Strictly Business Omaha November 2017

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

OMAHA • NOVEMBER 2017

NEIL AZEVEDO

ROBERT SEARS

Drastic Plastic Records, Operations Manager

Cox Business Security Solutions Consultant

• Memory Care • Holiday Cheer Client Spotlights • Concordia University, Nebraska • J-Tech Solar

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

BUSINESS PROTECTION WITH DETECTION & SURVEILLANCE SOLUTIONS

JOLEE URBANOVSKY

PAIGE ZUTAVERN

JEFF YOST

VIRGINIA LEACOCK

ZAC CLEMETSON

BEN RUSSELL

Bridge to Better Living

Strictly Business

Nebraska Community Foundation

McGill Restoration1 Brookestone AlamoStrictly Drafthouse Business NOVEMBER 2017 Meadows Cinema

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

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FOCUSING ON YOUR BRAND

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

Great Brands That Compete On Value: Tell Their Story Even in the diverse landscape of today’s marketplaces, it’s all too common you’ll find them to be saturated with competition. If there’s a product or service people need, you can guarantee there’s more than one provider that can be found locally. Even for something that isn’t a necessity, if there’s demand, there’s competition. So how does one business set itself apart from all of the others? Well, the most concise answer to that is – you guessed it – branding. Effectively, that is. As defined in BusinessDictionary, branding is “The process involved in creating a unique name and image for a product in the consumers’ mind, mainly through advertising campaigns with a consistent theme. Branding aims to establish a significant and differentiated presence in the market that attracts and retains loyal customers.” Your brand messaging is what motivates, persuades, compels, inspires, encourages, influences – all synonymous with the impetus for one taking action, which is the ultimate goal. All you need to do is give the people you hope to do business with one reason to select you that resonates with them (but the more, the better). In order for that reason to be fully evident to your target audience, though, you must first take action yourself and purposefully define your brand. There’s a lot of effort that goes into building a great brand. From establishing it in the first place to diligently adding layers of complexity as you go along, it is something that needs to be delivered so it can be digested. If a brand has achieved widespread recognition, a significant amount of time and money has been devoted to the process of building it. It’s been carefully shaped, consciously developed, and there’s a consistent storyline. Branding is all in the details, and your success in doing so is reliant on authenticity and the ability to tell a captivating story. Each business has one, and it’s unique from all the rest. This uniqueness is precisely what defines a brand.

Every month in Strictly Your brand messaging is what Business you’ll find the motivates, persuades, compels, Client Spotlight feature, inspires, encourages, influences whic h focuses on – all synonymous with the local businesses quite impetus for one taking action, literally telling their which is the ultimate goal. story. Sometimes it’s an overview of the key points such as history, prominent figures, special achievements, tough challenges overcome, community involvement, a snapshot of what’s happening in that particular business/industry and projections of what’s to come, and so on. Other times it’s specific to a major project completed, milestone reached, or event held. The composition of this piece is such that there is a story told through the deliberate combination of words and images; it attracts attention and keeps it, just like any good story, and there are plenty of good ones to be told right here in our local marketplace. Consider why we tell stories, something that dates back to the earliest of our human ancestors. We do it to connect and to share our experiences with others. With each story we build upon our knowledge base, which is full of connections that we associate with the world around us, recalling and applying when needed. The good ones draw us in and make a lasting impression, and they also lead us toward making our own conclusions. We interpret them as they apply to us, finding the value in it for ourselves – the takeaway. A great brand strategy utilizes storytelling in the exact same way. In closing, there is one distinction to make between branding and value. It’s not the brand that makes your business valuable – it’s your reputation and unique characteristics that make you amazing. Your brand is just a way of showing others those things. Sharing your story is a powerful means to that end. To learn more about how Strictly Business can help you, contact me directly at (402) 466-3330 or visit strictly-business.com/connect. (You can also click on our Staff Letter tab online to view past articles)

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 24 Personnel

32 Non-Profit 38 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

16 River City Six 31 Concordia University, Nebraska 43 J-Tech Solar

ASK THE EXPERT 23 Sandler Training

FEATURE STORIES

40 Memory Care 44 Holiday Cheer 4 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Amanda

Holly

Kristin

Jenna

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Amanda Wilson - Amanda@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Graphic Designer Kristin White - Creative@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Jenna Broulette - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2016 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

ABOUT THE COVER OMAHA • NOVEMBER 2017

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

ROBERT SEARS

Cox Business Security Solutions Consultant

NEIL AZEVEDO

Drastic Plastic Records, Operations Manager

• Memory Care • Holiday Cheer CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • Concordia University, Nebraska • J-Tech Solar

RIVER CITY SIX

IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINE SS PROTEC TION WITH SOLUTI ONS DETECT ION & SURVEI LLANCE

JOLEE URBANOVSKY

Bridge to Better Living

VIRGINIA LEACOCK

Brookestone Meadows

PAIGE ZUTAVERN

Strictly Business

ZAC CLEMETSON

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

JEFF YOST

Nebraska Community Foundation

BEN RUSSELL

McGill Restoration

BUSINESS PROTECTION WITH

DETECTION & SURVEILLANCE SOLUTIONS

When Drastic Plastic Records operations manager, Neil Azevedo, decided to install Cox Business Security Solutions in their two Old Market locations, he knew there would be a security component and quickly found additional benefits. It is the unique ways in which this solution provides efficiencies in his business that has really struck a chord with him. “Having Cox Business Security Solutions is a great way to check in on the business remotely allowing me to manage differently to be more efficient and productive,” states Azevedo. For Azevedo, being located in the Old Market can, at times, come with its own challenges especially from a late-night security perspective. In the past, if the alarm system was triggered during the late-night hours, he would have to crawl out of bed and head downtown to assess the situation, most of the time only to find that it was just a bar patron leaning against the front door of his business. This changed with Cox Business Security Solutions. Now he is able to view real-time video footage of each store and disarm or rearm the system depending on whether the threat is real or just a late-night Old Market patron casually leaning against a window or door. And while a lot of businesses use the solution to monitor and ensure staff safety, Azevedo also uses the surveillance features to monitor how customers shop in his stores. By monitoring traffic patterns of shoppers he can strategically place products and displays in areas of the store showing voids or cluster more in high traffic areas.

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

PAID

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Like the team at Drastic Plastic Records, Cox Business Security Solutions can help you by putting the most advanced protection and surveillance technology at your fingertips – enabling you to monitor and protect your business anywhere at any time.

Detection

Surveillance

•

Arm or disarm your security system from anywhere.

•

Monitor your business 24/7 with easy remote access via the Web, smartphone and tablets.

View high-definition live or recorded video footage using commercial grade indoor and outdoor HD day/night cameras.

•

On-premise video storage.

•

Receive immediate notifications via text and email alerts when your system senses an event, such as a door opening.

•

Monitor your business 24/7 with easy remote access via the Web, smartphone and tablets.

•

Use business automation to control the lighting and adjust the thermostat, even when you are away.

•

Have peace-of-mind that battery and cellular back up is included in all systems.

Many businesses install surveillance cameras and motion detectors as safety measures. What differentiates Cox from other security system providers is the management of those security solutions. In a word, it’s the service. Cox not only provides smartphone and tablet applications that allow you to monitor your business activities at all times, Cox also teaches you how to effectively use all that technology. At Cox Business Security Solutions, it is our job to protect your business, even when you’re not there. We encourage you to join the smart business revolution and put advanced security and surveillance technology to work for you.

For more information, visit www.cox.com or contact Dan Shull at daniel.shull@cox.com or (402) 934-1788.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Five Nines Opens New Lincoln Headquarters

Schmit Law Firm, LLC Now Open

Five Nines has made their 5th move in Lincoln, this time to an office that is completely their own. The new office was featured with an open house event to celebrate the growth of Five Nines with surrounding Nebraska communities. The purpose of the open house was to thank community partners for the growth and expansion that would not have been possible without them. The new office will serve as the headquarters for Five Nines as they continue to pursue growth.

Angela Forss Schmit is pleased to announce the opening of Schmit Law Firm, LLC, providing legal services to individuals and organizations in labor and employment law, family law, adoption law and general civil litigation. Angela Schmit is the founder and managing member of Schmit Law Firm. As an experienced labor and employment attorney, Schmit counsels public and private sector employers, human resource professionals and employees navigating complex workplace issues. Schmit also conducts training for clients on a broad range of topics to help industry leaders develop best practices. As a skilled family law and adoption attorney, Schmit advocates for families in divorce, custody, modification and adoption matters. Schmit helps families in transition understand their legal rights and obligations to protect their interests. Schmit received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame and her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver. Schmit gives back to the community as a TeamMates mentor, a PLHS mock trial coach and a Business Management and Legal Studies Adjunct Instructor at Metropolitan Community College. Schmit Law Firm is committed to providing practical advice and zealous advocacy to deliver clients valued results. For more information, visit www.schmitlawfirm.com or call (402) 979-6077.

“Moving into our new headquarters in Lincoln is simply a reflection of our long-term vision of being the leading IT services and consulting partner in Nebraska. We are committed to growing our business throughout Nebraska, and this new headquarters gives us the room to grow and expand here,” said Nick Bock, CEO of Five Nines. “We are grateful for our dedicated team and loyal clients who trust us every day to be their Managed Services partner.” Founded on an intense desire to solve problems and build longterm relationships with clients, Five Nines leverages technology to drive business success. With offices in Lincoln, Omaha & Kearney, Five Nines advises the best IT solutions for Nebraska based businesses, offering Managed IT Services. Through its unique service model, Five Nines’ clients experience reduced costs, accelerated growth, and increased productivity. Learn more at: www.gonines.com.

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Concordia University Breaks Ground on New Facility for Center of Liturgical Art Concordia University, Nebraska dedicated a new facility for the Center of Liturgical Art and a Colonnade for Bulldog Stadium on September 22. The Center for Liturgical Ar t was built at 540 North Columbia Avenue in Seward, Nebraska, where the former Marxhausen family home stood. It is Pictured L-R: Evan Balleweg, CLA operations manager; Brian Friedrich, Concordia also the site of Reinhold president; Harvey Lange, Carol Lange, M a r x h a u s e n’s s t u d i o, Mark Anschutz, CLA managing artist. where the art professor completed his two mosaic murals for the Nebraska State Capitol. The Center for Liturgical Art is the realization of Marxhausen’s wish to promote the use of exceptional visual art in worship and ministry. Since its establishment in 2002, the Center has become a recognized leader in Pictured L-R: Doris and Bill Hartmann; liturgical art, providing Kurth Brashear, vice president for meaningful, reflective Institutional Advancement at Concordia; Brian Friedrich, Concordia president. and powerful pieces for ministries around the world. The dedication of the Colonnade included the new Concordia Gate, Victory Bell and “The Victor” cross, additions to Bulldog Stadium on the Concordia campus. The gate bears the Weller Cross, and the Victory Bell is run after the Bulldogs win on the field. “The Victor,’ designed by the Center for Liturgical Art, is a physical affirmation of Concordia’s Christ-centered community made possible through the generosity of Bill and Doris Hartmann. Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university that currently serves more than 2,700 students, offering more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. For more information, visit cune.edu.

BUSINESS NEWS

Juliet Old Market Celebrates Grand Opening Juliet Old Market recently hosted its official grand opening party on October 10th. The event was commemorated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by officials with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Juliet Old Market opened this spring, and was excited to celebrate the launch of the new business with the community. Current and new customers joined the Juliet Old Market owners and staff for the party and in showing their support for the local businesses in the Old Market. During the ceremony, Juliet Old Market honored Ann Mellen with M’s Pub, Susie Keuck with Nouvelle Eve, and Troy Davis, Old Market Business Association President and owner of Curb Appeal Salon & Spa.

Nebraska Receives A- Grade From Local Small Business Owners Thumbtack, the app and website that finds you local professionals for any project, recently released the grades from its 2017 Small Business Friendliness Survey, the largest continuous study of small business perceptions of government policy in the U.S. Thumbtack surveyed more than 13,000 small business owners in 50 states and 80 cities to evaluate how easy state and local governments make it to start, operate, and grow a small business. On overall small business friendliness, Nebraska ranked 21 (out of 50), earning an A-. Thumbtack also assigned 12 policy-specific grades, ranging from licensing requirements, tax regulations, health and safety rules and labor regulations. For more details about the report and the full set of results for Nebraska, please visit Thumbtack.com/NE.

Located at 423 S. 11th St. in Omaha’s historic Old Market, Juliet features high-end women’s footwear made for all occasions. Focusing on great quality and comfort, Juliet Old Market offers a full-service try-on area, delivering an exceptional shopping experience for every customer. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for or have a special event coming up and need to complete your outfit, the professionals at Juliet Old Market will do their best to find you the perfect pair of shoes! To find out more about Juliet Old Market, visit www.julietoldmarket. com or contact Bridget Haskell, Store Manager, at (402) 960-6487 or via email at bridget@julietoldmarket.com.

Bearence Management Group Named Among Best Places to Work in Insurance Bearence Management Group, and its local division Benefit Professionals, Inc., are honored to announce t h e c o m p a ny wa s recently recognized among the Best Places to Work in Insurance. The program annually recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow. Bearence’s colleagues, including the team at Benefit Professionals, Inc., are focused on fulfilling the company’s core values; driven to serve, professional, innovative, collaborative, and competitive. Best Places to Work in Insurance is presented by the Custom Publishing unit of Business Insurance and Best Companies Group that lists the agents, brokers, insurance companies and other providers with the highest levels of employee engagement and satisfaction. Business Insurance is the authoritative news and information source for executives concerned about risk and the impact on their business. Best Companies Group identifies the leading employers in the insurance industry by conducting an assessment of each company. Established in 1989, Benefit Professionals, Inc., a Bearence Management Group Company, is a group benefits brokerage firm. The professionals at Benefit Professionals, Inc. work with clients in Nebraska and Iowa, 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.benefitprofessionals.net.

WELCOME

TO OUR NEWEST BROKER Welcome John to the Transworld Business Advisors team! John has vast experience in sales and management! He has been a communications director, general manager of a Building Company, and owned his own businesses. He has a keen eye for detail, and enjoys working with people. John has three beautiful children ranging from age 10 to 15. CONGRATULATIONS, JOHN!

John Fullerton Get in touch today! 402-413-1095 2111 S. 67th St., Suite 300 | Omaha, NE 68106 NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS DE Guns to Host Grand Opening Celebration DE Guns is excited to announce t h e c o m p l e t i o n o f i t s t wo year expansion project, and the grand opening of the new 110,000-square-foot, 34-acre distribution and retail location at 134th & O Street in Lincoln, NE! All are invited to join DE Guns to celebrate during a customer event to be held November 17-18 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be many activities going on throughout the day, including indoor and outdoor factory demonstrations. Three shooting ranges will be open with firearm samples available for use, and you can also try out the fishing on the 3-acre catch and release pond onsite. Additionally, DE Guns has added thousands of new products and will debut its new retail offerings. This includes clothing, tree stands, hunting gear, winter coats, sporting goods, auto knives, binary exploding targets, bulk ammo, safes, and more. New products will be arriving daily, and make sure to watch for the launch of AllAmericanOutdoors.com coming soon, which will feature all of the soft goods brands and clothing. Enjoy even more savings and more rewards with the All American Outdoors Credit Card! Come check out all of the new products and offerings, and there will be plenty of swag to take home with you. Guests will also be treated to complimentary ice cream with bacon and coffee. Bring the whole family; pets are even welcome inside and outside – see you there!

Help Provide HOPE for the Hungry, HOPE for the Holidays with

Open Door Mission

Urgent Needs: $2.15 Provides Food & Care

This Holiday Season, Open Door Mission will provide 211,600 hot, nutritous meals. Would you please consider partnering?

Would you join the Fill a Plate Club?

Encourage your business, church, or school to sponsor a meal for $2.15 and ﬁll out a “Fill a Plate” paper to display. Visit www.opendoormission.org for more information!

Than

for h elp the h ing fill this ungry and plate fo hom r eless .

Visit www.opendoormission.org to give online today! 8

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Apartment Association of Nebraska Ribbon Cutting Marks Opening of 1415 @ The Yard O n T h u r s d ay, September 28th, the Apartment Association of Nebraska held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the 1415 @ The Yard apartment community. This cutting-edge property is located in the bustling downtown area of Omaha, boasting amazing city views and the latest in Smart Home technology. Developed by NewStreet Properties and managed by the Lund Company, this 110-unit property features a community-like feel for its residents. 1415 @ The Yard has a central outdoor entertainment area containing a fire pit, outdoor kitchen, and grilling area - and that is only the beginning! Inside, you will find a Starbucks machine, 24-hour fitness center, resident lounge, and business center. To find out more, visit www.1415yard.com or call (402) 342-9541. The Apartment Association of Nebraska, Inc. (AAN) was founded by a group of property managers and owners in July of 2002. Their vision included an association that would help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multi-family rental housing industry. On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the National Apartment Association (NAA). In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent its membership. For more information about the Apartment Association of Nebraska, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org.

Berry Law Firm Named to 2017 Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Private Companies Inc. Magazine announced its annual list of the fastestgrowing private companies in America in September, including Berry Law Firm among its honorees based on the firm’s rapid revenue growth and commitment to innovation, service, and strategy. While many of the awardees are recent start-ups, Berry Law Firm has been operating since 1965 and its attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience practicing law. Nonetheless, rapid growth in the past five years has placed the Firm on a trajectory to be included on the list alongside the fastest growing companies in America. The Firm is dedicated and relentless in its defense of individual rights, protecting its clients against criminal charges, fighting for justice for victims of personal injury, and standing with professionals to help them keep their licenses to practice. The Firm is dedicated to supporting individuals, regardless of what their own Next Battle is. While still practicing out of its original location in Lincoln, Nebraska, the firm also has locations in Omaha, Kansas City, and Phoenix, with plans to expand into additional markets. Berry Law Firm is also growing its battalion of attorneys, adding additional Nebraska criminal defense lawyers, and Lincoln and Omaha personal injury lawyers. Managing Partner John S. Berry, Jr., is also the author of “The Next Battle: A Guide to Veterans’ Disability Claims.” Interested parties can visit www.jsberrylaw.com for more information about Berry Law Firm.

BUSINESS NEWS Sandler Training Opens Office in Des Moines Sandler S a l e s Training has expanded with the r e c e n t opening of a new office in Des Moines, Iowa! This is the second location, with the first here in Omaha at 3828 Dodge Street. The new office at 309 Court Avenue, Suite 805 will allow the Sandler Sales Training team to assist in developing more sales professionals in those cities and across the Midwest. It is part of the local franchise owned and operated by Karl Schaphorst & Associates, LLC. The Des Moines office can be reached at (515) 699-8588. Find out more online at www.karlschaphorst.sandler. com. Sandler Sales Training is a global training organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Offerings include sales and management training and consulting services for smallto medium-sized businesses (SMBs) as well as corporate training.

Kearney First Stop for Yield Champions Nationwide Pro AG I Training Program Dennis Nun, President of Yield Champions, recently announced the first of their nationwide schedule of PRO-AG I programs will be offered in Kearney, Nebraska on November 29-30, 2017. This program is designed for crop producers, agronomists, seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers and landlords looking for ways to be profitable even with current commodity price levels. Nun says, “We show growers how to lower production costs on a per acre and per bushel basis and that remains the key to profitability for farmers.” At this event two new products INTENSIFY™ and SYNTOSE FA™ Liquid Sugar with Fulvic Acid for in-furrow crop fertility will be discussed for use in the coming crop year.

For more information about Sandler Sales Training, contact Michelle Halpenny at (402) 403-4334 / michelle.halpenny@ sandler.com.

Jerry Cox, 24-time NCGA National Corn Yield Champion has said, “I’ve attended the Pro Ag I program over 20 times and I learn something new every time I do! We’ve increased our farm-average yields by over 100 bushels per acre and have seen our top yields go from 221 to over 349 Bu/A over the past 12 years.”

Nebraska Title Company Announces Move of Papillion Office

Yield Champions exclusively markets the Conklin Company’s AgroVantage™ products for crop production used by more state and national NCGA corn yield champions than any other. For more information or to register for this event, contact Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727 or go to www.300BushelCorn.info.

N e b r a s k a Title Company has relocated i t s Pa p i l l i o n o f f i c e e f f e c t i ve September 22nd! To m a r k t h e occasion, a ribboncutting ceremony was conducted by officials with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce during the open house held on October 10th. As Nebraska Title Company continues to expand throughout the Omaha Metro area, a larger space was needed to accommodate its growing Papillion team. The new office also offers more conference rooms to better serve its customers. It is now situated ideally in a more visible and accessible location at 754 Gold Coast Drive, Suite 115. You can contact the office directly at (402) 896-5107 or kmoneto@nebtitleco.com. Nebraska Title Company is a full-service provider of title, escrow closing, construction disbursement, and 1031 tax-deferred exchange services. It has, and continues to be one of Nebraska’s premier providers of title and escrow services, celebrating 70 years of business this year. Whether the transaction is commercial or residential, Nebraska Title Company’s experienced team of title and escrow experts strive to provide “Service Beyond Expectation.” In addition to the Papillion location, Nebraska Title Company also has offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Plattsmouth, Kearney, David City, Beatrice, Fairbury, Crete, Auburn and Scottsbluff. Nebraska Title Company is part of Title Midwest, Inc., a Topeka, Kansas-based title insurance and real estate escrow holding company, with agencies in Kansas, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Texas. As part of this larger network, Nebraska Title Company is supported by industry experts located across the Midwest. Learn more about Nebraska Title Company on their website, nebtitleco.com.

New Online Programs Offered by University of Nebraska Campuses The University of Nebraska’s campuses have expanded their online program offerings. New programs on the University of Nebraska Online website include a graduate certificate in Public Relations and Social Media, a graduate certificate in German Language Teaching, a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and a minor in Social Work. University of Nebraska Online, NU’s university-wide distance education initiative, shares information about these programs at online.nebraska. edu in addition to information on more than 125 online programs offered by the university’s four campuses. The graduate certificate in Public Relations and Social Media offered by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) enhances understanding of new communication platforms, helps students provide value to their workplace and keeps students abreast of current and changing technology. UNL’s graduate certificate in German Language Teaching is ideal for German teachers in K-12 schools and higher education. This program integrates research-informed approaches into language classroom practice. The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Bachelor of Science in Social Work equips students to impact the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities. Graduates help meet workforce demands in human service areas. The minor in social work complements coursework of various majors and equips students with an understanding of human behavior and advancement of interpersonal skills. For more information, visit www.online.nebraska.edu. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS Congratulations to Nebraska Recycling Council’s 2017 Award Winners

CRCC Introduces New Look, Maintains Same Holistic Approach

At Nebraska Recycling Council’s 2017 Annual Awards Luncheon & Wo r k s h o p s o n T h u r s d a y, October 19th eight awards were presented to Nebraska businesses and communities that have excelled at resource recovery and recycling. • Member of the Year, awarded to Adam Prochaska, O’Neill, Heinrich, Damkroger, Bergmeyer & Shultz, P.C., L.L.O. • Service Provider of the Year, awarded to Omaha Biofuels Coop. • Green Team of the Year, awarded to HDR. • Zero Waste Award, awarded to HopCat Lincoln. • Waste Diversion Project of the Year, awarded to Firstar Fiber. • Waste Diversion Product/Service of the Year, awarded to Red Willow County Household Hazardous Waste. • End Market of the Year, awarded to Ripple Glass. • Volunteer of the Year, awarded to Gene Hanlon, City of Lincoln Recycling Coordinator. Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to maximize the economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. Its goal is to re-energize recycling in Nebraska through innovation, education, training, and the power of collaboration. Visit www.nrcne.org for more information.

CRCC (crccomaha.org) is proud to unveil its new logo and tagline. They’re part of its recent rebranding effort. The logo design alludes to a tree, which has been a symbol of the organization since the day its doors were opened. The three bright colors of the “leaves” represent joy, hope and health, the three things CRCC strives to provide its clients every day. CRCC is an organization committed to enriching the lives of children with special needs by providing comprehensive services and holistic care through its Day Services, Weekend Respite, Nursing, Educational, Behavioral Health and Rehabilitative Therapy. CRCC supporters as well as referring agencies were saying their name was causing confusion with other like organizations and “Respite” didn’t represent the range of services they provide. Respite is also a somewhat unknown word and many people don’t understand the meaning. So CRCC took some time to validate their feedback then conducted market research, including focus group surveys, and interviews with people within and outside of the organization. Evidence made it clear: with a new name, CRCC could remove barriers, clarify the mission, and reach more individuals in need of its services. What won’t change? The heart of CRCC’s work and mission remains the same. It will continue to provide the excellent and compassionate services currently offered. CRCC will elevate awareness and continue to evolve in response to the community’s needs.

h o S er ved

o n o

ll W A g n HAVE YOU i r THANKED A VETERAN LATELY? e b Even though we don’t always know one other, our veterans

truly believe in our nation’s freedom enough to have dedicated a major part of their lives to serve our country and protect our way of life. Members of our United States military also play a vital part in their respective communities in addition to their invaluable role in serving our country. In honor of Veterans Day and in the spirit of giving thanks during the holiday season, we are incredibly thankful every single day for these men and women who have contributed so much to our country’s prosperity, to the strength of our great nation, and who are committed to safeguarding the liberties of each and every U.S. citizen. They have and will continue to represent our nation with grace, humility, strength, and character - as ambassadors of our values and what it truly means to be an American. Please join us in extending our tremendous gratitude and appreciation to all of the past, present and future members of our military.

g n ri

m e R

THANK YOU VETERANS - WE HONOR YOU AS OUR NATION’S HEROES AND YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN.

(402) 733-5500 Facebook: Neff Towing Service, Inc.

VETERANS DAY 2017 10

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 11

(402) 597-6683 www.TwoMenAndATruckOmaha.com

BUSINESS NEWS

We are the BEST Solution for Your

Remington Heights to Host Free Educational Event on Fall Prevention

Payment Processing Needs

Re m i n g t o n H e i g h t s h a s announced it will host a timely educational event on Tuesday, November 7 from 3-4 p.m. It will feature a speaker from the Visiting Nurses Association who will present a lecture covering tips on how to prevent falls and ways to improve balance. This is free and open to the public. There will be limited seating, so please call ahead to RSVP at (402) 493-5807.

402.502.9985

Located at 12606 W. Dodge Road in Omaha, Remington Heights features the finest in independent and assisted living with outstanding service, quality care, and elegant homelike surroundings. Remington Heights offers a full range of services including personalized care, nutritious meals, and engaging activities to promote each individual’s maximum physical and emotional well-being. For more information about Remington Heights, visit www.remingtonheightsretirement.com or contact Phil Birkel at (402) 493-5807 / pmbirkel@centurypa.com.

Inspired by Omaha at Society 1854 One of Omaha’s newest restaurants, Society 1854, located in the new Omaha Marriott Downtown at the Capitol District serves up an array of dishes inspired by the city. With a focus on regional ingredients, the restaurant takes a modern twist on classic American cuisine. As the holidays approach, the region’s staple ingredients are being showcased in exciting ways. At Society 1854, the culinary team, led by Executive Chef Brent Hoc kenberry creates thoughtful, intricate dishes using ingredients from local farmers and producers, including Plum Creek Farms, Truebridge Foods, Squeaky Green Organics, Imperial Wagyu Beef, Le Quartier and more. This fall’s menu features dishes such as seared salmon with green beans, almond, shallot cream and radish citrus salad ($25); a 6 oz. Wagyu Imperial filet with béarnaise ($40); a baked ratatouille pastry appetizer with cipollini onion-tomato jam, arugula and goat cheese ($13); and, sides like bourbon braised kale ($8), crispy fingerling potatoes ($7) and Butcher’s baked beans ($8). “Our commitment to farm-to-table style preparations can be seen in every dish we create at Society 1854. We take great pride in working with local farmers, butchers, creameries and brewers to bring our guests a powerful culinary experience,” said Hockenberry. Want to cook like the chefs at Society 1854? Sous chef, Jon Seymour, who has been working in Omaha kitchens since 2007, shared his recipe for a fall-inspired seared salmon dish with lentils, pickled green tomatoes, autumn herbs and granola online at bit.ly/ Society1854Recipes.

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Omaha’s 2017 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award Winners Announced Encouraging and supporting ethical business practices are important to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa. The Integrity Award is the most prestigious award BBB can present to a business or charity. Being a recipient indicates that the organization not only believes in the high standards promoted by BBB, but also consistently acts on them and continuously integrates them into daily practices. T h e 2 0 1 7 Awa r d W i n n e r s we r e honored on Tuesday, October 17th for their unique contributions to business excellence in metro Omaha at BBB’s 22nd Annual Integrity Awards Luncheon held at the Omaha - La Vista Conference Center. In the small business and charity categories the following received BBB Integrity Awards: Monarch Siding and Windows, Inc. (1-4 employees); Consortio Group, LLC (5-10 Employees); FirstLight Home Care – Omaha (11-24 employees) and Heartland Hope Mission (charity). In the large for-profit business categories, the companies awarded were: Pella Windows and Doors of Omaha & Lincoln (25-99 employees); The Harry A. Koch Co. (100-249 employees); CLASS North America Holdings, Inc. (250-499 employees). The judges also selected three companies in the category of businesses with 500+ employees. They are Pinnacle Bank, Signature Performance and First National Bank. The large charity that earned a BBB Integrity Award is Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. The judges felt that the overall quality of other applications was also strong. Those that demonstrated that they placed a high priority on honesty and integrity in the work place were recognized with “Silver Awards of Distinction” for significant commitment to ethical business practices. Others received “Bronze Awards of Merit” for exemplifying the values of the BBB. The “Silver Award of Distinction” recipients are: Grief’s Journey, Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services, OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc., Merchants Credit Adjusters, Inc. and Thrasher, Inc. The charity and businesses that received “Bronze Awards of Merit” are: Completely Kids, SAC Federal Credit Union and General Service Bureau. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS The Afternoon Celebrates 55 Years Treasured Omaha retailer The Afternoon has reached a significant milestone – 55 years of providing Omaha with that one-of-a-kind shopping experience that’s eclectic, distinctive and fun. The Afternoon celebrated with a three-day party with cake and balloons, as well as lots of giveaways. “Over the years, The Afternoon has become so much more than just a gift shop – it’s a place where thoughtful, fun people can go to meet before lunch, procrastinate away from work, make a first date less awkward, or buy a loved one something amazing. I’m proud to work at a community touchstone, a place so overwhelmingly associated with warm memories,” said Jen Go, store manager. The Afternoon brought its patented blend of wit, panache and “browse-ability” to Midtown Crossing in 2010 as one of the development’s original, family-owned retail partners. Its arrival represented a homecoming of sorts, since The Afternoon originally opened as an art gallery in 1962 near 40th & Farnam. “Our products and audience have both evolved – from art gallery to gifts and from collectors to ‘just about everyone,’” Go said. Today’s The Afternoon is known for its wide and ever-evolving range of inventory – everything from art and housewares to jewelry, books and games. “In its early years, the store’s emphasis was on welldesigned items, many of them imported, that were not available locally. There is still a strong emphasis on good design and on merchandise that is not available elsewhere,” said owner Marie Clifford.

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Heartland International, Inc. Recognizes 2017 Family 21 Preferred Roofing Contractors Heartland International, Inc., a nationwide distributor of Conklin Commercial Roofi ng Systems, has named the recipients of their qualified Family 21 PREFERRED CONTRACTORS status. Each of these 21 contractors has installed m ultiple large-scale commercial roofing projects, met training and professional performance criteria, and qualified to participate in the PREFERRED CONTRACTOR annual trip to Cancun to provide input on the Conklin Company and enjoy meeting with contractors from across the nation. Jeff and Ken Dean of Canton, IL were among those recognized for 20 years of achieving this status as CONKLIN PREFERRED CONTRACTORS. Heartland International, Inc. is based in Lincoln, Nebraska and is responsible to screen and train contractors to install the Conklin Roofing Systems. For more information or to apply for one of the current openings, contact Dennis Nun at DennisLNun@gmail.com or call (402) 430-7727.

BUSINESS NEWS CarePatrol Ranks in Top 1% Among America’s Most Honored Businesses in 2017

‘Tis the Season to Place Your Turkey Order at Just Good Meat

C a r e Pa t r o l Franchise Systems LLC was recently recognized among the Top 1% of America’s Most Honored Businesses in 2017 by American Registry, receiving this accolade for the second consecutive year.

Holiday festivities are right around the corner, and Just Good Meat is excited to announce that you can now place an order to stop in or pick up your favorite holiday fare! Farm-fresh and smoked turkeys are available for preorder as of November 1st. A $5 deposit is requested at the time the order is placed to ensure fulfillment and that all key details will be met accordingly. Options for frozen and cooked are available with several different sizes depending on how many people you are feeding. Quantities are limited and these are in high demand every year, so it’s definitely something you’ll want to take care of right away! There are plenty of other options for entrees too, such as honey-cured spiral-cut hams and aged prime rib, as well as a great selection of homemade sides and even pies. Specials will run throughout the holiday season! Just Good Meat will be closed on Thanksgiving so that employees are able to enjoy the holidays with their families, but pick-up of orders can be set for any time during extended holiday hours of operation up until the day prior at 5 p.m. Call the store at (402) 339-7474 to place your holiday order. You can check out all of the items available and order online at justgoodmeatomaha.com.

American Registry, LLC, recognizes excellence in top businesses and professionals. Like all businesses included in American Registry’s comprehensive database, honorees have received significant mentions in the press, honors by recognized trade groups, and/or acclaimed recognition by peers or clients. CarePatrol is the largest no-cost senior placement agency in the nation, assisting clients with the selection of Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care communities at no cost to the family or senior. Here in Nebraska, the CarePatrol team helps find the safest and best community for each client, matching them by care needs, wants, location and finances. By thoroughly reviewing the state’s care and violation history of every community before recommending them, then lining up the tours and personally accompanying the client to help make sure all the right questions are asked, the goal is to make the process is as easy as it can be. CarePatrol of Nebraska also connects seniors and their families with other local resources as needed. For more information about CarePatrol of Nebraska, visit www. carepatrol.com, find them on Facebook, or contact Theron Ahlman directly at (402) 580-2116 / therona@carepatrol.com.

Brookestone Meadows to Host Holiday Boutique Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center is excited to announce it will be hosting its annual H o l i d ay B o u t i q u e shopping event on Fr i d ay, N o ve m b e r 10th. The Holiday Boutique will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a number of local vendors showcasing items available for purchase. This includes Fala’s Treasures & Coffeehouse, Bling by Zing, Pour Wine Girl, Victor & Moxie Creative Studios, Usborne Books & More, Scentsy, Norwex, LuLaRoe, Hunter Bee Honey, Tastefully Simple, and more! Refreshments will be served to enjoy while you shop. Admission is free and anyone who would like to attend is welcome. It’s a lot of fun, and a great opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping done! You can find out more about this event and others coming up online at www.brookestonemeadows.com (click on the Events tab). Located at 600 Brookestone Meadows Plaza in Elkhorn, Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center meets the needs of seniors through short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, with long-term care available as needed. Brookestone Meadows is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and is a member of the Vetter Senior Living network that includes 30 centers spanning the Midwest. You can contact Brookestone Meadows directly at (402) 289-2696 with inquiries or to schedule a complimentary tour.

NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Distinguished Omaha Professional Lori Stohs Publishes First Book

Economic Outlook Luncheon Features Annual Survey Results, Futurist Rebecca Ryan

Human Capital Strategist, Lori Stohs, has published her first book, “Get Your Mind On…Your People: Becoming the Organization Everyone Wants to Work For.” The book focuses on helping organizations increase success by aligning their people strategy with their business strategy. It is now available for purchase on Amazon. “In writing this book, my mission is to help organizations understand their human capital so as businesses they can succeed while increasing their awareness of their human capital consciousness,” the former Gallup and Microsoft leader said. “My goal with ‘Get Your Mind On…Your People’ is to truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and help businesses get consistent performance and consistent results.”

A vision of Greater Omaha 2040 will be unveiled Tuesday, November 14 at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon, taking place at 11:45 a.m. at CenturyLink Center Omaha. The event, which will feature the region’s resident futurist and founder of Next Generation Consulting, Rebecca Ryan, expects nearly 700 area CEOs, bankers, investors and economists – many of whom are actively weighing in on the collaborative strategies and collective foresight driving the region’s competitive position for the next 25 years. In addition to Ryan’s keynote, Nathan Kauffman, assistant vice president and Omaha Branch executive with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, will share an overview of key regional economy trends, identifying areas of strengths and risks. Results of the area’s Economic Outlook Survey, a yearly measure of projected economic and commercial activity, as well as hiring intentions and capital investment, will also be presented at the initiative.

In celebration of the book launch, Stohs held a public signing event on October 26 at Think Whole Person Healthcare, located at 7100 West Center Rd. in Omaha.

Event registration is open now at www.omahachamber.org/EOL and closes November 7. Member cost is $65, nonmembers are $85, and tables of 10 are also available.

Lori Stohs is the owner of Lori Stohs Consulting Group, a team of human capital consultants who help nurture, develop and champion people. She is a former Executive Director of Gallup University and Principal of Gallup Consulting, Global Account Executive with Microsoft and founding executive of Think Whole Person Healthcare. Stohs has years of impactful business consulting experience with companies all over the globe, and seeks to move leaders to higher levels of performance. For more information, visit loristohs.com.

Steve Forbes Headlines Prairie Crest Capital for Ag Tech Investor Conference Steve Forbes will be the keynote speaker at Prairie Crest Capital’s Annual Ag Tech Investor Conference taking place on November 9 in Des Moines, IA. The conference is focused on bringing together leaders to highlight the opportunities, challenges, and successful investment methods for emerging Ag Tech companies. Since 1990, Mr. Forbes has lead Forbes Inc., a global media company focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle. Throughout his years of management, the company launched several new businesses and publications around the globe. As a writer and economic prognosticator, Mr. Forbes has been honored with the prestigious Crystal Owl Award four times. In addition to running the family business, Mr. Forbes campaigned for president in both 1996 and 2000, has authored several books, and served as the chairman of the bi-partisan Board for International Broadcasting (BIB). It will begin at 7:00 a.m. at Hy-Vee Hall located in the Iowa Events Center complex. For more details and to register, visit prairiecrestcapital.com.

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Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for more than 66 million Americans will increase 2.0 percent in 2018, the Social Security Administration announced last month. The 2.0 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 61 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2018. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 29, 2017. (Note: some people receive both Social Security and SSI benefits) The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index as determined by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $128,700 from $127,200. Of the estimated 175 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2018, about 12 million will pay more because of the increase in the taxable maximum. Information about Medicare changes for 2018, when announced, will be available at www.medicare.gov. The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity. gov/cola.

BUSINESS NEWS Evereve Boutique Opens at Village Pointe Evereve’s newest storefront in Omaha at Village Pointe is officially open for business! Located in the former Three Dog Bakery space next to Soma, Evereve is a casual contemporary boutique for the fashion-loving mom. From play-date to date-night, their clothing is curated to flatter no matter where your day takes you. Explore the latest trends with in-store stylists who specialize in body type fit and understand your ever-changing lifestyle. Find out more about Evereve online at evereve.com.

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® to Award Local Veteran Hunting Experience of a Lifetime For Veterans Day this month, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® owners Justin Tangeman and Tyler W h a l e n wa n t t o show their respect in a more adventurous and personal way. Both Tangeman and Whalen have been a v i d wa t e r f o w l hunters since a young age and are now looking to share their passions with a local veteran that may not have the means or capabilities to do so for themselves. J ustin: “This event goes far beyond hunting. We are able to hunt because of the freedoms afforded to us by the veterans that gave much more. It just feels right that we give back to our local veteran community and show them the unbelievable amount of appreciation we hold for their service and sacrifice. This is going to be a fun event!” Tyler: “In honor of Veterans Day, we knew we had to do something to show our respect and appreciation for veteran community. This started out as just a simple idea but eventually grew into something that we knew had to be done. This country was built upon the sacrifices of our veterans and this hunt it just a small showing of our appreciation.” All meals and gear will be provided and the veteran will also have the choice to bring along one guest to join in the hunt! If you know a local veteran who would enjoy the chance to experience a worldclass duck hunt, send in your submission by Veterans Day (November 11) detailing why you think your nominee deserves to win the hunt of a lifetime. Submissions may be mailed to 6702 L St Omaha, NE 68117 or emailed to Justin.Tangeman@TwoMen.com.

Free Three-Point Shuttle for Creighton Bluejay Fans Returns to Midtown Crossing All of the hoops, none of the hassle. Midtown Crossing hotspots Chicago Dawg House, Della Costa and Ray’s Original Buffalo Wings are teaming up to offer Creighton Bluejay fans the customary convenience of a free game day shuttle to and from CenturyLink Center Omaha. Starting with the season opener on October 26, Creighton Three-Point Shuttle service will begin 35-minutes before each home tip-off. The circulator will pick up near: Ray’s Original Buffalo Wings at 120 S. 31st Avenue, Della Costa at 220 S. 31st Ave., and Chicago Dawg House at 3157 Farnam St. before heading to the CenturyLink Center. Return trips to Midtown Crossing will begin immediately after the final buzzer. Parking: Midtown Crossing offers convenient and secure parking for more than 3,000 vehicles. Two parking garages are easily accessible from 33rd, Farnam and Harney Streets. In both garages, the first three hours are free with retailer validation. Visitors pay $1 for each hour thereafter (with a daily maximum fee of $6).

Local Designer Angie Fiedler Launches Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings Omaha designer and owner of Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings, Angie Fiedler, has introduced an exclusive line of silky-soft leggings. Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings is all about creating versatile, comfortable leggings for women of all sizes, ages, and backgrounds. After months of collaborating and testing with some of the industries finest fabric developers and with the help of other local designers, Angie proudly presented her first collection in 2017, just in time for the Fall/Winter fashion season. Blue Eyed Sunshine is not just a name; it’s the essence of life’s feel goods - family, happiness, love, light, legacy and passion. Blue Eyed Sunshine’s collection is geared to all the beautiful women out there who desire to be both stylish yet crave modern sophistication and comfort at reasonable prices. Angie’s philosophy on attire is an edgy mix of fun, whimsical patterns and sophisticated colors that you can pair with all sorts of things year-round. The company partnered with Zulily to debut its seasonal HALLOWEEN FUN LEGGINGS on October 8th. Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings is also committed to community outreach and giving back, creating community projects to help various womenbased charities. Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings has created an exclusive design to help raise money for the Nebraska Miss Amazing Pageant later this fall. To learn more, contact Angie at (402) 934-9414, check out Blue Eyed Sunshine Leggings online boutique at www.blueeyedsunshinellc. com, and follow them on Facebook at /blueeyedsunshineleggings.

Immanuel Acquires Clark Jeary, Adds to Mission of Serving Seniors Immanuel (www. immanuel.com) is proud to be a leader in the field of retirement living throughout Omaha and Lincoln and in growing their mission of Christ-Centered Service to Seniors, Each Other and the Community, has acquired Lincoln’s Clark Jeary, a 122-apartment senior living community offering independent living, assisted living and memory support options in south Lincoln. “We are proud of our mission,” said Eric Gurley, CEO of Immanuel. “That mission led us to partner with Clark Jeary, a like-minded organization. We are called to work together to elevate the standard of senior living options in southeast Nebraska. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Clark Jeary to the Immanuel family.” The acquisition was effective October 2, 2017. Clark Jeary staff will continue their existing compassionate care for residents, which will now be backed by the expertise of Immanuel, Nebraska’s leader in senior living. “It was clear from the start that Clark Jeary and Immanuel would make an incredible partnership,” said Mark Iverson, Immanuel vice president of operations. “Exceptional business practices and aligning missions means continued excellence for community seniors.” Clark Jeary (www.clarkjeary.com), located in south Lincoln, has a 50-year history of offering independent, assisted living and memory care created with comfort and security in mind, with fullservice dining experiences, maintenance-free accommodations, and compassionate support—when you need it, and more. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS BBB Honors FirstLight Home Care of Omaha for Outstanding Integrity

Aksarben Curling Club & Nebraska Brewing Company Release Sliding Stones Scotch Ale

FirstLight Home Care of Omaha was recently recognized with the 2017 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. The honor acknowledges businesses that embrace and display integrity and business ethics. The rigorous application process reviews key components of an organization, such as ethical management practices, decision making and conflict resolution, communication and marketing practices and community relations.

Aksarben Curling Club is pleased to announce Sliding Stones Scotch Ale, a collaboration beer with Nebraska Brewing Company. Sliding Stones Scotch Ale, also known as The Curling Beer, was brewed in celebration of the club’s history and was released on October 18 at Nebraska Brewing Company’s Brewery and Taproom located at 6950 S. 108th Street. Sliding Stones boasts a 6.0% ABV and 22 IBU, which makes this beer enjoyable and robust. In a nod to the history of the Aksarben Curling Club and Curling’s Olympic history, the 6.0% ABV highlights Aksarben Curling Club’s 60 years of operations and the 22 IBU is in honor of the 22 Winter Olympic Games that have been played to date.

“This award is so important to me because it’s not about the bottom line,” said Jaye Firmature-McCoy, owner of FirstLight Home Care of Omaha. “It’s about who I am personally and professionally and how I operate my company. FirstLight Home Care is a purposedriven business, and this award validates how we achieve our purpose. It will always be the beacon that keeps me focused on what really matters.” Firmature-McCoy’s original FirstLight territory has been providing a variety of home care, companion care and senior care services to residents in West Omaha and the surrounding communities since 2010. The office recently expanded with a second territory and is now officially serving residents in East and South Omaha, Bellevue, La Vista, Ralston, Millard and Gretna. FirstLight Home Care serves area seniors, new and busy mothers, those recovering from surgery and other adults aged 18 and older with acute health issues or disabilities. Assistance includes household duties such as cooking, cleaning and running errands, to mobility assistance and dementia care. For more information, visit FirstLight Home Care of Omaha.

Many people are unaware that Nebraska has a Curling background, let alone its long history in the state. Aksarben Curling Club hopes this beer will raise awareness of the Club, and the high caliber curling it has produced. Aksarben Curling Club has sent Nebraskans to Bonspiels (curling tournaments), Nationals, and World competitions. Several of our college teams have competed on the national level, with University Nebraska-Lincoln taking 2nd Place this year at the College Curling National Championships. While not yet in wide distribution, the beer has garnered great reviews on social media review site UNTAPPD and Food & Wine published an article highlighting the beer release. Aksarben Curling Club also recently helped host “Curling Night in America” at Omaha’s Baxter Arena, which will air on NBC Sports Network through Dec. 23. Other upcoming US Curling events include the US Olympic Team Trials at Baxter Arena (November 11-18) and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea (February 9-25).

Celebrating the 2017 Best Places to Work Award in Insurance!

Bearence has been named in the annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program, which recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow.

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS NEWS New Lifestyle Boutique Haus Shop Opens in Rockbrook Village Rockbrook Village is excited to announce the addition of Haus Shop, a new retail boutique, to the shopping center. Haus Shop is a lifestyle, home accessories and gifts boutique with specialty items sourced locally to internationally—bringing a curated selection of elegant pieces that are timeless and unique to your sense of style. Haus Shop carries limited quantities of gift, home décor and personal accessories including: table linens, bedding, pillows, lamps, artisan pottery, tabletop ceramics and server ware, jewelry, specialty shoes, travel books, candles, soaps and more, including the ability to special order items. Named after her family name, owner Sarah Backhaus says she’s been creating this business in her mind for years, “Through traveling and research over the years I’ve tucked away ideas should this shop ever come to be. I am excited about opening with new lines and design pieces not currently found in the area!” Inspiring the art of gifting and encouraging meaningful purchases for the home— expect fresh lines, warm textures and objects that will travel with you for years to come. Haus Shop is now open and located in the southwest corner of Rockbrook Village at 2936 S. 110th Court in Omaha. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information, please contact Sarah Backhaus at Haus Shop at (402) 916-1717 / sarah@hausshop.co or visit the website at hausshop.co.

Pivot International Acquires Electronic Design & Manufacturing Pivot International, with global headquarters in Lenexa, KS and offices in Europe and Asia, announces that it has acquired Electronic Design & Manufacturing (EDM) based in Omaha, Nebraska, operating for over 38 years, specializing in commercial/industrial, consumer, energy, medical, military and telecommunications markets. The EDM acquisition greatly expands Pivot International’s capacity in the custom and contract electronic manufacturing space as well as its expertise in electronic assemblies, circuit boards, box builds and encapsulation. It provides for nearly 170,000 square feet of global manufacturing capacity, with approximately 80,000 square feet in the US. EDM is one of the most recognized electronic manufacturing services (EMS) companies in the Midwest. Pat Bystrek, one of the original owners, will continue to lead EDM as a Pivot International subsidiary. Pivot’s revenue growth of 147% in the last 3 years demonstrates the company’s agility across a broad range of industries and product categories. This is the fourth acquisition for Pivot since the beginning of 2016. In January 2016, the company purchased MidContinent Custom Electronics (MCCE) followed by the acquisition of DigitTron in March 2016 and Avatar Engineering in May 2017 expanding its ODM (original design manufacturing), EMS (electronic manufacturing services) and IoT (internet of things) services. Pivot has a 45-year track record of outstanding performance, innovation, quality and design, engineering and manufacturing as a single-source expert serving clients in a broad range of industries including biometric/security products, wearable technology, touchscreen technology, medical, wireless, fitness, electronic components, agriculture, building operations and consumer products.

Nebraska Science Festival Registration Opens The 2018 Nebraska Science Festival may be months away, but organizers are encouraging teachers to register their classes now for the free science expos. Registration officially opened October 25 at noon for the student expos, which will provide nearly 1,800 students the opportunity to participate in engaging hands-on learning. In addition to the student expos, the 6th annual Nebraska Science Festival, scheduled for April 19-28, will feature an array of science- and technology-related activities in communities across the state. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and fills quickly. Teachers should visit www.nescifest.com to register their classes (the expos are geared toward third- through fifth-graders) for either an 8:45 to 11:15 a.m. slot, or an 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. slot. Student expo dates are as follows: Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland on April 19; University of Nebraska State Museum at Morrill Hall in Lincoln on April 23-24; or The Durham Museum in Omaha on April 27. Beyond the student expos, the public is encouraged to mark their calendars for the free science expo on April 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at The Durham Museum in Omaha. A variety of hands-on science booths will be available for people of all ages to broaden their knowledge on different science topics. For more information on Science Festival activities, including how to volunteer as an individual, community site or a science expo booth, go to www.nescifest.com.

Centris Mortgage Representatives Awarded NMA “Champions Circle” Distinction Centris Federal Credit Union is proud to announce four of their mor tgage representatives were recognized in the Nebraska Mortgage Association’s (NMA) “Champions Circle.” Winners include Jerad Berry, Dan Harris, Predrag Kopun, and Laura Longo.

Pictured L-R: Dan Harris, Laura Longo,

This year, 81 Nebraska Jerad Berry and Predrag Kopun. loan officers were awarded the Champions Circle distinction from 19 financial institutions across the state, said Heidi Weeks, Centris Mortgage Production Manager. “I’m very proud of this hard working group of mortgage loan officers. They strive to execute high levels of service to our members while providing them with viable solutions for financing their most important investment,” stated Weeks. “These loan officers bring a passion for service everyday by meeting the needs of our members with integrity, efficiency and professionalism.” The Nebraska Mortgage Association is a non-profit trade association that promotes sound and ethical business practices and methods. The award is given “to recognize and celebrate the service, dedication, and hard work that leading mortgage professionals put into servicing their clients during the home loan process.” Centris Federal Credit Union, founded over 80 years ago, is one of Nebraska’s largest community chartered credit unions. Centris serves Douglas, Sarpy, Lincoln and Pottawattamie counties and has 12 offices located in Omaha, Grand Island and North Platte, Nebraska and Council Bluffs, Iowa. Our mission is to be a trusted life-long financial partner. For more information, visit the website at www.centrisfcu.org. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 17

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Jolee Urbanovsky brings over 30 years of knowledge and experience working with Seniors to Bridge to Better Living. Her commitment, in the role of Transition Consultant, is to help Seniors find the best quality of life. Tell us a little about your business. - Bridge to Better Living was founded locally in 2010 and serves as a resource for Seniors. At NO COST, BBL helps clients, families and their loved ones assess and find the Independent, Assisted, Memory Assisted and Long Term Care community best meeting their needs. Our motto is Placement with Passion. Consultants serve Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding communities. How did you get started in the business? - My previous job provided me the opportunity to recognize the commitment and professionalism Bridge to Better Living has with Seniors and their families. When there was an opening for an additional consultant, I was blessed to have been chosen. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - There aren’t enough hours in the day to help all of the Seniors facing challenges. What has been your most important achievement professionally? When a Senior or family gives me a hug and smile, I consider it the best payment of all knowing their lives are better. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband John and I have been married 23 years. We have 3 amazing kids; Kyler, Kaylee, and Jaxsen, plus a wonderful daughter-in-law, Makaela. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - My grandmother taught me more about living life to the fullest than anyone. She demonstrated how even if the body is failing, one’s mind and spirit could still be 100%. Her zest and fight for life instilled in me that nothing is impossible and she is why I do what I do today. She was such an inspiration that at 94 years young, she was the Matron of Honor at my wedding. 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 a licensed cosmetologist. What are you the most proud of? - My kids! They make a positive difference in others’ lives. What more could a mother pray for? What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Never give up. Every situation has a solution. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Trustworthy. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - That’s What Mama’s Do by Jason Matthews. What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I am a strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and host local support groups. Our family is active with the Salvation Army Night Watch Program. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Presence Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist. What is your favorite TV show? - The Voice. I love watching individuals follow their dreams and believe anything is possible. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - President George Washington. He has always been interesting to me because of his honesty, involvement, and willingness to get his hands dirty and help with what needed to be done. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Feel free reach out via email at jolee@BridgetoBetterLiving.com, or call me directly at the office at (402) 802-3301 or on my mobile at (402) 310-7823.

PAIGE

Paige Zutavern

STRICTLY BUSINESS

Meet Paige Zutavern, President of Strictly Business Magazine! How did you get started in the business? - While attending the UNL MBA program my husband Shayne launched a direct-mail marketing company. At that time we received an overwhelming amount of feedback from our clients that there was a need for a publication covering local business news. We took the leap to meet this need and that’s how Strictly Business got its start in Lincoln 24 years ago. In 2007, we expanded by adding an Omaha magazine thanks to the help of Angela Lee. There is nothing else in the world I’d rather have been doing than promoting and working with all of the great people and businesses here. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I would say balancing work and family and maintaining a personal life. I am very driven and I truly love what I do, and as I’m sure my fellow business owners out there can relate, there’s always work to be done. I try my best to be mindful of that and find a healthy balance between the two.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally? Watching my clients’ businesses grow over the years and being a part of their success is something I take great pride in. Building an incredible team of employees that are so dedicated to our clients is another big one. Pet emergency? Call us right away!

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband and I just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this summer. We have two sons, Schyler (24) and Zane (18). Schyler is a sales representative with ALLO Communications and Zane is currently working at Oak Electric, Inc. doing his apprenticeship to be an electrician.

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What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When I began working with a business coach. For years I met regularly with Lori Botz from Coach2Win, who is incredibly talented at what she does and was very instrumental in helping me break through an invisible ceiling that I had created for myself. In turn, it challenged me to learn and grow, and helped me far surpass what I thought I was capable of, which really took my business to the next level. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to travel! Also, anyone who knows me knows that I have a slight shopping addiction, so there’s a good chance you’ll find me at my favorite stores. What are you the most proud of? - My sons. They’ve turned out to be nice young men. Owning a business for all of their lives, I felt like I had to make a lot of sacrifices and wasn’t able to be the ‘soccer mom’ that I would like to have been. But despite that my boys have grown up to be good people with good heads on their shoulders. Thanks Dad! What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face.” -Ronald Reagan What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’ve been told I’m a pretty good cook (although I often cook lunch for my employees so maybe that doesn’t count?). What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m especially passionate about the wellbeing of children, so anything in the vein of abuse, neglect, sex trafficking, etc. has my full support. What is your favorite book? - The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon’s Secrets to Success, Wealth and Happiness by Steven K. Scott. It’s such a great read; I highly recommend it. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Office: (402) 466-3330; Email: paige@strictlybusinessomaha.com. The best way to reach me is to call, I love a good conversation!

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JEFF

Jeff Yost

NEBRASKA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Nebraska Community Foundation is a statewide 501(c)(3) organization using charitable giving to build prosperous communities. Jeff Yost is the President & CEO of the Nebraska Community Foundation. Tell us a little about your organization. - Nebraska Community Foundation isn’t your typical community foundation, nor is it a grant maker. NCF is in the empowerment business. We work with more than 200 affiliated funds and 1,500 volunteers across the state to put financial and human capital to work in their places, based on local needs and priorities. Using the tools of philanthropy, community development and economic development, we’re helping Nebraskans across the state create the hometowns of their dreams. What are you the most proud of? - I am incredibly proud of all that Nebraska Community Foundation has achieved. This organization continues to grow and evolve in ways I never could have imagined. Currently we serve a network of 250 communities across Greater Nebraska. Our network and this movement continues to grow by leaps and bounds. In the last five years, NCF has received 39,000 contributions to its affiliated funds. Three hundred Nebraskans have told us they are including their hometown in their estate plans. Since Nebraska Community Foundation began its work, more than $292 million has been reinvested in Nebraska’s people and places. It’s truly extraordinary. On a more personal note, I am beaming with pride over the success of my hometown, Red Cloud and the work of the Red Cloud Community Foundation Fund, an affiliated fund of Nebraska Community Foundation which has been instrumental to Red Cloud’s progress. Red Cloud has prioritized heritage tourism and early childhood development as two driving forces behind their people attraction and economic development strategies. Many graduates from the late 1990s and the early 2000s have returned home to build businesses and raise their kids. Elementary school classes are now significantly larger. Red Cloud identified its assets. Every year at least 8,000 tourists come to Red Cloud to visit Cather historical sites. 80% of these visitors are from out-of-state. But very few of them spend the night or a weekend. What if 20% of these visitors spent the weekend as opposed to the day? Thanks to local philanthropic dollars there is now a full-time heritage tourism development director working on this opportunity. The economic impact of heritage tourism development could exceed $3 million per year. This December Red Cloud will open a state-of-the-art early childhood development center that will serve 80 children. This $3.5 million project (which includes a $1.5 million endowment) will make Red Cloud even more attractive to talented young people, newcomers and returners. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - An extremely committed NCF volunteer and longtime board member once told me that the nicest thing you can do for your children is give them siblings. I think it’s a pretty profound thing to say, especially being one of six kids. My siblings have provided a huge support network in lots of different ways throughout my life. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. What is your favorite TV show? - The West Wing. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Nebraska Community Foundation is always on the lookout for organizations and individuals who are passionate about the future of Greater Nebraska to partner and collaborate with. Email info@ nebcommfound.org and we’ll point you in the right direction. You can also learn more about Nebraska Community Foundation’s mission and work at www.nebcommfound.org.

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VIRGINIA

Virginia Leacock

402.991.9200

BROOKESTONE MEADOWS Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center is a skilled nursing facility located in Elkhorn, NE that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care as needed to those in the greater Omaha area. Virginia Leacock is the Administrator at Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation & Care Center. Tell us a little bit about your business. - Brookestone Meadows is a proud member of the Vetter Senior Living family, with caring, experienced professionals who provide exceptional care. We’ve created a culture of rehabilitation and overall improvement of health, with a team that’s dedicated to encouraging and motivating patients to excel in therapy and regain daily life skills. The facility offers state-ofthe-art technology and therapy equipment, including aquatic therapy and the Alter G anti-gravity treadmill, and continues to enhance its offerings to promote successful outcomes. All operating decisions are made locally to ensure that every center remains responsive to the needs of its residents and communities. This month we are celebrating a major milestone, having served almost 10,000 families in 10 years. It’s such a blessing, and a testament to fulfilling our mission, vision, and values for all of the people we’ve been entrusted to care for throughout the past decade.

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How did you get started in the business? - I grew up near a rural nursing home where I was allowed to be a volunteer as a small child. I started working there at 14, and then went on to work at other facilities in dietary, laundry, housekeeping, grounds, maintenance, billing, reception and as a nursing assistant. I love having been able to learn so many aspects of operations and having so many different experiences that I can apply to making our facility outstanding in my current role. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - There is constant pressure to reduce Medicare and Medicaid funding. The elderly in this country need this funding for quality care. A facility cannot provide quality care without proper reimbursement. It is a matter that requires constant advocacy and education.

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What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Taking facilities that have experienced deficiencies and helping them to construct quality, measurable practices for better patient outcomes. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? A friend who was very active with legislation and grassroots advocacy took me under their wing and taught me a lot about those efforts. I became very active. I feel that it is very important to do all you can to have a positive impact on your industry, help to advocate for those you care for and their specialized needs, and establish relationships that help educate our legislators so that they can make informed decisions on our behalf. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I love to ride a motorcycle. It’s very stress relieving to be in the sun and wind. What are you most proud of? - My family. What is the best piece of advice you have received? - Don’t worry what others are doing in tough times. Stand tall, have conviction, and trust the process. If you could choose one word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Gracious. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 289-2696; Website: www.brookestonemeadows.com.

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Zac Clemetson

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA Located at 12750 Westport Pkwy in La Vista, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Liquid Sunshine Taproom combine to offer an entertainment experience that’s second-to-none. Zac Clemetson is the Executive Chef at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Omaha. How did you get started in the business? - My first job was washing dishes when I was fourteen. That job transitioned to prep cook, then line cook, etc. Along the way, I was fortunate to work for a number of different chefs who helped me learn how to be a leader and operate a kitchen effectively and efficiently. What is the biggest challenge you have faced professionally? This job is the biggest project that I have worked on to date. I have been part of opening new restaurants in the past, but my previous experience was with smaller, neighborhood restaurants. I have never before been so closely involved with all aspects of launching a new business. From kitchen design, equipment and small wares ordering, initial staff hiring, menu creation, and training to the grand opening, there was a lot to learn. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I have had quite a few talented young chefs start their careers working for me. Now, many of them are executive chefs or general managers. It is incredibly rewarding to watch someone who I helped to mentor go on to run their own kitchen. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - My son was born on my birthday in 2013. That is easily the biggest turning point in my life. He’s awesome. What is your favorite thing to do on your day off? - I love spending my days off hanging out with my son. Also, I play golf as often as possible. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - About a year ago, I began creating golf-themed paintings in my spare time. I was invited to be the featured artist at Jake’s in Benson for the months of July and October this year. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? - When you have a strong feeling or gut reaction about something, whether it be a person, place, event, etc. - trust your intuition, and make a decision based on that intuition. Do not waste time questioning whether it is right. It is. And if it’s not, at least you saved some time! Basically, trust your gut. If you could choose only descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Mindful. Which talent would you most like to have? - To speak more than one language. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would like to have a career in astrophysics. I am fascinated by astronomy and quantum mechanics. What does Neil DeGrasse Tyson do all day? I want to do that. Well, that or sports broadcasting. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Au Courant in Benson. The menu changes frequently and it is always fresh and innovative. The chef there used to work for me years ago. He went on to train in Europe and around the US. The food is perfect every time. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Email: z.clemetson@omahadrafthouse.com; Website: drafthouse. com/omaha.

BEN Ben Russell

MCGILL RESTORATION McGill Restoration Inc. has been in business since 1985, and is a recognized industry leader in the rehabilitation and preservation of concrete and masonry structures throughout the U.S. Ben Russell is the Vice President of Operations at McGill Restoration. Tell us a little about your business. - We specialize in restoration and work on many different types of projects. There are four different sectors to our business: Industrial, Infrastructure, Parking Garages/ Stadiums, and Masonry. The jobs we perform include tasks like waterproofing, establishing structural concrete, industrial blasting and painting, caulking and epoxy injection, and faux finishes, just to name a few. How did you get started in the business? - Right out of high school I started working for my uncle doing footings, foundations, and concrete flatwork. After a few years of that I started my own company pumping concrete. I was in business for myself for 11 years and McGill Restoration was one of my best clients. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Transitioning from the field to the office. I have always been very handson and to step back and let the guys in the field do the work was hard. What has been your most important achievement professionally? It’s tough to choose between winning awards on projects I’ve managed that I’m very proud of and being promoted to the position I’m in now. Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my best friend for 18 years now and we have seven children, four boys and three girls. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? When I started working at McGill Restoration. At the time the housing market was crashing. Most of my work was residential and it was very difficult to get contractors to pay. I went to Tim McGill to see if he was hiring and he offered me a job on the spot. With the way the market was going and a growing family to provide for I was extremely thankful for the opportunity. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hang out with the family or go hunting or fishing. What are you the most proud of? - The work ethic I see in my kids. It’s a proud moment when people tell you how hard your kids work without you even asking about it. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Dedicated. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To see into the future.

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Which talent would you most like to have? - Photographic memory. What is your favorite movie? - American Sniper. What is your favorite TV show? - Seinfeld. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Roja. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 558-7989; Email: brussell@mcgillrestoration.com; Website: www.mcgillrestoration.com.

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by Karl Schaphorst, President

How Much Sales Experience Do You Have?

Mark had been making a decent living for ten years as a salesperson. Always in the middle of the sales charts, Mark was comfortable with his selling skills. At least he was until taking his most recent sales position three months ago. In his new position, he was at the bottom of the sales chart. “I don’t understand,” thought Mark. “I’m doing the same things here that I did at the other companies and I can’t get anywhere. Maybe it’s the quality of the prospects; they are pretty dismal.” “No,” he thought, “they’re pathetic.” Particularly rankling was the situation with Susan. Hired on the same day as Mark, with six months of sales experience, she was consistently climbing up the sales chart. “She probably does better because she’s a woman,” he thought. “The prospects aren’t expecting a woman salesperson, and that’s her edge. Yeah, that’s it.” “Of course,” he decided to himself, “the other reason I’m not doing as well is because the territory I’ve been given is mined out. Nobody could sell to these idiots.” Feeling somewhat better, Mark closed up his briefcase and decided to drop in at the mall. Perhaps he needed a new suit to bring his luck back. On the way over to the mall he wondered for a moment if he should have signed up for the sales skills seminar the company was offering. “No,” he decided, “that’s only for people who don’t know which end is up. The only salespeople there would be the newbies and the company brown-nosers.” Mark has a problem.

402-403-4334 www.karlschaphorst.sandler.com Mark is equating the length of his selling history with quality. In addition, he has convinced himself that his current situation is not his responsibility. Will a new suit help Mark? While Mark may seem to have an overabundance of excuses for not performing well, it is not unusual to hear many of these same ones from other salespeople. The common thread through all of these excuses is the total refusal to accept any responsibility for current performance. “It’s not my fault I’m doing (fill in one of the following: poorly, marginally, about average), it’s because of (fill in anything that the salesperson has no control over).” The number of years someone has spent in sales does not guarantee success today with a prospect who has just walked in. Success with a prospect is guaranteed when the salesperson accepts responsibility for performing in a professional manner. If the prospect buys, great. If the prospect doesn’t buy but gives five warm referrals, great. Ask a consistently successful salesperson, in any product area, what he/she attributes his/her success to, and you will hear many different things. The common thread will be, “I take complete responsibility for my success or failure in sales.” Every salesperson knows he/she should have a positive mental outlook. The only problem with that phrase is that it is meaningless. But it sounds good. Either a salesperson takes complete responsibility for his or her sales, or the sales will not be made. They will not be made because there is always an excuse for why not. A salesperson’s sales are a result of taking complete responsibility for performance. If not, 20 years of sales experience can equate to one year of sales experience 20 times. So, how many years of sales experience do you have? Sandler Training is a global training organization with over three decades of experience and proven results. Sandler provides sales and management training and consulting services for small- to mediumsized businesses (SMBs) as well as corporate training for Fortune 1000 companies. For more information, please contact Karl Schaphorst at (402) 403-4334 or by email at kschaphorst@sandler.com. You can also follow his blog at karlschaphorst.sandler.com.

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NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

PERSONNEL NEWS Five Nines Promotes Jeff Newton to Senior Account Executive

Merrill Lynch Announces Promotion of Craig Korkow

Five Nines is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Newton as a Senior Account Executive in the Omaha office. Newton spent 8 years in the managed IT services industry before joining Five Nines. He has been with Five Nines for 3 ½ years in a variety of technical consulting roles. The combination of his technical experience and strategic background, as well as his love of problem-solving will help to accelerate Five Nines’ Omaha market growth. “We are thrilled to have Jeff join the outside sales team. He is a natural for this position, and the experience he brings to the table will be a great fit for this role,” said Joel Friesen, President at Five Nines. Founded on an intense desire to solve problems and build long-term relationships with clients, Five Nines leverages technology to drive business success. With offices in Lincoln, Omaha & Kearney, Five Nines advises the best IT solutions for Nebraska-based businesses, offering Managed IT Services. Through its unique service model, Five Nines’ clients experience reduced costs, accelerated growth, and increased productivity. Learn more at: www.gonines.com.

Merrill Lynch (www.ml.com), a leading global wealth management firm, recently announced the appointment of Craig D. Korkow, Senior Vice President, to Resident Director, Omaha, NE market. Korkow will lead the Omaha market’s team of dedicated Merrill Lynch financial advisors to continue to deliver the highest quality of service and integrated wealth management strategies to local area individuals, families and businesses. Korkow will continue as principal of Korkow and Associates, a goals-based wealth management and retirement team, located here in Omaha. Craig Korkow, a resident of Council Bluffs, Iowa, joined Merrill Lynch in 2000 after leaving the United States Army as a Captain. He received a Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University. And earned his Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2007.

Walmart eCommerce Home Group and Hayneedle Key New Leadership Announced Hayneedle, a leading online retailer of indoor and outdoor home furnishings and décor, has announced the addition of Scott Doughman as the new Omaha-based company president, and Anthony Soohoo as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Home Group across all U.S. eCommerce retail within Walmart.com, Hayneedle and Jet. Doughman brings more than 20 years of experience with media and technology to the Hayneedle team. As the former Vice Scott Doughman President of Global Partnerships at Yahoo!, Doughman worked with several of the world’s largest marketers to drive customer experience and brand awareness focused on the use of content and digital advertising. Prior to Yahoo, Doughman worked in strategic planning, corporate development and product management roles at Sungard, Booz Allen & Hamilton, FedEx and Price Waterhouse. Soohoo brings years of strong leadership and entrepreneurial experience to the eCommerce team. As the founder and former CEO of Dot & Bo, the first home furnishing brand for the Anthony Soohoo millennial generation, Soohoo grew the startup into one of the fastest growing commerce companies from 2013 to 2015. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Entertainment Division at CBS Interactive, and joined CBS with its acquisition of Dotspotter, where he served as Co-Founder and CEO. Soohoo has also worked in product and leadership positions at Yahoo!, Inktomi and Apple. In his new role, he will be responsible for accelerating Walmart’s U.S. eCommerce growth in the Home category across Walmart.com, Hayneedle and Jet. Doughman will lead the Hayneedle team out of the company’s corporate headquarters in Omaha, NE and Soohoo will head the Home Group in San Bruno, CA at Walmart eCommerce corporate headquarters. Learn more at hayneedleinc.com and explore Hayneedle to find pieces you’ll love for the place you love most. 26 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Dan Granatowicz Joins CHC-NE State Leadership Council Community Health Charities of Nebraska (CHC-NE) has announced that Dan Granatowicz, Continental ContiTech, has joined the organization’s State Leadership Council. He will focus his efforts on promoting and supporting CHC-NE’s 22 member charities in the Norfolk area as well as across the state. Before relocating to Norfolk from Lincoln, Granatowicz served on CHC-NE’s Lincoln Board of Directors as the Board Chair and also served on the Campaign Cabinet in Lincoln. Community Health Charities of Nebraska promotes designations to member charities, and encourages contributors in workplace campaigns to choose the charity or charities they value the most to receive their donations. For more information about CHC-NE and the work of its member charities, go to www.chcne.org and www. facebook.com/CHCNebraska.com or call (402) 614-8500.

CFA Society of Nebraska Announces 2017-18 Officers and Directors CFA Society of Nebraska is pleased to announce that the following individuals have been elected to serve on the organization’s board for the 2017-18 term: President - John E. Philo, CFA, Lozier Corporation; Vice President - Curtis R. Caldwell, CFA, Mutual of Omaha Companies; Secretary - Damian L. Howard, CFA, Security National Bank; Treasurer – David H. Craft, CFA, Wells Fargo Private Bank; Past President – Joseph M. Lionberger, CFA, Ameritas Investment Partners; Director – Stacy A. Auman, CFA, First National Bank; Director – Michael R. Gatliff, CFA, Ameritas Investment Partners; Director – Randy D. Jorgensen, CFA, Creighton University; Director – Clinton T. Rushing, CFA, D.A. Davidson & Co. The CFA Society of Nebraska (www.cfasociety.org/nebraska) is an association of local investment professionals consisting of portfolio managers, security analysts, investment advisors, and other financial professionals. We promote ethical and professional standards within the investment industry, encourage professional development through the CFA Program and continuing education, facilitate the exchange of information and opinions among people within the local investment community and beyond, and work to further the public’s understanding of the CFA designation and investment industry. As a member of CFA Institute, the society connects members to a global network of investment professionals.

PERSONNEL NEWS Pinnacle Bank Promotes Lauran Nutzman

Headsetters™ Welcomes Mickaela Milby

Pinnacle Bank recently promoted Lauran Nutzman to loan officer. Nutzman works from the Louisville branch. In her role, she is responsible for underwriting consumer and mortgage loans for customers.

Mickaela Milby recently joined Headsets by Headsetters™ as a National Account Manager. She is contributing all her years of sales and management experience to further expand sales and service to all of the company’s customers across North America. Mickaela will be responsible for several existing national accounts and will consistently be adding clients to her portfolio. Those who are interested in learning more may contact her directly at mickaela@headsetters.com. Established in 1992, Headsetters™ is a full service national provider of wireless, Bluetooth and corded headsets by Plantronics, GN Netcom, Jabra, VXI, Sennheiser, and Starkey. Additional services include all headset accessories, headset repairs, headset rentals and refurbished headsets. Find out more about Headsetters™ online at www.headsetters.com or contact Chelley Baack, General Manager, at (402) 951-9105 / chelley@headsetters.com.

Nutzman has been with Pinnacle Bank for three years and in the banking industry for six years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Performance and Systems Management from Peru State College. Family-owned since 1938, Nebraska-based Pinnacle Bancorp, Inc., is a $10 billion financial holding company operating 149 community banks in eight states including 64 locations in Nebraska. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

Joslyn Castle Welcomes New Executive Director Sidney Gnann The Joslyn Castle has hired Sidney Gnann as the new executive director. Mr. Gnann has been charged with carrying out the mission of the Joslyn Castle, and broadening community connections and partnerships. In addition, he will update the Joslyn Castle’s strategic plan, with the goal of “Modernizing History.” Mr. Gnann comes to the Joslyn Castle from Five Rivers MetroParks in Dayton, Ohio where he served as the RiverScape Manager. A 10-year veteran of the nonprofit sector, his specialties include operations and financial management, and creating vibrant community spaces. The landmark Joslyn Castle and estate grounds are used to educate and enhance the cultural aspects of the Omaha community. This grand Victorian residence is open for public tours, events and rentals. Find out more online at joslyncastle.com.

Nancy Finken Joins NET Leadership Team Nancy Finken has been promoted to NET’s leadership team as assistant general manager for broadcast production and programming. During her 25-year career at NET, Nebraska’s PBS and NPR Stations, Finken has embodied NET’s commitment to trusted and meaningful journalism along with arts, culture and education. In her new role, Finken will oversee all local television and radio production projects for the statewide network as well as determine which public media programs are acquired and broadcast in Nebraska. She will also work closely with PBS and NPR on efforts to distribute NET content nationally. Finken’s NET career began in 1992 when she joined as news director. In 2002 she became radio program director and assistant network manager. In 2007 she was promoted to manage the radio network and in 2015 she became station manager for all NET television and radio stations. NET has participated in many successful local and regional collaborations during this time, including Harvest Public Media, a journalism collaboration with other Midwest and Plains stations covering agriculture from farm to table. Finken was named journalist of the year in 1993 by the Society of Professional Journalists Nebraska Pro Chapter and supervisor of the year in 2007 by the State of Nebraska. The Lincoln resident serves on Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra board of directors and is a member of Lincoln Rotary Club 14.

Goosmann Law Firm Expands to Omaha, Introduces Key Team Members Jeana Goosmann, CEO & Managing Partner of the Goosmann Law Firm, is pleased to announce their growth and expansion in the Omaha market and the addition of three new team members: Joel Carney, Josh White and William J. Hale. Carney has joined the Goosmann team as Managing Partner of the new Omaha office; White as Executive Director of the Omaha location; and Hale as an attorney with the firm. Goosmann opened their new Omaha office in the innovative and newly-built Advent Building located in West Joel Carney Omaha this past July. Omaha is the firm’s third office location in addition to their offices in Sioux City, Iowa and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Carney joins the Goosmann team with over seventeen years of experience as a litigation attorney with a wide range of experience in all realms of the dispute process involving creditor’s rights, bankruptcy, and litigation. White’s experience spans from seventeen years of leadership and management in various positions including, Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Josh White Assistant Athletics Director at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Associate Director of Membership Services at the NCAA. He understands the legal industry having received his Juris Doctor at the University of Nebraska College of Law. Attorney William J. Hale will focus his practice on Business and Intellectual Property Litigation. He joins the firm with seven years of experience working in the security industry handling investigations, reporting, consumer relations and settlements. He received his Juris Doctor William J. Hale from Creighton University School of Law, graduating top of his class, and is licensed to practice in Nebraska and Iowa. The Goosmann Law Firm looks to expand the firm’s Omaha team and will be actively recruiting throughout 2017 and 2018. To learn more about the Goosmann Law Firm, visit www.GoosmannLaw.com or call (402) 280-7648. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 27

PERSONNEL NEWS Stacy Bingham Joins Launch Leadership as Executive Director

John Fullerton Joins Transworld Business Advisors

On October 2, Launch Leadership welcomed its new Executive Director, Stacy Bingham, to the staff. With more than 15 years of strategic marketing experience and a heart for nonprofits and youth leadership development, Stacy is excited to serve Launch’s diverse, passionate and committed team. Until now, Launch’s staff has consisted solely of hard-working volunteers. In the past few years, Launch has experienced incredible growth in the numbers of students it serves. To better serve those students and to reach even more, Launch created this full-time employed position to be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and strategic mission of the organization. Launch plans on providing even more top-notch opportunities for youth leadership development with the creation of this new Executive Director position. Stacy will work hand in hand with the Launch volunteer staff to make connections, raise funds and awareness, and provide guidance to the organization. Launch Leadership originated as a volunteer organization in 1976. It promotes and develops youth leadership through an annual fiveday summer workshop in Wayne, Neb. and dozens of year-round services in Nebraska and beyond. Launch is based in Lincoln with more than 200 members across the United States. To find out more about Launch Leadership, visit launchleadership.org or contact Stacy at (402) 437-0011 / launch@launchleadership.org.

Transworld Business Advisors is pleased to announce that John Fullerton has accepted the position of Business Advisor for its operations in the Omaha, Neb. metropolitan area. John is dedicated to helping prospective business owners buy the right business or franchise, and helping those with businesses to sell find the right buyers. He worked in farming and construction in his youth, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from universities and was technically certified in computer networking. He has more than twenty years’ experience in senior management positions, working with educators and businesses as a non-profit executive, and later started and sold his own company as an entrepreneur. Fullerton formerly served as Executive Director of the Kansas Association for Career and Technical Education, Administrative Manager for the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, Executive Vice President for the National Frame Building Association, Manager of Astro Buildings, Inc. and President of Infinitum Limited Company. John enjoys scuba diving, fishing, camping and Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities with his children. He and his wife, Traci, have three children and reside in Bellevue, Nebraska. Contact John directly at (402) 213-9945 or jfullerton@tworld.com to sell or buy a business or franchise. John has many business opportunities available, and works with a lot of buyers who are looking for good businesses. Find more information about Transworld’s locally-owned franchise offices serving Lincoln and Omaha at www.twbac.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Bridges Trust Adds Three in Leadership Roles Bridges Trust (www.bridgestrust.com), a leading advisor to high net worth individuals and families and select institutions is pleased to announce the addition of Michael G. App, Megan M. McMurry and John J. Clatanoff. Mr. App joins the firm as Executive Vice President where he will serve as a senior member of the firm’s management team and will oversee overall operations. A veteran of the banking and investment industries, App comes to Bridges Trust with extensive experience in family office services and investment management of both publicly traded and private equity portfolios. He will primarily be responsible for family office services, investment management operations, wealth creation and preservation services and new business development. App earned a BSBA in Finance from Creighton University and is active in the Omaha community, investing his time and talents in several public and private boards and organizations, including, but not limited to, American National Bank, Hawkins Construction, Creighton Prep High School Investment Committee, Maha Music Festival and St. Pius / St. Leo X School.

FocalPoint Welcomes Certified Business Coach Michael Van Gerpen FocalPoint Business Coaching is proud to announce Michael R. Van Gerpen has joined FocalPoint’s elite team of business coaching professionals. Michael will bring his business experience and coaching expertise to entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Omaha, Nebraska area.

Michael G. App

Megan M. McMurry

Ms. McMurry joins the firm as Vice President of Client Services. In that role, McMurry will be responsible for collaborating with clients to help them identify and achieve their wealth management objectives through highly personalized service and advice. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP) she brings valuable experience and insight in tax, John J. Clatanoff estate, multigenerational, philanthropic and insurance planning that will increase both the depth and breadth of expertise that the firm provides to its clients. McMurry earned a BS in Accounting and Business Administration from Concordia University and an MS in Accounting – taxation option from the University of New Orleans. McMurry is active in the community, serving on the Blair Community Schools Foundation, Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance, Omaha Estate Planning Council, Future Business Leaders of America, First Christian Church and the Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland. Mr. Clatanoff joins the firm as Vice President of Administration. In that role, he will be responsible for general corporate accounting processes, financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, as well as other administrative functions, including information technology, human resources, benefits and payroll. Clatanoff earned a BS in Business Administration, with a major in Accounting from Creighton University and an MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha. The hiring of App, McMurry and Clatanoff is part of the ongoing commitment of the Bridges companies to expand the organization’s service capabilities, leverage investment expertise and continue its pattern of growth while maintaining an unyielding focus on earning and maintaining the trust of its clients through excellent investment management, exceptional client service and the development of long-term relationships. Each will play a key role in helping the firm build out a comprehensive trust, family office and wealth management solution for a growing client base of successful individuals and families, endowments and foundations, business owners, entrepreneurs and corporations.

Michael R. Van Gerpen joins FocalPoint with more than 20 years of business management, sales development, and financial expertise. His titles have included Manager of Interviewing for Gallup, Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual, Regional Sales Director for Assurant Health, and Director of Business Development for ELAP Services. Throughout his career, Michael has been known for his innovative approach to business growth and his client-centered attitude. In each of his roles, he built a reputation for surpassing expectations, developing progressive strategies, and always offering the inclusive hand that pulled others up with him. Michael believes that professional fulfillment has an overwhelming impact on all areas of an individual’s life. He understands that success requires more than just business acumen; thriving companies are built on a solid foundation of leadership, purpose, and vision. As a trusted advisor, he is dedicated to bridging the gap between current circumstances and the personal definition of ultimate success. Learn more about what the right business coach can do for your business. Contact Michael R. Van Gerpen for more information at michaelvangerpen.focalpointcoaching.com or via email at mvangerpen@ focalpointcoaching.com.

Ron Kenkel Promoted to Business Unit Manager at Omaha Box Company Ron Kenkel has been promoted to Business Unit Manager at Omaha Box Company, a member of the Liberty Diversified International (LDI) family of companies. Omaha Box Company, a designer and manufacturer of custom corrugated cartons and displays, is more than 125 years old. “Ron is very well-prepared to take on this position of overall leadership for company operations, especially because of his exceptional financial management skills,” said Jack Fiterman, LDI’s Vice President, Business Development. Kenkel has been a part of the Omaha Box Company team for 27 years, serving in several financial and operational positions, and most recently as Chief Financial Officer. LDI acquired the assets of the company in 2016, making it part of LDI’s North American network of paper, packaging and display business. Kenkel graduated from Creighton University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with an accounting major. He and his wife Natalie are Omaha residents, with three grown children. Liberty Diversified International is a privately-held family of businesses with more than 1,800 employees operating in the following industries: paper and packaging; furnishings and organization products for the office; and building and architectural products. With roots in the corrugated fiberboard business, the company was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in the Minneapolis suburb of New Hope, MN. To learn more, visit www.libertydiversified.com. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 29

PERSONNEL NEWS

Ensocare President & CEO Luis Castillo Accepted Into Forbes Technology Council Luis Castillo, President and CEO for Ensocare, a leading health IT and care coordination software company, has been accepted into the Forbes Technology Council, an invitationonly community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Castillo joins other Forbes Technology Council members, who are hand-selected, to become part of a curated network of successful peers and get access to a variety of exclusive benefits and resources, including the opportunity to submit thought leadership articles and short tips on industry-related topics for publishing on Forbes.com. Forbes Councils combines an innovative, high-touch approach to community management perfected by the team behind Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) with the extensive resources and global reach of Forbes. As a result, Forbes Council members get access to the people, benefits and expertise they need to grow their businesses — and a dedicated member concierge who acts as an extension of their own team, providing personalized one-on-one support. Ensocare, a CQuence Health Group company, is a cloud-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution suite that automates the discharge process, effectively transitions patients between care settings and enables coordinated care across the continuum. For more information, visit www.ensocare.com.

Zier Institute Welcomes New Occupational Therapist Stephanie Dyrhaug Zier Institute, a growing pediatric occupational therapy practice, is proud to announce the hiring of Stephanie Dyrhaug, OTR/L, OTD. Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology and her clinical doctorate in occupational therapy at Creighton University. She is trained in the areas of Bowen Family Systems, DIR/Floortime, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. With this unique combination of education and training, Stephanie, along with the Zier Institute, has developed a program for teenagers for understanding emotional intelligence and its power to transform learning and relationships. This new program called “Compass” began this summer and is helping transform teens lives. Stephanie is focused on building Compass, which equips young adults with the internal tools they need to navigate this essential period in their lives – all in a safe, engaging environment. Stephanie’s hiring as an OT associate represents a homecoming of sorts. She worked for Zier Institute while pursuing her bachelor’s and clinical doctorate. “After graduation, it was an easy decision to continue working at Zier Institute. I’m a firm believer in the therapeutic power of the family, and Zier Institute really encourages a collaborative environment for children and families to reach their goals,” Stephanie says. Zier Institute is committed to helping children achieve their highest potential physically, emotionally and socially through individualized care, family involvement and collaboration with caregivers, teachers and other professionals who share our interest and commitment to the unique needs of children. For more information, visit www.zierinstitute.com. 30 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

ETI Promotes Justin Veik to Principal Engineering Technologies, Inc. (ETI) has promoted Justin L. Veik, PE, LEED AP to Principal. Located in the Omaha office, he has over 15 years of experience in mechanical engineering and design with ETI. Veik earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Architectural Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and recently passed his PE examination. Since 1972, Engineering Technologies, Inc. has built a strong reputation by providing innovative, comprehensive, and proven mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology consulting, and design solutions to its clients. ETI provides a complete spectrum of mechanical and electrical engineering services for residential, commercial, governmental, institutional, educational, industrial, religious, and healthcare buildings. Find out more online at www. eti-engineers.com or contact the Omaha office at (402) 330-2772.

Kristin White Joins Strictly Business as Graphic Designer Strictly Business is excited to introduce a new member of the team, Kristin White! Kristin was selected to fill the role of graphic designer and officially started on Sept. 13. She is a Lexington, NE native and attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Communication & Design. Prior to assuming her new position at Strictly Business, Kristin worked as a product photographer and image editor at the Buckle Inc. in Kearney, NE while also doing freelance design on the side. She will be assisting with designing ads and promotional materials along with posting content to the Strictly Business websites and social media accounts. Kristin can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or via email at creative@strictlybusinessomaha.com. Please feel free to join us in extending her a very warm welcome!

Don Stanley Joins Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC is proud to welcome Mr. Donald Stanley, II, CRPC® as a Financial Advisor to their Omaha office. Stanley brings more than 10 years of experience to the firm and holds the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (SM). He has a passion for developing lasting relationships with individuals and families. Stanley strongly believes in the value of constructing a comprehensive financial plan to help safeguard what is most important to his clients. Don Stanley graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining the firm, Don has worked with clients who wish to improve their financial situation at Fidelity Investments, Waddell & Reed, and TD Ameritrade. Nelson, Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group, LLC is an independently registered SEC investment advisory firm with offices in Omaha, Nebraska. For more information, visit www.nvcwealth.com.

PERSONNEL NEWS

Cole Stichler Recognized at Cambridge Leaders Club 2017

Makovicka Physical Therapy Adds Five New Physical Therapists

Cole G. Stichler, President of Stichler Wealth Management, LLC, was recognized by his broker-dealer, Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. (Cambridge) as a top advisor and because of this distinction, attended an exclusive Leaders Club workshop in Dallas, Texas, September 12-13, 2017. Advisors are invited to participate based on their dedication to service excellence while staying true to Cambridge’s core values of integrity, commitment, flexibility, and kindness. “I want to thank my clients for choosing me as their financial professional,” Stichler stated. “I sincerely appreciate their trust in me and their confidence that I will provide them with unbiased recommendations and impartial and objective advice based on their needs and goals. I appreciate being named to Cambridge’s Leaders Club, especially as a reflection of our shared values and dedication to serving clients, and I enjoy the opportunities to share experiences with my peers who are also independent financial professionals.” Stichler Wealth Management, LLC is a full service financial planning firm providing concierge services to business owners, corporations, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and well-established individuals and families. Contact: (402) 697-5652 / info@stichlerwealth.com.

Makovicka Physical Therapy added five new Physical Therapists to its professional staff this summer. The new therapists will be at one of the seven clinics around the Omaha Metro area. A l S m i t h , P T, Al Smith Amanda Lathrop DPT joined the staff in May. Al is from Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he played on the Husker baseball team. He earned his physical therapy degree from Creighton University. He is based in the Victor Wolff Jessica Klym Midtown clinic. Amanda Lathrop, PT, DPT joined the staff in June. Amanda is from Platte Center, Nebraska. She attended the University of NebraskaKearney and earned her physical therapy degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Amanda is certified at level 2 dry needling, treats TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), and does aquatic therapy out of the Pacific Springs clinic. Victor Wolff, PT, DPT joined the staff in June. Victor is from Blair, Nebraska. He attended the Matt Franco University of Nebraska-Omaha and is a recent graduate of the physical therapy program from Creighton University. Victor is based out of the North 90th Street clinic. Jessica Klym, PT, DPT joined the staff in August. She recently graduated the physical therapy program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Jessica is at the Papillion clinic. Matt Franco, PT, DPT is the new resident through Makovicka Physical Therapy’s continued partnership with Creighton University Orthopedic Residency program. He joined the staff in August. Makovicka Physical Therapy has seven convenient clinics in Omaha, two in Lincoln, and a new one opening soon in Bellevue. Started in 2009 by Joel Makovicka, PT, DPT and Natalie Harms, PT, MPT, DPT, GCS, all of the clinics are proud to have licensed board certified specialists on staff providing the highest level of care to maximize patients’ recovery. For more information about Makovicka Physical Therapy please visit MakovickaPT.com, or contact Amy Donner at (402) 932.6791 x 112 or amyd@makovickapt.com.

Securities and Advisory services offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. Cambridge and Stichler Wealth Management are separate entities.

Claudia Zapata Selected to Lead Projects at MLCDC Claudia Zapata has been named the new Projects Development Coordinator for the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC). Claudia leads the Childcare Development Program and supports the development of las Americas Global Market. The Childcare Development Program assists Greater Omaha’s low income, immigrant and non-English speaking population in opening and maintaining childcare facilities with an educational atmosphere. This program equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to offer developmentally-appropriate care, and to be able to implement an educational curriculum so the children in their care will be academically ready to attend public schools. It guides these individuals toward providing legal childcare services and offers them training in childcare development, child abuse/prevention, and business management, among other aspects. MLCDC has assisted 76 women with the start-up and growth of their educational centers. Claudia, originally from Colombia, is a public relations and marketing professional. She has over 10 years of experience in that field, plus 5 years of experience specific to childcare development, that she is using to help her clients fulfill their dreams. She is also a licensed Realtor in Florida and was an agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices there. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Nebraska Real Estate License. In addition, Claudia previously worked with Provider’s Network Inc. (PNI), along with serving as was a volunteer in MLCDC in the childcare program prior to accepting this position. She enjoys supporting the growth of her clients, stating, “I love God with all my heart, and love to serve others.” For more information about this program or the others offered by MLCDC, call (402) 933-4466 or visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know & Who Knows You! At Strictly Business Magazine, we strive to recognize local businessmen and women for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/ or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha Metro community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330 or submit your news via our website at www.strictlybusinessomaha.com. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 31

PERSONNEL NEWS Hillcrest Welcomes New Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anthony Hatcher

Alvine Engineering Names Milena Palahanska-Mavrov Project Manager

Hillcrest Health Services recently introduced Anthony Hatcher, DO, FAAFP, as its first Chief Medical Officer. Bringing with him years of experience in the health care industry, Dr. Hatcher will work to establish care protocols and clinical pathways, interacting with Hillcrest’s existing medical directors, to ensure continuity of care across the entire Hillcrest organization. “We value our current partnerships with our facility medical directors but felt we needed a full-time medical leader who lives and breathes Hillcrest to help support the increasing complexities of our customers,” said Matt Oestmann, Vice President of Rehab and Post-Acute Services. “It’s typical for organizations to contract with physician services. Instead, we have one person providing medical coordination and oversight across our whole health system.” Dr. Hatcher spent more than 20 years working for Alegent/CHI Health as a practicing clinical physician. He also served on the Alegent Health Board of Directors and as the Chief Administrative Officer of Alegent Health Clinic. In addition to being Hillcrest’s CMO, Dr. Hatcher will also serve as the Medical Director for Hillcrest Millard, which is scheduled to open in January, and Hillcrest Firethorn, which officially opens in Lincoln this month. Dr. Hatcher lives in Omaha with his wife Amy and their five children. Hillcrest Health Services offers the region’s largest continuum of health services for aging adults. For more information, visit www.hillcresthealth. com.

Alvine Engineering has named Milena S. Palahanska-Mavrov P.E., LEED AP BD+C, CDT a project manager in the firm’s Omaha office. In her new role, she provides leadership in the proactive management of a broad base of projects, including client communication, design, staffing, and quality assurance. Palahanska-Mavrov is a University of Nebraska graduate and a licensed mechanical engineer with 12 years of professional experience designing highly-sophisticated, energy-efficient building systems. She is a LEED Accredited Professional with an emphasis on Building Design and Construction as well as a certified Construction Documents Technician (CDT). Palahanska-Mavrov has been involved in a variety of local projects, including design for the Burlington Rail and Commerce Building, multiple projects for Creighton University, Ponca Elementary Renovations for Omaha Public Schools and the NorthStar Recreation Center. In her free time, Palahanska-Mavrov is actively involved with American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and her children, Maggie and Kalina’s school activities. Alvine Engineering, founded in 1961, is a comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and architectural lighting firm with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska; Des Moines, Iowa; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www. alvine.com or contact the Omaha office directly at (402) 346-7007.

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Danny Reynolds

Mike Prendergast

To find out more about the Organizational Development Clinic, we interviewed Dr. Leinen, Professor Christiansen, and Erica Lamm, a student who just completed it.

Joel Christiansen

Erica Lamm

Dr. Shannon Leinen

Concordia University, Nebraska recently added new courses for MBA students with an emphasis in Organizational Development. The Organizational Development Clinic was established by College of Graduate Studies Dean Jon Moberly, in partnership with MBA Program Director Dr. Shannon Leinen and instructor Joel Christiansen. It is a 3-class series with each lasting 8 weeks, during which time students are matched up with a local entrepreneur, small business, and non-profit organization. They effectively become consultants, completing a strategic plan to achieve the objective(s) outlined by the client. Each student spends 100 documented hours working for the client under their guidance as well as the guidance of the instructor assigned to that course. Give us a brief synopsis of how the program works. Dr. Leinen: Clients that fit within one of the three academic areas of emphasis are selected through an application process. First, the client completes and submits the application, and then we conduct an interview. Upon acceptance the client is introduced to the instructor for the class, puts together a SWOT analysis and prioritization of issues the class should investigate, and develops a plan for the students to really get to know the client and what they “do” through an experience, a tour, or a demonstration process of the product or service the client is selling. On the first night of the class, the client pitches to the students, presenting what they want to accomplish. The students then help the client investigate anything and everything related to those objectives throughout the duration of the class, compiling those findings and their feedback together in a comprehensive plan to deliver to the client on the final night. What clients have you worked with to date? Dr. Leinen: Over the past three years we’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including Men with Dreams (Nonprofit, Lincoln), Rejuvenate Studios (Skin Care, Seward), The Second Closet (Thrift Store, Seward), Bottlerocket Brewery (Lounge/Brewery, Seward/Lincoln), Lippy’s BBQ (Restaurant, Malcolm), Camp Luther (Nonprofit, Schuyler), Classy and Sassy with Anne Ecklund (Clothing Line, Lincoln), Camp-A-Nation (Online Small Business, Based in Lincoln), and KZUM Radio (Lincoln). What is the impact this program has in our community at large, and more specifically in the local business community? Dr. Leinen: What’s great about the program is that it connects our students with real-life professionals. Also, our students are adult learners with real-life business experience who are already working in the field and have that experience to share with our clients. This is a great partnership for everyone to learn. Our students love having the real-life consulting experience and our clients love having a real presentation and document to present to future financers, backers, and internal supporters. Prof. Christiansen: I believe it has had a very positive, ripple effect. First of all, it builds a trusting relationship between Concordia University and the client. Clients who are just beginning a business, have no business or strategic plan, or need help in critical areas rely on the expertise of the MBA students to create a plan that will put them in a better position to succeed. It’s a win-win for all involved. What is the impact this program has on the students who participate? Prof. Christiansen: I am proud to say that the student’s responses to the course have been

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

CUNE Offers New Courses

overwhelmingly positive. Students not only get an opportunity to apply their knowledge, expertise and professional experience, they learn the value of collaboration and crosscollaboration. I would also add that it is very satisfying on a personal and professional level to create a business and strategic plan that serves the greater good of the client. Ms. Lamm: This course/program impacted me profoundly. I learned so much more about running a business than in any other course because we created a business plan together. As someone who wants to consult, this was right up my alley. Also, the class itself was interactive and collaborative, which was great practice for working on a team or leading a team. What do students take away from participation in this program? Prof. Christiansen: There is much personal and professional gratification in knowing that the plan they developed for our client will endure. It may have even saved a business, but at the very least put it in a better position to grow and be more successful Ms. Lamm: Learning how to write a business plan is a very real skill that I took away from this experience. But beyond that, I learned how to work with a client and how to work with fellow students/team members to collaborate in order to achieve a high-quality result. What do you see happening with the program in the next five years? Dr. Leinen: Currently the classes take place on our Fallbrook campus in Lincoln, and we often do work on-site for the client. Since we offer our MBA program fully on-campus in the classroom, fully online, and a mix of the two to meet the needs of our students, we would like to expand our reach and offer it as an option online as well. It would open up the opportunity to more students and allow us to serve more clients each year. What do you want students considering participation in the future as a part of their degree program/coursework to know about the Organizational Development Clinic? Ms. Lamm: I would tell students that this takes a lot of what we’ve been learning and applies it to a real business. It is the most practical course they will ever take. Prof. Christiansen: It’s a learning experience that is meaningful and impactful. Our students are engaged, enlightened and empowered. They see the benefit in what they are called to do and be for the client. What do you want businesses/organization considering participation in the future to know about the Organizational Development Clinic? Prof. Christiansen: It is a great opportunity to partner with Concordia University and its MBA program to have a detailed business plan developed by students who are passionate, focused and committed to serving the greater good of the client. Ms. Lamm: The students do a good job, but more than that, they put their heart into it. We are all so committed to the growth of the businesses/organizations we work with. They are more than just clients or homework. All of the focus is on one specific business or organization; we develop a working relationship and invest our time and resources in delivering something we can be proud of and that can be used by that client upon completion. Their success is our success. If you are a student considering pursuing an MBA degree with an emphasis in Organizational Development and would like to learn more about this program, contact CUNE College of Graduate Studies at (888) 505-2863, visit the office in Lincoln at 570 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 203, or apply at www.cune.edu/admission/apply. If you are a local entrepreneur, small business owner, or affiliated with a non-profit organization and would like to apply or learn more, contact Shannon Leinen at Shannon. Leinen@cune.edu.

W W W. C U N E .E D U 800 N. Columbia Ave. Seward, NE 800.535.5494 • 570 Fallbrook Blvd., Suite 203 Lincoln, NE 888.505.2863 NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

NON-PROFIT NEWS 2017 Okto Beerfest Fundraiser a Success The Nebraska State Stroke Association would like to thank all of the sponsors, vendors, food donors, breweries, distributors, auction donors, and attendees of the 24th Annual Okto Beerfest, which was held Thursday, October 19 at the Lancaster Event Center. More than 100 local businesses contributed to the success of the event and raising awareness of stroke prevention in Nebraska! Corporate sponsors included Alpha Media, the Lincoln Journal Star, Sportscasters Bar & Grill, Sapp Bros. Inc., Sid Dillon, Strictly Business magazine, Berks Foto Photography, Data Source Media, Four Star Card & Gift Gallery, HopCat, Screen Ink, and Biggerstaff Plumbing, Heating & Air. In particular, thanks are extended to the Lincoln Sertoma Clubs for their 24 years of leadership, service, and support. See photos and more at www.facebook.com/OktoBeerfestNebraska.com. More than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. The mission of the Nebraska State Stroke Association is to serve Nebraskans through stroke prevention, education, advocacy, and support services. Since 1985, NSSA has been providing education and outreach on the signs of stroke and serving as a resource for those affected by stroke in Nebraska. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Nebraska and the leading cause of disability in the U.S. To donate to NSSA, find a speaker or learn more, visit www.NebraskaStroke.org or contact Linda Stephen at (402) 484-8131 / hello@nebraskastroke.org.

2017 Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands Celebrates Nonprofits Breaking Barriers The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) and D.A. Davidson are hosting the 11th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands, held Wednesday, November 1 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista. The annual Summit celebrates more than a decade of nonprofits helping their communities. The theme for this year’s Summit is “Breaking Barriers.” The Summit features breakout sessions, a Catalyst Award and workshops on a variety of topics, including fundraising, lobbying and moving strategic plans forward. Blog author and nonprofit leader, Vu Le, who is widely known for his great humor and keen ideas, is the keynote speaker for this year’s Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands. Le is the Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by cultivating leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color and fostering collaboration between diverse communities. As the writer behind Nonprofit AF, Le is known not only for his humor but also for his no-nonsense approach. “The Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands is an opportunity to highlight the work being done by the many great nonprofits in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa,” said Anne Hindery, CEO of the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. “Our session leaders are local experts and thought leaders in the nonprofit community providing effective tools and valuable insights to help charitable organizations further their missions.” 34 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Werner Enterprises Volunteers Build Playset for Carole’s House of Hope T h a n k y o u We r n e r Enterprises for constructing a playset for Carole’s House of Hope! The “Blue Brigade” volunteers’ efforts are greatly appreciated and the playset will provide many smiles and happy memories for the mothers and children at Carole’s House of Hope for years to come. Special thanks are also extended to the Claus family for contributing their own personal time and expertise in completing the final stages of the project. Carole’s House of Hope’s mission is to provide hope and healing for women, mothers and their children through innovative programming and services that promotes self-sufficiency and independence. For more information, please visit www.caroleshouseofhope.org or contact Happy Opitz at (402) 991-4673 Ext. 103 / Happy@ caroleshouseofhope.org.

Omaha Home for Boys Sells Cooper Village Property to NOVA Treatment Community Longstanding provider of ser vices to atrisk youth, the Omaha Home for Boys recently announced the sale of Cooper Village to NOVA Treatment C o m m u n i t y. Cooper Village, Pictured (L-R): Jeff Moran, Omaha Home for Boys’ located at 8502 President & CEO; Dawn Clark, NOVA Chief Human Mormon Bridge Resources Officer; Lacy Rudder, NOVA Chief Operations Officer; Pegg Siemek-Asche, NOVA Chief Executive Road in Omaha, is on the grounds Officer; Jim Meredith, NOVA Chief Financial Officer. of Omaha Home for Boys’ Cooper Memorial Farm. The portion of property sold consists of a 10.09 acre parcel of land that houses an administrative building, two resident buildings and a garage. Omaha Home for Boys will maintain ownership of the remaining 107 acres of land at Cooper Memorial Farm. The Home will continue to serve vulnerable youth through its 4-H program and youth employment program at Cooper Memorial Farm. “After careful consideration of many factors, it was determined that it was in the best interest of both Omaha Home for Boys and NOVA to sell the property,” said Omaha Home for Boys’ President & CEO, Jeff Moran. “We are thankful for the long-term relationship we have built with NOVA and are thrilled that both organizations will have the opportunity to continue to serve those in need in our community.” NOVA Treatments Communities’ CEO, Pegg Siemek-Asche also added, “With so many changes over the years and treatment facilities closing their doors, it takes on a special meaning in behavioral health to have a permanent home for NOVA in the Omaha community.” NOVA Treatment Community has been leasing the Cooper Village property from Omaha Home for Boys since December 2011.

NON-PROFIT NEWS Heartland Family Service Announces 35th Annual Salute to Families Honorees

Grief’s Journey to Host 4th Annual Grief Awareness Conference

Heartland Family Service is honoring four families and a family advocate again this year from the Omaha metro area as part of its 35th annual Salute to Families program.

Join Grief’s Journey for a day of enhancing awareness, education, and support for all forms of grief. The 4th Annual Grief Awareness Conference will be held on Friday, November 17 from 8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Creighton University Harper Center located at the 2500 California Plaza in Omaha. A variety of workshops led by national, regional, and local speakers fill the day’s agenda to help area professionals build their toolboxes for grief support.

This occasion is par ticular ly special because it is being held during National Family Week. It will take place at the Happy Hollow Club in Omaha on Thursday, November 16th from 6-9 p.m.

Opening Keynote Presentation (9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.): From “Staying Inside” to the “Other Side”: The Suffocated Grief of African American Youth, Tashel Bordere, PhD, CT.

Pictured in the order they appear, this year’s honorees are:

Luncheon Keynote Presentation (12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.): Spiritual Identity & Religious Diversity: Ethical Implications for Our Work, Beth Katz, MSW, MPP.

Leadership: Scott & Karla Cassels

The registration fee is $125 for general registration or $85 for students & current Grief’s Journey facilitators. Morning OR Award Luncheon Only: $30.

Community Service: Dr. Viv & John Ewing Challenged Successful: Sean & Anne Rich

For more information, please visit griefsjourney.org. &

Commitment to Family: Tony & Simone Jones Family Advocate: Penny Parker For more information, please contact Nicole Tromler at (402) 5527 4 2 4 / n t ro m l e r @ heartlandfamilyservice. org. Since 1875, Heartland Fa m i l y S e r v i c e h a s responded to the needs o f t h e a r e a ’s m o s t vulnerable children and families. Each year, the agency’s 50 programs serve more than 52,000 individuals of all ages from more than 15 locations in eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa. Hear tland Family Ser vice provides critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community through the following program areas: Child and Family, Counseling and Prevention, and Housing and Financial Stability. Find out more about Heartland Family Ser vice online at heartlandfamilyservice.org.

Project Harmony Supports #MeToo #IWill Movement #MeToo and #IWill are the latest two rally cries throughout social media. This movement is not about a problem that happened in the past. It’s a problem that is still happening today and it can happen anywhere, and at any age. One out of 10 children is sexually abused before their 18th birthday. This means that in any classroom or neighborhood full of children, there are children who are silently bearing the burden of sexual abuse. Whether you work with youth, are a parent or are simply a member of a community – it is highly likely that someone you know and care for has experienced, or is currently experiencing, child sexual abuse. #MeToo should open our eyes to sexual abuse and the tendency of society to cover it up at the expense of our children. The stories, as they unfold, are the reality in families, communities, and admired institutions everywhere – including our own community. It is the hope of Project Harmony that this social media movement can be a catalyst to open hearts and minds to the devastating problem of child sexual abuse. Together, let’s say, “No more!” Together, we can end child abuse. But to do this, we all have to have a stake in it. You have to have a stake in it. You are part of the solution. Did someone you know say #MeToo? Start your #IWill by taking the pledge to be someone in the life of a child today at ProjectBeSomeone.org. With your help, we can go from #IWill to #WeWill #BeSomeone. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 35

NON-PROFIT NEWS

Survivors Rising Strives for Inclusion Survivors Rising recently began to hold Survivor Community meetings convening survivor-leaders from the community to move toward a more inclusive approach. There is so much overlap between forms of violence. A survivor might have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and sex trafficking all in one relationship. In addition, there are similarities with the offenders of these crimes —all offenders focus on power and control, are extremely dangerous and sometimes lethal, and can be from any walk of life. The next event will be announced soon. A “splitting” approach to victims and survivors excludes people and minimizes the many types of violence an individual may experience. In addition to expanding its scope to represent all forms of violence, Survivors Rising hopes to create a safe and inclusive space for many survivor voices that are often silenced or marginalized - LGBTQ, people of color, Native Americans, immigrants, refugees, people with a disability, people in lower socioeconomic status, and survivors who identify as men. Survivors Rising is an organization dedicated to advocacy, education, and support for survivors of sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, domestic/ dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Programs include: speakers bureau, education & training, legislative and policy advocacy, and survivor engagement to promote system change and safety in our community. Find out more at survivorsrising.org or by contacting Kim at (402) 850-0301 / kimsurvivorsrising@gmail.com.

Child Saving Institute Seeking “Substitute Santas” Ho, Ho, Hope YO U ’ L L b e a Substitute Santa this year! Through the Child Saving Institute Guild’s Substitute Santa program, you can put the happy in Happy Holidays for hundreds of children and teens in our community. If you would like to make a difference for kids this holiday season, please consider donating gift cards. They are easy to buy, easy for CSI to store, and help ensure equity among the children and teens CSI serves. Cash donations are also always appreciated and allow the staff to purchase clothing and other essentials for kids—especially for hard-to-shop-for teens. Gift items are welcome too, and you can find a list of recommended items online. Bring in or mail your gift cards to Child Saving Institute, Attn: Cali, 4545 Dodge, Omaha, NE 68132 by December 8. If you choose to purchase gifts, please bring your UNWRAPPED items to CSI with all tags intact from December 6-8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Gifts must arrive by December 8 to allow staff sufficient time to distribute before the holidays. You can also donate online at childsaving.org/newsevents/substitute-santa. Whatever holiday you celebrate personally— Christmas, Hanukkah, the winter solstice, or Kwanza — please consider joining Child Saving Institute in making the season special for kids in need. For more information, contact Cali Page at (402) 504-3661 / cpage@childsaving.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS

The Hope Center for Kids Collecting Winter Gear, Holiday Gifts for Youth

CenterPointe Named Winner of 2017 BBB Integrity Award

The Hope Center for Kids in North Omaha is collecting new outerwear to help keep children and youth members well this season. Donations of new winter coats, gloves, hats and hygiene items such as lip balm and lotion are being accepted at The HopeOmaha, 2200 N. 20th St. The Winter Wellness Drive goes through Friday, November 10th. The Hope-Omaha has also launched its annual Holiday Drive, collecting gifts for its members’ families, as well as gifts for children ages 5-12 and youth ages 13-19. Every Christmas, members at The Hope have the opportunity to choose new gifts for loved ones and wrap them with the help of volunteers. These members are also blessed with one gift during an annual holiday party at The Hope. The complete lists of needed items can be found online at hopecenterforkids. com/give-items. New, unwrapped gifts can be delivered to The Hope Center for Kids through Thursday, Dec.ember 14. The greatest needs are for men’s gifts and for gift cards ranging from $5 to $25 to Target, Walmart, iTunes or Google Play. No clothing will be accepted. The Hope Center for Kids faithfully inspires hope in the lives of youth and children through education, employability, collaboration and faith. To learn more, go to hopecenterforkids.com or call (402) 341-4673.

CenterPointe is proud to be honored as a recipient of a 2017 Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau. The organization was recently recognized along with the other winners at the 2017 Integrity Awards luncheon held on October 17. The Better Business Bureau Integrity Awards recognize local companies who clearly demonstrate that they have integrated ethics into all facets of their organizations. CenterPointe has a long-standing commitment to ethical practices with every individual served, from every member of its team, and with every community stakeholder who funds or partners with the organization to accomplish its mission. CenterPointe provides pivotal treatment, rehabilitation, housing and crisis services for people suffering with mental and substance use disorders. With the support of community members, CenterPointe helped 2,301 people on their journey to turn their lives around last year, 55% of whom had an annual income of $1,000 or less. Last year, 401 people accessed safe, affordable housing through CenterPointe’s services. Together we can help people get better, sooner, for longer. For more information about CenterPointe, visit centerpointe.org or contact Abbigail Swatsworth at (402) 475-8717 / aswatsworth@ centerpointe.org.

Free Tax Preparation Program Provides Meaningful Volunteer Experience, Education The Omaha Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition is seeking volunteers for the coming 2018 tax season to serve as Site Navigators who welcome customers, conduct client in-take, and coordinate other services afforded to the public through the tax sites such as financial education seminars, opening bank accounts, and credit reporting. The EITC Coalition coordinates the VITA program for the IRS in Omaha by offering volunteer recruitment and training, staffing the sites, and developing financial services available to the low to moderate income people who use the VITA sites. The Coalition is a program of Family Housing Advisory Services, Inc. which offers financial education, housing services, and asset development programs that promote housing and financial stability. Volunteers need not have any prior tax preparation training or experience. The Coalition’s training program is comprehensive and all inclusive. VITA sites are open from January 23, 2018 through April 17, 2018. One-hour Volunteer Orientations are offered at Family Housing South Omaha, 3605 Q Street, on the following Wednesdays: November 29 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; January 3 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. For those interested in helping families save money at tax time, please contact the Coalition at (402) 546-1013 Ext. 6208 or visit www. omahaeitc.org for more information.

Imagine Our Youth Raises Over $175K for Omaha Home for Boys Over 525 individuals showed their support for Omaha Home for Boys on Friday, September 29 at the Imagine Our Youth Fundraising Celebration. The event, held at Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista, raised over $175,000. Pictured L-R: Honorary Chairs Darren and Tammy Carlson, Keynote Speaker Ice –T, The evening of Event Chairs Aileen and Tom Warren. inspiration and action in support of Omaha Home for Boys kicked off with a VIP Reception where keynote speaker Ice-T mingled with guests. A silent auction followed that featured a number of unique packages including a New York City Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree and a Bruce Springsteen autographed guitar. The evening continued with dinner and a program emceed by Jennifer Griswold of KMTV 3 News Now. Former Omaha Home for Boys’ resident, Jeff Landholt, captivated the audience when he shared his inspiring story of how the Home positively impacted his life as a teen and helped shape his future. A culmination of the evening’s events came when keynote speaker Ice-T gave a riveting account of how he overcame many obstacles to become a successful rapper, actor, author and cultural icon. Imagine Our Youth event chairs were Tom and Aileen Warren and honorary chairs were Darren and Tammy Carlson. Quantum Financial Partners, LLC was the $25,000 Speaker Sponsor and Warren Distribution served as the $15,000 Diamond Sponsor. Funds raised at Imagine Our Youth will help support the more than 300 at-risk youth whose lives are changed and saved by Omaha Home for Boys every year. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 37

NON-PROFIT NEWS Plan to Show Your Support on Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated across the U.S. on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving. One of the best ways to get involved is right here in your own community. Mark your calendars for November 28th and please consider supporting our local non-profit organizations that do such important work here in the Omaha Metro to make it a better place for all. Be sure to check out our recent Supporting Non-Profits story featured in the July 2017 issue and online at bit.ly/SupportingNPOMA if you’re looking for ideas and inspiration on where to direct your charitable giving!

SeneGence Intl., Independent Distributors Raise Over $65K for Sammy’s Superheroes On October 26, leaders from Tulsa, OK based SeneGence International, a global leader in the cosmetics and skincare industry, were in Omaha and presented a check for $30,000 to Sammy’s S u p e r h e ro e s Fo u n d a t i o n . These are proceeds from their September Childhood Cancer Awareness Month ‘Go Gold’ campaign. Presenting the c heck, representing SeneGence International is Christopher Simonian (Chief S a l e s a n d D e ve l o p m e n t Officer), Leslie Boyd-Bradley (Vice President of Personal Development), and Lara Bolton (Senior Vice President of Global Sales. Nationally, September is recognized as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and SeneGence International launc hed a ‘Go Gold’ c a m p a i g n a n d ra i s e d a total of $95,000, donating a portion of every new distributor sign-up. A total of four organizations in both the US and Canada will benefit from these efforts. A second check in the amount of $35,497 was also presented to Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation from an online crowdfunding campaign, appropriately titled “SeneSisters GO GOLD.” This effort was organized privately by hundreds of SeneGence distributors across the country during the month of September in an effort to raise awareness for childhood cancer, the #1 cause of death by disease in children. Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to raise awareness of and funds for childhood cancer research of all types. To learn more go to www.sammyssuperheroes. org or contact Development Coordinator, Alyssa Theilen, at atheilen@sammyssuperheroes.org. 38 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Presents “Gardens Transformed” Educational Event Nebraska Statewide Arboretum is set to host the next lecture i n t h e Yo u n g Lecture series on November 10. It will be held at Hardin Hall on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln East Campus, 3310 Holdrege St. The topic is “Gardens Transformed.” It will be presented by landscape architect Sandra Youssef Clinton. Guests will learn how to transform their own landscapes for amazing seasonal beauty. A grassroots, member-based nonprofit organization, Nebraska Statewide Arboretum believes that landscapes have a dramatic impact on quality of life. They renew the environment, help form neighborly connections, create more vibrant business districts and improve the social, physical and psychological health of people of all ages—from toddlers to seniors. The organization works toward purposeful beauty in private and public landscapes through publications, workshops, regional plant recommendations and other outreach efforts. Nebraska Statewide Arboretum uses its 40 years of experience with landscape efforts, science-based reasoning and a good dose of inspiration to encourage environmental efforts both large and small. It is also the organization’s belief that people can have a positive impact on their surroundings and that thoughtful stewardship inspires and motivates change and hope. Nebraska Statewide Arboretum challenges and enables people to make a difference—in their homes and in their communities. “We love plants. Give us a tree to hug. A flower to smell. Dirt in our nails. Learn with us.” Find out more at plantnebraska.org.

YES Omaha to Host Events During National Homeless Youth Awareness Month On any given night in Omaha, there are more than 300 homeless youth who don’t know where they will sleep. The dangers of life on the streets include drugs, incarceration, and sex trafficking. These youth need help to find safe housing and the resources they need to turn their young lives around. During November, which is National Homeless Youth Awareness Month, Youth Emergency Services (YES) strives to raise awareness about this vulnerable population by hosting two events. The annual Breaking the Cycle Luncheon will take place on Friday, Nov. 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the Scott Conference Center, 6450 Pine St. This event raises awareness and needed funds to support the programs offered by YES to homeless and nearly homeless youth in Omaha. This year’s speaker is award-winning poet and educator, Olivia Gatwood, who will share her story about how creative writing saved her life. Tickets to the luncheon are $65 and available online at www.yesomaha.org/ luncheon. Sponsorships are also available. A candlelight vigil will be held in Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 6:30 p.m. to show solidarity for youth in crisis. This event is free and open to the public. Anyone who is interested in learning more about how to help end youth homelessness in our community is encouraged to attend. Follow Youth Emergency Services on social media for more information about these and other upcoming events at www.facebook.com/ yesomaha // www.twitter.com/yesomaha.

NON-PROFIT NEWS Midlands Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $94,166

Open Door Mission Celebrates Program Graduates

Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded grants totaling $94,166 to 20 non-profit organizations serving Sarpy and Cass counties including: Assistance League of Omaha - $5,500; Bellevue Fire & Rescue Department - $1,911; Bellevue Little Theatre - $6,299; Boy Scouts of America – Mid America Council - $640; College Possible - $2,500; Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership - $3,000; Greater Omaha Attendance and Learning Services Center - $5,000; Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County - $2,678; Keipos - $3,500; Kids Can Community Center $5,000; Lift Up Sarpy County - $3,000; Merrymakers Association - $10,200; Moving Veterans Forward - $4,938; Ollie Webb Center, Inc. - $5,000; Omaha Area Youth Orchestras - $4,000; Omaha Performing Arts - $5,000; OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. - $10,000; Papillion-LaVista Schools Foundation - $6,000; Share A Fare, Inc. - $5,000; Strategic Air & Space Museum - $5,000.

On Saturday, October 28, Open Door Mission celebrated New Life with nine graduates. The ceremony took place at the Garland Thompson Men’s Center Chapel in Omaha. These men and women received Certificates of Completion during a cap and gown ceremony. For most, it was the first time they had experienced a cap and gown graduation. After the service, a reception honoring the graduates and their families was held. A recent Baylor Institute for Studies of Religion report featured Omaha, the Open Door Mission, and other faith-based organizations responding to homelessness in Omaha. Open Door Mission President/CEO Candace Gregory said, “Based on its findings, the Baylor study projects that the students who graduated will likely benefit Heartland taxpayers $21,745 each in savings on social services and from increased income tax revenue. That’s $282,685. Yet their changed lives, of course, are infinitely more valuable.” Open Door Mission is a Gospel rescue mission providing basic needs and life-changing programs for hungry, homeless, at-risk and addicted people in the Heartland. Now in its 63rd year, each day Open Door Mission offers 816 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women and children, serves over 2,300 hot, nutritious meals, and provides preventive measures to keep 275 individuals and families in their homes. For more information, please visit www.opendoormission.org.

Pictured (L-R): Front Row - Naomi Warner (Assistance League of Omaha); Arvin Frazier (College Possible); Laurie Ackerman (Ollie Webb Center, Inc.); Ron Hernandez (Moving Veterans Forward); Sharon Boehmer (Lift Up Sarpy County); Shelby Rust (Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County); Sandy Diaz (Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership ENCAP). Second Row Karla Rupiper (Midlands Community Foundation); Brigid Howard (Greater Omaha Attendance and Learning Services Center) Sandy Lemke (Merrymakers Association); David Szymanski (Bellevue Fire & Rescue Department); Andrea Skolkin (OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc.); Julie Bear (Midlands Community Foundation Grants Committee Chair); Elaine Leibert (Strategic Air & Space Museum); Kinyetta Murphy (ENCAP); Diane Knicky (Midlands Community Foundation). Back Row - Tonee Gay (Midlands Community Foundation Executive Director); Joey Lorincz (Bellevue Little Theatre); John Erickson (Papillion-LaVista Schools Foundation); Alyssa Kohler (Omaha Performing Arts); Jonathan Dodd (Keipos); Robert Patterson (Kids Can Community Center); Jim Jirak (Share A Fare, Inc.); Brianna Lane (Boys Scouts of America – Mid-America Council); Rana Scarlett-Johnson (Omaha Area Youth Orchestras); Dick Weston (Share A Fare, Inc.). Of the $94,166 that was awarded, $5,275 was awarded from MCF’s Education Fund which was established with proceeds from the Foundation’s Reflection Ball events in 2016. The remaining $89,891 was awarded from MCF’s General Fund. This is the first of two grant distributions for Midlands Community Foundation’s fiscal year. The next grant deadline will be February 1, 2018, with funds distributed in April. The mission of the Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement and service. Through its grants program, Midlands Community Foundation places an emphasis on prevention and education. The Foundation has a strong commitment toward programs benefiting health, art, culture, community, economic development, education, and human services. Find out more online at midlandscommunity.org.

CEDARS Youth Opportunity Center Surpasses Goals When the CEDARS Youth Opportunity Center opened at the end of January 2017, staff projected that in the first year they would make 750 contacts with youth experiencing homelessness or who are at risk. Through these connections, resources could be provided and relationships could be built so that without pressure or judgment youth could be offered safe ways to leave the streets. The CEDARS Youth Opportunity Center, called YOC for short, is an expansion of CEDARS 70-year-old tradition of providing safe refuge to children and youth who have no other safe place to spend the night. Any youth age 13-21 can “drop in” at the YOC for a meal, laundry, personal hygiene items, help with job or housing applications, and more. By the end of June, the CEDARS team at the YOC made over 800 contacts with youth and are currently serving over 90 youth who rely on support three or more times a month. This critical aid to youth in crisis would not be possible without the support of the community to deliver life-changing services to children and families. This year, CEDARS will serve 2,750 children, youth and their families through comprehensive efforts to help kids in crisis and build strong families. Nearly 300 children and youth will stay in CEDARS care over the holiday season. For more information call (402) 434-KIDS (5437) or visit www.cedarskids. org. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 39

HEALTH NEWS

Tele-Mentoring Program Offers Childhood Obesity Expertise to Caregivers Statewide

Nebraska Community Blood Bank: We’re So Thankful for Blood Donors

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is improving care for Nebraska children with Project ECHO—a collaborative tele-mentoring model that connects providers across the state with Children’s specialists and leading national experts through biweekly, online educational sessions. ‘ECHO’ stands for Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes; the virtual, educational outreach is funded with a grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics Division of Innovation. Children’s was one of two projects funded nationwide, selected from 24 applications.

Lydia started first grade this fall. She is smart, caring, and a proud big sister. But life hasn’t been easy for Lydia and her parents, Tony and Kristen Moser, because her story began in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Lydia was born 16 weeks early and needed five blood transfusions during her stay in the NICU. “Blood transfusions literally saved Lydia’s life,” said Kristen, recalling a few scary experiences in the NICU when the doctors believed she might die. “The transfusions were sometimes our last hope. We are very blessed blood was available when she needed it.” An estimated 15 million babies around the world are born prematurely each year. Please consider donating blood this November in honor of Prematurity Awareness Month. “We are so grateful for the donors who selflessly take time to give blood. Until we had a very critically ill child, we didn’t realize the true value of blood donation,” Kristen said. “I didn’t know starting life like Lydia did was even possible.” She hopes to help educate others about the needs of premature infants to give parents hope, even when they face difficult odds. Visit NCBB.ORG or call (877) 486-9414 to learn more about hosting a blood drive or to sign up to donate blood at a donor center or blood drive.

The Project ECHO curriculum, 15 sessions running through May 2018, focuses on issues related to childhood obesity. Each 1.5-hour virtual session includes a 15 to 20-minute presentation by a regional or national subject matter expert. Participants then discuss difficult patient cases and share expertise via guidance, feedback and education. All levels of providers throughout Nebraska are encouraged to participate—from physicians and nurses to social workers and those representing community partner organizations in community health and nutrition. Children’s intends to expand Project ECHO’s offerings in the future to include other health conditions that face Nebraska children. To learn more, visit ChildrensOmaha.org/ProjectECHO.

Excellence in Worksite Wellness Award Winners Announced WELLCOM will be recognizing more than 20 of the Midlands’ healthiest companies at its annual awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 7 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in La Vista. The luncheon will feature a keynote address from Jessica Turner, a best-selling author and lifestyle blogger, on the topic of thriving in work and in life. The Excellence in Worksite Wellness Awards Luncheon honors organizations for positioning wellness programs as a strategic business opportunity and making a difference in their employees’ lives. WELLCOM also has partnered with the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association in recognizing organizations who have achieved excellence at the workplace through wellness initiatives. This year’s event is in conjunction with WELLCOM’s Q4 Innovative Symposium, “Worksite Wellness and Sustainability – A Thriving Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet and Profit.” Lacy Cagle from the Northwest Earth Institute in Portland, Ore., will be the featured presenter. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the relevance of sustainability and its impact on business strategy, while visiting health and wellness exhibits, and networking with employers from across Iowa and Nebraska. Award recipients include: 2017 Governor’s Wellness Award Large Grower: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska; C&A Industries, Inc.; Gallup; RDG Planning & Design; University of Nebraska Foundation. Small Grower: Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands. Large Sower: Bennington Public Schools, CHI Health, Dial Retirement Communities – Nebraska, Hyatt Global Contact Center – Omaha, Nebraska Organ Recovery, Omaha Performing Arts, Streck, Tenaska. 2017 Trek Up the Tower Award Large Business Corporate Team Award: 1st Place: Berk Up – Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies/National Indemnity Company; 2nd Place: Mutual of Omaha; 3rd Place: Kiewit Corporation. Small Business Corporate Team Award: 1st Place: UNMC College of Allied Health Professions; 2nd Place: RTG Medical – Team RTG; 3rd Place: IPG Global Centre for Healthy Workplaces Award First Place – Small and Medium-Sized Category: Lincoln Industries. To register for the event or for more information about WELLCOM, please visit: www.elevatingwellness.org. 40 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

UNMC Achieves Record for Research Grants, Contracts in 2017 University of Nebraska Medical Center researchers brought in a record total of $117.1 million in research funding for fiscal year 2017, up nearly 2 percent from $115.1 million the previous year. As in previous years, the majority of funding -- 67 percent -- came from federal funding sources, predominately the NIH. Federal awards increased by nearly 6 percent while industry-sponsored grants and contracts increased 13.5 percent. Dr. Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor for research, attributes the industry-sponsored growth, in part, to the work of Chris Kratochvil, M.D., associate vice chancellor for clinical research, with UNeHealth, UNMC’s contracting arm for industry-funded clinical trials, and the Clinical Research Center. “UNeHealth has made great strides in improving processes for commercially-funded clinical trials,” Dr. Kratochvil said. UNeHealth has negotiated 83 percent of its confidentiality disclosure agreements in under two weeks, with nearly two-thirds of its clinical trial contracts negotiated in under a month. That has enabled UNMC to become more competitive among industry-funded clinical trials, he said. Several units saw an increase in research awards: The UNMC College of Allied Health Professions increased by 39 percent, the College of Public Health by 13.8 percent, the Eppley Cancer Institute by 10 percent, the College of Pharmacy by 2.8 percent, and the College of Medicine, which has the largest portfolio, by 1.6 percent. Dr. Larsen said a number of other factors also contributed to the increase in research funding. These included more large-grant programs; more NIH RO1 grants, which are often deemed the ‘bread and butter’ grants; more individual training awards; increased clinical trials; more Department of Defense grants including those with the National Security Research Institute; and research grant successes across the colleges.

HEALTH NEWS

BHECN Leaders Visit Panhandle to Further Discussion on Workforce Growth Initiatives

Nebraska Medical Association Announces New Officers, Award Winners

Leaders from the Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska (BHECN, pronounced “beacon”) visited behavioral health partners in three areas of the Panhandle October 5-6 to discuss behavioral health workforce growth initiatives. BHECN leaders, including Howard Liu, M.D., BHECN’s director and child psychiatrist, and Joe Evans, Ph.D., BHECN’s clinical director and licensed psychologist, met with educators, providers and community leaders in North Platte, Scottsbluff, Chadron and Rushville over the two-day trip. In Nebraska, 88 of 93 counties meet federal criteria for designation as Mental Health Professions Shortage Areas with more than 50 percent of the behavioral health workforce over the age of 50. This workforce includes addiction counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and nurse practitioners. BHECN’s initiatives focus on workforce pipeline development, mentoring and training programs, and integrating behavioral health professionals into primary care medical clinics. In collaboration with the 15 behavioral health academic programs that educate the state’s licensed professionals, BHECN’s goal is to retain 50 percent of students in Nebraska. The Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska was established in 2009 by Legislative Bill 603 to improve access to mental health and substance abuse services, commonly referred to as behavioral health services, for all Nebraskans through development of a skilled workforce. It is a unique partnership among the state legislature, academic institutions, and community partners to create a statewide workforce solution for the shortage of licensed behavioral health professionals. More information about BHECN’s behavioral health workforce initiatives can be found at www.unmc.edu/bhecn.

On September 8, the Nebraska Medical Association held its 2017 Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Ceremony. Installed as President was Rob Rhodes, MD of Lincoln. Nominated as President-Elect was Britt Thedinger, MD of Omaha.

OneWorld Receives Better Business Bureau Silver Award of Distinction At the Better Business Bureau's 2017 Integrity Awards Luncheon on October 17, OneWorld was recognized as a recipient of the BBB 2017 Silver Award of Distinction for Significant Commitment to Ethical Business Practices. "We are honored to accept this award," Andrea Skolkin, Chief Executive Officer of OneWorld, said. "We want to thank the Better Business Bureau for recognizing OneWorld as a business that is committed to providing high-quality services and business practices for our patients, our employees and the community." BBB’s Integrity Awards, Silver Awards of Distinction and Bronze Awards of Merit all recognize companies that go “above and beyond” in serving their customers, employees and communities. In order to be eligible for these awards, companies must be located in the service area of the Better Business Bureau (Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa); must have been in business three years or more and must have an “A” rating with the BBB. OneWorld provides quality, affordable health care at 12 clinical locations in Omaha, and individuals with or without insurance are welcome. Established in 1970, OneWorld Community Health Centers, in partnership with the community, provides culturally respectful, quality health care with special attention to the underserved. OneWorld is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) and provides comprehensive primary health care, dental care, mental health/ substance abuse services and affordable medications. For more information, visit www.oneworldomaha.org.

Award winners for 2017 were also named: Distinguished Service to Medicine - John Reed, MD, Lincoln; Physician of the Year Kim Coleman, MD, Lincoln; Young Physician of the Year - Mike Feilmeier, MD, Omaha; and Friend of Medicine - Bob Bartee, Omaha. In addition, 26 50-year practitioners were recognized and $40,500 worth of scholarships were presented to deserving medical students at UNMC and Creighton University. The Nebraska Medical Association (www.nebmed.org) was founded in 1868, and currently represents nearly 3,000 Nebraska physicians, residents, and medical students. The mission of the Nebraska Medical Association is to serve physician members by advocating for the medical profession, for patients, and for the health of all Nebraskans.

Little Hats, Big Hearts™ 2018 Campaign Launches in Nebraska The American Heart Association is seeking handmade red hats, crocheted or knit, to provide to Nebraska newborns born during the next American Heart Month (February 2018), as a part of the national Little Hats, Big Hearts™ project. With Little Hats, Big Hearts™, the American Heart Association is raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases, the No. 1 killer in the United States, and congenital heart defects, the most common type of birth defect in the country, occurring in one of 110 babies. Hats will be given to each baby born in February at participating hospitals across the state. Hospitals that have already confirmed their participation can be found at: www.heart.org/littlehatsbighearts/. Last year, Nebraska participated in the project for the second time, distributing approximately 2,000 hats statewide and in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The American Heart Association is working with both the mother-baby units and Neonatal Intensive Care Units in hospitals so donations of red hats in both premature and newborn sizes are needed. Because bows and buttons may be a danger to newborn babies, only red hats without decorations can be accepted for Little Hats, Big Hearts. The American Heart Association is also accepting donations of red yarn to help those who will be knitting or crocheting hats. Yarn must be cotton or acrylic, medium to heavy weight and machine washable and dryable. All mailed-in donations must be received at the American Heart Association’s Greater Nebraska Regional Office in Lincoln (1540 S. 70th Street, Suite 100, Lincoln, NE 68506) no later than Jan. 13. In-person donations can be made during regular business hours at the offices in Lincoln and Omaha (9900 Nicholas Street, Suite 200, Omaha, NE 68114). NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 41

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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, during which time we are called upon to learn more about this condition that has and will impact so many, and to support the individuals living with the disease and their caregivers. Thanks to the efforts made by so many here in the Omaha Metro and beyond to support campaigns that raise awareness and funds to further research, we are collectively working towards gaining a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, and thus, towards finding a cure. Although there are still challenges ahead to be overcome in order to reach that goal, there has been marked progress. During which time, there have been many developments made with respect to specialized care and support services for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In observance, this month’s Memory Care feature story offers a compilation of information provided our local professionals who have extensive experience working in the field. We encourage you to educate yourself on the topic, as well as familiarizing yourself with the wide variety of resources found here in our community. We are privileged to live in a place where there are a wealth of excellent resources available for those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, their caregivers, and their families. For the best possible outcome, having a professional to guide you through the process of finding the resources that match your specific needs now, and then as circumstances change, is advised. “When it comes to memory care communities, it’s important to understand that they are all different,” says Mary Ann Stallings with Bridge to Better Living. “Since each is unique in what it has to offer, knowing what is provided by the various facilities enables us to help families, at no charge, find the perfect fit for their loved ones. We work with all of the memory communities in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas, which allows us to offer comparisons that are tremendously Mary Ann Stallings helpful in making that decision. Utilizing our services is important to eliminate Bridge to Better Living stress, time, and the personal emotional impact of finding the right community to meet your loved one’s personality and needs. Our transition consultants have personally been affected by family members with Alzheimer’s and have a connection with those who are presently on this journey.” The importance of locating and utilizing the appropriate resources isn’t just specific to the individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease; it also applies to caregivers and family members. Stallings notes, “Studies have shown that the mortality rate for caregivers is higher than for the loved ones affected by dementia. A caregiver needs to take care of themselves physically and emotionally in order to provide quality care for their loved one.

Some communities offer respite services and Bridge to Better Living consultants would know these facilities and prices. Another recommendation for respite care would be to apply for free care through an organization called Hilarity for Charity grant program. Applications may be made for free respite care for a considerable amount of time online at www.Hilarityforcharity.org. Bridge to Better Living supports the mission of the American Alzheimer’s Association and is even a co-facilitator in a dementia support group. Loved ones need to become involved in a support group to realize they are not on this journey alone. This provides them an opportunity to connect with others who understand and have been through some of the same struggles.” She concludes, “Alzheimer’s is no longer a family secret and people are becoming more aware, more informed and more willing to discuss it openly. Endless research continues to search for a cure. Dementia does not go away and family members need to have open discussions about the wishes of the member affected and how the different stages may affect the caregiver. At what point will taking care of the affected family member mean moving to a memory assisted living community? Not knowing what the journey is going to be, emotion may dictate decisions instead of what is best for each person impacted unless these issues have been previously discussed. Remember quality of life and safety are two of the most important issues for families affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s.” In agreement on the importance of those two things, and the diversity that exists among resources related to memory care, Theron Ahlman with CarePatrol of Nebraska advises, “CarePatrol of Nebraska helps families who are affected by dementia or Alzheimer’s by assisting them when they need to find the safest and best care for their loved ones. In Nebraska, we have some really good memory care options, but those options are all different in many ways and that is Theron Ahlman CarePatrol of Nebraska where our expertise can come into play when helping our clients. For example, there are varying philosophies and approaches/techniques applied, size of the communities and amenities available varies, some have private rooms while others offer shared rooms, and so on. While one community might not necessarily be ‘better’ than the other per se, these things do make a difference depending on the individual’s specific needs and should be carefully considered before ultimately making a decision. We believe in being thorough and go so far as to review the state’s care and violation history prior to making any recommendations to ensure the safety and quality of care provided. Once we’ve narrowed down the search together, we then personally accompany the family on the tour to help them evaluate specific things and ask the right questions. Our goal is to make the process of finding the safest care possible be as easy as it can be while saving the family time and energy. There are a lot of different options out there, so even if you’ve noticed the slightest of changes in your loved one that you think may be cause for concern, we are here to help and you have nothing to lose by contacting us. Our services are 100% free to those we help, and you are welcome to get in touch with us directly at (402) 580-2116.” Ahlman also emphasizes how beneficial respite care can be, stating, “Respite care is a supportive service that I highly recommend taking advantage of when the need arises. We meet so many families who are in crisis mode dealing with issues related to their loved one as well as those related to caregiver burnout. It’s a big problem that can be avoided by simply knowing the resources that are available and utilizing them.” Also encouraging those with loved ones affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s to learn more about the resources that are

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available locally, Kyle Johnson with Care Consultants for the Aging adds, “Caregiving for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease can be a long journey. Many find themselves trying a variety of different services to manage both their physical and their mental healthcare needs. It is important to realize that even if you do not need a physical break as a caregiver, respite is still important to your mental health and overall wellbeing. Home care is a great Kyle Johnson way to line up breaks as you need them, Care Consultants helping with things like medical care, for the Aging personal care, companionship, meals and light housekeeping. Our home care registry screens and refers caregivers who have experience working with clients who have memory issues for families to hire from one to 24 hours a day. Care Consultants also produces the ElderCare Resource Handbook which provides a complete listing of senior services in the Omaha and Lincoln metro areas. It is available in print and can be viewed online at www.careconsultants.com. All too often, family members wait until they are in a crisis situation or worn down before they decide to ask for help. Researching the options that are available for those with memory needs can make these decisions much more manageable when that time comes.” There’s much ground we still have to cover to get to the end goal of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, and we still have much to learn about dementia in general, but where there’s effort there’s progress. Even here locally, there are so many professionals that are dedicated to and passionate about providing the very best care and support services possible while research continues towards eradicating the disease. If you need assistance or simply want to learn more, please do not hesitate to reach out and ask. NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

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ENERGY MATTERS Your Questions Answered by the Clean Energy Experts at J-Tech Solar

Your Questions Answered by the Clean Energy Experts at J-Tech Solar

Solar energy, as with other renewable energy sources, is gaining popularity among residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural property owners alike. While it’s not necessarily a new concept, it’s still one that the majority of us could benefit from knowing more about. To get a better understanding of solar energy, we asked the professionals at J-Tech Solar to give us an overview of the basics. Here are the answers to their most frequently asked questions:

What does installation look like? Our company does all the heavy lifting, so you can sit back without worry. We’ll install your panels quickly and easily.

Why use solar energy? It’s a no-brainer – solar energy is good for the environment! Solar panels use only the sun as an energy source, which means you can rest easier knowing you are doing your part to help the planet.

Alright, so how much do solar panels cost? That depends on a few different variables. We’re happy to provide a free estimate based on location, type of panel, and number of panels.

There has to be money in it though, right? Right. Potentially, a lot of it. From government easements and tax credits to the check you can receive from selling unused energy, it’s easy to start seeing positive returns. Isn’t renewable energy production on the rise? Absolutely. In fact, 2016 was the first year in history that renewable energies made up most of the additions to the power grid. That momentum has continued to build in 2017. According to a new report released by GTM Research and the Solar Industries Association (SEIA), almost 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of solar voltaics were installed in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2017 alone. That’s an increase of 8% year-on-year, and with the total installed capacity hitting 47.1 GW, it’s enough to power just over nine million homes! Quite literally, the future is bright. I barely know what a solar panel is, let alone how to take care of one. Is it complicated? No problem. Because solar panels have no moving parts, minimal maintenance is required. In fact, our panels come with a warranty, so there’s nothing to worry about.

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What if I don’t use all of my collected energy? Congratulations! That means you’ll be receiving a check from your local energy utility provider. Energy utilities will buy your unused energy, keeping your solar production full circle. I heard the government offers incentives for converting to and using solar. Is that true? Correct, it sure is! There are several different options available, which can often be applied in combination. I know why solar is beneficial from an environmental standpoint, but why choose solar from a monetary perspective? At the end of the day, whether you pay your utility for energy or decide to front the cost to install solar panels, you’re going to pay for energy. Why not invest in your energy rather than pay for it? Today, the typical solar system will pay for itself in a 10-year period, and it’s not uncommon to save between $15,000 and $20,000 in energy costs during a 15-year period.

Ready to see how we can transform your property, your pocketbook, and the environment? Have more questions for us?

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Holiday Cheer Hey there holidays, you’re finally here! With so much to do and so little time, it’s completely normal to feel stressed when you’re being pulled in so many directions and working within a jampacked schedule. Still, it’s all worth it when you finally get to spend time celebrating with loved ones and others who are an important part of your life and partaking in all of the traditions you hold dear. In the season of giving, it’s also a great feeling to deliver that perfect gift - to all of the people on your list, towards a charitable cause, whatever the case may be. So, here’s a little encouragement to keep you going – you’ve got this, and our local businesses are ready and willing to help you out with any and all of your holiday needs!

Holiday Gatherings – Let The Festivities Begin! Your plans for the holiday season ahead likely include a number of different events that qualify as holiday gatherings. There’s a good chance you might be hosting in addition to attending, both of which requiring effort on your part to a varying degree. Either way, prior to the big events, there are of course the plans that will need to be made, and then the things to check off of your to-do list. There’s also the spur of the moment things to keep in mind just in case things don’t necessarily go according to plan, or during holidays in general, that don’t necessarily need to be arranged much in advance, if at all. Having options, and a backup plan, is an easy way to turn a holiday crisis into a great story that’s

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told for years to come – just reference any of the classic holiday movies, and you probably have some of your own already too. Holiday Party Planning If you’re still making arrangements for a holiday party, there are still excellent options with availability in the next few months, although it’s going to be limited at this point. If you’re willing to be flexible on certain things, our local hospitality professionals and event planners can still deliver a magical, memorable holiday event. When it comes to holiday parties, downtown Omaha’s newest full-service hotel and its team are ready to impress! At the Omaha Marriott Downtown – Capitol District, each “Next Gen” meeting and event space includes a flexible set-up. With the ability to adapt to a variety of formats and group sizes with pivoting walls, moveable partitions, soft seating and modular furniture, it naturally creates a luxurious atmosphere that can be further enhanced with party décor if you like. Additional outdoor event spaces, including an ice skating rink in the Capital District, and the hotel’s 10,275-square-foot ballroom, one of the largest in Omaha, also allow for diverse and customizable holiday party options as far as the “where” goes. “Our meetings team prides itself on the unique ideas and visions we have that push the creative boundaries of the hotel’s event space,” says Megan Gilligan of the Omaha Marriott Downtown Capitol District. “Our main goal is to ensure that guests have an unforgettable experience, taking holiday parties beyond the ordinary.” The nice thing about having a wide variety of venues in and around the Omaha Metro Megan Gilligan is the vast options available for hosting Omaha Marriott parties of any sort. There’s certainly Downtown Capitol District no shortage to explore, that’s for sure. Sometimes you don’t even have to plan much at all to still come through with an amazing event!

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Take Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm for example, which has announced a unique event they’ll be presenting this year. Scott Ensor with Lied Lodge & Conference Center explains, “We’ll be hosting a Small Office Holiday Party on December 16 for businesses and groups that may not have the ability to host an office party on their own. The event includes reserved seating, a ballroom decked out in holiday décor, a holidaythemed menu including our popular prime rib buffet, live entertainment, and overnight accommodations.”

He adds, “Our team of professionals do a terrific job working with both individuals and businesses to plan and host a variety of gatherings from office Christmas parties to family reunions. My advice is to take advantage of their expertise! It’ll give you the opportunity to sit back and relax with those important to you.” Home for the Holidays This year, you might be traveling in town to your destination or hosting the family at your house. Or, you might find yourself in the droves of people who are traveling by plane, train, bus, or automobile to their holiday gatherings. Many will descend upon the Omaha metropolitan area to join their family and friends to celebrate the holidays. It’s a time when

Holiday Cheer

at the Alamo!

• Enjoy some holiday classics, such as: Die Hard, Elf & Christmas Vacation with our Movie Party options and make this year’s holiday party like no other! • Then, head to the Liquid Sunshine Taproom to gather and enjoy in-house catering, a full bar and dedicated wait staff!

Book today! 402.905.2050 | 12750 Westport Pkwy | La Vista, NE 68138

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 we get to see our loved ones who live all over the United States and even overseas, and we also have the pleasure of running into many friends and acquaintances who are in town visiting their loved ones. After all, there’s no place like home for the holidays. Some will stay in the homes of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, or other family members, while for others, it’s easiest to book a hotel room. For those who are looking into the latter, selecting a hotel will depend on a variety of things. You might want to find one that’s close to where everyone will be meeting up to spend time, or you might want to stay close to where there is a lot to see and do while you’re not at family gatherings. As previously mentioned, the new Omaha Marriott Downtown in the Capitol District just opened, so it’s in a prime location with plenty of action to be found within walking distance. Alternatively, featuring brand new signature restaurant and bar concepts in the hotel, it’s got the amenities to enjoy without even having to leave except to go to family events. Or, you could certainly have family join you there for the evening and all go out together! The hotel sparkles with holiday charm and the area surrounding the hotel comes alive during the holiday season, making it a fun and festive area for travelers to take in during their stay in Omaha. While you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time in the homes of family and friends, as previously mentioned, it’s always fun to get out and go do something together. Catching a movie, grabbing a few drinks at a local bar, enjoying a meal out at your favorite restaurant, going ice skating – these are all family-friendly and so much fun to do together as a group (or if just a few of you need to take a little break from the group…it’s OK, we’ve all been there.). For a movie theatre experience like none other, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is the place to go. It’s fun for the whole family, or for the adults-only night out. Particularly with the neighboring NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business 47

Liquid Sunshine Taproom conveniently neighboring the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, you can grab drinks before and after, and even be served dinner or snacks and drinks at your seats during – it’s the complete package! “Around the Thanksgiving holiday and throughout December is a great time to head to the movies with your family,” says Derek Dillon with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. “We will also be hosting several of our signature Movie Parties. This includes Planes, Trains & Automobiles on November 20th and The Princess Bride on November 22nd. Either of which would be a lot of fun to enjoy with your loved ones. Many are excited about the new Justice League film that comes out on November Derek Dillon 17, so we expect that to be a popular one, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Thor: Ragnarok will probably still be at our theater for those who haven’t found the time to see it yet. We have a number of other film events this month that we’ll be announcing, so make sure to stay tuned!” Another local favorite that’s stunning when completely decked out during the holidays is Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm. Talk about a way to impress your guests from out of town! It’s also fun for the whole family, a lovely retreat for couples, and a great place to gather with close friends. If this place doesn’t get you into the holiday spirit, not much else will! “Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm is a perfect location for the holidays,” says Scott Ensor with Lied Lodge. “Many guests come year after year to experience our Grand Thanksgiving Buffet in the Timber Dining Room. We also offer a fun array of winter activities throughout the season that are

Mingle & Jingle

A Big Holiday Party for Small Offices Saturday, December 16 Join with other small businesses for a holiday party that’s big on fun and holiday cheer. We’ll do the work — festive ballroom, live music, chef-inspired menu, cash bar, and entertainment from Omaha’s Big Canvas Improv. Overnight accomodations available.

Call today to reserve your group.

Nebraska City | 402-873-8705 | liedlodge.org

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

popular including the Holiday Trolley Tour of Lights, Christmas at the Mansion, and Brunch with Santa.” All destinations considered, there are so many options for great places to gather locally, and our restaurants and bars here in the Omaha Metro are among the most popular. With such a diverse array of dining and entertainment options, if your guests from out of town want to experience the city, a night out on the town is the way to go. Dining, drinking, both – there’s a venue to fit any mood, whether you’re looking for a low-key spot to relax and unwind, a vibrant place to celebrate, or a wild night filled with music, dancing and champagne toasts. With so much holiday cheer, the “morning after” can sometimes be pretty rough on everyone. Have family in from out of town and not feeling up to everything that goes into preparing and serving breakfast or lunch at home? No problem, dine out! In fact, when traveling it’s always nice to try something new that you can’t find at home. Hosting Duties & Details For those who are hosting the family gathering in their homes this year, you’ve probably got your work cut out for you. With so much to do to prepare, while you might feel like you’ve got a good handle on everything, there’s always something that inevitably gets forgotten. Then there are the larger holiday parties that you might plan to host, whether in your home or another location out on the town. Preparing for both types of occasions can involve the same local professionals to an extent. If you find someone you really like working with, why not use them for any of your holiday event needs, and on throughout the year too? When it comes to the holiday meal itself, traditionally speaking it’s the turkey that’s the star of the show. However, it could be ham or prime rib, both of which are also appropriate – and delicious too! All told, your holiday meal can be whatever you want it to be, traditional or otherwise. Then there’s everything else that goes along with the entire spread, from the meat and cheese trays to the cookies and pies and all of the sides in between. Decisions, decisions. With so many choices available at Just Good Meat, you can get it all in one place and have plenty of time left over for everything else you’ve got going on during the holidays! “Providing our customers with the highest-quality meats and side dishes or appetizer spreads for their holiday dinners and parties is our specialty this time of year, and we absolutely love it,” says Sean Fuller with Just Good Meat. “While our farm fresh and smoked turkeys are in high demand Sean Fuller this month and next, we always have a Just Good Meat wide variety of meats to choose from including bone-in turkey breasts, stuffed chicken breasts, bonein or boneless old-fashioned, dry-cured ham, smoked prime rib, aged and whole beef tenderloins, duck, geese and capons, just to name a few. Even better, every year we run specials on these items around the holidays as an added bonus. Along with the vast selection of main dishes to choose from, we have plenty of homemade sides available from garlic mashed potatoes and twice-baked potatoes to sage stuffing with sausage mixed in, all the way down to rolls and desserts. Then there’s the abundance of options for appetizers, with BBQ smokies, all-beef Italian meatballs, an assortment of summer sausage in different flavors, and a HUGE variety of cheeses. Among the selection of cheeses, many are farm to table, including the Dimock brand fresh out of South Dakota, Jisas Farmstead Cheese made here

in Nebraska, and of course, the well-known Wisconsin cheeses. With the option to stop in and pick up items in the store, schedule an order for pick-up or delivery, or schedule our catering service, all with the ability to completely customize your meal, flexibility is our forte. While the majority of our offerings are always available at the store anytime you pay us a visit, it’s important to be aware that some of the items such as the turkeys and smoked prime rib are by pre-order only. As we’ve just begun taking pre-orders for our turkeys at the beginning of November, there is still plenty of time to give us a call and get everything in place. However, especially for larger parties or gatherings, you’ll want to place your order as soon as possible to ensure that you get exactly what you want, right when you need it.” Along with fantastic catering offerings and everything available for guests of the restaurant, Garden Café also has a full-service bakery at your service during the holidays. Well-known for producing delicacies that are just as pretty on the table as they are delicious to eat, a tradition that dates back to 1985, their amazing cakes and pies are always favorites during the holiday season. You can also arrange to pick up party trays or place a carry-out order for a meal that’s ready to serve, and to make your event that much easier, there’s even the option of home delivery. Service areas include Omaha, Chalco, Ralston, La Vista, Millard, and Elkhorn, NE and Council Bluffs, IA. It’s a great spot to treat your guests to breakfast or brunch while they’re in town too! The spirits and refreshments are also a must for your holiday soirees, whether you’re pairing them with a meal, having a big party, or just for everyone’s enjoyment while spending time with close family and friends you’ve invited over. You’ll find an amazing selection to choose from at Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal. “For larger gatherings in particular, knowing what to serve and the exact quantities can be quite the dilemma,” says Jim Sobczyk with Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal. “Let our experienced staff help you decide on the best option(s) for beverage offerings as well as the proportion of beer, wine, liquor, punch and/or soft drinks needed for the number of guests while also staying within your budget.” Jim Sobczyk Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal

In addition to carrying all of the classic party favorites, at Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal you’ll have convenient access to party goods such as tableware and even professional bartenders available for hire. Furthermore, whether your choice is a complete bar set-up or a simple punch bowl you can count on the staff to provide a variety of great ideas. Then there are the practical aspects of your home (or office) that play an important role during the holidays. Safety is important when dealing with things you’d commonly find during a holiday season full of festivities, such as those impressive displays of lights or a countertop full of crock-pots, where you’ll want to be smart and exercise caution. While it might be funny when it’s in a movie, because hey, it’s Clark Griswold, having an electrical mishap to deal with is certainly no laughing matter in real life. As for the crock-pots, you could always consider having each of your outlets in the kitchen wired to its very own dedicated circuit. Or, just play it safe and try to space them out to different outlets as opposed to configuring any sort of extension cord extravaganza. As far as décor and ambiance go, holiday lighting is major. If you’re making an investment in lighting within your home of the non-holiday variety based on the potential of hosting guests at some point or for a planned event, you may as well enjoy it all season long, right? There are beautiful and functional options to consider that also are energy efficient.

Quality Tools & Amazing Hardwoods Get into Woodworking with a class! Call today for information.

402-330-5444 14605 Wright Street Omaha NE • www.Woodcraft.com Speaking of which, with the holiday lights, using ones with LED technology greatly reduces the load on your circuits. Another way to save energy would be to install timers to turn on and off your decorations. Or, you might even consider having switched outlets installed in the overhangs so you can easily turn on and off the decorations with an interior switch! When assessing what you need for décor in general along with the other entertaining essentials and where you’ll go to find those items, keep in mind that rental may be more advantageous than purchasing outright in some instances. How many times will you really be hosting a house full of people? Let that answer guide whether buying or renting is the best option for you. Whether you’re in need of practical items for your party, such as extra tables and chairs or place settings, or you’re looking for just the right accents to set the mood, finding a good place to rent these things for a short period of time will save you from spending money on something you may never use again. It will also save you the storage space! Honeyman Rent-All is a leader in party and event rentals, serving clients in the area dating back to 1968. The company’s inventory is extensive and can be viewed on their website at www.honeymanrentall.com under the Party Rentals tab. The rental process is easy and designed to be as hassle-free as possible. Items are provided the day before the event and clients are allowed to return them the day after while only being charged rent for one day. There’s value in the cost savings, but also in the convenience of this arrangement. Categories of interest to those hosting parties this year might include bar service, centerpieces, chafers, linens, chairs/tables/ dance floors, china and porcelain, décor, entertainment, event lighting, games, and more. There are so many possibilities there just waiting to be put to use! NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

Holiday Gift Giving – Make Your List & Check It Twice! There’s nothing like finding the perfect gifts to give, and then presenting them with pride, to make one’s heart full. There are many wonderful people who might find their way onto your list this year – family, friends, neighbors, bosses, coworkers, clients, patrons, all of your favorite service providers, and so on. Let’s just say we all have our work cut out for us. Here are a few ideas to consider that can be found locally, because during the time of the year where we’re spending a significant amount of money, our dollars can do so much more if we spend them at the businesses here in our community! “I believe giving the gift of an experience can have an impact on someone that can last a lifetime! What better way to spend quality time with those you care about then by sharing a memorable experience along the way. I highly recommend our spa services and any of the nature-inspired gifts available at one of our three gift shops.” – Scott Ensor, Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm “Woodcraft is like a candy store for woodworkers. We carr y the best in woodworking supplies, equipment, and exotic wood that you won’t find anywhere else. While we’re not for everyone, if you have a woodworker on your holiday gift list, we should talk. It can be hard to know what your woodworker needs but we will try to help. And if all else fails, we have gift certificates that can’t miss. Gerry Phelan Woodcraft

We’ve had gift buyers who purchase equipment for their favorite woodworker, but more often we look for special items to enhance their workshops. As part of

the Woodcraft family, we now have access to a vast selection of woodworking products. We have tools and supplies that will fit your budget and delight your woodworker. Before I had the store I used to tell my family that a perfect gift would be to just get me a piece of exotic wood. And believe it or not, we have had folks take home a special piece of exotic hardwood as a gift. It is always fun to help a customer with a gift like that. And I’m sure it makes for an interesting wrapping problem. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider a certificate for a woodworking class. Our classes provide an opportunity to unleash that inner creativity and enjoy the pure satisfaction that comes with making something with your own hands. Whether they are new to woodworking or a veteran, there is always something to learn. And this isn’t a lecture about woodworking - in most classes, they will make a project in class that they can take home. A class is a great gift that will last long after the holidays. And you can make it even better by taking the class with them. What a great gift – learning something new and sharing the experience. Or you might consider making a gift yourself. We have project kits and supplies to help you get started. Use your skills to make a unique gift that money can’t buy. The people who seem to already have everything don’t leave us with a lot of choices when it comes to gift giving. The key to finding the perfect present for them is to uncover the things they would not buy for themselves. That may seem daunting, but if you know the person well you can figure it out. The best part is that price matters much less for those kinds of gifts. The value comes from your thoughtfulness. Just be sure that the gift you give is something they would like rather than something you would want to receive. As previously mentioned, another approach is to give them an experience rather than things. The memories will last far longer than clothes or a gadget. Make sure to watch for our big Black Friday sale. We’ll have awesome deals on great woodworking equipment and supplies. Stop in! While all the craziness is going on in the malls you can enjoy peace and the smell of sawdust at Woodcraft!” – Gerry Phelan, Woodcraft “Our gift cards are popular gift items during the holidays. Treating others to a fun night out at the movies, and the full-service theatre experience we have to offer where you can also enjoy dinner and drinks, is a pretty great gift if you ask me! While you’re out enjoying yourself and taking in a movie at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, why not get some gift shopping done at the same time? Or just stop in for a few minutes and grab what you need – we’re here to help!” – Derek Dillon, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema “We’ve got options that will please anyone on your holiday shopping list. Our gift boxes come in different assortments of our best cuts of steak, and a few with different variations of pork chops. There are filets, New York strips, ribeyes, Porterhouses, T-bones, sirloins, bacon-wrapped steaks, thick-cut and boneless chops, take your pick! With the specials we run during the holidays, it’s even more of an exceptional value than you’d find throughout the rest of the year. During the holiday season, we also offer special promotions for corporate gift giving, and we’re happy to provide suggestions. Aside from the gift boxes, one of our more popular options is purchasing fresh or frozen turkeys or hams to give to employees just in time for their holiday dinners. It’s a really nice gesture and something that your employees can enjoy with their families. There’s an abundance of options, so I’d highly recommend giving us a call or checking out our website to see what we have to offer!” – Sean Fuller, Just Good Meat With much to do to prepare for the holidays, and the flurry of activity that will ensue over the next couple of months, it’s wise to enlist the help of our local professionals. There’s no better feeling than having everything handled masterfully, which also allows you to enjoy the special moments throughout. We wish you all well - let the holiday madness commence and may it be an incredible season full of blessings!

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 Strictly Business

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2017