of over 7,000 passionate people making a difference, and bring hope to people in desperate situations. The South Omaha Pantry is located at 2021 U St.; the Millard Pantry is at 5321 S. 139th Plz. For pantry hours and to learn more about volunteering, visit HeartlandHopeMission.org. Call (402) 733-1904 for more information.

U.S. Cellular Donates $25K to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands U.S. Cellular has made a $25,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands to provide K–12 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) educational opportunities to youth for the fifth consecutive year. This is part of a $1 million donation to clubs across the country. With a particular focus on STEM programming and learning, U.S. Cellular’s charitable efforts have funded more than 50 Boys & Girls Clubs after school and academic enrichment programs for the last five years.

During the company’s fifth annual “Month of Giving,” U.S. Cellular associates celebrated National Volunteer Month in April by taking part in a variety of volunteer opportunities. Employees will help youth learn more about STEM-focused careers and professions through hands-on sessions and demonstrations. With the help of JASON Learning, the company will also look to motivate students to gain a better understanding of how technology can help create solutions to improve their communities.

U.S. Cellular has a long-standing commitment to the community and education. The company has contributed more than $14.5 million to K–12 education since 2009. In 2018, U.S. Cellular associates volunteered at more than 200 events and are committed to volunteering 35,000 hours in its local communities again in 2019. For more information, go to www. uscellular.com/about/community-outreach.

34 Strictly Business JUNE 2019

This year’s Can Do Award recipients included St. Luke Teen Center, Alexis Varoz-Norval, Christine E. Cutucache, Patrick Dougherty, and DeAngelo Grant.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Cheryl Logan, who began her position as superintendent of Omaha Public Schools in July of 2018. She spoke about the experiences that led her to this position and passionately discussed the positive effect that quality educators have on youth in the community. At the end of the event, five lucky raffle winners were announced.

Kids Can Community Center is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. For more information, please visit www.KidsCan.org or contact Josh Gillman at (402) 731-6988 / jgillman@kidscan.org.

Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend to Benefit Jennie Edmundson Cancer Patient Fund Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend is a benefit to help the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund.

This year’s event will be held August 2–4. Since 2003, the Spirit of Courage events have raised a total of $1,597,000.

One hundred percent of those dollars have been donated to the Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund.

The Celebrity Weekend kicks off with a “Shotgun Start” golf tournament on August 2, held at Dodge Riverside Golf Club in Council Bluffs. Teams fill up quick, so signup now! Registration begins at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. This event includes continental breakfast, green fees with cart, beverages, snacks and lunch. Put your team together and golf with a celebrity for a good cause. Following the tournament, there will be a dinner, auction, and gala honoring four amazing individuals who will be in attendance to share their amazing stories. These individuals include Deb Bladt, Darcey Butts, Bobbi Calderon, and Bob Steele.

A Texas Hold’em poker tournament will also be on Sunday afternoon, August 4.

The proceeds from these events benefit the Spirit of Courage Charitable Cancer Patient Care Fund, helping to ease the financial burdens of Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital cancer patients in the areas of medications, treatments, and deductibles, as well as everyday living expenses. For additional information, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org/events/spiritof-courage. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS Venus Vein Clinic Now Serving Omaha Venus Vein Clinic, lead by Dr. Kelly Schroeder, is proud to now be serving the Omaha community. Dr. Schroeder, who has practiced medicine for 14 years and administered vein surgeries for five, is the only female board-certified vein doctor in the greater Omaha area. Though she had a successful career in emergency medicine, Dr. Schroeder decided to become dually boarded in venous disease because she recognized that vein diseases are largely perceived by many in the medical community as merely cosmetic.

Therefore, most medical professionals don’t recognize the serious short and long-term consequences of untreated venous disease.

The new total vein care clinic will provide a comfortable experience that will improve the daily life of men and women with little to no downtime. It is easier than you may think to fix achy, swollen, restless, or ugly legs. Dr. Schroeder and her experienced staff will take the time to understand your unique circumstances, answer any questions or concerns you may have, and will provide a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to living your life more actively.

If you are suffering from enlarged veins or tired, achy legs, it’s time for you to check out Venus Vein Clinic for a free consultation. The clinic is located at 9202 West Dodge Rd., STE 303 and more information can be found online at venusveinclinic.com. Contact Dr. Kelly Schroeder today at (402) 979-VEIN(8346) / contact@venusveinclinic.com to find out how quick and easy correcting vein disease can be.

Vision Specialists Opens Third Location Vision Specialists welcomed its first patient on April 17 at their new location at Midlands Place. This is the third location for Vision Specialists, a locally owned family eye care office with an emphasis on two things: unique eyewear and the highest quality patient care.

Owner Dr. Kyle Cheatham explains that their doctors have received the highest level of training and education, allowing them to provide better care for not only routine patients, but also those with diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other conditions that cause blindness.

In addition to high quality care, they also place an emphasis on providing customers with a large and unique selection of specialty eyewear and frames. “It’s difficult to find eye care offices that provide not only excellent care, but also a truly unique selection of frames and we just happen to offer both,” explains Vision Specialists vice president of development, Becky Moltumyr. They’ve even dedicated a special space in their offices known as the ‘Vision Bar’ which was created to showcase many of their unique and modern frames from around the world.

Although they are new to the Papillion area, Vision Specialists wasted no time immersing their business in the local community and jumped at the chance to participate in the Midlands Place Scholarship where Midlands Place businesses each offer two $1,000 scholarships to a Papillion High School Senior and a Papillion South High School Senior.

The scholarship is offered by many of the Midlands Place Merchants in cooperation with the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation.

Vision Specialists is located at 120 Olson Dr., STE 107, next to Small Cakes and across the street from McDonalds. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with evening appointments available on Wednesday night and additional shopping hours available every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vision Specialists also has offices located in Council Bluffs and Clocktower Village in Omaha. For more information, please contact Dr. Kyle Cheatham at (402) 504-4257 or visit visionspecialistspapillion.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

A NEW Year NEW Smile with Receive $500 off an invisalign® treatment through June 30th

NEW! No credit check, no interest,flexible payment patient financing

402-933-4632 New Mental Health Service Coming to Jewish Family Service this Fall Call for an appointment today!

Jewish Family Service is excited to announce that they will be offering new mental health services in the fall of 2019. More and more mental health clinicians today are adapting their services to meet the demands of the digital world, and to accommodate the changing lifestyles of today’s consumers. Studies have shown that the positive effects of telehealth sessions are comparable to those of in-person care. In addition, according to Health Care Law Today (www.healthcarelawtoday.com), telehealth services are now required to be covered by health plans in the state of Nebraska (see Nebraska Statutes Section 44–7, 107).

Jewish Family Service has recognized the changing world of mental health service delivery and is beginning the process of implementing telehealth services into their practice. Policies and procedures will be in place to ensure that telehealth services are as secure and confidential as their in-office sessions, available across Nebraska.

Jewish Family Service is a member of the Metro Area Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Nebraska Adoption Agencies Association. For more information, please call (402) 330-2024 or visit www.jewishomaha.org.

Iron Brush Tattoo and Body Piercings Hosts Blood Drives for NCBB A tattoo parlor might seem like an unlikely place for a blood drive, but at Iron Brush Tattoo and Body Piercings, it has been wildly successful. In just two years, Iron Brush welcomed 95 new donors and collected 245 units of blood for the Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB).

Individuals receiving a tattoo or piercing may be eligible to donate blood after seven days, and Iron Brush saw it as an opportunity to help the community.

“Any organization can host a blood drive,” said Kari Lundeen at NCBB. “We partner with more than 120 groups. Blood drives are a great way to give back and ensure blood is on hand for local hospitals.”

Hosting a blood drive is easy. Nebraska Community Blood Bank provides marketing materials, supplies, and conducts the blood drive; your organization provides a location and helps recruit donors. Visit NCBB.org or email blooddrives@NCBB.org for more information.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 35

Senior Health For seniors and their families, health is about much more than simply living longer—being healthy means living life to the fullest and staying active. To learn about ways seniors and their families can stay healthy, and identify health risks seniors face, we reached out to local professionals in the senior health care industry.

First, we spoke with Dr. Kelly Schroeder with Venus Vein Clinic, the only female boardcertified vein doctor in the greater Omaha area. Incidence and severity of both deep vein thrombosis and chronic venous insufficiency are increased with age. Today, however, the significance of these diseases in the elderly patient population, and in general, are still poorly comprehended. Dr. Schroeder decided to become dually boarded in venous disease because she recognized that vein diseases are largely perceived by many in the medical Dr. Kelly Schroeder community as merely cosmetic. However, Venus Vein Clinic vein disease can cause leg swelling, wounds, and infections, which lead to difficulty with mobility and this threatens independence.

“By treating vein disease earlier, this prevents the worsening of the conditions that lead to falls and hospitalizations,” Dr. Schroeder noted. “Age, immobilization, and obesity are the main risk factors for the development of chronic venous insufficiency in the elderly. Patients present with complaints such as pain, edema, burning, bloating, weight sensation, restless leg syndrome, night cramps, varicosities, color change, and open wound in the legs. These symptoms can be severe and are 100% avoidable. Every day I hear people tell me how they should have treated their vein disease years ago because they feel so good after treatment. No one needs to suffer with a venous ulcer, but it happens all the time. In addition, without swollen and achy legs, people feel lighter and more energized to get out and be active.”

“Many people are recommended to wear compression stockings by their primary care physicians,” Dr. Schroeder continued. “But as we all know, compression stockings can be uncomfortable; too tight, too loose, too hot, and difficult to put on and take off. At Venus Vein Clinic, we have a vast repertoire of compression garments. We will fit you specifically, and make sure you can wear them comfortably and apply them yourself.”

When we asked Dr. Schroeder what health-related issues she sees commonly affecting the seniors she serves, she shared that she often finds that seniors think their achy, swollen, or restless legs are a consequence of aging, but that is not the case.

“At the end of the day, your legs should not feel any differently than your arms, no matter your number of birthdays,” Dr. Schroeder addressed.

“Many times, seniors are placed on medications such as water pills, restless legs therapies, or pain medicines to treat the symptoms of vein disease, but treatments for vein disease are safe, effective, and covered by health insurance. I also advise staying active by walking and including regular exercise into daily routines to keep joints and veins healthier.”

Venus Vein Clinic is unique because they are lead by a board-certified

36

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

vein specialist. Many other kinds of specialists dabble in vein treatments, but at Venus Vein Clinic, you are being cared for by Dr. Schroeder who is an expert in veins specifically. She is established in the Omaha community, carrying out vein surgeries for the last five years. Dr. Schroeder decided to open Venus Vein Clinic to provide a better experience for patients, proving how quick and easy correcting vein disease can be.

A tragic aspect of the aging process is the feeling of loneliness and isolation, which may trap an individual in a cycle where things steadily grow worse. As the director of training and staff development for Bridge to Better Living, Robbie Nathan describes this as a “domino effect.”

“Seniors who are healthy are more positive and have improved attitudes toward maintaining an enjoyable quality of life,” Robbie said. “Exercise is always the first recommendation, and physical therapists and geriatric physicians have many Robbie Nathan options for those who are mobility challenged, Bridge to Better Living such as engaging in discussions with peers; making new friends; attending church; attending family events; picking up the phone and calling others; reading books, periodicals, and magazines; and staying interested in the world.”

The time to call Bridge to Better Living is when medical appointments, social activities, and family events become difficult for you or your loved one to schedule and attend. “I want seniors and their loved ones to know that Bridge to Better Living offers a free transition service to assist and guide them through the difficult navigation of senior living,” Robbie shared.

“There are many options to consider—independent, assisted, memory assisted, long-term care, etc. Attempting to manage this decision alone without any experience is extremely difficult, stressful, and confusing. It is emotionally healthier to have an expert, such as a consultant from Bridge to Better Living, ready and on call to help. We are unique from other transition services. Our philosophy of Placement with Passion means our services are about the client, first and foremost. We are with seniors from the first consultation and by their side during tours. The relationships we build continue even after the move. Bridge to Better Living is not about technology, it is about real people.”

As the owner of Care Consultants for the Aging, Kyle Johnson agrees that finding an advisor is one of the key beginning phases for families exploring their options and learning about senior care. “Clients that we begin services with are typically just starting to notice the difficulties of living independent in their own homes, and are starting to need assistance with their ADLs (Activities of Daily Living),” he pointed out.

Kyle concurs that an isolated, indolent lifestyle Kyle Johnson can lead to many physical and mental health Care Consultants for risks: “Seniors need to stay active, both mentally the Aging and Oasis Senior Advisors and physically. Watching TV and sitting in a #PrintProudDigitalSmart

recliner all day doesn’t lead to a healthy lifestyle. Getting involved with a local senior center will help with socialization, and going for short walks will help to maintain leg strength. The saying ‘use it or lose it’ is something I There’s no need to commonly say when working with families who are noticing a recent decline suffer one more day. in their parent’s health.”

You may be surprised at 9202 W Dodge Road, Ste 303 Kyle firmly believes that when families procrastinate on considering the need how easy we will make it to for senior care, they only add unnecessary financial and emotional burden to Omaha, NE 68114 their lives. “We typically see seniors have waited too long to accept help for improve your life.

402-979-VEIN(8346) fear of losing their independence,” Kyle told us. “Adult children are noticing Venusveinclinic.com these signs before the senior does, but hesitant to get outside help for fear of upsetting their parents. This is a dangerous scenario of waiting for the ‘major incident’ to happen before getting help in the home. Typically, this results in Call today! a hospital stay that could have been avoided with a couple helping hands.”

There is no downtime All of Care Consultants’ caregivers are licensed CNAs and work as necessary and treatments are independent contractors for their clients. Before any caregiver is allowed to covered by medical insurance. work with a client, they are run through all background checks, criminal history reports, work authorization in the United States, CPR certified, must carry their own professional liability insurance, and are bonded through the company.

In addition to his work with Care Consultants for the Aging, Kyle Johnson also assists seniors as an advisor for Oasis Senior Advisors in Omaha: “I take the job of helping you find the home that fits your needs very seriously,” Kyle assured us. “I will help you navigate the maze of senior housing throughout the entire process, to help you make an informed decision that works for you and your family.”

When families procrastinate until a health crisis forces them to consider a move, they add risk and stress to their own lives. “If you wait until an accident or illness forces you to consider housing, you are severely limiting your options and adding to everyone’s stress,” warned Kyle. “Then placement becomes more urgent. Many homes have waiting lists, creating a gap before you’ll be able to move in. People assume that all care options are equally expensive, 402.669.9490 but some options exist which could help protect seniors from costly accident Omaha@YourOasisAdvisor.com and allow them to live independently for much longer. There is a hidden AnswersForMom.com Kyle Johnson Jenny Trebold cost to procrastinating.”

Senior Living Advisor Senior Living Advisor In addition to providing advice and helping seniors find the right home, Oasis offers services on a range of topics that affect seniors, including estate planning, Veteran’s benefits, long-term care insurance, right-sizing, in-home Omaha Area URCE care providers, and Medicare and Medicaid.

ELDERCARE RESO HANDBOOK Page.indd 1 Oasis Senior Advisors_KJohnson_Quarter 1/11/2019 9:49:36 AM We also spoke with Jim Laughlin, chief operating officer of Home Nursing With Heart, about the topic of senior health. He emphasized that health is the most personal thing there is. That’s why he ElderCare Resource Handbook thinks personalization should be at the heart of The Handbook is an all-inclusive home health care—based on getting to know the listing of services, programs and other senior as an individual. resources available for the aging. es for Home Nursing With Heart’s mission is to provide The book that car e lov • Therapies • Home Health Care • Legal you ple peo the the highest level of medical care possible for their • Living Options • Transportation e Visit this book onlin patients to improve their overall health and wellok.com • Government • Financial • Resources OmahaHandbo being. From the very first meeting and every visit • Medical Services • Food Programs • Elder Moving • Funeral Arranging after, their team will build a relationship that is Purchase Your Copy Today!

Jim Laughlin Home Nursing With Heart focused on you or your senior loved one. Through Home Nursing With Heart’s nursing and therapy services, they will work closely with your physician and medical team members to ensure that the care they provide meets the requirements outlined in your personal care plan. Jim also made a good point about what to consider when addressing the health of a senior loved one, or analyzing your own health situation. “When people are working or raising kids, there is a lot more activity during the day,” he noted. “People who aren’t used to having an empty nest or the retirement lifestyle might not know how to fill that time that used to be dedicated elsewhere. This kind of life adjustment can make a big impact on both mental and physical health. I would encourage seniors to connect with their family and community during this time. Having a support system is crucial, and finding activities to participate in gives our life purpose. Strength is something you have to use or lose, so use it while you are still able.”

We make senior living simple.

n | 2018-2020

Thirteenth Editio

OmahaHandbook.com

No matter how old we are, we need to make our health a priority.

For seniors, health concerns are ever more prevalent. That is why we want to encourage our senior readers to stay active and get to know the professionals in the community who are passionate about helping people throughout the aging process. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

37

ELEVATE YOUR TEAM

AT TREERUSH ADVENTURES AT FONTENELLE FOREST

Greater Omaha’s Newest Place for: • Corporate Retreats • Team Bonding • Team Development Make your next employee gathering an adventure to remember!

Mention “Strictly Business” and get 10% off outings booked before Nov. 1, 2019.

OPENING SUMMER 2019

CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE: (402) 316-7038 1111 Bellevue Blvd N, Ste A Bellevue, NE 68005 (402) 316-7038 info@TreeRush.com

TreeRush.com

38

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Company Retreats As a company that is wholeheartedly behind the idea of company retreats, this was an easy topic for us to talk about. Plus, we know some pretty awesome businesses in Omaha who can assist on this front.

Our team works hard, but we like to play every now and then! Yes, we are “strictly business,” but business doesn’t mean not having any fun. A team that has fun together is also able to buckle down and do the hard work that needs to get done together.

The importance of spending time with your office team outside of the workplace is immeasurable. Not only do these types of outings give employers a chance to show appreciation to their staff and add value to the job itself, but they are also an opportunity for teams to bond and grow stronger together. The main purpose of team building is to improve interpersonal relations among coworkers, both for their own personal well-being and for the productivity of the company they work for.

When we talked to Ashton Porter over at Ashton Porter Corky Canvas, she agreed with us!

Corky Canvas After hosting multiple team bonding event, Ashton has seen the benefits of this type of experience firsthand. These benefits include: • Cohesiveness among colleagues and departments.

• Increased innovation and creativity by even your most left-brained thinkers.

• Better communication skills within your department and/or among multiple departments.

• Employees’ willingness to leave their comfort zone. Staff’s confidence in their ability to achieve something they didn’t think was possible.

“Company retreats are important for so many reasons,” Ashton confirmed.

“They are a way to remove your team from the day-to-day nitty-gritty and create another environment to learn from one another! Working in such proximity is great, but learning new things about each other is even better! Company outings are a way to shed new light on each person and create a memory, one that was had together. It will be talked about and reminisced, creating laughter and conversation that isn’t necessarily about work! It strengthens bonds and will strengthen the ability to work together and ultimately produce together, a true sense of team.”

When looking into doing a company retreat and getting ideas for them, Ashton’s advice would be to find something completely new and different—something that will take you far from what a normal day looks like! Corky Canvas is a place that does just that.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Need some new artwork for your office?

Get a team building discount when you book by August 30, 2019.

3157 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68131 | 402-637-4066

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

39

We’ll keep your event on budget so you can celebrate without worry!

No matter the party size, we got this!

Beer • Wine • Liquor • Home Brewing Beverage Catering • Wedding Invitations

Call or stop by today: (402) 331-5404 • 8510 K St, Omaha www.CornhuskerBeverage.com

PATIO NOW OPEN!

Fun on The Platte River!

Private Tours Birthday Parties Company Picnics Team Building Events

Graduations

Family Reunions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR!

Find us on Facebook

Your Guide Kyle Kern

(402) 699-4489 RiverLifeTours.com 40

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

“Breaking away from routine is such an awesome way to create memories and bond as a team!” exclaimed Ashton. “With that, look for spaces with private venues and tailored environments. For example, we rent you the space and you can choose the painting your team does. You are also able to bring in snacks and food to enhance the experience. At Corky Canvas, we create a truly exclusive environment that will allow your team to have fun, branch out, and try something new here in Omaha.

We give you step by step instructions to make sure it is a carefree event, while also relying on the others in their team to help them through, and enjoying every moment! You not only walk away with more confidence in yourself but in everyone else who participates as well. A little wine helps too (wink wink).”

Companies Corky Canvas has worked with include Northwestern Mutual, American Title, Inc., Yahoo, Inc., Farm Credit Services of America, ConAgra Foods, UNMC Physicians, Glaxo Smith Kline, US Bank, Kiewit, Mutual of Omaha, Cabela’s, Bryan NICU, James Arthur Vineyards and more!

Team building at Corky Canvas starts at $420 for up to 12 people and they can hold up to 45 people! With a glass of wine in one hand, a paintbrush in the other, and the music rock’n, a company retreat at Corky Canvas has some good times in store for you and your team.

Another hot spot in Omaha for some good, relaxed team bonding is Acadian Grille. This authentic Cajun hangout spot is ideal for small teams or departments to get together for drinks and delicious fare. Talk to Owner Dan O’Brien about reserving a few tables for your group, or bring the yummy taste of Louisiana-styled cooking to you with Acadian Grille’s catering options!

If you choose to rent an indoor or outdoor venue and come up with some fun retreat activities yourself, don’t forget about all the awesome games and party items that Honeyman Rent-All has to offer. Choose from a variety of outdoor yard games like horseshoes, yard darts, and corn hole—they even have a dunk tank you can rent! Doesn’t dunking your boss sound fun? Honeyman also has canopies and candelabras, glasses, linens, and trays...pretty much anything you can think of that you might need for your event.

Drinks are also important to figure out. Maybe you’re planning a BYOB event, or your office is taking over a venue with a full-service bar.

If neither of these are the case and you need to get your own stock of beverages to offer, Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal can assist with this. Cornhusker Beverage can bring a hosted bar to your event, just set up an appointment with Jim Sobczyk and he’ll get you a quote.

Jim mentioned a couple different options that he has seen groups do for their event.

Jim Sobczyk “Some companies want to host beer and wine and just have guests pay for mixed drinks,” Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal Jim informed us. “However, this is not always a money saver. Many guests will switch to the ‘free stuff’ when they are forced to buy their first choice. Other groups host the first hour, then go to a cash bar for everything. This usually turns out to be a money saver, but if a company retreat runs for a couple hours, the organizers need to consider how long they want everyone to have to pay for their own drinks. Company retreats are a way for employers to reward their team for all their hard work, so it’s common for the company to foot the bill.”

Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal is a full service retail liquor store with an extensive list of beer, wine, and liquor to choose from. Located at 8510 K St., they are open to the public and welcome special requests for events and bulk ordering.

With the arrival of warm summer weather, we wanted to highlight a few retreat destinations that offer outdoor activities and space to host some unforgettable office outings. The first one we looked into was Papio Fun Park, located Margaret White at 210 East Lincoln St. in Papillion. With 29 Papio Fun Park

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

years of creating fun memories for companies of all sizes, Papio Fun Park has flexible packages that allow for a private setting in their pavilion area. Exclusive use of the pavilion will accommodate up to 200 people, and smaller groups have a section roped off still giving that private feel. Activities at the park include go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, trampoline games, pool tables, video games, batting cages, and water balloons—some of these things you never grow out of! Save the serious business for the office and let your inner kid run free.

“Our Fireside Pavilion is the perfect setting for any group,” Owner Margaret White told us. “Whether you’re planning a gathering of 20 people or a large group event for 200, this cozy space will warm your heart. Rental of the space for up to three hours is $500. It is equipped with a full access circular fir pit and drop down vinyl walls. We allow groups to have their own caterer, which helps to keep the cost manageable.”

You can learn a lot more about another employee or a boss outside of work when you have a chance to relax, eat some good food, and do activities and fun things together that you normally don’t get to do at work.

The experts at Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch know how important it is for the organizers to first consider the type of event they are going to host for their team. For example, if you are planning a fall event for just the employees, Bellevue Berry has nighttime activities like haunted houses and hayrides that are fun to do with a campfire. With over 25 sites available, companies can rent out a campfire site for their group for the evening. Bellevue Berry provides a picnic table, benches, hot dog/s’more sticks, and firewood! For groups looking for something that is more family friendly so that employees can bring their kids along, they may choose to visit during the day and enjoy a trip out to the pumpkin patch. The farm offers many family friendly activities including their popular life size pirate ship for kids to enjoy.

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch hosts events year round with their lodges that can accommodate groups from 50 people on up to 400 people. These lodges also come with full catering and full bar options.

Company Christmas parties are a big hit with people showcasing the farm’s rustic lodges and Christmas decorating. If you are looking for more of an outdoor picnic party, then Bellevue Berry also has a great space for that and many activities for the people to enjoy, such as team building exercises, animal areas, and play areas that are not only for the kids but also for the kid at heart. No matter what time of the year, enjoying a company party at Bellevue Berry is sure to provide a truly unique Midwest experience.

We also want to encourage companies to keep an eye on Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch’s lineup of festivals and upcoming events. It would be fun to plan a company retreat around one of these special occasions!

The last destination we had the pleasure of learning more about was TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest, which will be opening very soon! The park hopes to be taking reservations by phone in mid-June, and officially opening by early July.

Most retreat organizers envision a TreeRush Adventures at retreat where employees laugh with Fontenelle Forest each other and become energized by each other—they want to build support and trust, and they want an experience that sparks a desire to create innovative processes or products. Organizers who truly want these outcomes seek retreat opportunities that break the norm. TreeRush Adventures is definitely a break from the norm. This is a place where coworkers can soar on a zip line and traverse trails through the treetops while wearing fullbody harnesses and specialized climbing gear. After developing the knack of using the gear, team members climb up to a main platform to choose one of seven aerial trails through the canopy. Like at a ski hill, the trails are color coded to show the degree of challenge they offer.

Yellow trails are the easiest and are about 10 feet above the forest floor. The green, blue, and black-diamond trails are progressively higher and require increased balance, stamina, and strength. The highest trails are about 55 feet in the air. According to Kema Geroux, spokesperson for TreeRush, many people start with an easier trail to #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Come Join The Fun! EXTR EM E W R I STBA NDS

includes UNLIMITED access to go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, Spaceball, Jumpshot & Water Wars!

Mid-Week Madness EVERY WEDNESDAY June 5 - August 14 EXTREME only $12 All the fun at half the price!

210 East Lincoln Street

402.592.5671

Online Discounts

Visit our website digital store for discounts on various packages.

Big savings available!

Papillion

WWW.PAPIOFUNPARK.COM

become acclimated. As they become increasingly comfortable with climbing, they express feelings of empowerment.

“It’s great to be in the park and hear people spontaneously whooping,” Kema said. “It’s also fun to overhear people giving each other advice and words of encouragement. You see a lot of high fives as people complete a trail together. They talk about the fun parts—and the scary parts—as they walk back to the main platform to choose another trail.”

Kema said the basic retreat package starts at $39 per person. After learning about the park and how to use climbing gear, group members can explore aerial trails for two hours. TreeRush also offers facilitated activities in advance of climbing to help group members get comfortable with each other in this outdoor adventure setting.

In addition, TreeRush can arrange for a room rental from Fontenelle Forest and for catered meals. The staff at TreeRush make it easy to plan a retreat experience that will be long remembered.

“People sometimes report they were so excited the night before the retreat that they had a hard time sleeping,” Kema shared. “They say it’s been a while since they experienced the anticipation and nervousness they felt as a kid the night before a school field trip. It’s fun to see people arrive a little timid and then walk out of the park with a swagger. They often say they can’t wait to tell their kids about their day at work.”

TreeRush Adventures at Fontenelle Forest is just minutes from downtown Omaha. After a very short drive, you find yourself surrounded by one of the only remaining old growth forests in the region. You truly feel like you’ve left your everyday world behind.

When caught up in daily deadlines and “emergency” requests, it is sometimes hard to remember you’re working with people you care about and with an organization you believe in. Company retreats are a minivacation from the stuff that makes work busy. Retreats provide time for employees to create or build relationships and to recognize the valuable and diverse skills of each team member. Retreats help employees regroup to discover innovative ways to tackle the busy and get down to business.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

41

Modern Business Networking

JOIN TODAY

Affordable Efficient Effective

Contact Amy Nieman, Area Director

Growing Your Business

(402) 709-1774 Amy@CenterSphere.com

Check out the upcoming feature stories!

Call to advertise and get quoted as an expert today!

July

August

Men’s Health Residential Remodeling Supporting Non-Profits Tradeshow Preparation Planned Life Changes Pet Care

Weddings Back to School Buying a Home Selling/Buying a Business Fleet Maintenance

402.466.3330 | StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

42

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Omaha is home to more than 45,000 businesses, and that number is constantly growing. With a low cost of living and a high quality of life, the steady economic growth in Omaha, is the envy of the nation. As a local small business with the mission of promoting other local businesses, we are passionate about this community and the companies that thrive here. It’s our goal to help businesses grow, and we know this process isn’t done without a strong support system in place. It’s also not something that can be accomplished over night. It takes time and commitment to build a business from the ground up. In order to get an idea of what it takes to successfully grow a business, we talked to a handful of local industry leaders who have experience in this area and offer services that could help along the way.

When we talked to Gerry Phelan with SCORE Greater Omaha, he addressed that it’s normal for businesses, even established ones, to hit roadblocks or reach a plateau. “It can be difficult for the people on the inside of a business to see new options,” Gerry noted.

“When that happens, it really helps to get an outside perspective.”

Too often, existing businesses keep doing things the same way they always have and forget to look at the changes that are going on, not only in their industry, but in technology Gerry Phelan that drives their systems and marketing. This SCORE Greater Omaha is where SCORE shines.

“We offer free one-on-one business mentoring,” Gerry said. “Our volunteers represent a wide variety of businesses and industries, so we can bring serious insights to bear on business planning, and since we are run by volunteers, there is no cost for our services. A business at any stage is welcome to use our resources...and they work. Nationally, 71% of SCORE’s clients go into business after initial mentoring, and further benefit from ongoing mentoring as they operate their business.”

Today’s businesses do have an advantage with the ready access to information that the internet offers. The difficulty often arises with the things they don’t see coming, which Gerry refers to as the “Unknown unknowns.”

“At SCORE, our role is help people evaluate their business opportunities and then prepare them to move forward by helping them see all the issues from banking, legal, and insurance, to pricing, sourcing, and marketing,” explained Gerry. “If they will need a loan to get started, that often includes preparing a formal business plan. We then help them after they open by being a sounding board and a resource for those (What do I do now?) questions. Our person-to-person mentoring is vital for our start-up clients and current small businesses. In the Greater Omaha area, last year, SCORE helped start 141 new businesses and helped create 234 non-owner jobs. With our workshops and mentoring sessions, we impacted over 2,500 people last year. That is something we’re proud of.”

Gerry’s background in operations management for large organizations has taught him to invest in detailed planning. He would build budgets,

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

spreadsheets, and Gannt charts because the problems were often large scale and complex, but in small to midsize businesses, that level of planning can induce paralysis. Instead, it makes more sense to break projects down into small steps and then quickly try them out. If something works do more of it. If an idea fails, discard it and try something else. By moving quickly, you can try more ideas and reduce the cost of failure.

According to Gerry, it’s important to plan and evaluate, but ultimately businesses need to be nimble and active. “Too often, existing businesses resist change because it is uncomfortable rather than embracing it to stay ahead of the competition,” Gerry revealed. “Or, they utilize a new internet marketing approach because someone else is using it, versus determining what approach is best for their business. Another problem area is failing to look at the increased cost of doing business, such as materials expense or production costs or the actual cost of delivering a service. Ignoring increased costs will squeeze profit margins. Rising costs need to be examined and reduced or reflected in increased pricing of products and services. Too often, businesses fear they will lose sales and clients if they raise their prices. SCORE helps them evaluate these areas and determine the best approach to take.”

Providing mentoring in two convenient locations (Commerce Village near the Old Market and 108th and Maple), SCORE has much to offer the local business community. Clients who receive at least three hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased business growth.

After talking to Gerry, it became very clear that having allies throughout the business community is one of the best things a business can do for itself. Today, only about half of small businesses survive for five years, and this is because they often do not have a trusted team of advisors to use as a sounding board. It’s hard to master every aspect of a business, and there simply isn’t enough time to try to master everything, that is why business owners will outsource certain processes to professionals in those areas. This even includes the hiring and recruiting process. When it comes to finding the right people to put in place at your business, Concentric Corporation works with hundreds of well-known businesses in Omaha and across the country, and successfully places top-tier talent in thousands of permanent and temporary positions.

“It all comes down to relationships in our business,” Andy Hawkins, founder/CEO of Concentric Corporation, informed us. “Our proven ability to build relationships and a reputation of trust has allowed Concentric Corporation to grow. We add unique value to our audiences. Listening, understanding the needs of our partners, and then being able to deliver has been the determining factor for us. We are not the kind of company that will try to force something that doesn’t feel right for everyone involved—our value comes from Andy Hawkins bringing our audiences together when the time Concentric Corporation is right, which isn’t always immediately.”

Andy believes that talent and culture are of the utmost importance. An inefficient hiring process can deter the two parties from ever getting together and can take valuable time and resources away from a company. That is why Concentric Corporation takes the time to listen and understand what you need in order to ensure the process goes smoothly.

“We make sure that the timeless value of a network is implemented,” explained Andy. “Far beyond a database of names or an internet search, our network—built from years of experience and trust—has deeply affected how successful we can be with our clientele.”

Andy concluded with the following advice: “Be flexible. Business never goes the way you think it will. Remember the reason ‘why’ you’re in business and the ‘who’ that helps your company succeed.”

Finding the right talent—an employee who can grow and succeed at a company for the long-term, and an employer who remains happy with that employee for years to come—requires time commitment and careful decision making. Let Concentric Corporation help your business narrow down the options on both sides, creating a bridge between your company and the community’s top talent.

At the end of the day, though, establishing credibility is the best thing a business can do to attract talent and new business. Credibility can be #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Wendy Richey,

Director and Certified Value Builder Business Acquisitions, Sales and Consulting

SEEKING FUTURE SUCCESS STORIES Berkshire Hathaway /Ambassador Commercial Division 402.630.7461 | Wendy.Richey@BHHSAmb.com 331 Village Point Plaza | Omaha, NE 68118 www.bhhsambcommercial.com

Free. Personalized. Confidential.

Business Consulting Expert Advice When you need help pulling the pieces together! SCORE is here to help.

• Early stage entrepreneurs - considering starting a business but need help defining your ideas, building your plan and obtaining financing • Start-up businesses - seeking to establish your business, manage finances or build your business plan • Established businesses - seeking to grow your business and struggling with direction and gaining control • Veterans - who want to start a business Whatever pieces of the business process you are in, if you need some help contact SCORE, our goal is to help you be successful. We can help.

Get started today! 402.221.3606 • www.omaha.score.org 10675 Bedford Ave. Suite 100, Omaha • Commerce Village, 950 S 10th, Omaha

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

43

earned on a community level, from referrals and relationships, but we also hear a lot about online credibility. By now, most people are familiar with the term SEO (search engine optimization). This is a term our team uses when explaining the value our clients receive when they chose to invest their marketing dollars with Strictly Business. Since everything that we create and publish in the magazine also gets posted online, our advertisers’ SEO goes up as Google basically “rewards” original content that is back linked to a company’s website.

As a unique advertising tool, Strictly Business allows businesses to get their name, face, and story in front of tens of thousands of people every month, in print and online. What makes our publication special is our ability to promote our clients in so many different ways. Businesses that partner with us pay for an ad space, but we know that an ad can’t tell the whole story. This is why we create free added-value editorial for all of our clients. We introduce the key people at their business through our River City Six columns and we present them as the expert in their field through our feature stories. We also keep them relevant by sharing their exciting announcements in our press section. When a company is growing and expands its building space or adds more people to its team, we want to share that news with our readers. Ultimately, it’s all about building credibility.

Yes, there is nothing like that face to face connection, but business owners can only be so many places at once. We encourage going to various networking events and getting involved in different referral groups, but to get your business name out on a larger scale, a little investment in advertising is required.

With the time you have carved out for networking, we recommend getting involved in Center Sphere. “Center Sphere is in the people business,” stated CEO Brett Boyer. “It helps people connect and stay connected. Our Brett Boyer network is about building relationships that Center Sphere

44

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

far outlast any business transaction. We stand on the belief that long standing business starts and ends with relationship. You do business with people who you know, like, and trust. That being said, our company helps connect like-minded individuals to one another and gives them a platform to develop relationships, not only locally, but nationwide if they desire.”

According to Brett, business is all about having a plan, and then being prepared to change course at anytime. “Your plan should have an end in mind, but the way you get to the end will never be the way you thought it would be!” he exclaimed. “Create a great culture and let it develop your brand. Your brand will, in turn, drive your business.”

Brand recognition really is crucial, and creating a brand cannot be done without an understanding of the marketplace. As a full-service advertising agency, Eleven Twenty-Three prides itself on helping its clients recognize their target market and then reaching that target market with savvy media placement, creative messaging, and promotional opportunities.

Part of this process involves using the message to emotionally connect potential customers in a way that can be clearly understood. When done correctly, this serves to elevate a brand.

A great advertising medium for businesses to consider is Boomer Radio.

Because every business and service is unique, the Boomer Radio sales team works with each client to customize an advertising campaign that meets their individual needs and objectives. While traditional radio is primarily listened to while in the car, Boomer Radio reaches consumers in the work place.

Boomer Radio is cost-effective way to reach a highly educated and affluent audience. Broadcasting oldies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, Boomer Radio is programmed to please the 55+ “baby boomer generation” market. According to the Census Bureau, there are 78 million Baby Boomers in the United States. Boomers dominate consumer electronics, technology, entertainment, health and fitness, and the home improvement retail sectors, and are 35% more likely than the general population to have a portfolio with a market value of between $250 and $499 thousand.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Another important consideration is technology, and by technology we mean your business’s online performance and internal operations.

These days, it’s almost impossible for a business to compete in the marketplace without a good website, and it can be extremely difficult for a business when its operations are slowed down by out of date technology. To give us more insight on how to address this, we spoke with Jon Weiss, founder of ShineForth. Jon and his team are passionate about delivering superior outcomes for their clients so that they can stress Jon Weiss less and focus more on growing their business.

ShineForth They do that through beautifully handcrafted websites, modern apps, and visionary technology strategy.

“Our team has decades of experience working with clients from around the country,” Jon shared. “We love to code, develop our craft, and build solutions that help businesses grow. It’s our passion and what drives us each day. Whether you need a website, mobile app, enterprise platform, or a technology roadmap that works for your business, we want to be the partner that you trust.”

ShineForth has developed everything from simple websites all the way up to large enterprise systems. While most companies tend to have development capabilities that are limited to a certain space, technology platform or level of project complexity, i.e. small to medium sized websites or simple mobile apps, they have the ability to tackle large, complex projects in a variety of technologies.

Jon admitted that running any business in any industry is tough and there will be moments where the path forward feels overwhelming. Businesses that succeed are able to push through obstacles with a relentless purpose and collective drive to unleash the unique value that they bring on the market. It requires tenacity of focus and shared perspective on why you do what you do, who you do it with, and ultimately who you do it for.

This is the key to unlocking growth and aligning effort to outcomes that benefit everyone involved. You have to know what your purpose is and how to create unique value in the marketplace.

According to Jon, one of the biggest assets for a business owner is having the right partners in place: “The right partner can add value as a strategic advisor or act as an engine of growth to unlock opportunities otherwise unavailable. One of my goals has been to seek a diversity in business mentors and cultivate business relationships with advisors that I can trust to grow my business. Listening carefully to what worked for them, learn from what did not, pitching ideas for their review and then thinking critically about how to apply the insight they share in a way that helps my business grow. Having an outside perspective from those who have been there and done that is absolutely necessary to grow.”

Jon concluded with the following advice: Be prepared for the unexpected.

“Innovation moves fast, technology can be complex, and getting it wrong can be an expensive setback to your business,” Jon stated. “What worked yesterday, or something that was built last year, may not be able to keep pace with the growth of your business. Having a firm grasp on the technology platforms that support your business is critical. Knowing where those platforms are going is even more important. For those reasons, it is more important than ever to have the right technology partner that can help you achieve your business growth goals with dependable technology solutions that are rock solid, secure, and scalable at the speed of business.”

Ultimately, Jon believes the businesses that have the highest growth rates are the ones that have figured out how to cultivate their culture, attract others to it, and unleash the positive outcomes it creates on everyone who interacts with it. We’ve found that sometimes a company’s physical workspace can make a big impact on its culture. If an office isn’t designed in a way that allows for collaboration and inspiration, it could be what is setting a business back.

Curt Brannon had this in mind when he founded Modern Work Suites & Studios, a unique space where tenants are able to rent out an office space that fits their needs. Professionals who call Modern Work their work home are able to take in a game of pool or ping-pong during

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Grow your business Beautiful Websites www.shineforth.co

Visionary Strategy

[855] SHN-FRTH

Modern Apps

hello@shineforth.co

JOAN KURTENBACH - HEARTLAND PAYROLL SOLUTIONS It’s about time payroll was made easy. Our platform is intuitive and our personal service is exceptional. Gain access to employee management tools including employee paperless onboarding, tax credit screening, time & attendance, human resources and a full payroll and tax service.

“Entrepreneurs respectfully helping entrepreneurs”. It’s at the core of every client Joan sets up on the Heartland Payroll Service.

Everyone Matters.

402-850-5384 • joan.kurtenbach@e-hps.com • www.heartland.us

Advertise With Boomer Radio!

Boomer Radio is a network of local radio signals and is the area’s only oldies station that programs to the 55+ baby boomer market. We understand how to market to the affluent “Boomer” generation.

Why target baby boomers?

• 50% of the population is over the age of 50 • Boomers spend the most across all product categories • Boomers own 80% of all savings & MORE!

Why choose Boomer Radio to advertise?

• Advertising “zone” options • America’s #1 reach medium • Cost effective • Live and local programing • Only baby boomer station & MORE!

Call Brad at (402) 710-9616 to see how Boomer can partner with your business today!

www.MyBoomerRadio.com

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

45

NEED TO LEASE OFFICE SPACE? • 50,000 sq. feet with over 50 studios & suites.

• Completely private, fully furnished offices.

• Conference rooms available for large groups or entertaining clients.

• Amenities include: Business Center, Mixx Lounge Lego Room, Living Room, Gym, and Food Trucks.

• Built-in networking opportunities every week.

CONSIDER MODERN WORK...

A Business Ecosystem We are located in the historic Pamida headquarters at 8790 F Street Omaha, NE (2 turns off 84th & i-80) ModernWorkSuites.com | (531) 600-6901 46

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

their breaks, or converse with their “neighbors” who represent businesses in various different industries.

From one-person studios to large suites that can office 10–15 people, Modern work can accommodate various sizes of business. They currently have a company that is renting out an entire hallway of offices!

Altogether, Modern Work Suites has 46 single studios, 18 double studios, nine triple studios, and nine suites. You can take a virtual tour of the floor plan on Modern Work’s website.

“People should love where they work,” said Kate Gallagher, the on-site manager for Modern Work Suites & Studios. “Things like lighting, wall color, decor, desk arrangement, and quality of equipment can impact dayto-day production in an office. Having a fun, positive culture will take a business far. Making sure your business has the space and amenities it needs to be successful is important.”

“A really neat thing we offer our clients is the ability to customize their office space by selecting from a catalog of desks, bookshelves, Kate Gallagher chairs, and lamps, which is a perk included in Modern Work the rent,” added Kate. “Our tenants can even Suites & Studios choose what color they want their accent wall to be! This allows people to really feel like their space is their own. Plus, businesses have access to three levels of Wi-Fi, a mailing and packaging service, a business service center where things like fax services, copying, and scanning documents are available, a low-impact gym, free and easy access parking, and four separate conference rooms, which tenants can rent for free up to four hours a month.”

With commercial real estate in mind, there are a lot of people beginning to look into investing in real estate to accelerate their own personal or business portfolio. If this is something you’ve considered, we recommend working with one of Berkshire Hathaway AMB HS’s highly experienced sales agents. They will offer you research-based solutions on the acquisition, ownership, and disposition of real estate. As for tenant representation, a Berkshire Hathaway commercial agent can help! From small communities to large business centers, network leasing professionals use their knowledge, resources, and talent to provide optimal real estate solutions.

“We also have a division within the Commercial Division at Berkshire Hathaway AMB HS called BASC or Business Acquisitions, Sales, and Consulting,” Wendy Richey informed us. “The Consulting arm of the division helps business owners assess the ‘health’ of their business. We have two assessments that evaluate key drivers in any business. Each assessment allows us to show a business owner how to get from a score of 40 to 80–100. A healthy business will be in that 80–100 range, and we can help them get there.”

Wendy Richey In any business, you need to know who your Berkshire Hathaway client is and what they need. To stay above the competition, you need to provide that extra service that your competitor does not. You will gain a respected reputation which will strengthen the number of referrals by current customers.

“The resources available for growing your business are vast,” Wendy added. “Business coaches/advisors, business mentors, technology trends, and industry associations are all great avenues to help you grow. A business owner just needs to reach out; everyone wants your business to be successful just from pure economic reasoning. Our Commercial Division and our Business Acquisitions, Sales, and Consulting at Berkshire Hathaway AMB HS are here to help you achieve success in your business.

I’m looking for new success stories!”

We are very proud to live in such a thriving business ecosystem here in Omaha. As a local business publication, it is so exciting to see so many new businesses get started and so many rooted businesses continue to change and grow.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Commercial Remodeling While new construction offers an opportunity to build a commercial space with the latest, cost efficient technology, remodeling and renovation are an alternative strategies which can lower costs for Omaha businesses in the long run by reducing energy consumption and preventing damage.

Darin Cielocha McGill Restoration

As the vice president of business development for McGill Restoration, Darin Cielocha believes it is important to understand the distinction between remodeling and restoration work. “The interesting thing is, we don’t do remodeling.

We do restoration,” said Darin. According to Darin, the distinction is the focus of the project, with the majority of remodeling work focusing on a building’s interior, while restoration work focuses on restoring structural integrity to aging materials, such as concrete and stone masonry.

Darin added that this is why mentorships and training are imperative for their employees and he believes craftsmanship deserves more appreciation because of its importance to restoring historical buildings and preserving history in general.

We also spoke with Travis Rose, project manager for the growing general c o n t r a c t i n g c o m p a ny, Pe r r y Re i d Construction (PRC). As Travis informed us, PRC is working on projects for major Travis Rose clients across Nebraska: “PRC has recently been working on a number of new Perry Reid Construction

“From a masonry restoration perspective, we’re taking a dated building and trying to give it a facelift…

For instance, when we are restoring the concrete for Memorial Stadium, the years of dropping beverages and everything else starts to deteriorate the concrete. We work to retain the structural integrity and to restore concrete and masonry,” Darin explained.

According to Darin, McGill has three unique traits. “One of our unique traits is that we do a lot of internal training. We will spend over 1,600 hours just for internal training of our field workers this year. We are paying our people to learn from our people. We consider our workers to be craftsmen and want to provide the training opportunities to help them to succeed within the trade,” said Darin. “Our second unique trait is our specialty equipment. For example, we own many specialty equipment rigs that have been designed to apply protective coatings to bridges and highways to get the roads back into service as quickly as possible.” Darin continues, “The third unique trait of McGill Restoration is that we perform the majority of our work with our own forces on a tight schedule. When you have your own workforce and you are doing more than 80% of the work internally—without subcontractors—you have to understand your capabilities and manage your capacity well in order to succeed.”

Because restoration work involves working with aged materials, Darin says their workers have to be experienced in traditional craftsmanship. “It is a very labor intense trade. There is a lot of heavy lifting involved and there is no new technology that can replace hard blue-collared work. It is very much a traditional, skilled art. Previously, if you were a stone mason, you were very sought after.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

47

remodels. We are currently doing an interior office remodel for the UNMC Center for Healthy Living, a fitness studio located at 39th and Jones (in the Student Life Building), offering classes and assessments for a health-oriented approach to physical activity. We’ve moved a few walls to give them ample space for a workroom, in addition to installing all new flooring, paint, and updated cabinetry and countertops. We also have expanded the restroom for ADA compliance.”

In addition to their remodeling work, Rose mentioned some new construction projects that will be coming to Omaha soon. “We’ve got a Smile Station Dentistry that we will start working on in a couple months and we’re about to start working on an apartment complex in Bellevue.”

Travis thinks a popular choice for recent remodeling projects is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) for both its ease of installation and for its comfort. “LVT is softer than stone or wood, it’s more affordable, durable, and has an overall appealing look. Wallpaper is also making a comeback in apartment remodels,” said Travis.

As Travis explained to us, the remodeling process involves a careful planning stage to prepare a realistic budget for the client. “I like to believe that we exceed our client’s expectations!

Some of the tenant finishes we are currently looking at do not have construction plans so we like to take the time and extra steps needed to walk through and thoroughly survey the space.

PRC meets with clients to get a better understanding of the ideas of what they picture their space looking like. We then draft their ideas and put together a budget based on what they’re envisioning. We like to work closely with our clients to make their visions a reality within their budget. By doing this, we are in constant contact with clients and regularly update them on the state of the remodel.”

Something that might surprise readers is the degree of flexibility that’s required for remodeling. Travis noted how construction kind of imitates life: “Construction takes time and a great deal of coordination. Sometimes we run into unknown problems or uncover things that cannot be seen by the eye. As much as we would like them to, things don’t always go according to plan. Just like life, you’ll get a curve ball every now and again.”

Because of improvements in heating, cooling, and lighting, energy costs can now be drastically reduced for commercial buildings over the long run. For example, we asked Chris Langer, owner of Langer Electric, how remodeling can help owners reduce their electric bills. Chris says he has seen several interesting trends emerge recently.

“Typically, it’s just upgrading everything to LED,” Chris said. “It seems like they keep Chris Langer coming out with easier products to install.

Langer Electric It’s not such a big, bulky product anymore.

Also, Wi-Fi switches are improving. It’s getting to the point that people can install and control everything throughout their house. It’s like a one-stop shop. It can be controlled through an app on an iPad or phone, including security cameras. You can have 24/7 surveillance of your property sent right to your phone.”

One potential issue Chris thinks owners need to be aware of is new codes for commercial kitchens, which can affect both restaurants and cafeterias. “What they have to be aware of, especially when it comes to commercial kitchens, is new code that requiring very expensive GSCI breakers,” Chris warned. “Really, it just comes down to more electrical safety precautions, but it’s becoming more and more expensive. There is the benefit of saving money by upgrading to LED lighting. One of the biggest things they can do is switch all their lighting over to LED from the old incandescent.

LED use 90% less electricity than the standard incandescent bulb.

You’re getting more light for less power.”

Most recently, Chris noted they have done electrical remodeling for a hair salon and a Pilates fitness studio in Omaha. “We do absolutely anything that the customer wants done differently. We always stand by our product. There are so many people who come in and do work and they are just there and gone. There is no continued relationship between them and the customer. Following through with your word and having a reliable product is what we stand for,” promised Chris.

48

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

Weather and water can be a destructive force for older buildings. In fact, as Dennis Nun, owner of Heartland International, Inc., informed us, over 80% of Heartland International’s roofing contractors spend all of their time reroofing commercial buildings. “It’s a normal part of building restoration or refurbishing an existing building,” said Dennis. “Our systems are different from many other systems in that we are often able to go over older roofing systems, because our Conklin Commercial Dennis Nun Roofing Systems are lightweight and Heartland seamless. This fact can often eliminate the International, Inc. need for a complete roof removal. This process means that we avoid opening up the building to potential rain damage and leakage during the new roof installation. What makes these roofing systems unique from others is, that our warranty trained Conklin Roofing Systems Contractors are backed by a national company that has been developing and installing these new and superior systems for over 40 years. So, you have the advantage of working with a local contractor backed by a national company with some of the best warranties in the industry.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

A lot of leakage begins for metal buildings because of the effect of heat on metal, as Dennis explained: “Metal buildings will always leak because of the natural expansion and contraction that occurs over the years. The screws or fasteners are stressed and may snap or get loose. That’s where a lot of leakage begins.

An advantage of Conklin Roofing Systems is they allow for the exterior addition of an elastomeric coating and in many cases additional sprayed-in-place urethane insulation, applied over the metal roof deck. If it’s a metal building, like an industrial warehouse, we can go over that existing roof, seal it from leakage and at the same time add some additional exterior insulation.

Many systems require insulation to be applied inside the building.

We have that option, but most of the time, our insulation is applied to the exterior of the building. This avoids a tear off and opening a building up to potential vulnerability during the roofing process.

The second benefit is the additional insulation on the exterior of the building instead of the interior means that we will reduce a lot of expansion and contracting due to weather extremes in the future. When we can put the insulation on the outside of the building, we are able to prolong the life of the building.”

The reroofing process begins by cleaning and preparing the surface. “I think a big part of why our systems work so well is nearly all our systems are bright white and highly reflective,” Dennis noted. “This reduces the energy load on the air conditioning system. Reflectivity can actually pay for the roof over a period of time based on energy systems.”

Recent changes in US tax law have allowed business owners to include up to $1 million per year as roof maintenance expenses on their tax return, Dennis said “This allows the business owner to write off the expense in the same year rather than depreciating it over time.”

“We have some new coatings and systems that have extended warranties,” Dennis reports. “The materials just continue to get better and the warranties continue to get longer.”

Dennis says one of the unique advantages of their roofing system’s is its longevity combined with competitive pricing: “We are very competitive when it comes to the price of re-roofing your building.

Our materials themselves are more expensive than older systems like EPDM rubber sheet systems. But our labor is typically much less meaning that all of the expenses related to labor like insurance, workman’s compensation and wages are a less to offset the more expensive roofing materials we use. We can install a system in half the time typically, with a crew half the size of an EPDM crew. I tell people that the majority of what you spend on your roof stays on the roof.”

New laws and regulations can be a headache for unprepared business and property owners. Not only was FireGuard USA founded to assist businesses in efficiently complying with fire safety codes, they also do remodeling work focused on fire safety systems. “The FireGuard installation team has worked on several school remodel projects over the past few years, mostly in the Omaha area, but a few in Iowa. Many schools are choosing to update their life safety systems to meet current code, shifting Eric Kolcun from horns as the audible notification device FireGuard USA to speakers, and employing a variety of different available emergency messages.

These messages vary from a standard ‘Fire Alarm’ voice evacuation message, to a ‘Weather Alert’ message, encouraging teachers and students to take appropriate actions in the event of a weather emergency. We also offer a ‘Lock-down,’ or ‘Stay in place’ message, in the unfortunate event of an emergency on campus,” explained FireGuard’s installation manager, Eric Kolcun.

Eric says that a key trait of FireGuard is their professional career development for employees: “FireGuard works diligently to out#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Need An Electrician?

Commercial • Residential Call today! (402) 215-1914

ONE CALL. ONE SOURCE. Full Service Fire Protection Company

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION TODAY! PHONE: 402-592-1999 4404 S. 76th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127 www.FireGuardUSA.com

Products & Services Life Safety Consulting Fire Alarm Systems Fire Sprinkler Systems Restaurant Systems Special Hazard Systems Fire Extinguishers Exit and Emergency Lights Fire Door Inspections Fire and Smoke Dampers Fire Extinguisher Training Path of Egress Illumination …and more!

Elite Partner

perform other contractors by continually looking to grow, not just physically, but professionally. We encourage all of our employees to grow and develop down one of our career path opportunities, including fire alarm installation, fire alarm inspections and service, fire sprinkler service, fire suppression installation, and several more.

We strive to be the best and most knowledgeable in the industry.”

This training is critical because safety codes are continually changing, and there are a variety of systems to choose from.

“Make sure that you are aware of all of the options that companies can offer,” advised Eric. “Life Safety can be expensive, but it is important to be aware of the value you are getting for the agreed upon amount you are spending.”

While new technologies are always being offered, Eric warns business owners to consider upkeep costs: “Manufacturers are constantly working to provide the most aesthetically pleasing look, while providing the best life safety available in all of their devices. Many manufacturers are offering new wireless options for the consumer, too. While these may be more cost effective on the front end, the service and upkeep may cost more down the line.”

Fire protection isn’t the only building system that requires upkeep. Because buildings include a complex combination of systems, it can be useful to think of a building as more of a living thing than a static object. As Pat Killeen, president and CEO of Engineered Controls, reminds us, errors in these systems can affect the comfort and security of an entire building.

“A building’s mechanical systems can be optimized by providing supply air and supply water reset programs where the temperature of the air or water is

Pat Killeen Engineered Controls

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business

49

automatically adjusted depending on space demands and outside air temperatures,” Pat said. “Mechanical optimization programs could also include demand control ventilation programs to provide the right amount of outdoor air required in the building to improve the indoor air quality. Additionally, constant volume air and water systems can be converted to variable air and water flow systems where just the right amount of air and water are delivered based on demand.”

By monitoring a building’s electrical energy usage, Pat says owners can spot when an electrical system is being used wastefully, and explains how automation systems can minimize such waste: “Most buildings’ electricity is billed two ways, electrical energy consumption or kWh, and what was the peak electrical energy usage over a specific period of time or kW demand. A building automation system, or simply referred to as BAS, has time-based scheduling programs that can be used to minimize the electrical consumption of a building. At the same time, a BAS can also be constantly monitoring a buildings kW demand and as it begins to approach a pre-determined peak demand begin shedding or shutting off electrical loads automatically. All of these mechanical and electrical optimization solutions are designed to maintain building comfort and maximize energy savings that result in reduced energy bills.”

Pat says several exciting trends are emerging in building automation. “We live in an era of where today’s buildings of any size and shape can become intelligent buildings. With open protocol technology, they can connect multiple subsystems together, on one network, rather than operating them all independently— maximizing energy efficiency, lowering maintenance costs and providing centralized building control,” explained Pat. Pat explains that although building automation systems have existed since the 1970s, recent systems save time and money

on internal comfort conditions, individual room control, improved building reliability and life, and quick and effective responses to HVAC and security problems. “The systems also provide information on problems in the building, allow for computerized maintenance scheduling, are easy and effective for employees to use, and easily detect problems,” Pat pointed out.

One central location can now control all lighting, heating, cooling, and security functions, including outdoor controls and elevator controls. Pat explains how this is a must for businesses which wish to go green. “There is now a great demand for energy efficient buildings, high-tech devices and enhanced security systems that are now a central component of the building automation system.

Wireless technology will continue to revolutionize the building automation system market. For example, lighting control systems with dimming and light harvesting capabilities are generating an especially high demand for these kinds of products. It is expected that the Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be instrumental in the integration of heating and cooling systems, hot and chilled water systems, card access systems, video management systems, lighting systems, power generators, pumps, metering equipment, to name a few.”

He continued, “Long range analysis shows that there are a number of business sectors that are currently, and will continue to, drive the building automation sector of the building technology industry in the future. These include the demand for ‘green building technology,’ electrical energy management systems, LED lighting and lighting controls, security and access systems, asset management, smart buildings and the technology convergence into one, holistic Building Automation and Control System. In addition, the demand for home automation products will increase the demand for more commercial automation products.”

Technology and operation advancements have made the remodeling process go more smoothly for Cheever Construction.

As Justin Kurtzer highlighted, Cheever approaches each project with consistent objectives for success. “We utilize an effective sc hedule coupled with the quality and skill from our subcontractors, combined with our field craftsmen,” Justin said. “Cheever Construction takes pride in all of the relationships that we have entered into. We strive to make each project the precursor to the next project, while building a lasting relationship with everyone involved.”

Justin Kurtzer Cheever Construction

The efforts of Cheever Construction have no doubt paid off.

The company recently earned the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Eagle Award at the 23rd Annual Excellence In Construction awards for their work on the Nebraska Center For Advanced Professional Services. Offering 40,000 square feet of flexible educational environments to support the school’s linked learning curriculum, the building’s design caters to myriad learning styles with two floors of multi-functional labs, small group spaces, break out areas, and collaboration zones. In partnership with BVH Architecture, Cheever Construction recently completed this project and is happy with the final product. The company is excited to continue executing this type of remodeling work throughout Omaha and eastern Nebraska.

As the business ecosystem in Nebraska continues to grow, there will continue to be a demand for commercial remodeling projects to improve and expand on existing office space. It’s good to know who the companies and individuals are who are tackling these projects, taking great precaution to restore the history of the building and enhance Omaha’s cityscape.

50

Strictly Business JUNE 2019

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

Let’s discuss your project today!

Omaha 402.558.7989 | mcgillrestoration.com | Lincoln 402.438.4110

Help Building Occupants Stay Alert, Refreshed & Learn More!

Honeywell products increase comfort, energy efficiency, and improve indoor air quality.

Call us today to learn more about how Engineered Controls can help improve your building environment.

JUNE 2019 Strictly Business 1-866-395-0186 | www.EngineeredControls.com

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

51

r u o Y t s o Bo y t i l i b i d e r C e lin

On

Strictly Business Magazine delivers powerful, online editorial content for our clients, content that Google assigns the maximum credibility. No other local media business can help you create new and fresh content with a higher level of skill and experience than we can—we’ve been doing this for 25+ years.

For Free

Google loves original, timely, backlinked, and promoted editorial content. These are the most important SEO tactics that you should adopt to improve your website’s search engine ranking. By employing these tactics, you demonstrate to Google, and all the other search engines, that you and your website are a credible source of information.

Establishing credibility with search engines is just as important as establishing credibility with clients and potential clients. Fresh new content is of the upmost importance for your website’s online ranking and your ability to hold on to a coveted top search position.

Strictly Business Magazine is your local expert for creating original, timely, backlinked and promoted editorial content, and the proof is in the 12.7+ million times our clients’ press has been seen in just Google Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs) per year. That’s over one million times that our clients’ content has been viewed in Google search results per month! WOW! To see the proof, just visit our website and click on the “Boost Your Online Credibility” ad.

What’s even more amazing is the fact that we will create, post, and promote your content at no charge, zero cost, as a part of your print advertising campaign.

52 Right: Strictly Business 2019 That’s It’s 100%, Totally,JUNE Absolutely, FREE!

Isn’t it time you created some new and fresh content to increase your online presence and credibility for free? To get started, call or visit our website today: 402.466.3330 | StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

So Much More Than A Print Magazine #PrintProudDigitalSmart