Strictly Business Omaha November 2018

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

TM

OMAHA • NOVEMBER 2018

CASEY HANSEN

MIKE GERST

OPERATIONS MANAGER

OWNER

• Holiday Cheer • Memory Care • EOY Business Spending Client Spotlights • Virtual C • Travel Series: Destination Orlando • Real Property Management (RPM) Legacy

AGO

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

Omaha’s Premier Repaint Specialists

ANGELA WILSON

BEN NAVARRO

Predictive Technology, Xcel Roofing Inc.

DAN O’BRIEN LEAH RICHARDS Acadian NOVEMBER Grille Echo Systems 2018 Strictly

SHAUNA PAOLINI

Nebraska Department of Labor

ERIN PEARSON

Center Sphere Business

1

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

There will be times you miss the most important meeting of the day.

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Cox Business knows the sacrifices you make for your business. That’s why we work right alongside you with personal service from experts in your hometown, offering 24/7 support. You can find us hard at work any time, day or night, because we care about your business as much as you do.

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SWITCH TODAY FOR FASTER SPEEDS BUT SAME GREAT PRICE. Call (402) 934 -3891 or visit coxbusiness.com *Offer ends 12/31/18. Available to new commercial data and voice subscribers (excluding govt agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $84.00/mo includes VoiceManagerSM Essential with unltd nationwide long distance and Cox Business InternetSM 50 for mos. 1–6 and $99.00 for mos. 7–36. Prices based on 3 year service term. Early term. fees may apply. Std. rates apply thereafter. Prices exclude equipment, installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 modem may be req’d, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. Unlimited plan is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling, auto-dialers, call center applications and certain switching applications. Phone modem provided by Cox, requires electricity, and has battery backup. Access to E911 may not be available during extended power outage or if modem is moved or inoperable. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa® Prepaid Card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 9/1/18 and 12/31/18 with min. 3 yr. contract. Must mention “reward promo” when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min. of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 1/31/19 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one Prepaid Card per customer, total not to exceed $200. Allow 6–8 weeks after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will be forfeited at midnight EST the last day of the month of the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Valid in U.S., U.S. territories and Puerto Rico. Offer subject to change at any time2 without notice.

Other restrictions apply. © 2018NOVEMBER Cox Communications Inc. All rights reserved.

Strictly Business 2018 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

The Virtual C Collaboration Center

Coming January 2019!

Lincoln’s Premiere Location for Offsite Trainings and Events

THE PURPOSE:

“

“

Our clients were requesting an offsite collaborative space. We did not know of any spaces in Lincoln that met our needs. So, we decided to build our own. Our goal was to create an agile workspace for innovation and collaboration.

- Adam Walter, Chief Information Officer

What makes this space different from other locations in Lincoln?

- Flexibility and collaboration! Traditionally, offsite meetings with vendors or clients either take place at hotels, country clubs, or restaurants. These venues pose various limitations because they weren’t intentionally designed for this purpose—but The Virtual C Collaboration Center is.

The Virtual C Collaboration Center is an open, flexible space where everyone has the ability to participate and contribute. It has multiple spaces with the electrical capacity for full on coding dojos! Those same spaces are designed to host collaborative strategy meetings where a manager can take their team offsite to plan out the next quarter or year.

Simplifed catering! Meals,snacks and soda are available and included to make sure your team stays fueled. Outside food or catering is welcome as well.

Adam Walter

Andrew Storz

Chief Information Officer

Chief Agile Officer

What kind of groups should use this space? - Anyone doing business in Lincoln who needs a place to work on a project or host a meeting are welcome! It’s common for development firms to rent out rooms for a few days in order to focus on a specific aspect of their software. This space is also ideal for organizations looking to host an event with guest speakers or a presentation of some kind.

THE FEATURES:

• • • •

“

Multiple spaces able to host up to 40 people Floor-to-ceiling whiteboard walls A green wall suitable for web meetings Flexible tables for use as desks, group tables, and for conference layouts

“

Does your business need a good place for productive strategy sessions? - No more cramming clients into coffee shops and restaurants; no more settling for venues that are too small and spaces that are just plain awkward...

Put your business in an environment that will inspire growth and success at the Virtual C Collaboration Center. - Virtual C is transforming the first floor of their office building into a state-of-the-art Collaboration Center. Not to be confused with their free drop-in workspace on the second floor where Virtual C’s main offices are housed, this Collaboration Center will serve as an equipped and functional meeting space that businesses can reserve for trainings, brainstorming sessions, presentations, special events, etc.

We are creating a space purpose built for versatility. Our walls are whiteboards so they can be a blank canvas for your creativity. This will be the place where you go to make things happen.

- Andrew Storz, Chief Agile Officer Are you stuck managing all the technology at your company with no help? - Virtual C offers executive consulting services, working with businesses to facilitate agile transformation. Specifically Adam Walter works with companies to offer up agile CIO strategy and interim management services. Andrew Storz is an expert in lean, agile cultural transformation; breaking down company silos.

The Virtual C Collaboration Center is a lean, agile team-building site.

Book a tour or make a reservation TODAY by emailing info@virtualc.biz!

Gain the Competitive Edge at The Virtual C Collaboration Center:

1701 Windhoek Drive, near 13th Street and Old Cheney, Open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Consumers’ Reading Habits Reveal Challenges and Opportunities For Print and Digital Media Each month in this letter, I’ve sought to provide readers of Strictly Business my perspective on relevant topics surrounding the importance of branding in print and digital advertising. The Freeport Press blog has been an invaluable resource helping us to keep a finger on the pulse of this field. On September 21, David Pilcher reported on their annual statistical survey of magazine reading habits, which received 1,226 responses. When considered carefully, these statistics reveal vital information for any business concerned with return on investment. Pilcher summarizes the results of the survey succinctly: “When it comes to our magazines, we read more, read longer, and subscribe more often to print than digital.” For me personally, there were two key takeaways, and they are the following: • 74.71% of the respondents reported having read one or more print magazines in the past month, as opposed to the 45.35% of respondents who reported having read one or more digital magazines.

• Print magazine readers report spending significantly more time reading than do digital magazine readers.

“Strictly Business provides the What to make of these survey opportunity to tap into the results? While this certainly like good news for the best of both worlds, engaging looks print advertising world, it both print and online readers.” also indicates that most print magazine readers are less willing to carry their reading habits over to online magazines. However, one shouldn’t be too quick to assume these statistics indicate a problem which cannot be overcome. After all, Strictly Business has successfully been able to utilize both social media and search engine optimization effectively, with over 12 million Google search results returning our clients’ digital content in one year.

Clearly, it is possible for experienced advertisers to utilize both print and digital mediums effectively. In a separate article published on the Freeport Press blog on October 2, David Pilcher discusses statistics published by Xerox on the effects of advertisements in print catalogues. Not only did print catalogues influence an average of 2.5 purchases for each survey respondent, Xerox reported that “69% of consumers consult a printed catalog before an online purchase.”

In her coverage of the statistics from Xerox for the Hansel Group Marketing blog, Tanya H. writes a solid observation on the significance of this information: “...this doesn’t mean that [the] print catalog itself hasn’t had to evolve — or borrow a couple of tricks from its new-found partner in sales, digital marketing.” Tanya H. presents several key points as to why some digital brands are rediscovering the power of print. Here are three that I consider particularly relevant: • The “experience” of reading a print publication helps communicate a story about the brand, building an emotional connection within the reader.

• Print publications reach readers in a way that feels less intrusive than the cluttered digital advertising landscape.

• Customers surveyed by Xerox tended to use print publications as their guide for search terms.

Furthermore, to quote Tanya H., “consumers who use organic search usually have more difficulty navigating the site because their search wasn’t as knowledgeable or targeted.” When consumers have relevant terms and information, it streamlines their search results. By providing the first and best coverage of business news and events in Lincoln, Strictly Business provides consumers with specific information about our clients, which in turn improves our online presence.

Strictly Business provides the opportunity to tap into the best of both worlds, engaging both print and online readers. We have described this approach with this hashtag: #PrintProudDigitalSmart, which keeneyed readers may have seen printed on the bottom of the pages in our last issue. The data we’ve examined indicates the ongoing strength of print advertising. Our approach has tapped into a new generation of readers who look to Google and other search engines as their first step for discovering businesses in their area.

As Strictly Business is often the first and only publication to provide solid coverage on local business, and since we take SEO into consideration as well, our content has successfully been able to find a loyal audience in both the print and digital fields.

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

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 23 Personnel

27 Non-Profit 35 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

1 16 36 48

Virtual C River City Six Travel Series: Destination Orlando Real Property Management (RPM) Legacy

ASK THE EXPERT 22 Sandler Training

FEATURE STORIES

38 Holiday Cheer 42 Memory Care 46 EOY Business Spending 4 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

Sarah

Holly

Hannah

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Holly Ryan - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Executive Assistant Sarah Young - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2018 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

ABOUT THE COVER “With over 40 years of experience in the painting and wallpapering field, Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. stays at the top of the industry with an artful balance of technology and fine traditional craftsmanship.”

It’s All About

In 1976, when Mike Gerst entered technical school at the age of 20, he began what would soon become his passion—the trade of painting and wallpapering. He began his own business, working out of his old station wagon. Mike then grew his painting company by employing talented and skilled people who love what they do.

Today, Mike is proud to say that Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. has about 35 to 40 employees and has become one of the premier repaint specialists in America because of the quality control systems they’ve put in place and their unparalleled attention to detail. Gerst has been awarded “Best of Omaha” for Painting Services for 13 consecutive years. Plus, they’ve received the “Best of B2B” recognition for Painting Contractor for 2018. Altogether, Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. has completed over 17,500 jobs, following up on each one to ensure customer satisfaction.

Services that Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. offer include: • Interior/exterior painting • Wall covering • Refinishing existing cabinets and woodwork • Interior/exterior carpentry • Handyman and repair • Industrial painting (tank farms and equipment) • Ceiling services (commercial only) • Garage/parking lot services (commercial only) Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. is Omaha’s premier provider of custom residential house painting, wallpapering, and carpentry. Extra care is always given to be neat and clean throughout a client’s home.

Omaha area residential customers can count on Gerst to coordinate all phases of their project with professionalism. To ensure this, each customer receives a follow-up evaluation and their craftsmanship is backed by a one-year, written guarantee. Gerst Painting also offers an unmatched color consulting service to make sure homeowners are optimizing their investment, while getting the look and feel they want.

Color In addition, as leaders in commercial painting services in Omaha, Grest recognizes that regardless of size, every business relies on dependable service from their vendors and contractors.

Commercial improvements, like repainting, need to be done in a timely, efficient manner. Gerst understands that budgets and project timelines are of the essence when dealing with commercial projects. When you call Gerst, you are guaranteed that their experts will be there as scheduled and will get the job done right with minimal disruption to your business or office. If you’re considering Gerst for your commercial painting project, but you’re not quite sure, their team would be happy to provide you with outstanding recommendations from previous commercial clients.

Every member of the Gerst team will go the extra mile for their customers.

Their commitment to their clients doesn’t end when the job is finished. The Gerst team will always follow up on completed projects, with continued customer care. With over 40 years of experience in the painting and wallpapering field, Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. stays at the top of the industry with an artful balance of technology and fine traditional craftsmanship.

“Thank you to everyone who has entrusted Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc. to provide painting and carpentry services for their homes or businesses. When you choose Gerst, you’re choosing a locally owned and operated business that cares about the community we serve.” - Mike Gerst, owner and operator of Gerst Painting and Contracting Inc.

Contact us today! (402) 289-1010 | GerstContracting.com

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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Douglas County Health Center Presents Nursing “Meet & Eat” Career Fair

R&R Realty Group Celebrates Future in Omaha with Ribbon Cutting

The Douglas County Health Center (DCHC) would like to welcome all experience levels of nurses to their career fair on Thursday, December 6 for on-site interviews. ASN, BSN, and new graduates can take part on this event from 3 – 7 p.m. on the first floor of Town Hall (4102 Woolworth Ave.). Hiring positions featured at the career fair include registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, med aide, and CNA.

On Tuesday, October 9, R&R Commerce Park held its ribbon-cutting ceremony from 10 -11 a.m. at the R&R Commerce Park Warehouse 1 with the Greater Omaha Chamber. They celebrated R&R’s first building in the Omaha area while networking with Omaha-area business and community leaders. While celebrating, they also had discussions of the economic impact of the 250,000 square-foot building, which is phase one of a business park that’ll eventually contain more than 1 million square feet of warehouse space.

Speakers during the ribbon cutting included: Mike Homa – president of R&R Realty Group Nebraska; David P. Black – mayor, City of Papillion; David G. Brown – president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber; Mark Rupprecht – president, R&R Realty Group.

R&R Realty Group is Iowa and Nebraska’s premier full-service real estate company with development, brokerage, construction, property management, technology services, capital management, and acquisitions.

Founded in 1985, R&R is one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the Midwest, owning and managing over seven million square feet. The company remains family owned.

For more information please visit www.rrrealty.com, or look them up on Facebook (@RRRealtyGroup).

The DCHC offers great full-time benefits such as professional development, flexible shift schedules, health/dental/vision insurance, prescription coverage, life insurance, continuing education/tuition reimbursement, paid holidays, pension, and vacation/sick leave.

The event also offers a free spaghetti dinner between 4 and 6 p.m.

DCHC has proudly served the Omaha area for over 100 years and continues to be a leader in health care in the community. They are recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as a five-star rated facility. They are proud to be the only facility in Nebraska to hold that rating consistently since the inception of the rating program in 2008.

In order to expedite the interviewing process at the event, DCHC encourages you to apply online for long-term care and short-term rehab prior to attending at agency.governmentjobs.com/douglas.

For more information, visit dchc.douglascounty-ne.gov.

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

ks

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

Visit www.opendoormission.org to give online today!

6

Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

Veridian Credit Union Cuts Ribbon On 5th Omaha-Area Branch Less than three years after announcing plans to open 10 to 15 Omaha-area branches in the next decade, Veridian Credit Union hosted a ribbon-cutting event for its fifth area branch. City and chamber officials gathered at Veridian’s new branch located at 17050 Wright Pl. in The Shops of Legacy for the event on October 9.

Pictured (L to R): Trevor Hudson, executive director of the West O Chamber; Monte Berg, president and CEO of Veridian; Clint Adams, branch manager of Veridian; Jason Ferris, market president of Veridian Credit Union; David Brown, president and CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber.

The new Veridian branc h is 5,000 square feet with space for commercial, mortgage, and other consumer lending. It also offers safe deposit boxes, a coin machine, six teller stations and three drive-up lanes, including one with an ATM. Veridian’s other area branches include one on West Maple Rd. and one on South 144th St. in Omaha, one in Papillion, and one in Council Bluffs.

Veridian Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative founded in 1934 in Waterloo, IA as John Deere Employees Credit Union. Earnings are returned to members through better rates and low-to-no fees. The credit union offers a full range of business and consumer financial services, including accounts, loans, guidance, investments and insurance. Membership is open to anyone living or working in the credit union’s geographic field of membership, including Omaha, Council Bluffs and surrounding communities. For more information, visit veridiancu.org or call (800) 235-3228. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS ChamberDM Adds Digital Flare to Assist Organizations in Today’s Digital World

Governor Proclaims November 12-16 Kids’ Chance Awareness Week in Nebraska

Launching nationwide, ChamberDM is coming to Nebraska and will be hosting a virtual job fair and digital business expo on January 14–18, 2019. DM provides a platform, tools, and innovation to assist businesses and organizations in today’s digital world. ChamberDM is designed to complement Chambers of Commerce, business/economic development associations, and municipalities to help strengthen the community through digitallybased programs and events.

On October 15, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation, declaring November 12-16 Kids’ Chance Awareness Week in Nebraska.

Kids’ Chance Awareness Week is designed to increase visibility through special outreach events in each state that will spread the word about scholarship opportunities. In 2017, scholarship applications increased significantly due to the awareness this week raised, but there are more students in need of assistance.

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska relies on the support of corporate partners, industry colleagues, friends, and family to further their mission.

Contributions make a difference in the life of a child whose educational opportunities have been dramatically limited.

Help spread awareness about Kids’ Chance of Nebraska via word of mouth and on your social media using Kids’ Chance photos, which can be found on their website, along with the hashtag “#KidsChance.”

Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is proud to provide post-secondary and trade school scholarships to the children of Nebraska workers who have been severely or fatally injured in an employment related accident.

The children of these workers often lose opportunities for secondary education. Kids’ Chance of Nebraska is a non-profit organization raising funds for educational opportunities for these children. Learn more about Kids’ Chance of Nebraska, make a donation on their local website www. kidschanceofne.org, or follow along with them on their Facebook page (@Kidschanceofne).

Some of these digital programs include virtual job fairs, digital tradeshows, networking groups and lead exchange groups. They also include digitally-delivered education and advising, plus DIY group workshops to assist members with using marketing/digital tools. Additionally, all members have access to a library of digital tools to help their business succeed. Many of these digital tools are offered at special discounted rates, rebates or specialized training.

ChamberDM will work with local Chambers of Commerce on multiple levels and assists them to modernize a member’s digital experience.

ChamberDM also provides Chambers an opportunity to leverage the program to manage their own internal digital programs and platforms.

For more information, visit their website at www.chamberdm.com.

Sojern Celebrates New Space with Chamber Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony On September 25, the Greater Omaha Chamber hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Sojern’s new space off of 181st and Burke. Sojern is the leading provider of digital advertising solutions and realtime audiences for the travel industry.

The new Sojern work space, designed

by Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, will combine two previously separate offices into one and expand its physical footprint to 40,000 square feet in the West Dodge corridor of Omaha.

In addition to the 4,000 square-foot breakroom and 53 conference rooms, there are 190 workstations to house the existing Omaha workforce with room to grow to 325 employees, nearly a 70% increase, from the existing headcount. Keeping with the latest trends in workspace design, there will also be three mothers’ rooms, two ping pong tables, a shuffleboard table and a gym in the building.

“Omaha was the birthplace for our business 11 years ago, and we’re very proud of our roots. We continue to invest in recruiting talent from Omaha because we’ve had great success here,” said Brent Brummer, vice president of business strategy and operations, who has been at Sojern since its inception.

Back in 2007, serial Omaha entrepreneur Gordon Whitten founded Sojern with the idea of placing targeted destination advertising on print-at-home airline boarding passes. Whitten quickly patented the concept and built a successful business, but the company really took off when major travel clients began asking for ways to help expand their campaigns into digital.

Learn more about Sojern at www.sojern.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cornhusker Bank Institutes Emerging Leader Program Cornhusker Bank recently launc hed an Emerging Leader Program. The program was created inhouse to utilize the bank’s operating model, beliefs, and values, with an emphasis on servant leadership. The robust curriculum includes MBA and PhD level content and is applicable to all levels of emerging leaders Pictured (L to R): Rob Bethel, Amanda throughout the bank.

Larabee, Emily Steinhoff, Ginger Barry Lockard, Cornhusker Malousek, Matt Biggs, Matthew Bank president noted, “The Brase and Taylor Jensen Emerging Leader Program is one of the premiere programs Cornhusker Bank offers to selected candidates to help them grow professionally and personally as a leader.

I believe individuals in the program will benefit from their key learnings and outcomes in the program, which will translate to benefits bank-wide.”

“Cornhusker Bank is committed to investing in the growth of our associates and I am thrilled about the opportunity Cornhusker Bank is creating for candidates accepted into the Emerging Leader Program,” reported Sherla Post, SVP, HR/Talent Management. The inaugural class accepted into the program includes Rob Bethel, Matt Biggs, Matthew Brase, Taylor Jensen, Amanda Larabee, Ginger Malousek, and Emily Steinhoff.

Cornhusker Bank remains the oldest family-owned bank, demonstrating stability, soundness, and investing in the future growth of the community, its valued customers and associates throughout its 115-year history. For more information, please visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS Vetter Senior Living Named one of the Best Workplaces for Aging Services

Nebraska Recycling Council to Host Webinar on Waste Reduction

Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE have named Vetter Senior Living a 2018 Best Workplaces for Aging Services. Sumner Place Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation and Southlake Village Rehabilitation & Care Center are proud member of Vetter Senior Living. The ranking considered more than 162,000 anonymous employee surveys from companies in the Aging Services industry across the United States. With more than 3,500 people in 30 locations in the Midwest, Vetter Senior Living ranked #17 on the list!

For the inaugural Best Workplaces in Aging Services list, Great Place to Work evaluated a variety of factors, including respect, fairness and leadership competence.

Statements from Vetter employees that stood out to analysts included: 86% said their workplace is great; 90% said their work has special meaning and that is not “just a job”; 90% said they are proud to tell others where they work; and 90% said they feel a sense of pride in their work.

Vetter Senior Living provides services and living options for rehabilitation, independent, assisted living, and skilled nursing with 25 locations in Nebraska, two in Iowa, one in Kansas, two in Missouri, and a care center managed by Vetter Senior Living in Wyoming. With a mission of “Dignity in Life,” Vetter Senior Living is well known for quality care. More than 3,500 team members continuously strive for improvement in all areas of service. Learn more at www.vetterseniorliving.com.

The Nebraska Recycling Council will host a webinar titled “Waste Reduction — the Forgotten R” on Thursday, November 15 from noon to 1 p.m. The webinar will highlight recent waste reduction research and intervention results from New Dream. New Dream’s mission, as a national non-profit organization, is to empower individuals, communities and organizations to transform their consumption habits to improve well-being for people and the planet.

The goal of this project specifically was to motivate individuals to shift some purchases from material gifts to experiential gifts during the winter holidays, thus increasing time spent with friends and family and in the out-of-doors leading to a boost in long-term happiness and overall well-being, along with supporting the environment by decreasing consumption.

Speakers at the webinar will be Kelley Dennings of the New Dream advisory committee and the New Dream Director of Operations and Outreach, Casey Williams.

The Nebraska Recycling Council is a statewide, member-based organization who works to maximize economic and environmental benefits of resource recovery in Nebraska. For speaker bios, specific presentation topics, and registration, visit www.nrcne.org/events.

TRUCK EQUIPMENT

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Prosper Omaha 2.0 Raises More Than $18 Million in Economic Development Funds The regional response to Prosper Omaha 2.0, a strategic economic development campaign designed to fast track Greater Omaha’s preferred future, has raised more than $18 million in business pledges toward the initiative’s $32 million goal — nine months after launching the six-county initiative. A previous campaign raised $25.9 million.

A five-year aspirational plan that accelerates a people/place/ business-growth model, Prosper Omaha 2.0 is transforming a region where annual median income growth (3.4% in 2017) already outpaces the national growth rate of 2.6%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau; while higher education opportunities increasingly draw students to what Ziprecruiter calls the “No. 1 best city for college graduates to start their careers in 2018.”

Be in business for yourself, not by yourself.

We brought a brand new franchise to Omaha many years ago and it’s still going strong. We sold that franchise profitably. We reinvested into a different franchise and have grown it into multiple locations that dominate the industry in Omaha. We are leveraging 12 years in franchising and a quarter-century of business experience. We’ve been there, and we’re happy to share that experience with our clients.

Shawn Williams Founder & CEO 402.616.3934 | SummitFranchiseAdvisors.com

SUMMIT FRANCHISE A The inaugural Prosper Omaha strategy launched in 2014, and produced nearly 300 landed projects, grew $4.2 billion in capital investment and created more than 13,000 jobs thanks to the $25.9 million in support from 300 investors.

Nebraska Community Foundation Takes Home “Friend of Tourism” Award Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) was recently honored at the Nebraska Tourism Commission’s conference in Nebraska City. Both NCF and Omaha World-Herald were co-presented with the Friend of Tourism award, which is given to a person, business, organization, or media outlet that is not directly involved Pictured (L to R): Omaha in the tourism industry but has been World-Herald journalists very supportive of local, regional, and Matthew Hansen and Sarah Baker Hansen, statewide efforts to promote and develop and representing NCF, tourism.

Jeff Yost, president & Omaha World-Herald and NCF were CEO and Reggi Carlson, recognized for their collaborative communications specialist. storytelling effort, better known as The Better Half, a collection of articles co-conceived and co-produced by writers representing both organizations. From March – November 2017, Omaha World-Herald columnists (and married couple) Sarah Baker Hansen and Matthew Hansen traveled the state to share with each other (and their readers) the little-known people, unexpected stops, and memorable foods that make Nebraska unique. At the conclusion of the series, the Hansens’ articles were bound and published in a book titled “The Better Half: Nebraska’s Hidden Treasures.”

Nebraska Community Foundation was a collaborative partner and co-producer of The Better Half series, furnishing dynamic story angles and crafting complementary articles that featured some of Greater Nebraska’s most extraordinary communities, and ambitious people who are working behind the scenes to build and better their communities.

The Better Half was and continues to be a tremendous success, not only for Omaha World-Herald and NCF, but for the dozens of businesses, communities, and tourist destinations featured in the series. Millions of people across the state, throughout the country, and around the world were exposed to rural Nebraska; and communities, businesses, and attractions throughout Greater Nebraska have reported an increase in visitors and interest in their places as a direct result of the series.

Nebraska Community Foundation is determined to empower communities throughout the state to grow and prosper. Learn more at www. nebcommfound.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AIM Institute to Host Tech Celebration November 15

Join AIM Institute on Thursday, November 15 for their annual Tech Celebration, which will be held at Founders One Nine (1915 Jackson St.). This event honors the outstanding tech talent in the community and the profound impact they’re having on the tech world. Awards are given in six categories: Tech Student, Tech Educator, Tech Innovator, Tech Leader, Emerging Business, and Enterprise Business.

Complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and a silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are free and can be reserved at careerlink.com/techcelebration.

AIM Institute is an innovative not-for-profit community organization that grows, connects, and inspires the tech talent ecosystem through career development and educational programs. Through these efforts, they improve thousands of lives across the Silicon Prairie. More information about AIM is available at aiminstitute.org.

Control Depot Partners with Prolon Controls for New Temperature Control Systems Control Depot established a new partnership with Prolon Controls in September to offer their entire line of HVAC temperature controls systems. Prolon is a leading manufacturer of HVAC control systems designed specifically for zoning applications in commercial buildings. Prolon aims to develop efficient systems and reliable products that meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding market at a very competitive cost.

Control Depot is a building automation and controls distributor serving Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. As a controls distributor, they sell and support a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components to contractors and building owners. This includes everything from a simple thermostat to a complete web-based building automation system. At Control Depot, the goal is to build strong and lasting relationships with customers by providing value and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. They strive to excel in all aspects of their business, offering quality services in a timely manner at affordable rates.

Control Depot has locations in both Omaha and Lincoln. The Lincoln location is 1101 Saunders Ave. and the Omaha location is 9304 G Ct. Learn more at controldepotinc.com or contact (402) 934-0078 / sales@ controldepotinc.com.

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS CharterWest Mortgage Center to Hold Grand Opening at New Location

Millard Business Association Announces 2019 Executive Board

CharterWest Mortgage Center has announced the addition of two new loan officers in the South Omaha market, Celina Fontes and Tom Schmitz. With the additional staff, CharterWest Mortgage Center has opened a new location at 4604 S. 25th St. and will be holding a ribbon cutting on November 13 from 9–11 a.m.

“We are grateful to have such an experienced team at CharterWest,” said Nick Brion, senior vice president / mortgage division manager.

“With our growth comes more opportunity to service the South Omaha community,” Brion said. The CharterWest Mortgage Loan originators in the Omaha Metro Area now include Michael James, Stephanie Rasmussen, Terry Tonkinson, Francisco Serrano, Denny O’Donnell, Kirk Cwelich, Amy Preucil, Celina Fontes, and Tom Schmitz.

Over the past 14 Years, CharterWest Bank has opened mortgage loan centers across the state of Nebraska and has become a leading producer of Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) sponsored loans, USDA Rural Housing loans, and Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans, as well as conventional mortgages. They have been in the Omaha area since 2004.

CharterWest Bank is a state-chartered community bank that started in 1985 in West Point, Nebraska. Today CharterWest Bank continues to be headquartered in West Point and also has full service bank branches in Pender, Walthill, Elkhorn, and Papillion. CharterWest Bank now has residential mortgage offices in Elkhorn, South Omaha, Lincoln, Papillion, La Vista, Columbus, Grand Island, Kearney, McCook, and Hastings. Learn more at www.charterwest.com.

The Millard Business Association (MBA) hosted their annual meeting on October 18 at Millard Manor to discuss the upcoming year and vote on the 2019 Executive Board. The new board is as follows: president, Tom Baumbach; president elect, Jill Schoenherr; vice president, David Swearingen; treasurer, Roxy Starkey; secretary, Mike Seelhoff. The MBA congratulates their new leaders.

The Millard Business Association is a thriving and growing membershipdriven organization that was conceived in 2003. Since the beginning they have had many community members who are very excited about the opportunity to network with other Millard-area business professionals. Since their first social event, Millard Business Association membership has grown to more than 400 businesses. Since there are a wide variety of members, the MBA is able to represent virtually every type of business in the Association, both small and large. The MBA prides themselves on how they treat their members, because to the MBA their members become extended family who understand what people go through in business. At the heart of the MBA are four core objectives that make them who they are. These core objectives are to promote, preserve, and enhance Millard-area commerce; develop active B2B networking among members; provide business-specific educational opportunities for members; and provide benevolent community programs.

For more information about the MBA, visit their website millardbusinessassociation.org or follow their Facebook page (@ MillardBusinessAssociation).

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BUSINESS NEWS Yield Champions Announces Producer Training Program Dates Dennis Nun, president of Yield Champions, has announced the dates of the only PRO-AG I Program in western Nebraska for 2018. The training program will be offered in Kearney on December 3-4. This program is designed for crop producers, agronomists, seed, chemical and fertilizer dealers, and landlords looking for ways to be profitable even at 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, new products SYNTOSE-FA Ag Sugar and INTENSIFY™ Plant Growth Regulators will be discussed for use in the coming crop year.

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.

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Celebrating over two decades of personalized service.

We have been offering professional solutions that meet your benefit needs since 1989. Quality has been our main mission for the past 29 years and still applies to everything we do today.

From L-R: Lori Fischer, Lisa Daniels, Candace Chapman, & Wendi Peterson-Stott (seated)

BBB Integrity Awards Honor Omaha Businesses Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Annual Integrity Awards are designed to promote not only the importance of ethical business practices, but also the willingness and efforts made by outstanding businesses and charities that demonstrate a solid commitment to marketplace trust.

The 2018 Award Winners were selected by independent panels of judges representing businesses and academic and charitable organizations in metro Omaha. They were honored on Tuesday, October 9 at BBB’s 23rd Integrity Awards Luncheon held at the Embassy Suites Omaha - La Vista Conference Center.

In the small for-profit business categories, the following companies received BBB Integrity Awards: Travel With Barb (1-4 employees); Royalty Roofing & Renovations (5-10 Employees) and Xcel Roofing (11-24 employees). In the category for charities with fewer than 24 employees, the award was presented to Chariots4Hope.

In the large for-profit business categories, the companies awarded were: Makovicka Physical Therapy and OBI Creative (25-99 employees); Eyman Plumbing, Heating & Air (100-249 employees); Thrasher (250499 employees) and NMC, Inc. (500+ employees). There were two charities with more than 25 employees that received a BBB Integrity Award: Community Alliance and OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. The judges felt that other organizations that submitted applications were worthy of recognition too. Therefore, those also demonstrating 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 and a “Bronze Award of Merit” for exemplifying the values of the BBB. They also serve as ambassadors of trust in the marketplace.

The “Silver Award of Distinction” recipients were: Bridges Trust, Merchants Credit Adjusters, Inc. and Medical Solutions. PromiseShip - The New Nebraska Families Collaborative received a Silver Award in the category for charities with 25 or more employees. Seldin Company was presented with a “Bronze Award of Merit.”

For reservations or more information, please call the Better Business Bureau at (402) 898-8550. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CEDARS Power of the Purse Thursday, November 8, 2018, 6:30pm Cornhusker Marriott Hotel 333 S. 13th St., Lincoln

For additional information about attending this event please go to www.cedarskids.org or call Tina at (402) 904-3261

8204 South 109th Street • La Vista, NE 68128 (402) 592-7777/Phone • (402) 592-1924/Fax www.benefitprofessionals.net NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Society of CPAs Present 18th Annual Fall CPA Conference

Gonzo Gourmand Moves Food Truck Into Omaha

The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has an outstanding fall conference and annual meeting planned for NEBRASKA SOCIETY OF November 5-6 at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Certified Public Accountants Vista. This will be the 18th year for www.nescpa.org | 402-476-8482 the fall conference, which draws approximately 200 registrants annually. The Society’s annual business meeting luncheon is scheduled for Monday, November 5 at noon.

Gonzo Gourmand, a gourmet food truck with an eclectic menu, has announced its expansion into the Omaha market. Owner Daniel Pierce began serving his gourmet fare in Lincoln in June of this year and the overwhelming positive feedback he’s received since then sparked the decision to expand.

Gonzo Gourmand focuses on finding the most creative and amazing dishes and flavor profiles. They are extremely focused on beef sourced directly from local farmers. Pierce gets all his beef from a rancher in Cozad because he believes it’s the highest quality of meat out there, and he thought it could set his food truck apart. Gonzo Gourmand has earned a reputation for having the most flavorful beef possible.

Pierce attributes this to their commitment to age their beef for 14 days.

When you visit the Gonzo Gourmand food truck, be sure to try the juicy and tender Gonzo burger, Corn-cheese Stuffed Burger, or the PB and Bacon Burger all with home-cut double-cooked fries. The mac and cheese will definitely hit the spot as well, or try out something new like the Poutine (home-cut fries topped with cheddar cheese curds and smothered in homemade 24-hour slow-cooked beef stock), Korean BBQ Beef Tots, or smoked pork belly tacos.

Invite Gonzo Gourmand to your next event by emailing daniel.w.pierce@ gmail.com, or learn more about Omaha’s newest food truck by visiting their Facebook page (/Eat.Gonzo).

Registration and breakfast start at 7 a.m. on November 5 and the day will end after the second breakout session at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday morning will start with registration and breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and will go until 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

This year marks a special milestone as the Society celebrates its 90th anniversary, as well as the retirement of Dan Vodvarka, following 28 years of outstanding service to the organization. At the end of the day on Monday, there will be a reception honoring his years of work.

In addition to outstanding educational opportunities, the conference provides great networking opportunities for Nebraska CPAs. Register today at nescpa.org/conferenceregform.php or call (402) 476-8482.

To support members’ professional growth, the Nebraska Society of CPAs provides approximately 80 courses each year. These courses and conferences encompass the various needs of CPAs in public practice, industry, education, and government.

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2016

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PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT BACK: TOM COCKLE, SHANE IDEUS, FRONT: KARLA CHRIS SENKBILE, WILSON, MARY PAUL HUGHES SAVAGE

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Magazine Strictly Business Lincoln, NE 68505 PO BOX 57397,

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Strictly Business PO BOX 57397, Magazine Lincoln, NE 68505

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NAMI Omaha is a non-profit corporation in the state of Nebraska composed of consumers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious mental illness. NAMI Omaha’s mission is to work to improve the service for and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families.

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MATT SVOBODA Care Consultants for the Aging

LEAH DICKERSON Platteview Golf Club

ROBERT MEJIAS Liberty Tax Service/ M&M Insurance Associates

For information on NAMI, go to naminebraska.org or call (402) 3458101 / (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles on mental illness, follow NAMI Omaha on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAMIOmaha.

Millwork Commons Announced as Omaha’s Newest Urban Neighborhood Paul Smith of Black Dog Management and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced plans to revitalize the area between 11th and 14th streets from Izard to Seward streets into Omaha’s newest neighborhood, Millwork Commons, a collaborative community designed to inspire and support the work of innovators and creators.

Technology company Flywheel, the fastest-growing company in Nebraska, will be the anchor tenant and plans to move its headquarters to the historic Ashton building in the summer of 2020.

Millwork Commons is a $300 million mixed-use development which will focus on providing next generation office space, community common areas and diversified housing. Plans over the next decade call for modernizing historic buildings while incorporating new construction to complement the historic feel. Office spaces in Millwork Commons will be designed with tech companies, entrepreneurs, educational and community organizations in mind. The City of Omaha plans to support the project by adding and improving streets, including the rerouting of truck traffic.

The project is funded by Black Dog Management, an investment firm founded by Smith and focused on strategic partnerships in real estate and property investments in Omaha’s urban core. Smith said he expects the project to transform the area Housing in Millwork Commons will be available in a range of budget and space needs and is designed to appeal to people who want to live in a vibrant downtown neighborhood. Smith said his team is also seeking to add local retailers and restaurants.

Alley Poyner Macchietto will design the other buildings within Millwork Commons in addition to the Ashton. Field Day Development is guiding the development of the neighborhood and P.J. Morgan Real Estate is leasing and managing the properties. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

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NAMI Omaha’s next Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting will be held on Thursday, December 6 from 6 – 8 p.m. This meeting is free and open to the public. NAMI members will discuss tips for holiday challenges. Attendees are encouraged to bring a holiday treat to share.

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BUSINESS NEWS

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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VICTORIA LEUTHOLD Open Door Mission

BUSINESS NEWS J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood Opens in The Capitol District J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood will open their doors in The Capitol District on Monday, November 12. Recognized for its exceptional hospitality and service, craft cocktails and fine wines, mesquite woodfired USDA Prime beef, and fresh seafood flown in daily, J. Gilbert’s is excited to bring to Omaha an upscale dining experience served with down-to-earth attitude that reflects its Midwestern values.

The two-story, 6,100 square-foot space will offer a large, 49-person occupancy private dining room, perfect for corporate gatherings, networking events, holiday parties or special events. Private dining reservations can be made by emailing eventsomaha@jgilberts.com.

J. Gilbert’s began accepting dining reservations on October 22.

Reservations can be made online at www.jgilberts.com/omaha or by calling (531) 222-9218.

To help celebrate its grand opening, J. Gilbert’s will also offer several promotions over the holidays. From November 12 - December 25 for every $100 gift card purchased online or in person, guests will receive an additional $20 dining certificate good for your next visit after the first of the year through the end of February 2019.

J. Gilbert’s is located on the corner of South 10th St. and Capitol Ave., next to Omaha Marriott Downtown.

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

Cattlemen’s Ball Raises Nearly $1.75 Million The results are in, and the 2018 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska brought in nearly $1.75 million, the second highest amount of money ever raised in the 21-year history of the event and the sixth time the event has topped the $1 million mark. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $15.57 million.

This year’s Cattlemen’s Ball was hosted by Randy and Becky Hergott of Hebron, NE, with Rob and Natalie Marsh serving as co-hosts.

Of the $1.75 million, more than $1.55 million went to the Fred & Pamela Buffett Center for cancer research with the remaining 10% ($174,000) staying in the home county for a variety of programs. The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center is located at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and its clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine.

A total of 56 groups in this area received proceeds, including four hospitals, 31 fire departments, three sheriff departments, nine Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs, seven community organizations and other health and wellness groups.

The 2019 Cattlemen’s Ball will be held June 7-8 in rural Wauneta, a small village of 577 people located in southwest Nebraska. The ball will be hosted on the ranch of Wayne and Chris Krausnick near Enders Dam on the Frenchman River. Derek and Allison Sandman will serve as co-hosts of the event. Learn more at cattlemensball.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Veterans in Business Forum Announces Upcoming Meetings

Business Ethics Alliance Presents Mind Candy Dialogue

The Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) meets the first Friday of every month (0800-0900). Their next meetings are 2 November and 7 December 2018 at the University of Nebraska-Omaha College of Business Administration, Mammel Hall – Room 215, 6708 Pine St., Omaha, NE 68182-0048.

VIBF’s guest speaker for November is Lou Wagner from ESGR, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The December meeting is informal and will be held at Petrows.

The mission of the Veterans in Business Forum (VIBF) is to provide business support, education, and advocacy to help veterans succeed in business and increase community awareness of veteran-owned business activities.

Veterans, active duty, reservists and civilians are welcome to join and support each other and veteran-related goals.

For the latest information, to be a guest speaker, and/or to be added to the mailing list, visit www.omahanebraska.com/ VeteransinBusinessForumOmahaNetworking or contact Michel Thornhill at (402) 932-7243 / info@littlemountainwebdesign.com.

The Business Ethics Alliance® of Omaha will hold its fall Mind Candy Dialogue event on Wednesday, November 14, at Temple Israel.

Coffee and networking will begin at 7:10 a.m. with panel discussion at 7:30 a.m. Free and open to the entire community, this unique and interactive forum sets the stage for individuals to jumpstart their day by participating in lively discussions about business ethics issues.

Beverly Kracher, Ph.D., executive director of the Alliance, will moderate a discussion among local business leaders, including David Cota of First National Bank, Megan Hunt of Hello Holiday, and Jay Wilkinson of Firespring. From corporate social responsibility to social activism, the panelists will share ways they contribute to the community through their businesses.

Additional support for this event was provided by First National Bank, promoting the idea that all businesses have a responsibility to improve the communities where their customers live and work. This event is a great opportunity to learn and be inspired to think creatively about how to make a difference.

Guests can register online at businessethicsalliance.org/our-events/ mind-candy-dialogue.

In partnership with the Omaha business community, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, and Creighton University Heider College of Business, the Business Ethics Alliance is the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to city-level business ethics education.

Publisher to Address Adaption, Disruption at Chamber’s Annual Economic Outlook In an era of influencers, futurist and Forbes publisher, Rich Karlgaard is slated to give the keynote address at the Greater Omaha Chamber’s annual Economic Outlook Luncheon on November 13. Karlgaard will be casting his economic eye on Omaha.

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Nearly 800 CEOs and senior executives, many of whom are already driving the region’s competitive mission, are expected to attend the event, which will be held at Embassy Suites Omaha, La Vista.

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Considered one of the most influential figures in business and economics, Karlgaard will provide insight on adapting in an era of technological and political disruption. The results of the region’s annual Economic Outlook Survey will also be released at the event.

“The annual Economic Outlook Survey provides a framework for driving business development, talent acquisition and collaborative growth in areas that propel our collective future and favorably shape the region,” said David G. Brown, president and CEO, Greater Omaha Chamber.

Last year’s survey results indicated nearly half of all CEOs expected their organizations to “grow faster than the national pace in 2018.”

Cost to attend this year’s luncheon is $70 per member or $85 for nonmembers. Tables of 10 are $700 for members and $850 for nonmembers. Reservations are due Tuesday, November 6 through www.omahachamber.org/eol.

Event sponsors include ACCESSbank, Baird Holm LLP, D.A. Davidson & Co., Deloitte LLP, Lamp Rynearson, and media sponsor KETV. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Emerie Jones Artistry Opens Inside Springboard for Success Emerie Jones Artistry has opened inside Springboard for Success at 701 N. 48th St., STE 110. Emerie Jones has been honing her skills as a hair and makeup artist since she was 15 years old. Three years ago, she took her skills to a new level. A certified Perfect Face (Houston-based) artist and named to The Pageant Planet’s Top 5 National Makeup Artists, Emerie has painted the faces of models in New York City, pageant title holders across the country, and brides throughout Nebraska.

Most recently, Emerie launched her YouTube channel, becoming an influencer in the industry. She has trained a team of artists who travel with her on assignment. Emerie is excited to open a space dedicated to her craft.

Emerie will continue her training in Los Angeles this November and can’t wait to bring what she learns back to her clients in Nebraska.

The makeup studio is open by appointment. You can reach Emerie for a consultation at (402) 440-2296. An open house is scheduled in conjunction with Springboard for Success on November 16, 5–8 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Emerie Jones Artistry is a nationally-based makeup team that offers makeup for photo shoots, pageants, weddings, and other special events. Private and group lessons are also available at her studio or via FaceTime and Skype.

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

Kent Circle Partners Announces New Tenant at Royalwood Office Center, Liss Technology Group Kent Circle Partners | Seldin Real Estate, Inc. (Scott Seldin, president) of Scottsdale, AZ announces Liss Technologies Group, LLC as a new tenant in their Royalwood Office Center 12565 W. Center Rd. in Omaha. Liss Technologies Group has leased 3,987 square feet of the 44,959 square foot office building, joining the current tenant Visiting Nurses Association (VNA).

Liss Technologies provides billing and sub-metering service for residential and commercial property management and municipalities.

The company also sells and supports Package Lockers by Luxer One into the property management markets. Additionally, Liss Technologies manufactures intercom systems for the medical industry.

Royalwood Office Center was built by Millard Seldin for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in 1976. The building is still in the family portfolio which is overseen by his son, Scott Seldin.

Spencer Secor of Cushman & Wakefield | The Lund Company represented the transaction for the owner. Marc Siemers and Eric Renner with OMNE Partners represented the tenant.

Kent Circle Partners |Seldin Real Estate, Inc. of Scottsdale (www. kentcircleinvestments.com) is a privately owned commercial real estate and investment company, maintaining holdings in retail, office, apartments, and land. Kent Circle Partners specializes in acquiring high-quality, mixed-use real estate assets.

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BUSINESS NEWS Xcel Roofing Receives BBB Integrity Award Xcel Roofing was honored as a recipient of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Annual Integrity Award. The BBB’s 23rd Integrity Awards Luncheon was held at the Embassy Suites Omaha - La Vista Conference Center on Tuesday, October 9.

Xcel Roofing, along with the other 2018 award winners, were selected by an independent panel of judges representing businesses and academic and charitable organizations in the Omaha Metro.

Xcel Roofing received a BBB Integrity Award in the small for-profit business (11-24 employees) Pictured (L to R): category. Companywide, Xcel Roofing is Owners Jim Harding committed to upholding strong ethical and moral and Matt Preister standards in every interaction they have with customers, adjusters, and in the communities they serve.

For nearly 30 years, Xcel Roofing has provided customers with quality products and services for their residential and commercial properties, including replacement and repair of roofing, siding, windows, and gutters. Xcel Roofing is serving customers and improving communities in six states, including Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Call (402) 345-9235 today to schedule your free inspection or discuss your roofing or exterior needs. Learn more about Xcel Roofing at loveourroof.com.

The Heartland Interior Design Opens in Nebraska The Heartland Interior Design, LLC received its certificate of organization from the State of Nebraska on September 4. Owner and principal designer, Tara Miller, is excited to bring her expertise to the community. Headquartered in Omaha, the new interior design firm will travel throughout the Midwest for clients.

When it comes to design, The Heartland Interior Design focuses on making design matter.

“You aren’t like everyone else and your space shouldn’t be either. Our goal is to help develop a design direction that is unique to you and appealing to the masses. We do this based on your likes, dislikes, and how the space will be used,” explains Tara. “This can be accomplished by turning a house into a home, or transforming a commercial space into an environment; a culture. We believe that people matter. People do amazing things and they deserve great spaces to abide in.”

The Heartland Interior Design makes it a priority to utilize local makers, artisans, and craftsmen whenever possible. A few of the interior design specialties at The Heartland Interior Design include hospitality design, retail stores, commercial mixed-use development, commercial offices, residential new construction, and residential renovation.

For more information about The Heartland Interior Design, LLC, contact Tara at tara@theheartlandshop.com, or visit www.theheartlandshop. com. You can also connect with them on Instagram (@the_heartland) and Facebook (@theheartlandshop). Also, don’t forget to check out their blog and YouTube channel to see the local industries they highlight.

Center Sphere Invites Members and Guests to November Events Center Sphere is Omaha’s largest and fastest growing professional networking organization. In addition to Chapter meetings, Center Sphere also provides its members and guests unique opportunities for networking and professional development through a variety of events and trainings each month.

November events include: November 8, 7:30–9 a.m. — Network-wide Coffee & Connections, hosted by Royal Construction, at The Omaha Bakery, 608 S 72nd St. November 14, 4–7 p.m. — 2nd Wednesday Networking Happy Hour hosted by Chapters 402-O 08,11,35 at VINO MAS, 14450 Eagle Run Dr. November 20, 8–9:30 a.m. — Third Tuesday Coffee, Networking, & Training featuring Duane Salonen at Oak Hills Country Club, 12325 Golfing Green Dr. Coffee and rolls provided. Free-will donations accepted for this month›s featured non-profit, Little Giants Foundation.

November 27, 11 a.m.–noon — Meet The Network Informal Q&A at Access Bank 8712 W Dodge Rd. Open to anyone that would like to learn more about The Network. Conversation with CMO and Omaha area director, Christopher Slater. No pitch, no presentation, no pressure.

November 27, noon–1:30 p.m. — Maximize Your Membership Training at Access Bank 8712 W Dodge Rd. Learn how to navigate Center Sphere›s digital dashboard.

November 28, 4–6 p.m. — Network-wide Social Hour, hosted by Chapters 402-O 07, OC 28, OC 32 at Vino Mas 14450 Eagle Run Dr. For more information, contact Christopher Slater at (402) 881-2811 / Christopher@CenterSphere.com, or check out CenterSphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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Meet Angela Wilson, chief executive officer for Predictive Technology, Inc. Tell us a little about your business. Predictive Technology, Inc. (PTI) was established in November of 2003.

We are a niche company that provides an array of products and services to help our clients maintain the health and integrity of their power and environmental critical equipment and facilities. Most of the solutions we provide are used in data centers/computer closets/offices, however, we have also helped clients with unique needs. For example, PTI provided a leak detection system for a Fine Arts Warehouse in New York City.

How did you get started in the business? - This will make you laugh… bass fishing! I’ll explain. I was on a fishing date with Tim, the man that I married a few months later, and we were talking about how his boss wanted to sell PTI. Tim was managing PTI at the time. It was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. We bought the company in 2009 and the rest is history.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Making the switch from being a marketing director/realtor for a home building company, to running a technology business. I spent the first year reading technical manuals, case studies, and trade magazines, and I attended manufacturer training seminars and trade shows, to learn the business and products.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Tim and I have four adult children, seven grandchildren, three dogs, five cats, and a few chickens. I’m very proud of my kids. Nathan and his family live in North Carolina. He is a Lieutenant in the Army, stationed at Fort Bragg. Adam has cerebral palsy and lives with his mom in Council Bluffs. Sonia lives in Sioux City, IA and she is a marketing director for a large insurance company. Renee and her family live in Omaha and she is an RN at Nebraska Medical Center.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy playing with our two-year-old grandson, camping, fishing, cooking, canning during garden season, tailgating, or relaxing on our acreage in the country.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I got to go on a private tour of President Nixon’s yacht before he was impeached. I even got to drive it briefly!

Who inspires you? - Our employees at PTI.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Crossroads of Western Iowa: Programs for Adults with Disabilities. My adult stepson has cerebral palsy and is not able to work. Crossroads provides a Day-Hab service so that I can work and he has a place to go where he can build friendships, do activities, and have fun!

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

What is your favorite movie? - Any movie on the Hallmark Channel— especially around the holidays!

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

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

- Phone: (402) 592-4259; Email: awilson@ptisolutions.com; Website: www.ptisolutions.com / www.alegnahub.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BEN

Ben Navarro

XCEL ROOFING Meet Ben Navarro, project manager for Xcel Roofing.

Tell us a little about your business. - Xcel Roofing works to provide storm restoration for exteriors. At Xcel, we aim to make it as simple as possible for our clients by handling everything for them, from A-Z. We draw on decades of experience and knowledge to maintain a good reputation and strong legacy of service.

How did you get started in the business? - I worked with life/property/ tragedy insurance for five years and then got my degree in business administration and accounting. After that, I met Matt Preister, owner of Xcel Roofing. I’ve worked for him for the last three years!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Learning when to say “no” and/or recognize when a project is out of my league.

While that doesn’t happen often, there are times when I’ve had to realize that it is in the client’s best interest to suggest someone different.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Being a part of the collaborative effort to grow the Xcel Roofing team!

We just won the BBB Integrity Award this month, which is really exciting.

Tell us a little about your family. - I was raised by my parents who have been married for 30 years. They both are Mexican immigrants who came to the U.S. in the 1980’s and they’ve worked hard to provide a good life for me and my two younger siblings. A lot of my core values come from how I was raised.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Transitioning from insurance to the roofing industry. It’s different work, but I found my niche and I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Playing poker; I grew up watching poker tournaments on TV. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I truly care about how my customers perceive me even after the job is done. I love to build relationships.

Who inspires you? - My mom. She grew up in severe poverty and works harder than anyone I know.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I once heard someone say that “97% of the people who give up early are employed by the 3% who never gave up.” That really stuck with me.

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - I wish I was a better golfer.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Xcel sponsors Rhonda’s Burpee Challenge - Great Plains Colon Cancer Task Force. My mom’s brother died from colon cancer, so it’s a topic that has touched my family and I feel strongly about bringing awareness to it.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - “The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life” written by Alice Schroeder.

What is your favorite movie? - The Revenant.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Big Bang Theory.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? - The Corner Kick Street Tacos & Sports Cantina.

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

- Phone: (402) 345-9235; Email: ben@loveourroof.com; Website: loveourroof.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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SHAUNA

Shauna Paolini

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

Meet Shauna Paolini, business services workforce coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Labor.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) employment and training division serves both residents and employers throughout our state. I specialize in hiring and retention strategies. Working with employers to identify workforce solutions, I assist businesses with getting the most out of NEworks.nebraska.gov, the State of Nebraska labor exchange, including labor market information, the virtual recruiter tool, and other features. I also connect them with resources such as the Worker Training Grant, Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and Registered Apprenticeship.

How did you get started in the business? - I’ve always had the ability to understand people, business operations, and systems. I began my career in the human services field. I then transitioned to coordinating businesses.

My father encouraged me to consider employment opportunities within the State of Nebraska and I found the Department of Labor—and I’m so glad I did!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The process of learning when and where to show up, and when and to whom to share my honest thoughts and solutions with.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I consistently execute my work in high performance and productivity, while increasing the efficiency of systems and processes wherever I have the opportunity to do so.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family is resilient, hilarious, strong, loving, and kind!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I used to think transition led to turning points, and in a way, it does; but what I’ve found is that transition leads to opportunities to make firm decisions regarding the state of your life, which then lead to turning points.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love organizing, spending time with my fiancé and family. I also enjoy experiencing new restaurants, landscapes, and cities.

What are you the most proud of? - My family and the NDOL team I’m a part of.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - You’re often making a more significant impact than you realize.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Intentional If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Cooking! I’m not claiming to be a master chef, but I do make delicious meals.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Realistically, I would love to have a platform to host interviews. In another life, I would totally be a secret agent.

What is your favorite TV show? - Queen of the South and Crowned. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to experience the life journey of both women and to see their growth, prosperity, and triumph throughout the seasons.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano is always a pleasure! I also recently ate at Burnzzz and I enjoyed the unique recipes of their burgers, and the free arcade games.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Phone: (402) 934-2775; Email: Shauna.Paolini@nebraska.gov; Website: dol.nebraska.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

DAN

Dan O’Brien

ACADIAN GRILLE Meet Dan O’Brien, owner of Acadian Grille.

Tell us a little about your business. - The concept of our restaurant is a Cajun-themed grill and scratch kitchen. My cousin Matthew is our head chef and developed the dishes on our menu. He has over 30 years of experience as a chef, spending part of that time in Louisiana familiarizing himself Cajun cuisine. Our restaurant has been open for three months now and is located off of 114th and Dodge St. How did you get started in the business? - After doing lots of business travel throughout my 25 years in the corporate world, I really acquired a taste for Cajun food and the restaurant industry in general. Prior to entering the corporate world I was a sauté line cook living San Francisco.

So, I took my business experience and admiration for food and opened my own restaurant! I pride myself in having a clean restaurant that sticks to its Cajun roots. I don’t flirt with BBQ or whatever else.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Even though I have a great staff now, in the beginning it was a challenge to find the right people. Another challenge is facing the ebbs and flows of traffic from month to month. It can go from really busy to really slow, depending on external factors in the community.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my wife Jennifer for 18 years. She is a wonderful stay-at-home mother. We have three kids together. They are all very involved and I’m proud of each of them.

While we are all very busy, we make time to take a family vacation each year.

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

- Probably getting my first “big boy job” when I turned 25 years old.

I was managing a high-volume production department that employed over 400 people across multiple facilities. I had that job for four years and then I got promoted to division director. I really got the feel for the level of responsibility that I needed to have.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to go swimming or biking with my kids and their friends. I spend a lot of my time coaching different sports as well. I’ve also been working on playing guitar and I really enjoy that.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - While I seem really laid back, I’m always planning my next move. I am very strategic.

What are you the most proud of? - My family unit—my kids and my marriage. I’m also very proud of how far I’ve come in my career.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - There are two. First, “Make sure your house is clean before you move on to the next thing.” The second is, “You can ask for permission and wait, or act now and ask for forgiveness later.” I usually choose the later…

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “The Next Time I’m In Town” by Chet Atkins.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Greater Omaha Postal Customer Council! I am also very involved at my daughters school, St Cecilia’s Catholic Grade School.

What is your favorite movie? - One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

What is your favorite TV show? - Columbo, circa 1970 versions.

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

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

- Phone: (402) 933-0980; Email: acadiangrille@gmail.com; Website: acadiangrille.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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LEAH

1st place 13 straight years!

Leah Richards

ECHO SYSTEMS Meet Leah Richards, marketing coordinator at Echo Systems.

Tell us a little about your business. - Echo Systems offers a wide range of technology solutions applicable to commercial and residential spaces. We offer the best in quality, function, and service in the areas of lighting control, audio video solutions, digital signage, motorized shading options, security systems, private theater design and installation.

How did you get started in the business? - My background is in marketing, advertising, and sales. I previously worked as a partner of Echo Systems on the marketing side and, through that relationship, the opportunity to work directly for the company came about.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I am challenged by understanding consumer behavior patterns and the shifts that take place naturally. I think it’s ongoing for me, not just one big instance. I strive to better analyze data and use what I learn to grow our business.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been happily married for three years. We have a one year old son named Julian and a Newfoundland Lab named Jameson.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? The day my son was born. It taught me the real meaning of selflessness and it changed my view on what it means to be productive.

Who inspires you? - My mother inspires me in many ways, but most importantly by her positive attitude. She reminds me that attitude is something we always have control of no matter the circumstance.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Watching Shark Tank one night, I liked the quote one of the hosts shared: “Never cry for money because it never cries for you.”

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

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I love to cook.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I enjoy singing and music in general, but would absolutely love to learn how to play the stand up bass.

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

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Girls Inc. is special to me. I’ve been a mentor for three years to the same girl and have watched her grow into a strong, smart, and confident young woman.

I think it’s very important to be a mentor because of the influence I’ve had from other women who’ve mentored me as a young adult.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - One of my all time favorites is The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America Book by Erik Larson What is your favorite movie? - Across the Universe.

Kindness is our way of life.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Cunningham’s Pub and Grill… hands down.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - Phone: (402) 334-4900 Ext. 12920; Email: lrichards@ echosystemsmidwest.com; Website: www.echosystemsmidwest.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

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10/9/18 9:14 AM

ERIN

Erin Pearson

CENTER SPHERE Meet Erin Pearson, vice president of area development for Center Sphere.

Tell us a little about your business. - At Center Sphere, we provide a professional networking platform where businessmen and women are able to connect and create meaningful, lasting relationships. I think that’s what drew me to Center Sphere in the first place—it was 100% authentic.

How did you get started in the business? - I first joined Center Sphere in 2015 as a member and was blessed with an outstanding chapter and the opportunity to lead them as the chapter president. From there, I slowly started becoming more and more involved in The Network and at the beginning of 2018 I was able to make a complete career transition and joined the Center Sphere corporate team as the vice president of area development.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I think the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced in the professional world would be the challenge within myself. For anyone, but especially as women in the business world, I feel sometimes we succumb to an “imposter” syndrome, wondering when people are going to figure us out and realize that we aren’t as good as they think we are. So a huge step in my professional development was learning to silence that self-doubt and believe not only am I capable of my job, but I do it well.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family is my everything. My husband Justin is a firefighter for Papillion and we’ve been married for seven years. We have been blessed with two little boys, Jack (4) and Brody (2). They are two crazy kids and keep us on our toes but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

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

- Becoming a mother. Life became about my two little boys instead of about me. It brought new meaning to my career and work ethic. I want to show my sons that if you work hard, work passionately, and do the right thing, you will reach success.

Who inspires you? - My circle. I’m fortunate enough to surround myself with big thinkers, dreamers, and visionaries who consistently force me to step outside of my comfort zone.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” – Mother Teresa If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Fearless.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To always know the perfect thing to say. My job consists of talking with people all day long, so to be on my game 100% of the time and always have something impactful, meaningful or even funny to say would be great. Luckily, with Center Sphere I get lots of opportunities for practice at our weekly events!

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Motivational speaking, especially with a female focus. I love reading and following powerhouse women like Rachel Hollis and Jen Sincero and admire their bold, unapologetic passion.

What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I came to know Rejuvenating Women through my old Center Sphere chapter, which is a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking. It’s such a horrific epidemic in our country and even in our community.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? - J. Coco. Their ahi tuna salad is to die for!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? Email: erin@centersphere.com; Website: www.centersphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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SANDLER TRAINING

by Karl Schaphorst, President

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Step Seven of Professional Selling: Don’t Head for the Hills!

Congratulations! Your prospect has said “Yes!” to your proposal and you have an order in your hand. It is time to celebrate your win . . . well, almost. Instead of heading for the hills with PO in hand, sit tight in the prospect’s office for a little while longer. You have one more important step to accomplish before you are finished.

Some prospects, although few (10% to 15%), will actually change their minds about buying from you after they told you “Yes.” This takes us to the final step in the professional selling process which is called the Post-Sell. There is nothing more deflating then driving across town back to your office with the purchase order in hand only to find a voice message on your machine saying “Hold on to that PO. We have a few more things to figure out before we can cut it loose.” OUCH! There are four important parts in the Post-Sell phase to reduce the chance that your prospect will change their mind after buying. Keep in mind this step won’t take it to 0%, but we can definitely reduce it to close to 1%.

Here are the parts that make up Post-Sell.

1. Buyer’s Remorse – This is an actual psychological condition that people go through when they buy something significant. When you close the order on your product or service, the prospect will go through buyer’s remorse and possibly change their mind. The question is when do you want the prospect to go through this: before or after you leave? In order to get buyer’s remorse to start while you are still sitting there, you must ask a question that no amateur that is heading for the hills with PO in hand would ever ask: “Thank you for the order. I am glad we will be working together but I must ask you, do you believe you made a good decision today?” I know, it sounds like you are trying to talk the prospect out of

the order. Actually, you kind of are. This question gets the prospect to start the buyer’s remorse process and you can professionally nurture them through it because you haven’t left yet! If the prospect actually changes their mind here, they were going to change their mind anyway.

But what happens is they rarely ever change their mind, and when you leave and buyer’s remorse sets in, they recall your question and ensuing conversation and then dismiss it.

2. Vendor’s Vengeance – Just because you got the order, don’t expect you competitors to just lie down and throw in the towel. They will follow up and when they learn that you were given the order, they might sweeten their deal with lower prices or increased offering. Some prospects will jump on these sweet deals and then here comes the voice message. To reduce the possibility of losing orders here, ask the following question: “I have good competitors and I know they will be calling you to follow up on this opportunity. What will you tell them when they call? Would you change your mind if they sweetened their offer?” If the prospect says they might, then the order is not closed. Give back the PO and tell the prospect that you will pick it up after it is certain that no deals will be made. You can even offer to call the competitors for the prospect to give them the “good” news.

3. Next Steps – It is very important to make sure the prospect understands how implementation will happen, especially if it will interfere with normal business operation. Billing procedures and processes must be clearly understood and this is the time to get you and the prospect on the same page. New relationships can be damaged if there is not a clear understanding on how the relationship will onboard.

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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PERSONNEL NEWS UNMC Students Elect Student Officers for 2018-19

Associated Builders and Contractors Welcomes April Bulling-June

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) medical students in the College of Medicine, Sarah Hotovy of York and Keith Ozanne of Lincoln, will serve, respectively, as UNMC Student Senate president and vice president for the current 2018-19 school year.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Cornhusker Chapter is proud to announce April Bulling-June as director of grant administration and education coordinator.

April began her career with ABC in July of this year. She brings vast experience to her position in the areas of management, administration, and education.

Hotovy will also represent UNMC as a non-voting member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.

Other Student Senate officers for 2018-19, and their hometowns, are: Secretary - Jessica Wiens, UNMC College of Public Health master’s degree student, of Grand Island; and treasurer - Scott Mulder, College of Medicine, biochemistry and molecular biology graduate student, of Sioux Falls, SD. The mission of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (www.unmc. edu) is to lead the world in transforming lives to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities through premier educational programs, innovative research, and extraordinary patient care.

American National Bank Welcomes Jill McClure and Amy Olson American National Bank is pleased to announce the addition of two new employees to the American National Bank team.

Jill McClure joins the bank as senior vice president, servicing key commercial relationships and managing a team of commercial bankers. With over 14 years of lending, depository, and treasury management leadership experience, Jill will help lead a commercial banking team by managing new and existing client relationships, as well as building commercial loan and deposit business. Jill is a graduate of William Jewell College with a Bachelor’s Degree in international business as well as an MBA from Creighton University. Jill currently serves on the board for Completely KIDS, as well as the Women’s Center for Advancement Guild.

Jill McClure

Amy Olson has been named vice president and will oversee the treasury management team. Amy joins American National Bank with over 27 years of banking experience Amy Olson including 16 years of comprehensive treasury management knowledge. Amy’s leadership will provide operational and sales guidance to a team of specialists focused on helping businesses maximize earnings and improve control and efficiencies. Amy currently serves on the American Red Cross Metro Omaha Chapter Board, as well as the Nebraska Association of Financial Professionals.

American National Bank is the second largest, locally-owned bank based on deposits in the Omaha/Council Bluffs market area. For more information, visit www.american.bank. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Her 13 years of experience in the correctional field provide ABC with a solid foundation for the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Vocational and Life Skills Grant Program. As associate warden at The Tecumseh State Correctional Institution, she was tasked with managing the education and training programs. She brings these administrative expertise to the ABC Lincoln office and will be a great asset to the apprenticeship training programs.

For more information about the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Cornhusker Chapter, visit abcnebraska.org. April can be reached at aprilbj@abcnebraska.org.

Terri and Tim Burke to Receive Midlands Community Foundation Reflection Award Midlands Community Foundation is pleased to announce that Terri and Tim Burke will receive the Reflection Award at the organization’s 2019 Reflection Ball on January 19, 2019 at the Embassy Suites in LaVista.

Terri worked at Central Telephone in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and St. Pius X High School in Lincoln. She has volunteered at St. Mary’s Elementary, St. Matthews Catholic School, Gross Catholic High School, Children’s Hospital, Mercy Housing Crestview, and Kellom Elementary. Terri has received the United Way’s Outstanding Volunteer Award and Mercy Housing’s Live in Hope Award.

Tim has worked in the utility industry for more than 36 years, currently as president and CEO of Omaha Public Power District. He is a board member of the Omaha Chamber and United Way. Tim’s other board affiliations include American Public Power Association, Large Public Power Council, Nebraska Power Association, Business Ethics Alliance Trustee, Partnership for Kids, StratCom Consultation Committee, Offutt Air Force Base Advisory Council and the Nebraska Blue Print Initiative Steering Committee. He received the Bellevue Chamber’s Distinguished Service Award, the Sarpy County Chamber’s Business Leadership of the Year Award, and the Institute for Career Advancement Needs’ Leadership Award.

The Burkes have chaired Heartland Family Service’s Carnival of Love and the American Heart Association’s Heart Ball and they are the 2018 Chairs of the United Way’s Annual Campaign. The Burke family received Heartland Family Services’ “Salute to Families – Leadership Family Award” in 2015.

Visit www.midlandscommunity.org to learn more about the Midlands Community Foundation, or call (402) 991-8027.

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business 25

PERSONNEL NEWS Gerry Phelan Elected to Chair Position for SCORE Greater Omaha

Attorney Aimee Lowe Joins Goosmann Law Firm

Gerry Phelan has been elected to the chairman position for the Greater Omaha SCORE Chapter for the 2018-19 year. Gerry has been a SCORE member since 2008 and served as the vice chair for two years.

Phelan will be charting the direction for the SCORE Chapter, recruiting new members and directing the services provided to SCORE members.

Phelan states: “I am honored to be elected to this position and look forward to supporting the SCORE clients who may be new entrepreneurs or small business owners looking for assistance in running and growing their businesses.”

SCORE has two locations, one in the SBA building located at the SBA office at 10675 Bedford Ave. STE 100 and one downtown in the Rail and Commerce Village at 950 Mason St. SCORE is a national, all volunteer, not-for-profit resource partner of the US Small Business Administration (SBA) that provides no cost counseling, mentoring and workshop training to entrepreneurs starting a business and ongoing small businesses helping them grow and prosper. The SCORE Greater Omaha chapter works very closely with the local SBA and other SBA partners.

Entrepreneurs or small business owners interested in SCORE’s services, or individuals interested in being a SCORE volunteer, may contact SCORE at (402) 221-3606, score@scoreomaha.org, or www.omaha.score.org.

Jeana Goosmann, CEO & managing partner of Goosmann Law Firm, is pleased to announce that attorney Aimee Lowe has joined the law firm at their Omaha location. Lowe is a business and commercial real estate attorney who provides strategic counsel to companies of all sizes as chief legal officer, including contract negotiations, audit and internal operations, intellectual property, employment law, and commercial real estate deals. She also represents physicians and other professionals in all matters, including complex contract negotiations and disputes.

Lowe has worked with businesses and professionals over the years as executive advisor, general counsel, defender, litigator, and strategist.

Lowe leverages her former litigation, transaction, and in-house experience to provide clients with the total legal package and make deals happen.

Lowe received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Creighton University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts Degree, with honors, from the University of Iowa. She is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Summit Stakeholders Committee and Commercial Real Estate Women. Lowe is licensed to practice in state and federal courts in Nebraska and Iowa.

Goosmann Law Firm is a full-service law firm with locations in Omaha, Nebraska ; Sioux City, Iowa; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. To learn more about Goosmann Law Firm, visit their website at www.GoosmannLaw. com or call (855) 843-4531.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Inclusive Communities Promotes Camellia “Cammy” Watkins to Deputy Director Inclusive Communities’ Executive Director Maggie Wood recently announced the promotion of Camellia “Cammy” Watkins to the newly created position of deputy director of the organization. Cammy joined the non-profit as the operations and business development manager in 2016. In her new role, Cammy’s responsibilities include management of all aspects of the daily operations and an increased role in fundraising.

“Since joining Inclusive Communities, Cammy’s efforts to further our business development work have resulted in entirely new opportunities for our mission to have an impact on organizational effectiveness and the quality of work-life experienced by employees in Nebraska,” said Wood.

Cammy Watkins is an Omaha native who graduated from Omaha South High School. She received a BA degree from Cornell College in psychology and vocal performance. Cammy has 15 years experience working with not-for-profit organizations, ranging from environmental activism to performing arts administration. The opportunity to work with many different facets of the not-for-profit world has provided Cammy with vast insights into the business needs of organizations. She is excited to utilize this expertise to partner with Omaha businesses as they begin the journey of creating an inclusive office culture.

Learn more about the work Inclusive Communities is doing at www. inclusive-communities.org.

The Salvation Army Omaha Advisory Board Names New Chair and Vice Chair Dave Bishop and Kim Weiss have recently been named chair and vice chair, respectively, of The Salvation Army’s Omaha Advisory Board, which supports the work of the organization in the Omaha metro by providing mission-based leadership and strategic guidance.

Dave Bishop’s involvement with The Salvation Army began in 2011, when he and his wife Linda served as chairs of the D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon. Most recently, Bishop served as chair of the Omaha Advisory Board’s social services committee.

Dave Bishop Bishop holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wheaton College in Chicago and is president and CEO of Bishop Business Equipment.

Kim Weiss is senior vice president of Corporate Audit Services for First National of Nebraska, Inc. (FNNI) and its affiliates. Weiss joined The Salvation Army’s Omaha Advisory Board in 2014 and most recently served on the finance committee. She also serves on the board for the Omaha Children’s Museum and graduated Kim Weiss from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Leadership Nebraska program in 2018.

Weiss graduated cum laude with a master’s degree in Accounting Business Administration from the Neeley School of Business at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Learn more about The Salvation Army in Omaha by visiting www. salarmyomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CharterWest Bank Appoints Amy Dritley as Business Development Manager CharterWest Bank has announced the appointment of Amy Dritley as their new business development manager in their Mortgage Center.

Ms. Dritley is an Elkhorn native with over 15 years of experience in the Omaha and Lincoln business communities with a focus on the real estate industry for the past two and a half years. She is an active member in the Omaha Board of Realtors, Realtors Association of Lincoln, and the Women’s Council of Realtors Omaha Chapter. Amy’s mission is to increase the success of the real estate community by providing educational opportunities, by boosting agent marketing efforts and by developing relationship-driven partnerships.

Amy has been nominated the last two years for the Omaha Area Board of Realtors® Affiliate of The Year Award and was recently presented with the REALTOR® Own It! Gratitude Coin.

“We are very excited to have Amy join our team,” said Nick Brion, senior vice president / mortgage division manager. “She is a huge asset to not only our loan officers but also to the real estate community. Her marketing and sales skills will bring a lot to our mortgage division.”

Over the past 14 Years, CharterWest Bank has opened mortgage loan centers across the state of Nebraska and has become a leading producer of Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) sponsored loans, USDA Rural Housing loans, and Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans, as well as conventional mortgages. Learn more at www. charterwest.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS MyStaff Inc Welcomes Stephanie Todd to Recruiting Team

Kris (Christiansen) Martin Joins Cox Media Omaha as Vice President

MyStaff Inc is excited to welcome their newest employee, Stephanie Todd. Stephanie has over 20 years of recruiting and HR experience within the Omaha business community. Stephanie joined the experienced team of recruiting professionals in September to help companies find the best employees available in Omaha. Stephanie has always enjoyed assisting people as they find their purposeful careers.

The MyStaff team has over six decades of combined experience in staffing temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire professionals in Omaha. They specialize in placing accounting, admin/clerical, HR, and customer service positions.

The MyStaff mission is to maximize professional relationships so to positively impact the employee and employer experience by making meaningful connections with accomplished professionals. They are committed to upholding their Midwestern values and intend to customize and simplify the hiring process for companies and prospective job seekers. Whether you’re seeking a new position or wondering how you will hire your next best employee, MyStaff is confident they’ll make a strong impression on you.

For more information about MyStaff Inc, visit their website at www. mystaffinc.com. Stephanie Todd can be reached at (402) 614-1441 Ext. 105 / stephanie@mystaffinc.com.

Kris (Christiansen) Martin has joined Cox Media Omaha as vice president. In her role, she leads a dynamic sales and creative team of media professionals providing clients with the most robust and effective television and digital advertising options available today.

Martin brings nearly 20 years of media experience to Cox Media. She was Scripps Media’s general sales manager for six years, and also served as account manager and local sales manager in that organization.

She holds advanced certifications in Radio Marketing, Digital Marketing, Center for Sales Strategy: Marketing Pro, Agency Pro and Talent Focused Management. Kris graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a degree in business administration.

Kris is passionate about leading dynamic teams and helping customers reach their target audiences with relevant solutions and sophisticated insights, across many screen formats, to grow their own businesses.

Along with her husband Daniel, Kris leads a busy household with a blended family of three daughters and three step-sons, who all enjoy outdoor activities and sports, including dual loyalties to the Huskers and Hawkeyes.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS HETRA to Host Holiday Gift Boutique on November 16

Joing Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum for Makers Market Celebration

Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) will host its second annual HETRA Holiday Gift Boutique on Friday, November 16 from 4-9 p.m. in the HETRA Arena (10130 S. 222nd St., Gretna). Holiday shopping has never been so quaint!

The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum is excited to present Makers Market, an event that encompasses different genres of arts, inventions, and hands-on learning from tinkers, hobbyists, engineers, authors, artists, and DIYers.

On Saturday, November 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will transform into a market where the public will be able to learn from the makers and shop the booths.

Makers Market will allow participants to show what they are making and share what they are learning. Makers range from tech enthusiasts, to crafters and artists, to junk tinkerers. “This is a show like no other in the State,” said Aly Rasmussen, the museum’s event coordinator. “Makers Market is intended to bring makers together from around the state and to entertain, inform, connect, and inspire visitors.”

There are over 50 booths featuring a variety of objects, anything from handmade items, glass blowing, screen printing, quilting, photography, pottery, wood turning, welding, music made from everyday objects, and items made from recycled materials. There are panel discussions, classes, talks, and demonstrations throughout the event.

Makers Market is included in the cost of general admission. Members are free; adults - $12; military and seniors - $11; children ages 4-12 - $6; and children 3 and under are free.

To find out more about Makers Marker or the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, visit sacmuseum.org or call (402) 944-3100.

Over 50 artisans and craftsman will showcase and sell their wares in the cozy comfort of the HETRA grass roots barn and stables. Holiday shoppers will enjoy music, meet the incredible therapy horses, savor concessions, enjoy a holiday cocktail and experience the unique vibe that can only be created in this very special venue.

This year the event has greatly expanded with many new amenities.

Get your photo taken with Santa and his carriage, enjoy raffle drawings all evening long, mix and mingle with signature holiday cocktails, and enjoy savory concessions by Family Traditions BBQ & Sweets. Don’t forget to meander through the stables and meet the friendly, incredible therapy horses!

Admission is only $1 and includes one raffle ticket. Come to shop, stay for the vibe, leave with the HETRA holiday spirit. For more information, visit hetra.org or check out the events page on Facebook (@TeamHETRA).

The Empowerment Network to Host 8th Annual Christmas in the Village Tis the season to join the Empowerment Network for the 8th Annual Christmas in the Village, a community celebration and holiday tradition, on Saturday, December 1 The event will take place at 24th and Lake St. from noon to 5 p.m.

The event is presented by the Empowerment Network in partnership with the Omaha Economic Development Corporation (OEDC), American National bank, and KETV Channel 7 Omaha.

It’s an opportunity to purchase your gifts while supporting local businesses, featuring the Holiday Boutique, Styles of Evolution, Fair Deal Village MarketPlace, Members Market, and other retailers. There will be free toys and treats, face painting, balloon artists, interactive arts and crafts, mitten and glove giveaways, and the popular horse-drawn carriage rides! Those in attendance will also enjoy delicious food for purchase provided by food vendors, mobile food truck, and Emery’s Café, as well as sno-balls, popcorn, hot cocoa, and apple cider. Entertainment will include live music, dance groups, a live nativity scene, and children can visit with Santa!

Special thanks to the following sponsors: Revive! Omaha, OEDC, American National Bank, Nebraska Arts Council, Family Housing Advisory Services, The Omaha Star, Veridian Credit Union, Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, Omaha Small Business Network, Urban League of Nebraska, The Sherwood Foundation, and the Holiday Lights Festival.

This event is also in collaboration with: North Omaha Arts Alliance, 100 Black Men, Omaha NAACP, CHI Health, Frontier Bag Company, Surreal Media, Black Police Officers Association, Great Plains Black History Museum, Long School Neighborhood Assoc., Styles of Evolution, Omaha Police Department, Union for Contemporary Art, The Cooler Sno-Balls, North Omaha Neighborhood Alliance, plus over 80 other local organizations. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BLUEBARN Theatre Presents “Act of God” Ring in the holidays this year with Act of God by David Javerbaum at the BLUEBARN Theatre. Performances are November 23 through December 16, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays November 25 and December 2 at 6 p.m. and December 16 at 2 p.m.; and Wednesday December 5 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. This show is generously sponsored

by Omaha Steaks.

The supreme being Himself finally returns, and just in time for the holidays!

In this “hilariously holy” limited engagement, God descends upon the BLUEBARN stage along with His angels, Michael and Gabriel. He’ll answer the eternal questions. He’ll set the divine record straight. He’s got ten new commandments, and He’s got jokes!

Every holiday season, BLUEBARN features the Giving HeARTS Tree to benefit the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging. Ornaments containing gift wishes of ENOA clients invite audience to be an elf for the elderly by fulfilling their gift wishes this holiday season.

Want to spice up your holiday office party? Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off the regular ticket price. Contact director of patron services Ashley Spessard at aspessard@bluebarn.org to make reservations.

The BLUEBARN Theatre has been bringing professionally-produced plays to area audiences since 1989. Since its inception, BLUEBARN has produced over 100 plays and has established itself as Omaha’s professional contemporary theatre company.

General Admission tickets are $35 and available starting October 29.

Call (402) 345-1576 or visit their website at www.bluebarn.org/tickets.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Angels Among Us 2018 Gala Raises Record Amount

Project Harmony’s 26 Days of Kindness Campaign Starts November 19

The Angels Among Us 2018 Gala, which was held on Friday, September 21 at A View On State, raised a record amount in support of local families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. A challenge by the David Spence Cancer Foundation propelled the annual raise the paddle to nearly $90,000. The event in total raised over $200,000 in support.

You have probably seen the 26 Days of Kindness campaign pop up on Twitter or Facebook—a national movement to honor the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Project Harmony has been recognizing 26 Days of Kindness throughout their campus as well as with random acts of kindness in the community.

One person’s kindness can have a ripple effect and make a big impact.

Imagine if everyone could commit to doing one act of kindness for 26 days—communities coming together, pooling their resources and making a difference in the life of a child.

It is fair to be upset or even angry when terrible things happen to children. It is fair to wish for an end to senseless violence, but each one of us can move towards resilience and healing by taking positive action and sharing kindness.

As the holiday season approaches, please join Project Harmony in committing to one act of kindness for 26 days (and beyond). Together, we can make a difference and create positive change. You are an important part of the solution.

Spread awareness for Project Harmony’s annual 26 Days of Kindness Campaign by posting about it on social media using the hashtags #BeSomeone and #BeKind. Visit ProjectBeSomeone.org to learn more.

The event, titled “No Place Like Home,” included cocktails, food, and a silent and live auction. Honorary Chairs were Craig and Jane Pohlman, who were co-event sponsors as well. The David Spence Cancer Foundation was also an event sponsor.

Angels Among Us was founded and became an official 501c3 nonprofit in 2006. Founded by two friends, their mission was to give back after their own experience with childhood cancer. Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to families living in or being treated in Nebraska for pediatric cancer. In 2018 alone, Angels Among Us will support over 60 families with the guidance they need to remain financially stable due to a pediatric cancer diagnosis.

For more information about the Angels Among Us and to learn more about how you can get involved, visit their website at myangelsamongus.org, or contact Susie Nelson at (402) 934-0999 / susan@myangelsamongus.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters to Host a Masquerade-Themed Prom

Child Saving Institute Seeks Substitute Santas for Kids

On Saturday, December 1, join Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Midlands for their A Big Night Out prom event, presented by Sid Dillon Chevrolet.

The event will take place at 1316 Jones LLC from 8 to 11 p.m.

Dress to impress and don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite mask to go along with the masquerade theme of the evening. Attendees will relive their high school days by enjoying music, hors d’oeuvres, and a hosted bar—not to mention the chance to be crowned prom royalty and show off crazy dance moves! The fun times await at BBBS’s A Big Night Out event, geared toward young professionals in the community.

Tickets are now available for purchase online at www.bbbsomaha.org/ events/abno. For more information, call (402) 330-2449.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) will help put the happy in “Happy Holidays” for hundreds of children and teens in the greater Omaha area, but the agency needs the assistance of many Substitute Santas. Anyone can become a Substitute Santa by purchasing gifts or gift cards and bringing them (unwrapped with tags intact) to CSI between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., December 5–7.

Dreamweaver’s Boots & Buckets Fundraiser Raises Over $350K Dreamweaver hosted their annual “Boots & Buckets” fundraising event on Thursday, September 20 at A View on State. The event was a smashing success, raising over $350,000.

Boots & Buckets, presented by Pinnacle Bank, kicked off at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and heavy hors d’oeuvres, followed by the excitement of a live auction. There was also a silent auction going on throughout the night. Guests wore their favorite boots to help raise the spirits of terminally ill seniors by making dreams on their bucket lists come true.

Dreamweaver wants to thank everyone who came out in the rain and wore their very stylish boots. This event would not have been possible with out them and the support of very generous sponsors!

Dreamweaver Foundation is dedicated to fulfilling life-long dreams for terminally ill seniors in need. They strive to enrich the quality of life and are committed to honoring their most cherished generation in their final days. If you would like to learn more about Dreamweaver, please visit www.dreamweaver.org or call (402) 697-5471.

United Way of the Midlands Receives Support for 2-1-1 Helpline For the third year in a row, United Way of the Midlands and the 2-1-1 Helpline received support from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to provide free household memberships to eligible families as a part of their “Bring Your Family to the Zoo” program. This year, third grade students in 44 area Omaha-Council Bluffs metro schools with an 80% or higher free or reduced lunch rate were eligible for the program.

One of the main goals of the program was to educate schools and families about the 2-1-1 Helpline, which is managed by United Way of the Midlands. 2-1-1 Helpline is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to a specialist who will help them find local health and human services.

Thanks to donors, volunteers, and community partners, United Way of the Midlands is not only focused on addressing our community’s human needs today; it is focused on what can be, and what should be. It is building on today’s strong partnerships to create even more comprehensive human service efforts tomorrow, so our community can solve some of the root causes of poverty.

For more information about United Way of the Midlands, visit www.

UnitedWayMidlands.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

In past years, CSI has received donations from a variety of companies, families, individuals, and civic organizations. With the help from the community, CSI provided gifts for almost 800 children in 2017.

Those who plan to bring a large number of gifts should arrange for drop-off in advance by contacting Megan Webb at (402) 5043663 / mwebb@childsaving.org. Substitute Santas also have the option to make a cash gift online at childsaving.org/newsevents/ substitute-santa.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. For 125 years, CSI has met the changing needs of metro area children based on the belief that all children should have homes where hope is kindled and dreams can be achieved. The CSI is located at 4545 Dodge St.

Domesti-PUPS Celebrates Service and Therapy Dog Graduations Domesti-PUPS held a graduation ceremony for three service dog teams and one Edu-PUP (classroom therapy dog) on October 15. The ceremony was held in the morning at the Nebraska State Penitentiary and again in the afternoon at the Lincoln Correctional Center.

The service dog teams that were placed Image by Jason and Tonja include two wheelchair/mobility support dogs, a combination mobility/diabetic and alert/seizure response dog. Recipients of the dogs are from Lincoln, Firth, and Orleans, NE. Each dog was trained either in the Nebraska State Penitentiary or the Lincoln Correctional Center by inmates. Each dog was individually trained for its recipient to meet their needs, and help them lead more independent lives.

The Edu-PUPS (classroom therapy dog) is being placed in a school in Lincoln. Classroom dogs are innovative teaching tools as the dogs are nonjudgmental and unconditionally loving. They bring a renewed inspiration and excitement to the learning process and motivate students. They also help develop self-esteem, responsibility, motivation, self-discipline, and communication skills.

Domesti-PUPS is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Lincoln. Their mission is to improve the quality of life for persons with special needs through the assistance of animals, and to promote awareness through education.

For more information on service, therapy, or companion dogs, email info@domesti-pups.org or visit www.domesti-pups.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Collective for Youth Holds Lights On Afterschool Event

Assistance League® of Omaha Sponsors Operation School Bell®

On October 6, more than 1,000 students gathered in the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Sapp Fieldhouse for Collective for Youth’s annual Lights On Afterschool event. Collective for Youth was joined by Congressman Don Bacon and Omaha Public Schools superintendent Cheryl Logan, along with several members of the State Legislature, State Board of Education, local school board, and other community stakeholders at the event.

Lights On Afterschool is an annual event that takes place in hundreds of locations throughout the country. These events highlight the importance of high quality afterschool programs and the youth who attend them.

The Assistance League® of Omaha sponsored this year’s Operation School Bell®, which took place from October 9 to 21. The Operation School Bell program provides new clothes for children in partnership with JCPenney at Westroads Mall.

In addition, Collective for Youth participated in Stuff the Bus with First National Bank, Two Men and a Truck, and WOWT News to provide nearly 2,000 students with new school supplies before the start of school.

Collective for Youth is a connector for advocacy, resources, and training for out of school time providers. They are committed to connecting youth to high quality programs and to growing a community of thriving partners who ignite the imagination and grow the minds of youth.

There are 34 Omaha Public Schools and dozens of local non-profits that form Collective for Youth. The organization serves nearly 7,400 children annually.

For more information, visit www.collectiveforyouth.org or contact Cary Mohiuddin at (402) 932-2025 / info@collectiveforyouth.org.

This program clothed 4,300 children this year from 195 schools in 10 school districts in the greater Omaha area. Many of these children have never had new clothes, and the post-event survey showed that these children have a better self-image, thus doing better in school. Each school is allotted a number of students who may participate in Operation School Bell. The number is based on the school’s poverty level and student enrollment. School personnel select their students who are in the greatest need of this support. If parents wish to have their child invited to participate in Operation School Bell, they must contact their school as all recommendations are the responsibility of each schools’ Operation School Bell contact, generally the school counselor, social worker, or nurse.

The Assistance League of Omaha’s mission is to provide assistance in transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs. The Assistance League recently attained the 2018 GreatNonProfits award and the Platinum level with GuideStar.

For more information about Operation School Bell® or Assistance League® of Omaha, visit www.alomaha.org or contact Nancy Glasser at (402) 496-1846.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Project Pink’d to Offer Live Video Webcast on Living with the Fear of Recurrence

Open Door Mission Announces Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Project Pink’d, Inc. continues to strive to address the real issues breast cancer survivors face after a diagnosis. The fourth topic in their Straight Talk: Ask An Expert series, titled “Living with the Fear of Recurrence,” will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 7–8 p.m.

Breast cancer survivors are invited to join Project Pink’d and special guest expert, Barbara Clinkenbeard, MS, NP of Think Whole Person Healthcare to discuss the inherent uncertainty of a cancer recurrence. Participants will receive tools to better control and live with the fear.

With the ease of just a click of on a phone, iPad, or computer, the live video webcast format enables survivors and their families living throughout the state of Nebraska and Western Iowa the access to chat directly with the professional.

Interested participants must pre-register at www.projectpinkd.org to participate.

This program is complimentary to breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa, and made possible by many donors.

Open Door Mission is driven by their volunteers, and with the holidays approaching, they have many volunteer opportunities available now.

Midlands Community Foundation Awards Grants Totaling $89,175 Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) has awarded grants totaling $89,175 to the following 24 non-profit organizations serving Sarpy and Cass counties: • American Heroes Park Fund - $2,500 • Assistance League of Omaha - $2,500 • Banister’s Leadership Academy - $1,500 • Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation - $2,375 • College Possible - $2,500 • Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska - $5,000 • Habitat for Humanity of Sarpy County - $5,000 • Happy Paws - $2,000 • Kids Can Community Center - $5,000 • Latino Center of the Midlands - $3,000 • Lofte Community Theatre - $5,000 • Mosaic - $5,000 • Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries - $5,000 • Nebraska Masonic Home Foundation - $4,000 • Omaha Performing Arts - $5,000 • OneWorld Community Health Centers, Inc. - $10,000 • Patriotic Productions - $5,000 • Plattsmouth Education Foundation - $2,500 • Plattsmouth Public Library Foundation - $3,000 • Radio Talking Book Service - $2,500 • St. Bernadette School - $2,500 • Sarpy Community YMCA - $2,500 • Strategic Air & Space Museum - $3,300 • Titan Band Booster’s Association, Inc. - $2,500 This is the first of two grant distributions for Midlands Community Foundation’s fiscal year. The next grant deadline will be February 1, 2019, with funds distributed in April.

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.

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. Learn more at midlandscommunity.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Interested volunteers can sign up now to help with the Mission’s newly expanded Turkey N Fixins program, giving individuals and families in need a choice of what they receive.

Volunteers are also needed to help at Project Santa’s Toy and Joy Shop, providing toys to girls and boys in need so that everyone will have gifts on Christmas morning.

In addition, Open Door Mission will be holding banquet-style meals for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Volunteers opportunities at these events include helping to prepare meals, interacting with guests, and serving the holiday meals.

Help from volunteers is the first step in providing our neediest neighbors hope for the holidays and breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Working hand in hand, members of the community can make a difference at Open Door Mission. Sign up for volunteer opportunities online at www.opendoormission.org/volunteer.

Open Door Mission is a gospel rescue mission that meets the needs of individuals and families in the Omaha community. Learn more at www.opendoormission.org, or contact Amy Harvey, community relations director, at (402) 301-6535 / aharvey@opendoormission.org with further questions.

Goodwill of Omaha Announces New Employment Services Goodwill of Omaha is always working hard to connect local employers to quality applicants whilst empowering members of the community as they prepare to work. This is why they have launched their new Employment Solutions℠ service. Through Goodwill’s Employment Solutions℠ , they will get people back into the workforce by enhancing job readiness skills through: determining whether a job is a good fit, practicing interview skills, sector training opportunities, and ensuring a functional resume.

Their Employment Solutions℠ Specialists work one-on-one with clients to learn more about them and what they want in employment. They then assist them in the job search by providing relevant leads.

Goodwill’s new employment service also offers on-site hiring events and career fairs.

Anything and everything having to deal with Goodwill’s Employment Solutions℠ can be found at the Goodwill headquarters, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., located at 4805 N. 72nd St. Services will now be offered at three additional Omaha locations as well: Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Gretna Goodwill (11722 Standing Stone Dr.); Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the 180th and Q Goodwill (18125 R Pl.); and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the South Papillion Goodwill (704 Gold Coast Dr.).

For more information, visit www.goodwillomaha.org/services/ employment-solutions or go to the Facebook page (@ employmentsolutionspoweredbygoodwill).

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Grief’s Journey to Host 5th Annual Grief Awareness Conference

FCA Provides Giving Opportunities to Community for Organization Growth

Grief’s Journey will host their 5th Annual Grief Awareness Conference on Thursday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Creighton University’s Harper Center (602 N. 20th St.). There will be a keynote speaker at both breakfast and lunch, along with a wide variety of breakout sessions. The breakfast keynote will be Michelle Steinke-Baumgard with One Fit Widow, speaking on the topic of Healthy Healing. The luncheon keynote will be Jea Theis and Betsy Funk from the Omaha Therapy and Arts Collaborative with a presentation titled “Managing Compassion Fatigue & Burnout Through the Use of Expressive Arts.”

In November and December, there is a unique opportunity to help Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) grow their staff in order to continue to their work. Year-end gifts make up roughly 25% of their annual operating budget. For year-end 2018, the goal is to raise $145,000. They believe that though this goal is big, God is much bigger, and He’s proven Himself faithful time and time again. Additionally, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday, a day on which thousands of people from around the country choose to partner with non-profit organizations in order to make a difference. FCA’s goal for this year’s #GivingTuesday is $4,000.

A full day registration is $135 for students; $95 for Grief’s Journey facilitators. There is also the option to pay for an individual keynote speaker ticket for just $35 per presentation. For students, this conference meets the criteria for up to six continuing education credits.

Since 2001, Grief’s Journey has provided a welcoming, safe place for grieving children, teens, and adults to offer each other hope and support. Grief’s Journey provides free peer support groups and camps as well as training, education, and consultation throughout Nebraska and Iowa.

For speaker bios, full agenda, breakout session specifics, and registration, visit the event page on www.griefsjourney.org or contact Grief’s Journey at (402) 502-2773 / info@griefsjourney.org.

FCA asks that you please prayerfully consider partnering financially with their Omaha-Metro and Southwest Iowa chapter this year to help them accomplish their year-end goal and #GivingTuesday goal of $4,000. If you’d like to support their ministry through a tax-deductible gift, go to their website at my.fca.org and search for Brian Conklin, Ryan Sears, Nate Holtz, Steve Sivadge, or Kenny Onatolu. The goal of Fellowship of Christian Athletes over the next 10 years is to have an FCA “Coach for Christ” on every campus in the area.

Contact Liz Franzen at (402) 934-7475 / lfranzen@fca.org with questions, or visit nebraskafca.org for more information.

MLCDC Receives Grant for Refugee Child Care Development Program Five Nines Officially Launches 2018 Scruff 4 Schools Initiative Five Nines is excited to bring the annual Scruff 4 Schools initiative back again this year in hopes of continuing the fight against childhood hunger in Nebraska communities during the month of November. The Five Nines team is raising food, funds, and awareness through several strategic efforts. Throughout the month of November, scruffy faces will be used as critical awareness, while nonperishable food items are collected at the offices of participating local organizations. The Five Nines Scruff Squad has also implemented a new “Driving 4 Donations” campaign to help collect nonperishable food items at local Hy-Vee’s throughout the state. Funds can also be donated on the Scruff 4 Schools website through a virtual food bank, as every dollar received can provide three meals to a child. All these efforts are meant to benefit the one out of every six Nebraska children who are food insecure.

Scruff 4 Schools was started by Five Nines to put a charitable spin on No-Shave November. On the final day of the month, Five Nines will stuff their Prius’ with food collected by Five Nines and its partners to be delivered to the Heartland and Lincoln Food Banks. All donations will benefit the Emergency Pantry in Lincoln and Pantry Packs in Omaha and Kearney. Both programs are for children currently on the backpack program waiting list in an emergency situation.

For consistent updates about Scruff 4 Schools progress, Driving 4 Donations dates, and how to get involved, follow Scruff 4 Schools on Facebook or visit www.scruff4schools.com.

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The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) has been awarded a federal, three-year grant to develop child care programs in refugee communities within Omaha, Bellevue, and Lincoln. The budget approved by the Office of Refugee and Resettlement for the first year of MLCDC’s Refugee Micro-Enterprise Child Care Development Program was $187,278 (October 1 - September 30, 2019).

Through this program, refugees will improve their resettlement in the US through education, business development, and jobs and leadership opportunities. Each year, 30 refugees will receive business and child care training and 15 refugees will establish and operate their own child care business.

Refugee families with young children will be supported in their transition into the workplace by having culturally appropriate child care services available. Creation of child care businesses serving the refugee community will improve the livelihoods of the business owners and the refugee community itself.

To assist enrolled refugees to pay start-up costs of their child care business, MLCDC will provide stipends up to $3,000. To qualify to receive a stipend, the enrolled refugee must complete the Business Development Program, have a completed business plan, complete the Child Care Development Program, and prepare the child care licensing application.

MLCDC would like to thank the partners that were crucial in the success of this project: Nebraska Children and Family Foundation, Lutheran Family Services, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

Learn more about the Refugee Micro-Enterprise Childcare Development Program at midlandslatinocdc.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NON-PROFIT NEWS Sammy’s Superheroes Reports Havoc 5K at Lutjelusche Was a Huge Success

Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands to Host Vehicle Auction Fundraiser

On October 20, the Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation hosted a hilly 5K run for 120 runners at Lutjelusche Cross Country Course that wreaked “havoc” on quite a few peoples’ legs. Sammy’s Superheroes is proud to say that the event was a success, raising $4,000 for childhood cancer research.

The Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands will host a vehicle auction fundraiser on Saturday, November 10 at 10 a.m. The auction will take place at the organization’s Colfax location, 900 N. League Rd. in Colfax, IA. Guests are allowed to visit the location on Friday, November 9 between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. to view the vehicles in preparation for the auction. This is a great opportunity to not only find a vehicle, but also to show your support.

The funds raised from the event will go to help the Adult and Teen Challenge of the Midlands organization. There are more than 50 vehicles that are being sold “as-is,” but every vehicle has been through their shop to ensure their drivetrain and brakes work properly. The vehicles are listed and pictured on the organizations website. They will accept cash, check (with a notarized bank letter), or card (with a 3% transaction fee) at the auction. If you have a vehicle you would like to donate, call (888) 344-HOPE. Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands exists to be a catalyst for 180-degree change in the life of the addict. The organization offers a long-term, 12-month faith-based program for adults 18 and older.

This program is designed to assist individuals achieve freedom from drugs and alcohol and the destructive behaviors that accompany it.

For more information, visit www.tcmid.org or contact Executive Director Curtis Barnes at c.barnes@tcmid.org / (515) 288-1165.

Runners were greeted at the finish line with an after party including beer, brats, and a live band. Team and individual costumes were welcomed, and many runners took advantage of the opportunity to show some spirit. Sammy’s Superheroes would like to thank everyone that participated and helped them raise havoc about finding a cure for childhood cancer.

The mission of the Sammy’s Superheroes is to fund modern treatments that will lead to a cure. Their vision is a world where childhood cancer no longer strikes fear and despair in hearts and minds of families when their loved ones are diagnosed. While funding a cure and finding modern treatments may come first, they have not forgotten about the families and the importance of supporting and comforting them. Sammy’s strive to do this through our programming and services.

If you would like to learn more about the event or the Sammy’s Superheroes Foundation, please visit their website at www. sammyssuperheroes.org.

Heartland Family Service Presents Annual Adopt-a-Family Project Heartland Family Service holds the Adopt-aFamily program each year to benefit clients in Douglas and Pottawattamie counties.

Community donors/businesses are requested to participate each year to adopt a family or families of their choice. The deadline to adopt a family was October 31, but Heartland Family Service is accepting monetary donations until November 26.

To make a monetary donation, visit HeartlandFamilyService.org/Support and select “Other - type in program name” under the “Please use my gift” field. Type in “Adopt a Family NE” or “Adopt a Family IA.” Drop offs are scheduled on December 3 and December 4. Clients will pick up their gifts on December 6 and December 7.

The mission of Heartland Family Service is to strengthen individuals and families in our community through education, counseling, and support services. Founded in 1875, Heartland Family Service currently serves over 52,000 individuals of all ages each year from more than 15 locations in east central Nebraska and southwest Iowa.

Their 50 programs provide critical human services to the individuals and families who ultimately shape the future of our community in the following focus areas: child and family well-being, counseling and prevention, and housing, safety, and financial stability.

For more information, contact Melinda Eames at (402) 552-7418 / meames@heartlandfamilyservice.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

New York Times Op-Ed Columnist David Brooks Tours Greater Nebraska In late October, New York Times Op-Ed columnist David Brooks visited Greater Nebraska as part of Weave: The Social Fabric Project. His tour included stops in McCook and North Central Nebraska communities including Stuart, Ainsworth, Bassett, Atkinson, and O’Neill to conduct interviews with local community builders and see firsthand the accomplishments of these extraordinary hometowns. McCook and the North Central region were selected through a partnership with Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) which is unleashing abundant local assets, inspiring charitable giving, and connecting ambitious people in over 250 communities across the state.

Launched in the spring of 2018, Weave starts with the idea that social fragmentation is the central problem of our time — isolation, alienation, and division. Fortunately, all across the country, groups and individuals are rebuilding communities and creating social capital. Weave seeks to work with these groups to spur a movement to repair the national fabric. Through community visits, the Weave team identifies these groups, celebrates them, synthesizes the values that move them, and helps forge a common identity.

“There is an abundance of good news to be shared across the NCF network and Mr. Brooks and his team had their pick of numerous Nebraska communities that have excelled in people attraction, economic development and community building,” said Jeff Yost, president and CEO of Nebraska Community Foundation. “These communities have long been a model to the NCF network and we are thrilled to see our friends in McCook, Stuart, Ainsworth, Bassett, Atkinson and O’Neill getting the attention and recognition they deserve on a national level.”

Learn more about the Nebraska Community Foundation online at nebcommfound.org.

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NON-PROFIT NEWS Omaha Home for Boys Relocates Transitional Living Services

Parkinson’s Nebraska Announces New LIVE IT UP Class

Omaha Home for Boys has relocated its transitional living services to its main campus at 4343 N. 52nd St. in Omaha. The move allows for a number of improvements to Jacobs’ Place, the formal name of the Home’s Transitional Living Program. The most notable being an increase in the number of young adults the program can serve.

“Moving Jacobs’ Place to our main campus gives us the ability to serve young people who have more than three months of high school remaining, whereas this was not an option at our previous building,” said Brandy Gustoff, Omaha Home for Boys innovative growth leader. “Because the need for transitional living services is so great in the Omaha metro, being able to safely house young men and women who are trying to focus on graduating high school is really a win-win for the entire community.”

In addition to serving more youth, Jacobs’ Place new location allows youth to have increased access to services, such as therapy, recreation, and dining, all housed at one central location.

Since 1994, Jacobs’ Place has been serving area youth ages 17 to 20 who struggle with a lack of housing, support, education, and independent living skills. Jacobs’ Place was formerly located at 919 N. 48th St. For more information about Omaha Home for Boys or Jacobs’ Place visit their website at omahahomeforboys.org.

Parkinson’s Nebraska has announced a new fun group exercise class for folks with Parkinson’s called LIVE IT UP! The class integrates voicespeech practice, exercise skills based on daily living activities, education, socialization, and mindfulness techniques. The class is co-taught by speech therapist, Amy Renken and PWR (Parkinson Wellness Recovery) Moves certified instructor, Georgia Kuhl.

Classes will take place each Tuesday beginning on November 6 from 12:15–1:15 p.m. at the MSforward Gym, 13530 Discovery Dr., in Omaha. Cost per class is $5, but the first class is free. Pre-registration is required by contacting either instructor Amy Renken at (402) 290-9908 / amysrenken@gmail.com or Georgie Kuhl at (402) 502-2407 / mkuhl2@cox.net.

Parkinson’s Nebraska is group of individuals brought together by Parkinson’s disease who give their time and talents to help bring education, expertise, classes, support, and a host of other resources to communities. As a 501(c)3 designated charitable organization, donations given to the organization stay right in the heart of Nebraska, and gives residents, their families and caregivers immediate access to information and resources.

For more information about Parkinson’s Nebraska, visit their website parkinsonsnebraska.org or their Facebook page (@parkinsonsnebraska).

American Heart Association Deems Go Red for Women Expo a Success Hearts united at the American Heart Association’s 2018 Omaha Go Red for Women Expo on September 25, locally sponsored by Nebraska Methodist Health System. The annual event celebrated the mind, body, and spirit of today’s women–and the generations to come–under the leadership of honorary chair, Jane Miller, and Circle of Red Chair, Diane Nelson.

The unforgettable evening inspired 600 guests to honor the heart health of the women in their lives and raise more than $290,000 in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Twelve-year-old Sarah Weiss was this year’s guest of honor and featured survivor. Through sharing her heart-wrenching story of suffering a stroke, she inspired the audience with her positivity and story of recovery. Sarah’s main message? Learn the signs of stroke.

Joining Weiss to share their own personal stories of resilience was the Omaha Go Red for Women Survivor Show. The runway show featured nine women of various ages sharing their story of survival and what they have chosen to do with the gift of more time.

Prior to the program, guests shopped, enjoyed a health expo, and snapped pictures at the photo booth. Additionally, guests learned hands-only CPR and the signs and symptoms of a stroke at the event’s mission-related stations.

The next event will be held in September 2019. The American Heart Association (www.heart.org/en/affiliates/nebraska/ omaha) can be contacted at (402) 810-6870 / Omaha@heart. org for additional information.

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Kids Can Community Center Invites Public to Celebrate 110 Years of Service Kids Can (formerly Social Settlement) Community Center invites the public to come celebrate 110 years of service to children in the Omaha community on Tuesday, November 13 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Remarks will take place at 6:30 p.m. Appetizers and refreshments will be served at the event.

Over their 110 years in the community, many things have changed, including what the children are spending their time doing. In the early years children learned things like sewing, military drills, citizenship and trades. Now Kids Can learning is based on STEMsmart Academy. While most people are aware that STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math, not everyone is aware of what the smart stands for -strengths, music, art, reading, and tutoring.

At the event, guests will be able to can try their hand at more traditional crafts such as sewing and building birdhouses which were popular in the 1960’s. They’ll also get to experience the type of programs that children are now learning like robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality.

Established in 1908 as Social Settlement Association of Omaha, the organization was rebranded to Kids Can Community Center in 2009 to better reflect their vision and programs. The focus on children and families was a common thread throughout the first century of the organization. They had their first school-based program in 1916, the first summer program in 1923, and the first preschool program in 1942. As the organization approached the 21st century, leadership focused on programs for children and began outsourcing or eliminating activities that fell outside of their core mission.

RSVPs are welcome, but not required. Contact bhunter@kidscanomaha. org for more information or check out their Facebook page (@KidsCan. Omaha). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS NCBB Partners with Methodist Health System, Nebraska Medicine Two of Omaha’s most prominent health systems—Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine— have selected Nebraska Community Blood Bank (NCBB) as their supplier of life-saving blood.

The partnership launched October 1, with blood products and services delivered through NCBB’s new distribution site on Pacific Street. To ensure a stable supply of blood, NCBB is encouraging all who are eligible to donate through community blood drives and at its new donor center opening this spring. The donor center will be located at 12100 Pacific Street and will welcome both blood and platelets donors. Eligibility information, as well as blood drive locations, can be found at NCBB.org.

“Nebraska Community Blood Bank is proud to partner in our shared mission of saving lives with Methodist Health System and Nebraska Medicine,” said NCBB president Ellen DiSalvo. “We’re excited to bring our 50-year mission of saving lives to more of our neighbors in eastern Nebraska.”

The partnership between NCBB and the health systems was made possible through the Nebraska Health Network, a partnership between Nebraska Medicine and Methodist Health System. The physician-led Accountable Care Organization (ACO) was formed in 2010 to improve the health of all patients by delivering high-quality, affordable, and accessible health services throughout Nebraska and western Iowa.

For more information, call 1-877-486-9414 or visit NCBB.org. Connect with NCBB on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

JDRF Announces Notable Dates for National Diabetes Awareness Month November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that strikes both children and adults suddenly when your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone the body needs to get energy from food. It has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. People with T1D are dependent on injected or pumped insulin to survive.

JDRF, the leading global organization funding T1D research, invites the Omaha/Council Bluffs Metro area community to join in commemorating National Diabetes Awareness Month by raising awareness of T1D and the urgent need to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. The JDRF Omaha-Council Bluffs Chapter has a range of activities and events to engage the local community during the month-long campaign.

• November 1 – WoodmenLife Tower and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will be lit blue for Type 1 Diabetes Day. • November 3 – JDRF night with the Mavs. UNO Hockey and Miami-Ohio will wear “JDRF/T1D” helmet decals during the game.

• November 11 – JDRF TypeOneNation Summit, FREE seminar for education and connection, at the Scott Conference Center from 1–5 p.m.

• November 14 – WoodmenLife Tower and Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge will be lit blue for World Diabetes Day. • November 18 – JDRF night with Lancers. Omaha Lancers will wear “JDRF/T1D” helmet decals during the game.

For more information about National Diabetes Awareness Month or JDRF visit jdrf.org/Omaha or contact Anna Raur at (402) 397-2873 / araur@jdrf.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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402-933-4632 HEALing Embrace Holds 4th Annual HEALs to the Pavement for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Call for an appointment today!

The fourth annual HEALs to the Pavement for Pregnancy and Infant Loss 5k run and 1-mile walk to benefit non-profit HEALing Embrace was held October 13 at Zorinsky Lake Park.

In addition to the walk and run, the event included a memory tent; live music; food, craft, and service vendors; a silent auction and raffle; kids’ activities; and a kids’ “tot trot.” The evening culminated at 8 p.m. with a fireworks display.

HEALing Embrace’s [Helping Everyone After Loss] is an Omaha non-profit agency whose mission is to journey alongside families facing pregnancy or infant loss to offer hope, healing, and support, and to advocate for those children lost. Learn more at www.healingembrace.org.

Hillcrest Health Services Earns Gold Quality Award for Montessori Dementia Care Method Hillcrest Health Services was named a Gold Award winner in Quality, Senior Living on October 5 as part of McKnight’s Senior Living’s 2018 Excellence in Technology Awards. Through implementing the Montessori method in dementia care, with the help of technology, Hillcrest has significantly improved quality of life for residents at Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge.

The Technology Awards contest is highly competitive and recognizes organizations across the U.S. who are using technology to better serve their residents or business interests. For senior living, the competition offers 10 categories, and a panel of experts selects one Gold, one Silver, and one Bronze winner for each category.

Dr. Anna Fisher, Hillcrest’s director of quality and education and a nationally-renowned dementia expert, created a methodical plan to reduce antipsychotic use, increase resident engagement and enhance quality of life. After researching non-pharmacological approaches in dementia care, Hillcrest decided to implement the Montessori method.

To assist in implementing the Montessori method, Hillcrest partnered with The Roberts Academy, the only secondary Montessori school in the State of Nebraska. Collaborative efforts led to the formation of an intergenerational school in which junior high and high school students visit Hillcrest Country Estates Grand Lodge every Friday and interact/ engage with residents.

Dr. Fisher and Sharyl Ronan, CEO, accepted the Gold Award on October 8 at the 2018 AHCA/NCAL Annual Conference in San Diego.

For more information about the award and other award winners, visit mcknightsseniorliving.com.

Hillcrest Health Services offers the region’s largest continuum of health services for aging adults. To learn more, visit www.hillcresthealth.com.

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DESTINATION

Orlando, Florida It was getting a bit rainy and chilly here in Nebraska, so we decided to take a little trip to the sunshine state: Orlando, Florida. Plus, we had the wonderful opportunity to bring Maria, a foreign exchange student from Italy, along with us. We felt like it was important to show her “the happiest place on earth” during her time here in the United States.

As a popular travel destination, Orlando has a lot to offer. There is Disney World, of course, (and we definitely did Disney!) but there are some fun things to do outside of the parks as well.

ORLANDO TREE TREK ADVENTURE PARK (407) 390-9999 | www.orlandotreetrek.com Our adventure began at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, Orlando’s zip lines and ropes course. We were really excited to give this activity a try!

We figured that the only thing better than seeing Tarzan at Disney would be embracing our own inner Tarzan, swinging through and climbing up trees at Orlando Tree Trek.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is a progressively challenging aerial obstacle course through a natural pine forest in Kissimmee (just 2 exits from Disney!). Each course is a little more challenging than the last. There are four courses with a total of 97 challenges, with a separate two-part kid’s course featuring 21 challenges of its own.

From the second we arrived, every staff member at Orlando Tree Trek was helpful and friendly. Nichole greeted our group at the check-in desk and had us fill out waivers, which all climbers are required to complete before enjoying the adventure park. Close-toed shoes are a must as well.

The paperwork was quick and easy, and then we were ready to go!

Nichole hooked us up with climbing gloves (you can save $3 if you bring your own) and sent us out to the course. The Tree Trek guides helped us get fitted into our harnesses and took us through a brief training session to make sure we knew how to operate the equipment. The guides were all great—they made us laugh a lot! Two of them actually had the same birthday, which happened to be the same day we were there. We were glad we could be a little part of their birthday celebration!

After we were done with training—literally learning the ropes—we began the first course. It didn’t take long for us to realize that this was going to be quite the work out. Plus, it was really hot, so we were feeling the heat from the course and the sun. It wasn’t your average work out, though. Besides the fact that we were immersed in nature, surrounded by beautiful tall pines, the challenges were thrilling! If crossing high suspended bridges, crawling through swinging logs, leaping into hanging nets, and soaring down exhilarating zip lines sounds like a good time to you, you’ll be very pleased with all Orlando Tree Trek has in store for you.

The great thing about Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is that it can be an intense experience for adults, but it can also be a fun, family-friendly outing for kids and their parents. There were a few youngins in our group and they were navigating their way through the course better than we were! We could tell they were having a blast. If parents prefer to cheer their kids on from the ground instead of doing the courses themselves, there are nice walking paths through the trees. We saw a lot of parents following along, taking pictures.

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Overall, it was a fun experience! The highlight was definitely the Giant 425’ Zip Line at the end of the course—so thrilling! It was a great activity to kick off our Orlando travel adventures.

THE POLITE PIG AT DISNEY SPRINGS (407) 938-7444 | politepig.com After scaling from tree to tree all morning, we worked up quite the appetite. Luckily, we made dinner plans at The Polite Pig in Disney Springs, a popular outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district at the Walt Disney World Resort. The Polite Pig is locallyowned by culinary legends James, Julie, and Brian Petrakis, Disney Springs’ only local chef presence. It’s fun to dine at a restaurant that is unique to the area you’re in!

The Polite Pig has a very laid-back, farmhouse atmosphere. It’s designed to feel like a fast food joint; guests order up at the counter, seat themselves, and their food is then delivered to their table. However, the quality of food screams fine dining with a menu that is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer.

We started off with a Hop Salt Pretzel to share. It came with a beer cheese fondue and an IPA mustard, both of which are made in-house, like all their sauces. We heard that their pulled-pork sandwich, the Southern Pig, is a fan favorite, so we gave it a try. It did not disappoint.

Other highlights on the menu included every single thing listed under the ‘From The Smoker’ section. From coffee-rubbed prime brisket and baby back ribs, to cedar plank salmon with maple-Dijon glaze—let’s just say, The Polite Pig does not mess around when it comes to serving delicious meats. Guests also have the option to order the Butcher Board, which includes a hearty array of their signature meats. This is a great option for groups and families.

We were able to taste most of the market sides while we were at The Polite Pig. They truly all sounded too good not to try. We wanted to write home about their BBQ cauliflower and crispy Brussels sprout—WOW! So good. The tomato and watermelon salad was a breath of fresh air, as well. After spending a day in the Florida heat, it made for one refreshing side dish. Speaking of refreshments, we recommend washing down your food with either their Sweet Tea Old-Fashioned or homemade vodka lemonade; both delicious cocktail choices.

Our group really appreciated the friendly service and open-air floor plan at The Polite Pig, which created an easy flow between the ordering counter, dining area, and bourbon bar. That’s right, there is a bourbon bar folks. It can be accessed from outside and inside the restaurant, and it boasts over 60 selections of bourbon, plus various Florida craft beers and wine. Their Polite Pig Flight features year-round favorites, include Lone Palm Golden Ale, Red Drum Amber Ale, Five Points IPA, Working Man Porter, as well as a rotating selection of limited editions from Cask & Larder Brewery. You’ll get a kick out of their pig-shaped flight sampler tray, complete with a top hat and spectacles! A very nice touch. Well done, Polite Pig, we see what you did there. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

We were able to meet the manager of The Polite Pig, Nicolette. She Our next Pandora escapade, and the final stop for our group in Animal was very welcoming to our group. (Bonus points—she’s from Nebraska!)

Kingdom, was the Na’vi River Journey. Another attraction with a long We enjoyed chatting with her and learning more about The Polite Pig’s line, which is to be expected with all the hype around these new park history and current happenings. The restaurant has really gained a features, but also worth the wait. This attraction took us on a peaceful local following, in addition to the recognition they see from travelers. A river raft ride, deep into a bioluminescent rainforest. If we didn’t know niche market they appeal to is, in fact, brand-loyal bourbon drinkers. any better, we would have thought we had floated right into a euphoric Nicolette showed us two bourbon selections that are actually exclusive to Pandora night. We were amazed by the advanced, almost futuristic, The Polite Pig, aged in their very own private barrels—the Whistlepig visual effects that could be seen from start to finish.

10-Year Rye and the Elijah Craig Bourbon. Another name that carries DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS a lot of weight amongst bourbon drinkers is Pappy Van Winkle. Once a disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios year, The Polite Pig gets in a bottle of the 10, 12, and 23-year reserve.

Disney has a bus systems that We’ll let the bourbon enthusiast in your life tell you how much a 2 oz provides free transportation to and pour from one of these bottles is worth. from parks and resorts, so that is If you’re looking for a place to “pig out” in Disney Springs, we definitely what we used to get from Animal recommend The Polite Pig—and say hi to Nicolette if you can! She loves Kingdom to Hollywood Studios, the meeting Nebraskans who visit the restaurant. If you’re reppin’ Husker next themed park on our agenda. gear, chances are she will come say hello to you.

While here, you have to hit up the classics—Rock ‘n’ Roll Roller Coaster DISNEY IN A DAY and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

These are good ones to reserve Whether it’s your first time at Disney World or your hundredth time, you’ll Hopper Passes for ahead of time. Our group also took in a short musical find something around every corner that will make your eyes open a play of Beauty and the Beast, performed live on stage at the outdoor little wider and your jaw drop a little lower. Disney has four main theme Theater of the Stars. Aside from being swept away by some of the parks: Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. beloved vocal talents from the hit film, it felt pretty great to just sit down With the limited time we had, we were only able to explore three of and take in this heartwarming production. Be sure to check the Times the parks during our trip (sorry, Epcot! We’ll be back!).

Guide at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the show schedule when you Any veteran Disney-goer will tell you that the best way to “do Disney” is enter the park so you can plan accordingly! to spend one day or more in each park. This way, you can really take it Before we bid adieu to Hollywood Studios, we of course had to check all in. In our case, we had to do a little rushing as we only had one day out the new Toy Story Land. This recent edition to the park allows you to to fit in as much magic as we could. We know our readers will appreciate “become the size of a toy” longside Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and this approach to Disney because, let’s face it, the majority of us can’t the rest of your Toy Story pals. We were surrounded by giant building afford to take a bunch of days off from work to fly to Orlando, see and blocks and classic board games, and it was fun watching people zip do everything there is to see and do, and then fly back to Nebraska. It’s around Toy Story Land in the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster. Other a tall, expensive order. That being said, don’t feel discouraged if you’re attractions at Toy Story Land include Toy Story Mania where you ride only able to spend a few days in the parks. You can still experience a around and blast moving targets in a midway-style, 4D shooting game lot, but it does require some strategic planning. That’s why we’re here (very fun if you like to get a little competitive), and there is also Alien to highlight the main attractions that you’ll want to add to your agenda, Swirling Saucers which will take you on a spin through space in a toy especially if it’s your first time in Disney. rocket.

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM THEME PARK DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM THEME PARK disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/animal-kingdom 1 We started our Disney World After checking two parks off the list, we carried experience at Animal Kingdom Theme on to the third—Magic Kingdom. Yes, the one with Park. After arriving, we made our way the giant castle that you see in basically every to the middle of the park where the Disney picture. Magic Kingdom really is magical majestic Tree of Life Awakenings makes though; there is no denying it. The popular its lofty, 145-foot presence known. rides at this park include Splash Mountain and Underneath the tree is a theatre where Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Both of these It’s Tough to be a Bug! can be viewed. attractions will fill you with excitement and a This eight-minute 3D show will give you a new appreciation for bugs, healthy dose of adrenaline. Splash Mountain and it will definitely wake you up for the day! The next couple must-see features three dips in anticipation for the fiveattractions we visited were Expedition Everest where we rode a fast story waterfall drop at the end. We definitely train through the Himalayan mountains and DINOSAUR, which took us got a little wet. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad on a scary, prehistoric tour aboard a rip-roaring time rover to save a was fun too; we enjoyed racing through a haunted gold-mining town dinosaur from extinction. while aboard a rinky-dink runaway mine train. Another staple attraction The most mind-blowing part of Animal Kingdom was definitely Pandora is Space Mountain, located in Tomorrowland. This roller coaster blasted - The World of Avatar, the newest edition to the park. Expect to hike us right off into outer space, zooming us through the stars and galaxies. amid floating mountains, glowing fauna and flora, a native drum circle, The magic definitely peaked during the Once Upon a Time show and and many other wonders. The first ride we went on was Avatar Flight of the Happily Ever After grand firework finale. The Once Upon a Time Passage, which was INSANE! This virtual reality experience was unlike production drowns you in nostalgia as scenes from your favorite Disney anything we had ever done before. It really felt like we were flying on animated films are projected onto Cinderella’s Castle, complete with the back of a banshee, through the beauty and grandeur of Pandora’s a dazzling mix of special effects and moving music, and the Happily lavish moonscape. We could feel the wind and waves as we soared Ever After firework showcase that immediately follows the production over the sea, and we could smell nature’s fresh scent as we dove deep really does bring it all home. It’s not every day you get to live out a into the wooded dwellings of the Na’vi. It was spectacular—well worth real life fantasy. waiting in line for.

We left Orlando with a few blisters on our feet and a couple more Mickey Mouse hats than we came with. It was tough saying goodbye to the warm weather, but we were proud of all we accomplished in such a short time. From climbing trees to skipping through an enchanted world, Orlando sure has a way of bringing out the kid in you.

Be sure to check out the extended version of our Travel Story with additional photos and details regarding our Orlando experience!

You can find the extended version online at www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com.

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Holiday C heer

Quality Tools & Amazing Hardwoods

Welcome back to part two of our holiday series! This month we are talking about all things cheerful—family gatherings, traditions (old and new), yummy holiday fare, gifts for loved ones, all the pretty lights and festive decorations—are you in the holiday spirit yet?

There is so much going on during the holidays; it’s easy to get busy and forget some of the necessities, like getting gifts for everyone on your list, or some of the preparation steps that go into planning a party, but don’t stress! We have some awesome recommendations for you in terms of gifts and fun holiday traditions, and we can point you in the direction of some local experts who know how to plan a get together for you and your people.

Get into Woodworking with a class!

Call today for information.

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Gift Giving—Some Things Can’t Be Wrapped Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that can’t be wrapped.

Experiences bring people more happiness than possessions do. As you’re going down your list of people to buy gifts for this holiday season, don’t just think about things they would want—think about something they actually need.

Is Your Home Ready For The Holidays?

The holiday season can be a stressful Are you selling your home? time for homeowners.

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402.460.0883 Strictly Business

BBB A+ rating | Member of COCL | Strictly Business

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You can’t put a price tag on quality time, either. The perfect gift for someone might just be spending time with them. When we talked to Allisyn Meadows with 360 Clean, she said she feels like Christmas has become too much about the gifts and the amount of money spent.

“In my house, we turn the holidays back around to quality time,” Allisyn explains. “The women and children in my extended family (close friends, aunts, and Allisyn Meadows grandmothers) get together in October 360 Clean or November to make Christmas crafts.

We come up with a couple of core ideas and make sure we have the supplies, but everyone can bring whatever craft they’d like to work on. We eat, drink wine, and make a crafty mess! After a couple hours, we are able to walk away with some pretty great holiday decorations without having to spend too much money—and we had fun making them together!

My daughters and I like to handmake Christmas gifts for the other members of our family, like soaps, candles, lotions, cookies, and ornaments. These are always fun gifts to give and receive!

My girls love telling people that they made them with their own two hands, and the gift usually has a pampering element so the recipients are very happy too.

On Christmas day, my family makes our usual big breakfast and then we spend the day playing games or baking. These have become holiday traditions that feel like gifts of their own.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The important thing when it comes to giving, whether it be in the form of gifts, time, affection, etc., is that you know what means the most to the person receiving. Buying the right present for a loved one can feel like a lot of pressure. Since everyone has different tastes and interests, you’ll need to put a little effort in if you want to dazzle your friends, family, coworkers, or whomever it may be.

Here are three tips to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list this holiday season: Make It Personal When you give someone something that speaks to them personally, it becomes more than just a gift. It sends a message of how much you care about them because you actually put thought behind the money you spent on the gift.

“Make sure you give yourself enough time to come up with a thoughtful gift for the important people in your life,” advises Terry Zuck with Woodcraft.

“If you’ve never tried woodworking, I encourage you to consider learning more about this fine craft and make a gift with your own two hands. There is something so satisfying about it! The beauty of woodworking is that you can customize it to fit your purpose. It doesn’t have to be anything huge or elaborate; just knowing Terry Zuck that you put the work in to make it will be Woodcraft the most special thing about anything you make for a gift. At Woodcraft, we offer woodworking classes, either for you or someone you know. The gift of a new life skill is something a person can benefit from the rest of their lives. At that point, you’re not just giving someone a gift, you’re investing in their well being.”

Celebrate With A Cajun Flare!

Acadian Grille, Omaha’s newest Cajun restaurant, is now offering catering options, which include: business lunches and other celebrations! Also, a party room will now be available every Sunday. Call ahead and book your next event today!

Acadian food, then and now, presents a blend of French and soul food widely beloved not only in Louisiana, but around the world. Enjoy Acadian Grille Today!

725 N. 114th St. | (402) 933-0980 | AcadianGrille.com | AcadianGrille@gmail.com

Try to add a little bit of your personality in your gift giving, or give “the gift of you” and make your gift an experience you can share with your loved one. A beautiful place to take your loved one all year round for some quality time is Soaring Wings.

of our signature wines would make a sweet (or dry) gift from a friend or loved one this Christmas.”

This award winning winery and brewery features Acoustic Afternoons every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. (excluding major holidays), monthly trivia nights, occasional barrel tastings, Italian dinners, holiday events, and annual festivities. With a stacked event calendar like this, there are so many opportunities for you to treat friends or family members, or even coworkers, to a nice evening away from it all (10 minutes outside of Omaha to be exact). They are also a great place for corporate getaways and private/company parties.

That’s right, we’re telling you to creep on your friends and family.

Go to their Facebook or Instagram. Chances are, they have wish lists on their Pinterest where you can find ideas based on the type of things they are interested in. Do you know what shoe size they are? What is their favorite clothing brand? Favorite color? Do they have a hobby or is there something they like to collect? Maybe they have a favorite band or artist and you can get them tickets to an upcoming concert. If you’re drawing a blank, there is nothing wrong with a little snooping around to get some inspiration.

“I encourage folks to keep up with our event calendar on our website,” comments Jim Shaw with Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing. “We enjoy welcoming new and familiar faces to our unique site.

Jim Shaw Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing

With outdoor seating and our large Amphitheater we have an exceptional outdoor performance location. We have fantastic views over the Platte River Valley and it can truly be a winter wonderland out here during the holidays.

During these cold months we hold music and events inside our Platte View Room!

However, some people enjoy still enjoy the fresh air on our covered deck.

In our tasting room, you may purchase a tasting of five of our wines or beers for $6 and receive a souvenir wine glass! Soaring Wings currently features 22 wines and 8 beers. If you aren’t able to bring someone here to try our offerings, a bottle of one #PrintProudDigitalSmart

2. Do Some Creeping

3. Identify Needs and Wants Unwrapping something big and shiny sounds nice, but is it something the person can actually use? Or is it just going to end up collecting dust? The best gifts offer a nice balance between needs and wants. There are plenty of products that come to mind that can help people run their lives more efficiently and still serve as a pleasant gift surprise.

Another classic option is getting someone a gift card. Gift cards don’t have to be a “cop-out” gift. If you know someone has a favorite place to shop or eat, why not give them the flexibility to shop for something they like on their own time, or let their next couple meals be on you. In our opinion, gift cards will never go out of style, and neither will ice cream—no matter how cold it may be!

Actually, things are really heating up in the ice cream world thanks to Cold Stone Creamery’s new Hot Stone™ Warm & Delicious™ Desserts! These include yummy dishes that combine indulgent ingredients like chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and chocolate cake with premium French vanilla ice cream.

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According to Shawn Williams, franchise owner of six Cold Stone Creamery locations in Omaha, Cold Stone has created something entirely new—a warm, decadent treat with a hint of elegance and a whole lot of whimsical flair! Who wouldn’t love to be spoiled with something this delicious as their holiday present?

You can give someone a Cold Stone gift card, or make it a special ice cream date by visiting one of the six Cold Stones in Omaha (LaVista - 126th and Giles, Shawn Williams Midtown Crossing - 33rd and Farnam, Cold Stone Creamery Northpark - 120th and Blondo, Village Pointe - 168th and Dodge, kiosk inside CenturyLink Center, and kiosk inside Baxter Arena).

more memorable! That doesn’t mean it has to be anything crazy; it really is all about having fun with the people in your life.

When it comes to ice cream, there is definitely a need and a want.

Cold Stone Creamery has a lot more than just ice cream, though.

For example, they offer cakes that you can customize and order for any occasion!

• Go out to dinner in your ugly Christmas sweaters

Holiday Traditions—Make Lasting Memories Traditions lend a certain significance, spirit, and texture to our everyday lives. Research has consistently shown that families and friend groups that engage in regular traditions build a stronger connection and unity than those who don’t.

Traditions provide a chance for quality interaction, allowing people to get to know each other more intimately, and create a bond that comes from feeling that one is part of something special and even exclusive.

When coming up with a new holiday tradition, try to do something different than you normally do. The more out of the ordinary, the

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Your tradition can be as simple as driving or walking around town to look at Christmas lights, or you can go all out by renting a venue for a large holiday party. You need to decide with your people what kind of activity fits your preferences and personality the most.

Here are some ideas we came up with: • Decorating ornaments • Family game night (board games, charades, puzzles, etc.)

• Holiday-themed trivia night with friends • Baking cookies • Movie marathon of your favorite holiday classics Sometimes, traditions get formed spontaneously, but a lot of times they take planning. If you’re making plans with family or a big group, you’ll need to start coordinating details ahead of time to make sure everyone can participate.

Holiday parties are the ultimate tradition. They allow everyone to get together at once for a night of celebration. Renting out a venue is an attractive option to most because it means that almost everything is taken care of for them. Look into renting out one of the amazing venues in Omaha for your holiday festivities this year.

Party Planning—Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Doesn’t matter if your holiday plans involve staying in or going out, you’ll want to plan ahead. The basics of entertaining remain the same in your home as they do at any other venue around town. Key details to consider include atmosphere, food, drinks, and entertainment.

As for desserts, give your guests something to drool over by ordering your holiday treats from The Omaha Bakery. We know you’ve heard of it! With mouthwatering sticky rolls, freshly baked bread and breakfast pastries, bars and brownies, or an original creation for your special event, The Omaha Bakery has you and your sweet tooth covered for the holidays.

“Our bars and brownies are really popular this time of year and they make a great addition to your holiday dessert spread,” says Michelle Kaiser with The Omaha Bakery. “You can purchase our brownies individually or by the dozen. If a brownie tray isn’t right for the occasion we can do gift baskets as well. The brownies in our baskets are individually wrapped. Definitely try our Walnut Bars. They feature caramelized walnuts on a butter crust sweetened with honey.

They taste similar to pecan pie, just with walnuts instead of pecans!

Michelle Kaiser The Omaha Bakery

You can rest assured that all our goodies are made from scratch, using quality ingredients!

We have a variety of seasonal offerings and we can make an assortment of them for your special occasion. Mini pastries, mini mousse tartlets, mini coconut macaroons, bars, cheesecakes, brownies, bread puddings, and canolies—with all these options you have a better chance of making everyone happy.

To request any or all of these yummy treats, stop by the bakery or give us a call and we can go from there. You’ll simply need to have an idea of what you might like, what your specific needs #PrintProudDigitalSmart

are, and the date that you need your order completed. Special requests are always welcome.”

A party isn’t complete without drinks! If you’re hosting an army of people for the holidays, make sure you have enough beverages to last the duration of time that guest will be at your home.

Jim Sobczyk Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal

“Knowing what to serve and the quantities needed is most often the dilemma that hosts and hostesses face,” says Jim Sobczyk with Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal. “We can help you decide how much beer, wine, liquor, punch and soft drinks you’ll need for your festivities. We realize that helping our clients stay within their budget while satisfying their guests’ needs is of the utmost importance. Instead of taking your chances and buying the wrong amount, we’ll save you a lot of time and hassle.”

Aside from party needs, Cornhusker Beverage & Bridal is also a great place to find a Christmas gift for the wine, beer, or liquor connoisseur in your life. They even offer DIY kits for those who like to brew their own beer at home, with easy-to-understand instructions that are great for beginners too.

Once you’ve lined up food and drinks, you’ll want to make sure your house is clean for when your guests arrive! You’ll have people using your restrooms and maybe even guest rooms if you plan to have overnight company.

House cleaning can be a time consuming task, so hire the professionals to do it for you. 360 Clean is locally owned and operated, and they are known for quality assurance and customer satisfaction. Plus, as a holiday special, 360 Clean is offering 15% off their services to new customers and 15% off all gift certificates ($60 minimum) through January 1. Call at least two weeks ahead of when you’ll need your house cleaned!

If you’re missing any of the essential party items, or maybe you don’t want to dirty your own, Honeyman Rent-All has a large inventory of items for rent. These include centerpieces, fine china and porcelain, glasses, and linens.

The outside of your home is just as important to decorate as the inside. Think about that curb appeal as all your guests arrive.

You want them to see your house and instinctively start humming Christmas carols. It’s all about creating that holiday atmosphere, from start to finish.

Of course, if cleaning and decorating the interior of the house takes time, so does hanging up lights around the exterior and on bushes and trees. Luckily, Festive Expressions can help.

If you haven’t put your Christmas lights up already, the team of professionals at Festive Expressions will do it all for you— display design, installation, maintenance, take-down, clean-up/ storage—everything.

“We will evaluate your outdoor space and create holiday lighting and decorating plans that fit well with the unique features of your home,” explains David Hastreiter with Christmas Décor

by Festive Expressions.

David Hastreiter Christmas Décor by Festive Expressions

“Decorating your property helps trigger the holiday mood, which is good for everyone. Plus, more lighting in the darker months of winter increase safety and security for your home. The decorating season is short, and our schedules tend

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to fill up by mid-November, so hurry and give Festive Expressions a call!”

Being a host has its exciting challenges, but some people prefer to take the pressure off themselves and eat out for the holidays (and we don’t blame them!).

When it comes to a unique dining experience, we recommend Acadian Grille, offering authentic Cajun cuisine in a cozy, modern neighborhood restaurant setting.

“Everything is prepared right in front of you,” notes Dan O’Brien with Acadian Grille. “From crab cakes, steak, Crawfish Étouffée, shrimp and grits, and po’ boys, to homemade dressings and desserts— we are bringing the Louisiana staples to Omaha. We have an impressive selection of fine wine and beer as well.”

If you want to please your friends and family who are in town for the holidays by giving them a taste of our local dining Dan O’Brien scene, Acadian Grille is the spot. At the Acadian Grille end of the day, though, it doesn’t really matter where you decide to celebrate the holidays—what matters is that your celebrating with the special people in your life.

Finally, we know that the holidays might not be a cheerful time for some of you. Maybe you’re suffering from a bereavement or are struggling with mental health issues and the holidays just heighten your sense of loneliness or anxiety.

Here are a few tips for those of you who are struggling as you look ahead to the holidays: • Don’t overdo it. If you need to stay home, stay home.

• Make time for self care. The holidays are such a busy time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Don’t forget to relax.

• Look further ahead. If the weeks and months ahead seem like they are too much to handle on your own, envision yourself on the other side of your anxiety. Give yourself hope. Start thinking about a New Year’s resolution!

• On the flip side, take it day-by-day (minute-by-minute if you need) and don’t forget to breathe.

That’s a wrap! Get creative with your gifts and activities this holiday season, and make some amazing memories by starting a new tradition! We’ll pick up where we left off next month in part three of this Holiday Series. Until then, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Memory Care

5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MEMORY LOSS The hardest truth to accept is that with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and other diseases that cause a decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills, it doesn’t get easier as time goes on. Most people get defeated when they realize how overwhelming it can be, some even go into denial. That is why we’re here to tell you that it’s okay to be scared, it’s okay to not have all the answers, and it’s okay to reach out for help.

The good truth is that you are not alone. There are many people who are willing to lend an ear and a hand to help families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia. However, even though there are similarities between people with dementia, there are also vast differences. People may be at the same stage but respond very differently. There isn’t a textbook explanation for out how things will unfold. As a family member, you have to be able to make tough decisions, but you also have to allow your loved one to forge their own way and come along side of them. If you understand that things are going to be constantly changing, then it will help minimize potential frustration as things progress.

There isn’t a clear step-by-step plan for dealing with memory loss, but there are some main, basic things everyone should know about it. Even if it isn’t affecting a person directly at a given time, chances are it will one day.

With the help of a couple local experts, we put together a list of five things we think our readers should know about identifying, addressing, treating, and living with memory loss.

1. Early Warning Signs Early warning signs are often difficult to identify and can often be attributed to the normal process of aging. Unfortunately, since no two presentations of dementia are the same, early detection is tricky and, therefore, people are often well into the disease before they seek help.

The very earliest changes in the brain go undetected. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can be categorized into seven stages; from the earliest stage when no outward signs are present, to the last stage when the individual is no longer able to communicate basic human needs.

Within these stages, symptoms include: • Difficulty completing routine tasks at home or work • Problems arising with speaking or writing Douglas County Health Center Presents • Trouble understanding visual images • Inability to retrace steps • Frequently misplacing things • Poor judgment • Changes in mood and personality • Withdrawal from social activities Registered Nurse • Licensed Practical Nurse • Med Aide •CNA The rate at which people progress through the stages is very difficult to When? December 6, 2018 • What time? 3pm - 7pm predict and their exact symptoms will vary based on which area of the brain is most affected by the plaques that accumulate. It is important Where? 4102 Woolworth Ave., Omaha, NE to understand that these plaques create a roadblock of sorts and the (in the Town Hall on the 1st floor) brain has no way around them. The neurological system literally stops there. It is widely held that most individuals will live five to seven years We welcome all experience levels for on-site following diagnosis. Again, this depends on the individual—what stage interviews...ASN, BSN & New Grads! of the disease they were in at the time of diagnosis, their unique disease progression, and any pre-existing, underlying In order to expedite the interviewing process, please apply medical conditions they may have. online for Long-Term Care and Short-Term Rehab prior to the “Bridge to Better Living often recognizes event at agency.governmentjobs.com/douglas/ signs of memory loss in their clients, sometimes even before family members recognize the We offer great full-time benefits! symptoms,” states Robbie Nathan with Bridge • Life Insurance • Professional Development to Better Living. “Memory loss carries a stigma • Paid Holidays • Flexible Shift Schedules for many and yet it is a diagnosis affecting • Pension • Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 1 in 10 over the age of 65 and 1 in 3 over • Vacation & Sick Leave • Prescription Coverage the age of 85. Symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s may be very subtle; misplacing • Continuing Health Education possessions, forgetting appointments, not Robbie Nathan recognizing everyday objects or giving evasive Free Dinner from 4pm - 6pm answers to direct questions. Frequently families Bridge to Better Living 44 Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nursing “Meet & Eat” Career Fair

unknowingly cover for their loved ones… ‘They do really well as long as…’ or ‘We call every day to remind them of their meds or to see if they have eaten.’ Although these actions are caring they are also enabling and a clear sign the family is concerned about their loved one’s ability to remember.”

Bridge to Better Living believes in their mission of “Placement with Passion” when working with each client and especially those with memory loss.

Every one of the transition consultants has had professional and personal experience with this terrifying disease. No two situations are the same.

The safety and care of these clients is a high priority. Bridge to Better Living understands the magnitude of being cared for in the right way, by the right people, and in the right place, which is why they offer assistance at no cost to the client.

2. First Steps To Take Sometimes, the person who is actually experiencing memory loss deals with the idea of dementia better than the family members. It’s not easy for loved ones to face the reality of what these signs mean. The family doesn’t want to admit that there is a problem, especially if the dementia hits at an earlier age, such as in a person 60’s Denial is very common and, like a death, there are many stages of grief in recognizing, dealing with, and finally accepting the outcome.

On the other end, it is the individual experiencing these symptoms who has the hardest time accepting them. Imagine how frustrating it would be to have difficulty doing things that once came easy for you, such as balancing a checkbook and solving simple math problems. Not only is it scary, it’s embarrassing.

“It is not uncommon for someone struggling with memory issues to have a lot of mood swings or depression in the early stages,” addresses Gayleen Bradley with Care Consultants for the Aging. “There is a lot of shame associated with memory loss. Your loved one might become combative when you point out the warning signs you’ve noticed. These are things they don’t want to see in themselves. When addressing memory deficiencies and concerns, do it in a very calm, loving, and reassuring way, and be very intentional about getting help.

Gayleen Bradley Talking about an issue doesn’t do much good Care Consultants without an action to follow.

This can be the hardest first step—getting the individual to agree to see a doctor in order to get an official diagnosis. Comfort your loved one by acknowledging that there could be a host of different issues going on which could be cleared up by seeing a doctor. It could be there is a medication interaction, excessive alcohol use, an infection, a metabolic disorder such as diabetes, even untreated depression can be very taxing on the brain. No one is asking anyone to assume the worst.

If there is a diagnosis of dementia, educate yourself. Join a support group, if possible. Letting other family members be a part of the process can be very beneficial, as well, especially if you are the main care partner. The journey will become very overwhelming alone. People who don’t reach out and get help tend to become ill themselves from the stress they are under and then end up in a crisis.

My father has dementia and lives with one of my sisters in Colorado. The stress this journey has put on her has caused her to be in the hospital four times, and she is in her 50’s and was always in good health.”

When your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, start making plans for the future right away. Seek out legal expertise to ensure all affairs are in order while the patient can still make decisions. Have discussions about what they want and don’t want in terms of their future care.

3. The Truth About Dementia It’s hard to address dementia if you don’t know enough about it. It’s good to know what is happening in the brain, and it’s also wise to prepare yourself for the emotional toll it takes on everyone involved. You have to treat your loved ones where they’re at in the disease process, and that is only possible if you know the facts and the gravity of the situation. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Please visit mediguardusa.com | 402-891-9700 Dr. Nichelle Horton-Brown, the clinical director of long-term care at Douglas County Health Center, shared some statistics and information about dementia: • “Dementia” is an umbrella term which includes Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Frontotemporal, Lewy Body, Parkinson’s, mixed-type dementias, and others.

• Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia and is the sixth leading cause of death in Nebraska and the United States.

• One in every three seniors dies with Dr. Nichelle Horton-Brown Alzheimer’s or another dementia. It kills more Douglas County Health Center people each year than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

• Alzheimer’s is the most expensive disease in America. In 2018, dementia will cost the nation $277 billion.

• 5.7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 14 million if we don’t find a cure.

• Alzheimer’s is not just a disease of old age. Currently, there’s an estimated 200,000 Americans under the age of 65 who have been diagnosed with the disease.

• In 2017, 16 million family members and friends provided 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, at an economic value of $232 billion.

• Despite the partisan climate in Washington, Congress recognizes the urgency of finding a cure. An additional $425 million has been designated for Alzheimer’s research in 2019, bringing the National Institutes of Health total Alzheimer’s research budget to $2.3 billion.

• Currently, there are more than 250 clinical trials focused on Alzheimer’s dementia. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website (www.alz.org) for more information.

• The first Alzheimer’s survivor is out there. Together we will find a cure.

Douglas County Health Center focuses on the needs of our community, NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

45

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BRIDGE to BETTER LIVING especially individuals who might fall through the cracks of today’s fragmented healthcare system.

4. What You Can Do Dementia victims lose their sense of purpose while they are on this path.

So, take time to give them back their sense of purpose. Embrace the moments, no matter how small. Remember, this can be a long journey.

The better you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for your loved one.

Caring for a person with a form of dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you help provide the daily care (assisting with meals and bathing), participate in the decision making (care arrangements and legal/financial plans), or you simply care about a person with the disease, there’s much to do and plenty to know—but finding the resources and support you need doesn’t have to be a burden.

An individual with advanced dementia cannot report their symptoms. As a result, these symptoms are often left untreated, leaving them vulnerable to pain, difficulty breathing, and various other conditions. This is where hospice and in-home health care can help!

Hospice care is not just for the person who’s facing a life limiting illness, but it includes their family as well. The benefits of hospice to families include: • Respite care so families can take a break.

• Someone to stay with the patient while the caregiver goes to lunch, shopping, etc.

• Volunteers who can assist with errands, lend a listening ear, or simply give a hug.

• Advice on practical matters related to care giving.

“We are the only home health provider to offer the services of a dedicated Live Telehealth and Triage Nurse, through which you gain an additional point of contact and support that’s especially important to the more than 60% of our patients who are identified as high risk,” discloses Jim Laughlin with Home Nursing with Heart. “Beyond the physical aspects of medical care, you and your family have access to resources

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and the support of a Home Nursing With Heart medical social worker. With our medical social worker, you can address any unique social, financial, and psychological challenges you may be facing during this journey.”

Aside from hospice care and the available resources in the community, there are things you can do to ensure your loved one is safe.

Since there are so many risk factors associated with a disease like dementia, try to take all precautions you can think of. For example, put everyday items in plain sight and easily Jim Laughlin accessible places so that your loved one doesn’t Home Nursing with Heart have to search around for what they need.

If you find yourself worrying all the time about your loved one, MediGuardUSA can provide your family 24/7 peace of mind.

MediGuardUSA offers additional accessories to their customizable medical alert system to ensure extra protection throughout the home. Of these accessories, the water level detector and smoke/CO detectors can relieve anxiety you have as the main caretaker. The water level detector will notify in the event of a flood due to an overflow of bathtub, sink, or even a washing machine. When the presence of water is detected, this unit will send a signal to a MediGuardUSA responder who will then contact the caregiver or neighbor. The emergency response smoke and CO detectors plays a similar role in the home of someone with dementia or a restricting illness/injury. Having a smoke and CO detector that is monitored assures that help will be notified in a timely manner. Individuals with hearing loss or dementia might be unwarned or confused by a normal smoke detector, so this can be the most important accessories to have.

5. Choosing The Best Care There are many different options available for care when it comes to treating memory loss. The most important thing for readers to know is the vast and varied resources available to assist with dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

It is important to access the most appropriate services at the most appropriate time, while anticipating future needs. There are services designed for in-home care, assisted living services, and skilled care.

There are also a plethora of resources available to answer questions or provide individualized information or the family members.

While memory care is expensive, it is an investment that allows your loved one to really enjoy their life as much as possible. Being in an assisted living community with memory care allows families to navigate down the line when the added care is needed.

“We help families find the safest and best memory care communities based on the individuals needs, wants, finances, and overall situation,” explains Theron Ahlman with CarePatrol of Nebraska. “Our services are always 100% free to those we help, which is great as it makes it a no-brainer to utilize our services and knowledge when working through this challenging time.

We find a lot of families who are struggling at home and the caregiver ends up not being Theron Ahlman in good health themselves. Nothing is worse than getting a call where the caregiver had CarePatrol of Nebraska to go to the hospital and now we are in an emergency situation, trying to find a community to care for the individual with dementia. We can help families in those emergency situations, but much prefer to help families walk through the process without a rush so they can really make sure they find the best fit.

At CarePatrol, we really recommend families going through the struggle of a loved one with memory issues to join a support group and get the extra help they need to make life as simple as it possibly can be for them. We also have many different educational cards that we are glad to send out to families for free and are always willing to sit down and visit with a family to go over the various options they have. CarePatrol can help make this challenging time be a little easier.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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EOY BUSINESS SPENDING If you’re a business owner, nothing sounds like nails on a chalkboard more than money going to waste. This is why end of year business spending is so important to be aware of and prepared for.

Basically, the more income you have left over after factoring in all eligible deductions, exemptions, and credits, the more money your business will owe in federal income tax. So, after analyzing your activity for the current year and discussing projections for the upcoming year, you’ll need to decide if it makes sense to spend any “extra” money before the end of the year to save on taxes.

We urge companies to consider the following: Goals—Look at goals from last year and future goals. Understanding business goals will help determine what year-end spending options are the most practical and beneficial. Reference what worked and didn’t work in the previous year.

Strategy—Note that $1 spent does not equal $1 worth of tax saved.

Expenditures correlate into deductions, and businesses should never spend money on things they don’t need just to increase deductions. However, if there are purchases that need to be made on things that will improve operations, those are smart purchases to make ahead of time in order

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to take the deduction in the current tax year. These options can include purchasing new equipment, paying expenses ahead of time, paying out bonuses, and setting up or putting money into a retirement plan.

If the current year has higher income compared to what the business owner thinks it will be in the future years, then paying ahead can benefit a cash-basis business for the current year to offset the higher income. It really depends on the goals the business is trying to achieve.

As an advertising tool ourselves, we think that another wise investment to make in your business is in your marketing. How are you currently promoting yourself? Is it working? How could it improve?

Advertising is an area that many businesses and organizations tend to overlook. You can do awesome work and provide the best services on the market, but if no one knows who you are, what’s the point? That is why marketing is so important.

“It’s all about brand recognition,” Shana Boyd with Eleven Twenty-Three acknowledges. “There are a lot of companies that need to be more creative and efficient with their advertising dollars. We know this can be a hard process to dive into, but that is why our agency is here to help.

Eleven Twenty-Three is a strategic creative and media planning company.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

We’re personable and practical, and we like to take it back to the basics. Advertising is actually really simple, it just seems daunting because the world we live in is not simple. It’s not just TV and newspaper anymore. Today’s advertising is segmented and takes a professional team to navigate the gauntlet of options out there.

Investing money at the end of the year on building your brand as a business might be the best thing you do.”

If you’re simply overwhelmed by all the details that go into producing and placing your Shana Boyd advertising, leaving you with inconsistencies in Eleven Twenty-Three your brand representation, let us help.

At Eleven Twenty-Three, we’ll generate fresh, new ideas for your advertising and our team of highly trained specialists will work alongside you to grow your business, like we’ve done for so many other of our amazing clients in Omaha.”

Like Shana said, our world is evolving, and with this evolution comes advances in technology. Is your business keeping up with all the changes?

“When the size and complexity of a business grows, so does its need for technology.

Now is the time to align business processes with effective technology,” Adam Walter with Virtual C confirms. “Considering that technology is heavily influencing virtually everything about how we run our businesses, leveraging your leftover dollars from 2018 in this area will yield returns in years to come.

Virtual C can help businesses plan out their IT budget for 2019 so they can adjust accordingly when deciding how much to spend and how Adam Walter much to save. If your company operates on a Virtual C cash basis for tax purposes and your profits seem likely to be higher in 2019 than in previous years, you may want to defer revenue during the last part of the year as a way of reducing your 2019 taxable income. At Virtual C, our mission is to be an unbiased partner to your organization. We want to help guide your technology strategy and implementation to keep your business optimal.”

Organizing your statements and accounts to financially prepare for your year-end taxes can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing. A lot of small businesses don’t have someone on their team dedicated to the accounting side of things; it’s usually one of the owners who has probably had to teach themselves everything they know, which can leave room for error. That is why CFO Systems exists.

“We provide financial assistance on timeshare, or ‘fractional’ basis, to serve the middle market entities that need strong leadership at times when it is most crucial (like the end of the year) rather than full-time,” explains Brett Frevert with CFO Systems. “Our clients rely on our professionals to be part of their executive team, providing financial leadership, including supporting current CFOs in times when additional expertise is needed. We offer guidance in the accounting and administrative departments, lender, or auditor relations Brett Frevert and sourcing of external experts, including CFO Systems attorneys, benefits advisors, etc.”

On a final note, we’d like to encourage our readers to consider contributing to charity with the money their business has left over at the end of the year. Charitable giving is a social responsibility that all businesses have, and it can also provide your business with a fair tax deduction.

EOY business spending is a matter of what to spend and what not to spend. Then, it becomes a matter of how much to spend and what to spend it on. So, before you start throwing your money at things left and right, it’s important to work closely with a professional to determine your strategy moving forward.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Fractional, part-time, or interim financial and HR leadership We are a team of entrepreneurs driving client success by providing access to expertise that helps them grow through objective leadership, partnerships, strategy, and creativity.

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“No hype, no BS; just straightforward lean & agile technology advice.”

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Contact us today! Info@VirtualC.Biz | www.VirtualC.Biz NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

CELEBRATING ONE YEAR IN OMAHA!

Real Property Management (RPM) Legacy is a full-servce real estate brokerage firm founded with the goal to protect your investment, minimize your costs, and maximize your income— without interrupting your daily life.

Jean Duffy

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

What We Do Our approach is simple. We take the hassle out of managing residential properties. We do this by providing professional, trustworthy property management services, from tenant screening to leasing to maintenance to evictions. Whether you are an investor with several rental homes or an unintentional landlord, we have your solution.

Properties We Manage We take care of all types of residential rental properties for our clients — houses, condos, multiplexes such as duplex and triplexes, and even small apartment complexes.

Three shared goals that guide the RPM Legacy team include:

1

To live up to our motto every day: “Service is primary to our business.”

2 To increase integrity and value of our owners’ properties.

3 To continue to provide the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and customer service in our day-to-day operations.

“

James Duffy

Carmela Kramer

Tracy Daley

We care about the owners and tenants that we serve and are happy to communicate with them. We have gained 10 new properties during our first year with more coming on and expect to continue. There was a tremendous amount of work in the beginning to get it to where we are today.

“

Real Property Management (RPM) Legacy is celebrating it’s first anniversary of business in Omaha under new owners, Jean and James Duffy.

Last fall, after Jean left the corporate world, taking with her a career spanning 30 years, the Duffys decided to open their own independent office in Omaha and haven’t looked back since!

The RPM Legacy team includes: Jean and James Duffy, Carmela Kramer, and Tracy Daley. These four key team members take a look back at the enjoyment and growth they have experienced this year: Jean Duffy, president of RPM Legacy, said she enjoys the “independence of owning her own business; dealing with the dayto-day challenges and the reaping in the satisfaction that comes.”

Jean likes being her own boss and having the opportunity to learn more about the different areas of Omaha.

James Duffy, co-owner and security advisor of RPM Legacy, (who often goes by the name “Jim”) enjoys working and interacting with owners and tenants. He is also grateful that he has the opportunity to work in the field rather than in an office.

Carmela Kramer, designated real estate broker for RPM Legacy, is a licensed broker with over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. She is certified in VAPro (Veterans specialization in real estate) and SRS (certified sellers agent). She “enjoys providing assistance to owners, tenants, sellers, and vendors.”

Tracy Daley, administrative assistant for RPM Legacy, enjoys having the “ability to work in a fast-paced environment.” She hopes to continue in this role and expand her experience in the real estate field.

Get the most out of your rental property with the trusted leaders at RPM Legacy. Call today!

(402) 905-0459 | 14245 S St., Omaha, NE | www.RealPMLegacy.com | info@RealPMLegacy.com

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Strictly Business NOVEMBER 2018

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

F

REMEMBERING

ALL

WHO

SERVED

World War I—known at the time as “The Great War”—officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans.” With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

PRESENTED

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

B Y:

(402) 597-6683 www.TwoMenAndATruckOmaha.com

(Source: www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.as) Members of our United States military play a vital part in their respective communities in addition to their invaluable role in serving our country.

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.

At Strictly Business, we believe it is not only important to honor the military men and women who have given their life to defend our country, but also the veterans who were able to walk away after fulfilling their duties, making many sacrifices of their own.

Have you thanked a Veteran lately?

This Veterans Day, take the time to say thank you to the vet in your life, whether they’re a family member, friend, co-worker, neighbor, or even a stranger in uniform who you may pass on the street. If it weren’t for their service, the United States wouldn’t be the great, free nation that it is today.

Please join us in extending our tremendous gratitude and appreciation to all of the past, present, and future members of our military.

Thank you Veterans we honor you as our nation’s heroes and you are never forgotten.

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

NOVEMBER 2018 Strictly Business

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