Strictly Business Omaha - April 2022

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

OMAHA • APRIL 2022 TM

Welcome to

OMAHA Professional Realty Group • Spring Landscaping • Unplanned Life Changes • Women-Owned Businesses

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS

• Dean Snyder Construction • Meza Gardens and Design • Destination: Keystone

RIVER CITY SIX

IN THIS ISSUE

of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

ADAM STEINSPRING Big Birge Plumbing

AUDREY PECHA CCA Home Care

JOE BANNWARTH Farris Engineering

LOWELL FERGUSON Pinnacle Bank

MICHAEL COLLINS Cox Business

TAYLAR MASON Clearwater Counseling, PC

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Dean Snyder Construction Bringing More Than 60 Years of Construction Experience to Omaha Fareway Meat Market DSC helped Fareway Stores, Inc. open a unique experience for their customers with the construction of a new stand-alone meat market in Omaha. Known for their quality meats, this 6,000-square-foot full-service store offers Fareway customers a one-stop shop for their meal needs.

Iowa-based Dean Snyder Construction (DSC) is proud to be entering the Omaha market with over 60 years of experience backed by the traits of hard work, straight talk, owner involvement, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. Since their start in 1958, DSC has grown to include ATURA architecture, providing design and architectural services to the public and private sectors in Iowa and Nebraska; and DSC Industrial Group, experts dedicated to design, project management, and construction in the food and beverage processing industry. In addition to their new Omaha office, DSC has locations in Clear Lake and Ankeny, IA. With second-generation ownership and thirdgeneration involvement, DSC cares about their company, employees, and clients. They take pride in delivering quality service and craftsmanship, on time and within your budget. Should you choose DSC, your final project will exceed your expectations both today and 50 years from now.

While DSC’s roots are in general construction, they’ve developed design and construction expertise in several markets, which include: Food and Beverage Processing Healthcare Industrial Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Commercial

East Penn Manufacturing DSC crews built a new 208,000 SF addition to East Penn Manufacturing in Corydon, IA, tripling the size of the facility and quadrupling their potential battery output.

Kraft Heinz DSC provided preliminary design, costestimating, engineering, general construction, and commissioning services for the Kraft Heinz Wausau facility to operate new processing requirements for a new formulation of the Kraft Cheese powder. This project was awarded the 2021 Manufacturing Innovation Award from ProFood World.

www.deansnyder.com | (402) 509-4810 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Clear Lake | Ankeny | Omaha APRIL 2022 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Tripped Up on Tracking From gas at the pump to meat at the grocery store, everything seems to be getting more expensive, including the cost of advertising. This means that business owners and marketers have to be extra conscious of how they are allocating their marketing budget. Tracking seems to be the answer. However, while I agree that some tracking is good and should be factored in to your marketing decisions, there isn’t a single ad platform, analytics tool, automation system, or CRM that will give you 100% perfect data. There are also certain marketing tactics that are easier to track than others, such as digital vs. print, but that doesn’t make harder-to-track tactics void or worthless. You can’t track credibility, likability, and reputation.

Let’s say you’re currently investing in both digital and traditional marketing.

You are running an ad on Google and you’re also running an ad in Strictly Business—or any other local business publication! A person sees your ad in the magazine and reads your press release or quote in a story. They don’t currently need your product or service, so they don’t pick up the phone right then and there to make an appointment or put in an order. A couple of months later, they do need your product or service, so they get on Google to do some searching. They come across your Google ad, which makes them recall learning about you in Strictly Business, so they click on the ad to visit your website. This ends up in a sale or, at the very least, a hot lead. What marketing medium gets the credit in this scenario? Technically, both mediums should get credit—Google put your business in front of the customer’s face when they needed it, but sharing your story in Strictly Business is what established the trust in your brand and, ultimately, tipped the scale in your favor over your competition. However, the data won’t tell you the full story.

How could it? Trust me, I wish there was a way to know every time this very scenario has happened so I could put the data-dependent minds at ease.

Using coupon codes or special phone numbers to track your traditional marketing efforts isn’t an error-proof plan either. Chances are, if a person sees your ad in a magazine, on a billboard, or through sponsorships (typically with repetition), and they decide they want to hire you or buy what you’re selling, they’re going

to get on their phone or computer and type your name into Google.

From there, they’ll call or visit your website (which is why it’s so important to have a good website!). So unless you are extra vigilant about asking every person who does business with you why they chose you, how can you accurately track those marketing avenues? Even if you do have a system set up to get this feedback from customers, you’re not going to get perfect results because people often just cite their last impression, when really there were a couple of factors that influenced their decision.

If you’re dead set on relying on data for your click and conversion tracking, and have therefore given up on traditional marketing, please at least be aware of all the common discrepancies that exist between platforms such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Facebook Ads. Take the time to educate yourself on what the numbers you’re looking at actually mean. Also, depending on the types of digital ad campaigns you opt in for, keep in mind that there’s no guarantee that those ads will end up in front of real people. They might, instead, end up being served to bots or other “non-human signals.” This is known as ad fraud, and there are a lot of statistics out there that will shock you. For example, according to the Statista Research Department, the 2021 cost of digital ad fraud worldwide was estimated at 65 billion U.S. dollars. That is approximately half of what is spent on digital advertising in the United States annually. In 2021, PPC Protect found that 36% of display ad clicks were fraudulent or invalid.

The reason I’m addressing this topic is not to convince you to stop tracking altogether or to stop doing digital ads—I’m addressing it because it genuinely makes me sad to see businesses, especially local businesses here in Omaha, get so tripped up on tracking their ROI that they overlook some of the tried and true traditional marketing methods.

Something my husband Shayne and I like to say is that the real ROI is Return on Integrity. It’s hard to build trust through an ad alone, which is why Strictly Business offers our clients so much more. We are in the business in telling stories and helping other local businesses gain credibility and a good reputation in print, online, and on social media. Let’s talk if you want to learn more!

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 23 Personnel

28 Nonprofit 34 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

1 Dean Snyder Construction 22 Meza Gardens and Design 35 Destination: Keystone

FEATURE STORIES 36 Spring Landscaping 38 Unplanned Life Changes 44 Women-Owned Businesses

Hannah

Derek

Devyn

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Derek Nosbisch - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@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 ©2022 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

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Strictly Business APRIL 2022

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ABOUT THE COVER

OMAHA WELCOMES PROFESSIONAL REALTY GROUP OF BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES Throughout his eight years in real estate, Ben Bleicher has blazed his way to becoming one of the most recognized and respected names in the game. Ben took the real estate market in Lincoln by storm in 2018 when he established the Professional Realty Group (PRG). He took this step because he understands the value of teaming up with other agents like himself—dedicated and experienced professionals who are in constant pursuit of the knowledge and connections it takes to most benefit the client—and his next step takes this initiative to the next level...and beyond the bounds of Lincoln! While the PRG name remains the same, Ben and his team will now be a part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) enterprise.

The purpose of this expansion is for PRG to begin moving into other cities and states, bringing back the tradition of professionalism in the areas they expand into. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is the Brokerage partner that allows this expansion to take shape on a national level, therefore, PRG’s first office expansion will be in Omaha at the BHHS Ambassador office in the Village Pointe Plaza, with more offices to come in the very near future.

“This expansion has been two years in the making, as we had to make sure all bases were covered before moving forward to protect our greatest assets: our loyal clients and dedicated agents,” said Ben. “We will still offer the same outstanding service and expertise that I’ve guaranteed my clients for nearly a decade, but the expansion will bridge partnerships with ultra experienced agents from multiple brokerages and diverse backgrounds, to even better serve our clientele. PRG will continue to offer assistance with buying and selling residential, commercial, new construction, leasing, and investments.”

Ultimately, Ben decided to join Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices because he recognizes that the market is changing dramatically.

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“The economic market, real estate tech, and the realtor industry, in general, is trending rapidly towards less effective firms being propped up by big-tech companies, whereas we consider ourselves at PRG to be professionals trained in marketing, contracts, negotiations, and technology, making us fiduciaries to our clients and not just a salesperson,” said Ben. Ben is joined by his wife, Andrea Bleicher, along with Amy Gewecke and Mark Salak from the PRG team. They have combined forces with Danny Poethig, and Prior Kats & Associates Team Leader Derek Kats and his team of agents, Amy Briggs, Carie Leyden, David Kim, and Leane Loofe, along with his staff members Brenda Carlson, Stacey Seuferer, and Marklyn Brabac, all of whom come from their own decorated careers in real estate, for support and long-term partnership.

“Our success has always hinged upon having experienced and aggressive agents, but also through extremely high-level support staff that keeps the wheels turning smoothly behind the scenes,” said Ben. “Real estate is such an important investment—usually the most expensive investment a person makes. Consumers deserve protection, expertise, and a team that genuinely cares.”

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He wants to reposition the PRG team with new tools and techniques to combat the traditional model of being reliant on Zillow or Big Tech which has watered down our industry. PRG is here to be at the forefront of a shift back to realtors being fiduciaries as opposed to just “door openers”.

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

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com APRIL 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Gain Member Benefits through Center Sphere’s Free with Three Membership Perks

Heartland Women’s Network Selects RMHC Omaha as Nonprofit Partner of the Year

The Free with Three membership perk by Center Sphere is a great way to build your network while keeping your membership fees at a minimum. With Free with Three, you can pay once and then never pay again through the referral of new members!

Members who refer three paid members to The Network will receive a free one year membership upon renewal due date if they choose to redeem. One year of free membership will be granted for every three paid members referred. There is no limit to how many free memberships a member may earn as long as membership profile remains active. Learn more about Center Sphere’s membership benefits at centersphere.com/member-perks.

Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Omaha Network is currently made up of nearly 40 chapters and has access to members nationwide.

For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere. com or connect with Omaha Market President Martina Niemeyer at Martina@CenterSphere.com / (402) 536-0289.

Each year, Heartland Women’s Network (HWN) selects a nonprofit organization to support both financially and through volunteer opportunities for members, and they are pleased to announce that they have chosen Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Omaha as its nonprofit partner for 2022. Emily Mozer, director of corporate social responsibility for RMHC Omaha, will be the guest speaker at HWN’s April 19 luncheon.

NBDC’s Meet the Buyers Conference Set for April 19-20, Yields Opportunities The Meet the Buyers conference, sponsored by t h e N e b r a s k a Business Development Center (NBDC), gives business owners and their leadership unique opportunities to present products and services to local, state, and federal agencies; prime contractors; and other businesses. The annual conference will begin with a virtual event on April 19, followed by an in-person event April 20 at the Thompson Alumni Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus, 6705 Dodge St. Kelly Tvrdy Benes is the founder and CEO of Shadow Tool Systems.

Her company has created the Shadow Tool Staging System product lines that revolutionize tool accessibility and control in order to reduce physical strain and increase workflow for mechanics in a variety of industries. Benes has attended a Meet the Buyers conference, where she received feedback from potential buyers.

“It has led to preliminary talks with one large company,” she said.

“I also talked with others attending the conference and made connections with a government sales team. Overall, the conference was well worth my time.”

Agencies participating in the conference include Kiewit, Union Pacific, The Department of Veterans Affairs, University of Nebraska Procurement, and many more. For more information, contact NBDC Consultant Daniel Kuchar at dckuchar@unomaha.edu / (402) 554-6270.

The Nebraska Business Development Center began as one of eight University Business Development Centers in 1977 and has grown to a platform of services and programs that support business development and growth across Nebraska. To learn more about NBDC, visit nbdc.unomaha.edu.

4 Strictly Business APRIL 2022

RMHC Omaha serves families with kids who have been diagnosed with medical issues that are sometimes rare, sometimes chronic, and sometimes both. Often, they are hundreds of miles from home. The house has 40 guest rooms, offers a welcoming place to stay, and provides families with a sense normalcy. Laundry facilities, meals, help with schoolwork, places to hang out and watch movies or play games, and assistance with managing finances are among the services offered.

Heartland Women’s Network provides the structure for women from all walks of life to grow professionally and personally. Monthly events feature engaging speakers on topics of interest to members, along with networking opportunities. Luncheons include time for networking and are open to non-members. To register for the April event, learn more about the organization, and/or find out how to become a member, go to www.heartlandwomensnetwork.com or connect with Heartland Women’s Network on social media.

Cox Edge Brings the Cloud Closer through Ultra-Low Latency Compute Solutions Last year Cox announced the launch of Cox Edge, a full stack edge-cloud computing service, powered by their network. Cox Edge delivers ultra-low latency compute solutions, helping customers to improve application performance and to reduce cloud transport and on-premise infrastructure costs.

The shape of the internet is evolving. Increasingly immersive digital experiences require faster application performance and response times to delight consumers. New innovations can benefit from bringing compute power closer to the action – to where users are engaging and to where sensor data is being created. Cox Edge, with last mile edge locations and a global network, brings compute resources closer to users and businesses. This can help reduce cloud transport costs, improve application resiliency and continuity, reduce latency to deliver near real-time application performance, and provide better overall security.

Across all industries, companies are creating applications and user experiences that require workloads to be processed at the edge to unlock new levels of performance, and Cox is proud to deliver these powerful services to developers and enterprises as a telecommunications provider, leveraging their network’s proximity to businesses and consumers. The offerings include Virtual Compute, Storage, Bare Metal, Edge CDN, Distributed Database services, Serverless computing, Distributed Containers, and Enterprise Kubernetes. These services are offered through an integrated user experience so that developers can easily augment their cloud or on-premise deployments with edge capabilities.

For more information about Cox, visit cox.com. To learn more about Cox Edge, go to www.coxedge.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Manmann Asphalt Utilizes Innovative Software Services to Transform Client Engagement

UNICO Group Named 2021 Agency of the Year by Accident Fund Insurance Company

Leading asphalt contractor Manmann Asphalt has announced the deployment of ProSiteAudit, a cloudbased inspection and inventory tool, and Pavement Layers, another cloud-based tool that enables better oversight on projects, to drive transparency in operations and elevate customers’ experience with the company.

ProSiteAudit impresses with features such as mobile inspections, realtime snapshots, inventory management, and reporting and analytics.

Its most distinctive feature is the ability to connect with the software through any device, offering a lot of flexibility to the end-user.

Meanwhile, Pavement Layers enables full control over the business through its easy-to-use features such as managing leads, prospects, proposals, sales pipeline, creating estimates, etc.

Headquartered in Omaha, Manmann Asphalt is recognized as a one-stop-shop that provides services ranging from slab repair and replacement, to seal coating and striping for commercial projects, to crack filling and repair, to pothole repairs. Manmann Asphalt has so far delivered on over 600 projects and has always been recognized as the trusted partner, delivering supreme quality on each task.

Quality product, honest service, and great value are the cornerstones of the business and the team strives to deliver the best results with each project. Learn more at manmannasphalt.com.

UNICO Group has been recognized as the 2021 Agency of the Year by Accident Fund Insurance Company of America.

“UNICO is proud of the reputation we’ve built with our carrier partners,” said Ric Stoakes, executive vice president. “Our team strives to create connections that go beyond professional and go deeper to personal, compassionate, and fun.

We value our partnership with Accident Fund and their undertaking in providing our clients with personalized solutions and first-class service.”

“UNICO has been a tremendous, long-term partner of Accident Fund – a partnership that has demonstrated a mutual commitment to keeping the workplaces of our shared customers safe and productive,” said Steve Cooper, president of AF Group’s Workers’ Compensation Division. “We also share a common desire to do what’s right for the businesses we insure and to make a lasting impact upon the communities where we work and live.”

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America is a member of AF Group. Insurance policies may be issued by any of the following companies within the AF Group: Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, Accident Fund National Insurance Company, Accident Fund General Insurance Company, United Wisconsin Insurance Company, Third Coast Insurance Company, or CompWest Insurance Company.

Learn more at accidentfund.com.

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Lincoln. Their consultative and relational approach develops customized solutions for clients all around the nation. Learn more at unicogroup.com.

Vic Gutman & Associates Announces Summer 2022 Event Lineup Vic Gutman & Associates (VGA) is pleased to announce their summer 2022 events! This summer’s lineup includes: The Omaha Farmers Market is back again for another season, with its opening weekend May 7-8. Returning to the streets of the Old Market, the Saturday Market runs May 7 to October 15 from 8 a.m. – noon.

The Sunday Market will return to the streets of Aksarben Village, running May 8 to October 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. More information at www.omahafarmersmarket.org.

Big things are in store for the 48th Annual Omaha Summer Arts Festival! In its first in-person event since 2019, the Festival will take place Friday, June 10 through Sunday, June 12. This threeday event will feature 135 artists, local musicians, delicious food, fun children’s activities, and more all at its new home of Aksarben Village! More information at www.summerarts.org.

Celebrate America with the City of Omaha! The annual City of Omaha Celebrates America Concert will be Friday, July 22. The concert will feature headliner Sheryl Crow along with special guest Dave Mason and local opener Da Crabby Blues Band, as well as a spectacular firework show. For more information, visit www.memorialparkconcert.com.

Vic Gutman & Associates is an Omaha-based company specializing in fundraising, events, and communications for nonprofit organizations. Since 1978, VGA has been dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and vibrant community for all by producing exceptional public events in Omaha. Learn more at vgagroup.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

100% Patriot. Not a PoliticiaN.

A native Nebraskan with a 27 year career as a firefighter, Bob has spent the past two years fighting tirelessly on the frontline holding government officials accountable for their actions.

Join the fight at robertjborer.com *Paid for by Robert J. Borer for Secretary of State*

APRIL 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS REI to Open Store in Gretna in Fall 2022 Specialty outdoor retailer REI Co-op will open its first Nebraska store in Gretna at Nebraska Crossing this fall. The location will offer a wide assortment of apparel, gear, and expertise for camping, cycling, running, fitness, hiking, snow sports, climbing, and more. For those who adventure on two wheels, a full-service bike shop will be staffed by certified mechanics.

“With nearly 21,000 REI members in the state, the co-op has long wanted to better serve those customers and support the outdoor community. REI Gretna will be a centralized location to serve Lincoln, Omaha, and those who visit the area to enjoy the endless outdoor opportunities,” said Janet Hopkins, REI regional director. “As we do in every region where we have a presence, we will develop partnerships with local outdoor nonprofits to support efforts to protect natural places and welcome more people outside.”

As the country’s largest consumer co-op, anyone is welcome to shop and tap into the company’s resources in support of an active lifestyle. Members who join the co-op enjoy a range of benefits, including a used gear trade-in program; discounts on rentals, shop services, and experiences; a share of the co-op’s annual profits based on qualifying purchases; and more.

REI expects to hire approximately 50 employees for REI Gretna.

Candidates interested in joining the REI team can apply online at REI.com/jobs.

REI is the nation’s largest consumer co-op. There are 174 locations in 41 states and the District of Columbia. If you can’t visit a store, you can shop at REI.com, the REI Outlet at www.rei.com/rei-garage, or the REI shopping app.

Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha Celebrates Four Years In Marc h, Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha celebrated four years of serving the local community!

The senior living care service is owned by Nikki Wulff.

Nikki established an Assisted Living Locators franchise in Omaha after acknowledging the huge need for a senior referral and placement service in the local area. Her business provides services in the Greater Omaha Metro area. Nikki is Dementia Care Certified®, a designation that represents her dedication to the senior industry and to senior health. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and her background includes a successful career in telecommunications and healthcare.

Assisted Living Locators is a community-oriented service that allows you to focus on the best care options, information, and resources available to you in finding care for your loved one. Nikki works with you closely to guide you through the process from beginning to end, answering your questions and addressing your concerns to help you feel confident and comfortable with your decisions. Without cost or obligation, and with no contract to sign, you can depend on Nikki to make finding an ideal community as simple and fast as possible. To learn more, visit assistedlivinglocators.com/omaha or contact Nikki at (402) 926-9505 / nikkiw@assistedlivinglocators.com.

Nebraska Shakespeare Announces Leadership Changes, Upcoming Events

O ma ha West Now Open!

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Locations in: Omaha West, Papillion, and Omaha North Find out more at: Mathnasium.com

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Strictly Business APRIL 2022

In response to the past couple o f ye a r s, t h e N eb ra s k a Shakespeare Board of Directors decided to make some changes in order to begin work on building a new Nebraska Shakespeare. To begin, they conducted a national search for new leadership and ultimately hired Omaha native Tyrone Beasley to serve as artistic director and Brett A. Bernardini to serve as executive director. They join Lara Marsh, director of production, who was already in place.

Over the past seven months, the new leadership has created a transformational 10-year vision; a bold new EDIAB (Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Belonging) plan to change the organization’s culture; revised their vision, mission, and values; and even secured new offices at Millworks Commons. In addition, the Board of Directors is expanding its membership and is welcoming resumes for potential new members.

Nebraska Shakespeare is also pleased to share their upcoming events.

They will be bringing back their signature FREE event this coming summer at Elmwood Park, Shakespeare on the Green, beginning in June. In addition, they will be expanding their state-wide fall educational tour.

They will also offer a two-week summer youth educational program, Camp Shakespeare, in July. Registration information can be found at nebraskashakespeare.org. Advertising and sponsorship opportunities for these events are also currently available.

Learn more about Nebraska Shakespeare at nebraskashakespeare. com. For more information on upcoming events, please contact Executive Director Brett Bernardini at bbernardini@nebraskashakespeare.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Best Care EAP’s April Webinar Highlights “The Diversity Dividend” Please join Best Care EAP for their next monthly series webinar, “The Diversity Dividend,” on Tuesday, April 20, from 9–10 a.m. This webinar will feature David Dechant, Best Care EAP Training consultant.

More and more organizations are recognizing the potential for increased productivity, profitability, innovation, and employee engagement by creating a truly diverse, inclusive workforce.

This presentation has been designed to help you reap the “diversity dividend” by clarifying: • What is meant by diversity and inclusion • Why diversity and inclusion matter • Some of the challenges involved in creating a diverse and inclusive organization • How to make diversity and inclusion a priority To register, go to the training and events tab at bestcareeap.org, email Best Care EAP at EAP@BestCareEAP.org, or call (402) 354-8000.

Best Care EAP offers emotional/mental health support to your employees, helping them focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get too overwhelming. Additionally, Best Care offers a number of professional development options, performance coaching, and leadership training to help your organization be the best that it can be. Learn more about Best Care EAP at www.BestCareEAP.org.

Prairie Meadows to Host 80s Bar Crawl April 28 to Support Alzheimer’s Association Pull out your best 80’s outfit that’s still buried in your closet and show it off at the Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center’s bar crawl on Thursday, April 28. The bar crawl will last from 4:30 to 7 p.m. and the money raised will go to support the Alzheimer’s Association. Registration will be from 4 to 4:30 p.m. at Capitol District Courtyard by Annie’s Irish Pub, 1101 Davenport St. The bar crawl will be comprised of teams of four. Need help pairing up with a team? Let Marketing Director Don Woods know and he can help you find the best match.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the bar crawl are also encouraged to reach out to Don, who can be contacted at marketing@ prairiemeadowsseniorliving.com / (402) 391-2790. RSVPs and payments are due one week before the event on Thursday, April 21.

Prairie Meadows encourages each participant to donate $25 or each team to donate $100 through their team page for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which can be found by either scanning the QR code above or by visiting act.alz.org under “Walk to End Alzhiemer’s”. Help Prairie Meadows reach their $10,000 goal!

Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a memory-care facility with 66 beds in four types of apartment-style housing— private deluxe, private, semi-private (just shared bathroom), and companion rooms—and a nurse at the facility around the clock. They use a “Meaningful Moments” program to help get to know residents by learning their life stories and finding out their preferences, likes, dislikes, and cherished memories. Prairie Meadows then incorporates that information into their everyday care. For more information, visit prairiemeadowsseniorliving.com or call (402) 391-2790. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Centris and The 712 Initiative Present 50th Anniversary of Celebrate CB Celebrate CB week, presented by Centris First F ederal Credit Union, will be held May 9-15.

The 712 Initiative and par tners are pleased to announce this year’s 50th anniversary parade theme is “Going for the Gold”. Celebrate CB is Council Bluffs’ longeststanding community event.

The parade features over 100 entries and sees about 10,000 attendees annually. This year, they will bring back the River City Carnival, which will be held in Bayliss Park Thursday–Sunday of Celebrate CB week.

In addition to the 50th anniversary, it is also an Olympic year.

Three notable athletes from Council Bluffs will be recognized as Grand Marshalls for the parade: Thomas Gilman, a bronze medalist in wrestling at the 2020 Olympic games; David Kjeldgaard, a National Wrestling Hall of Famer; and Josh Turke, a four-time Paralympian in Wheelchair Basketball.

“We are thrilled to bring Celebrate CB back and to celebrate an incredible 50 years of this event while also recognizing our hometown world athletes,” stated Sheryl Garst, CEO of The 712 Initiative. “Council Bluffs Community Schools created this celebration to instill community pride with the school children. 2022 is a year to celebrate on how far we have come as a community, honoring our past and celebrating each other and this wonderful community we call home.”

The 2022 lineup include a Mayors Proclamation on May 9; Clean Sweep, a community-wide spring cleaning, on May 10; a Scavenger Hunt throughout the week; Farmer’s Market on May 12; a Carnival May 12-15 located north part of Bayliss Park; Agriculture Cookout on May 13, and the Celebrate CB Parade on May 14. For times and more information about these activities, go to the712initiative.org/events/celebrate-cb. Registration for the parade ends May 1.

The 712 Initiative exists to “put Council Bluffs on the map” through effective partnerships and promotion of existing program. Learn more at the712initiative.org. Any questions about Celebrate CB can be sent to info@the712initiative.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS DES Employment Group Experiences Immense Growth A local franchise of Omaha, DES Employment Group, is pleased to announce their company’s rapid growth through the hiring of several new internal employees and the expansion of their office space with the purchase of an additional storefront to their current location at 3318 N 108th St. The company, as a whole, has also been quickly expanding through the addition of numerous new team members, establishing new franchise locations, and expanding the size of their offices.

DES Employment Group specializes in creating custom staffing solutions to fit your business’s ideal candidate for temp-to-hire and directhire positions. They have helped a variety of partners throughout the Omaha area fill positions ranging from general labor such as housekeeping and window technicians, to higher-paying positions such as maintenance supervisor and local magazine editors. DES refers to themselves as an employment group rather than a staffing company because they believe in quality over quantity and carefully vetting candidates to find a career that best fits their qualifications as well as the client’s needs. Their services are not limited to recruiting; they have outsourced employment services such as interviewing, drug-screening, payroll, and human resources. DES assumes all risks and liability through workman’s compensation and payroll taxes. DES Employment Group is dedicated to its involvement in the community and helping boost the Omaha economy by providing jobs and assistance to those in need.

Learn more at desemploymentgroup.com or call (402) 393-5700.

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True North Technologies Expands Through Suite of New Services True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based digital marketing firm founded

by Renee Sobotka, is proud to announce an expanded suite of new services!

Renee founded True North in 2019 to help small businesses improve their online presence. At first, they only offered website and mobile app development, but over the years they’ve adjusted to accommodate the growing needs of their clients. Last December, they revealed the addition of their text marketing platform. This innovative solution allows companies to reach their very own audience of loyal consumers.

The True North team understands and recognizes companies’ need for support with digital advertising. As a result, they now offer paid digital ad services on both Google and Facebook, as well as programmatic ad placements. They also expanded their branding packages to include photography, videography, and digital signage options. Add-ons like email marketing and Google review services are available, too. If you’re unsure where to get started, they’ll gladly provide a free Digital Assessment of your current marketing strategies.

True North Technologies makes marketing simple with a range of digital services. With everything from custom website and mobile app development to branding, SEO, and social media management, they can help boost your company’s online presence. Visit www.go-tnt. com or call (402) 420-5101 for more information.

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BUSINESS NEWS Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services Launches Retirement Right Blueprint Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services has launched its newest product, Retirement Right Blueprint. An extension of Mutual’s Retirement Right suite, the open architecture product leverages technology to allow employers of any size to create a retirement plan for their employees.

“We couldn’t be more excited to launch our newest product, Retirement Right Blueprint,” said Laura Huscroft, vice president of retirement services at Mutual of Omaha. “This product expands accessibility of retirement planning to employers of all sizes and can be a compelling solution for employers faced with retirement plan state mandates, as well as those searching for a customer-centric provider.”

The new product includes a variety of optional services such as 3(16), 3(21), 3(38), managed accounts, and self-directed brokerage accounts. Additional features include access to a relationship manager for all plans, regardless of asset size; accelerated plan installation; and financial wellness tools embedded in the plan sponsor, financial professional, and participant experiences.

Mutual of Omaha Retirement Services has been in the retirement services business for more than 45 years, providing retirement solutions for plan sponsors that are easy to understand and simple to administer. Mutual of Omaha also offers plan advisors support from pre-sale prospecting through plan onboarding.

Founded in 1909, Mutual of Omaha is a highly rated, Fortune 300 organization offering a variety of insurance and financial products for individuals, businesses, and groups throughout the United States. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders and committed to providing outstanding service to its customers. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.

Unison Announces Company Expansion, Establishes Second Office in Omaha Unison, the leader in residential equity agreements, announced the grand opening of a new offi ce in Omaha.

This new office expansion enables Unison to accelerate growth in sales, technology, financial services, and customer experience.

The pandemic has fundamentally changed how and where Americans work. As Unison continues to scale, expanding its US footprint remains an important part of its growth plans. In-person collaboration is core to Unison’s culture, while also offering the flexibility for remote and hybrid work, when needed. The new offi ce capitalizes on Omaha’s diverse fi nancial services and technology talent pool.

To support its growth, Unison has hired Lynette Ryan as VP of operations; she will be based in Omaha where she will oversee the growth of the office, which will ultimately have more than hundreds of employees as the company expands its team in the region.

Her role also extends as the leader of the sales, acquisition, and investment underwriting teams. Lynette is an Omaha/Council Bluffs native with nearly 15 years of experience overseeing operations and process improvement at PayPal. Additionally, as principal of LLR Operations Consulting, she helped businesses scale and launch new operations.

Unison is a San Francisco-based company that is pioneering a smarter, better way to own your home. Until now, the only way to finance a home was by taking on debt. Through residential equity agreements, they help homeowners access their equity flexibly with no monthly payments or interest. For additional information, visit www.unison.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Good Evans Opens in Omaha Good Evans has expanded to Omaha through the opening of their new location at 74th and Pacific. The official grand opening was held in late February. This location marks the brand’s third, with two other locations in Kearney and Lincoln. To celebrate, they held a VIP soft opening before the official launch to support local nonprofit Angels Among Us. Good Evans was launched in November of 2019 to bring a more chef-inspired menu and vibe to breakfast and lunch. They offer an elevated menu to the traditional breakfast and lunch offerings. Good Evans takes great care in the quality of ingredients the use and their made-from-scratch recipes. They don’t stop at the food! Their coffee is roasted in-house to keep things fresh, and they provide unique and ever-changing bean blends using beans sourced from all over the world. Good Evans has locations in Omaha, Lincoln, and Kearney. They are open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily. Visit www.goodevans. com or call the Omaha location at (402) 999-7398 to learn more.

NAWIC Celebrates Women in Construction Week in March, Recaps Events and Activities The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116 celebrated Women in Construction (WIC) Week, March 6-12, with several events and activities.

WIC Week kicked off on Sunday, March 6, with a social media TikTok challenge. Construction employees were invited to show off the office side and construction side of their work. On Monday, WIC Week entered the office and job site, and participants were encouraged to wear their NAWIC gear to show their support for women in construction.

A blood drive was held Tuesday to encourage donors to contribute to the dangerously low blood supply that is affecting the nation right now. Wednesday included a Lunch & Learn event, in which Total Tool/3M presented at the College of Engineering (Kiewit Hall) in Lincoln. Thursday, NAWIC members toured Buena Vista High School, which is scheduled for completion May 31.

On Friday, NAWIC members read the construction book Build It by Laura Seitz Danielsen to local elementary students and donated copies of the book to their libraries. Later that day, they enjoyed a networking happy hour at DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar in Aksarben Village. WIC Week concluded on Saturday with bowling at The Mark with friends and family.

National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 based in Omaha also encompasses Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit www. nawicomaha.com and follow the chapter on Facebook at National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116.

APRIL 2022 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS Farmers Insurance – Adam Stoskopf Agency Holds Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Opening

Lee & Associates Grows Midwest Presence with Omaha Expansion

A ribbon cutting was held on Marc h 17 to celebrate the opening of Farmers Insurance – Adam Stoskopf Agency in the Omaha community. While the agency has been open for some time, a proper ribbon cutting was not held due to COVID, but supporters were finally able to get together to honor this achievement for Adam and his team. With the ribbon cutting being held on St. Patrick’s Day, guests celebrated with drinks and corned beef and cabbage.

Farmers Insurance – Adam Stoskopf Agency offers outstanding customer service and consultation to educate you about insurance.

Before discussing coverage plans, they sit down with you to have an in-depth conversation about your family and your life. This way, they can ensure that they are creating a plan that fits your specific situation. Adam has been with Farmers Insurance for over 15 years, which has given him the knowledge and skillset to be your trusted advisor when it comes to insurance. Adam can be reached at (402) 682-7290, or you can text QUOTE to (531) 201-6723 to get started on your insurance package today. Learn more about Farmers Insurance at farmers.com.

Lee & Associates, the largest broker-owned commercial real estate firm in North America, has announced the opening of an office in Omaha. The office will specialize in retail, office, investment sales, and land sales with a focus on the Omaha and Lincoln markets.

The Lee & Associates Omaha team will be led by Co-Managing Principals Daniel Dutton and Daniel Goaley. Their team consists of seven brokerage professionals, including Scott Moore, Benjamin Pearson, Grace Newton, Jordan Potthoff, and Ammar Abu-Hamda. In addition to their transactional agents, the team will also include Jennifer Goaley as the director of operations and Jacob Militti as an intern.

With a combined 100+ years of experience, the team represents landlords in Lincoln, Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Des Moines, and services buyers, sellers, and tenants throughout the Midwest.

Dutton, a 19-year industry veteran, and Goaley, a 25-year industry veteran, specialize in retail and investment sales representing landlords, sellers, tenants, and buyers throughout Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, North and South Dakota, and Texas. Most recently, both served as Partners at a local commercial real estate company, and prior to that Goaley served as the managing broker for a national real estate investment firm for five years.

For the latest news from Lee & Associates, visit lee-associates.com.

CONCRETE

I’ve worked with McGill Restoration on two award-winning parking garage projects. They definitely know how to get the job done.

— ERIN PETERS, INTERNATIONAL PARKING & MOBILIT Y INSTITUTE SR ANALYST, FACILIT Y PROJEC T MANAGEMENT

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M A SO N RY

Omaha, NE 402.558.7989

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WAT E R P R O O F I N G

Lincoln, NE 402.438.4110

mcgillrestoration.com

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BUSINESS NEWS New Craft Sandwich Shop, Get Real Sandwiches, Opens in Blackstone District

WE WORK. WE GROW. WE LIVE. WE CONTRIBUTE.

The Blackstone District is excited to welcome their newest tenant, Get Real Sandwiches. The craft sandwich shop officially opened on March 1. In addition to offering unique craft sandwiches, Get Real Sandwiches has offerings ranging from soups and salads to snacks, desserts, and specialized fries. They also offer alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, tap beers, wine, and canned beverages.

Get Real Sandwiches is an original craft sandwich shop located in the Blackstone District of Omaha. In addition to their seasonal menu of local, fresh ingredients, Get Real Sandwiches offers thoughtfully chosen beer, cider, wine, and creative cocktails. For lunch, dinner, or that true late-night bite, Get Real Sandwiches is your essential spot for authentic food. Bite into something real. The restaurant is located at 3901 Farnam St. and is open from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, closed Monday. Late night hours are coming soon!

Get Real Sandwiches can be reached at (531) 375-5106. Learn more by visiting getrealsandwiches.com or find them on Facebook.

NMC Launches The Center for Diversity and Community Engagement Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) has launched the Center for Diversity and Community Engagement (CDCE) to create a more inclusive campus and address barriers to health equity.

“Community engagement has always been a big part of what NMC does. Our mission is to positively impact the health and wellbeing of the community,” said Dr. Deb Carlson, president and CEO of NMC. “It became increasingly evident that diversity needs to be more than a goal. It needs ownership and accountability. The CDCE was created so there would be a focused effort on both.

The CDCE will benefit NMC by ensuring that the College continues to grow in our community and diversity impact.”

The CDCE works to create an inclusive environment where the NMC community can build a culture of belonging and engagement, reflective of the greater population it serves.

Kiley Petersmith, who was previously the director of community engagement at NMC, will serve as the director of the CDCE. The Center coordinates meaningful and mutually beneficial community engagement experiences to address diverse college and population needs, creates positive social change towards equitable health, and cultivates active citizen leaders.

NMC works with nearly 100 community partners providing community and clinical outreach. Those organizations include the Element Learning Center, Habitat for Humanity, the Intercultural Senior Center, Mosaic, the Omaha Healthy Kids Alliance, the Open Door Mission, Restoring Dignity, and Together Omaha.

The CDCE expands on NMC’s current diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, including the Social Justice and Inclusion Council. The Council addresses issues of diversity and inclusion by offering implicit bias training and monthly forums for staff and faculty.

The Omaha-based Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health - The Josie Harper Campus is a premier private health professionals institution that teaches The Meaning of Care through its certifi cate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs, both on campus and online. Established in 1891, Nebraska Methodist College is an affiliate of Methodist Health System and is fully accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more at www.methodistcollege.edu. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Thank you to these businesses who recently joined the Chamber and invested in the community 160 Driving Academy

It’s a Man’s World Barber Shop

Beta Homes

Jesse DePriest Consulting

Carousel’s of West Omaha

Laff Breaks

DES Employment Group

LGT Transport

DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

LSI Staffing

Edward Jones - Don Sanders

NANGODE, LLC

Emerald Nursing and Rehab

Nelson Contracting, LLC

Farm Bureau Fin. - David Banning

Red Berry Innovations Saltgrass Restaurant

First National Bank - Merchant Services

SheMate The Big Garden

FotoFunSpot

The Exercise Coach

Frame 83 LLC

Unison

FSC Edge Gitt Construction

Victress Visionary Search Partners

Groundworks Inspired Senior

Join today at

OmahaChamber.org

402-346-5000 APRIL 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS It’s a Man’s World Barbershop Opens in Aksarben Area

NGC Presents Hotel Indigo Downtown Omaha Tour May 9

It’s a Man’s World Barbershop was opened in November of 2021 by Alicia Klute in the Aksarben area at 318 S 72nd St. Alicia is currently the sole owner and barber, but she looks forward to adding barbers in the future. She has three available chairs for additional talented professionals.

Alicia has been a barber since 2009.

She graduated from UNO with her BSBA in 2016. The services offered at It’s a Man’s World Barbershop range from a quality haircut that is always finished with a straight razor cleanup on the back of the neck, waxing, hot lather straightrazor shave with a hot towel, beard trim, waxing, facial, shampoo, and a scalp massage.

It’s a Man’s World Barbershop is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday. Walkin clients are welcome, however, appointments are preferred. You can make an appointment by calling (402) 249-9723 or going to the Square page at its-a-mans-world-barbershop-llc.square. site. To check out photos of some fresh cuts that Alicia has given her clients, follow on Facebook or Instagram!

New Generation Construction (NGC) invites Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) Nebraska members to join NGC at their Omaha office (106 N 18th St.) on Monday, May 9, at 4 p.m. for a tour of the Hotel Indigo Downtown Omaha. After the tour, members will return to the office for Q&A and treats with NGC’s AmbassadorHosts: Taylor Shapland, senior project manager; Cory Claussen, lead superintendent; and Ryan Moore, superintendent.

Recently opened in January, Hotel Indigo gives a heavy nod to the city’s history of bootlegging with its prohibition-era underground vaults and tunnels. The 90-room hotel has a sophisticated ambiance and desirable proximity to Omaha’s downtown and Old Market District.

New Generation Construction is a full-service general contracting firm specializing in Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Living Centers, Urban Complex, and Hospitality sectors. NGC’s headquarters is located in Lincoln with a sister office in Omaha. NGC’s core service area is the Central Midwest, with teams serving many states beyond.

Learn more at ngcgroupinc.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS AGP Announces Plans to Build New Soybean Processing Plant Near David City

Sandra Miller of Key Home Care Celebrates One-Year in New Office

Ag Processing Inc (AGP) has announced its plan to build a new state-of-the-art soybean processing plant near David City, NE. The facility will have the capacity to process over 50 million bushels of soybeans per year.

“The soybean processing industry is experiencing tremendous growth and we believe a facility in East Central Nebraska is strategically located to serve our cooperative members and their farmer-owners,” stated AGP’s Chairman of the Board, Lowell Wilson. “Maintaining a strong cooperative system is vital to agricultural producers and our rural communities.”

AGP expects operations to begin in 2025. Company officials noted that final construction decisions and timeline are contingent on negotiations with state and local officials regarding economic development incentives, required infrastructure improvements, utility services, and regulatory considerations.

“We are committed to working with local and state officials to develop and invest in sustainable projects to better serve our customers while also benefiting our members, their farmer owners, and the surrounding communities,” said Chris Schaffer, AGP’s CEO. Ag Processing Inc is a leading agribusiness with primary operations as a major U.S. soybean processor/refiner producing and marketing soybean meal, refined soybean oil, and biodiesel. AGP businesses also include agricultural product trading in domestic and international markets and numerous U.S. grain elevator operations.

AGP is owned by local and regional cooperatives representing farmer-producers across the United States. Corporate headquarters are located in Omaha. Learn more at agp.com.

Key Home Care has been proudly serving the Omaha community fo r a l m o s t e i g h t years. A little over a year ago, Owner/ Operator Sandra Miller decided it was time to move into a larger space. So, she relocated to 5664 N 103rd St., which is off of 108th and Fort St. “I wanted the office to have a comfortable and welcoming feel, like walking into a friend’s home,” said Sandra. “We spent days combing through Facebook marketplace and secondhand shops to find furniture and decorations that would accomplish that feel!”

Key Home Care is a non-medical company serving Omaha, Council Bluffs, and surrounding communities. Sandra has deep Omaha roots and is committed to helping people remain living in the comfort of their homes as long as possible. Key Home Care’s services include personal care, round the clock 24-hour care, companionship, respite care, hospice support, and they are available for long term or short-term care needs. To learn more, visit www.keyhomecare.us, call (402) 982-9254, email sandramiller@keyhomecare.us, or stop by the office!

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B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy Announces Upcoming Promo, Summer Program B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy is excited to announce two upcoming happenings to be aware of. First, they are pleased to share that they have filmed a promotional feature with Douglas County to be exhibited on the Douglas County website. The feature is set to go live in late May/ early June and can be found at douglascounty-ne.gov.

T h ey a r e a l s o i n t h e m i d s t of preparing for their summer program. This year, ExSeptional Ones Academy will be holding in-house field trips, in which they will be bringing in local programs directly to the learning center to provide educational activities and enjoyment for the kids. The program was unable to happen last year, so they are especially excited to make this summer twice as fun! Kids can be signed up for the program at any time. For more information, email the academy at exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com.

B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy is a family-owned childhood education center located at 12717 S 28th Ave., STE D, in Bellevue.

The academy teaches Montessori practical application and traditional early childhood learning through play. Owners Brian and Keana SeptMatthews created the academy out of a desire to make a difference in the lives of children in lower social economic statuses.

For more information, call (531) 365-6805 / (402) 972-5674, email exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@exseptionalones). #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Refresh and Renew

With a loan that’s right for you Now that Spring is here, it may be time to check things off your to-do list when it comes to your business needs. At Centris Federal Credit Union, we have commercial loan options and a team of experts who can help.

Scan

the QR code for more information!

402-758-6423 centrisfcu.org

APRIL 2022 Strictly Business

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BUSINESS NEWS Signs Now in Omaha Named Leader in Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction

Sommer and Ryan Hahn Open Third The Exercise Coach Location in Omaha

Bob McRoberts, owner of Signs Now in Omaha, is proud to announce that the company has been recognized with the Loyalty Leadership award presented by LoyaltyLoop ®, a leading online review management platform. Results are based on responses from customers who recently completed a purchase and were asked how likely they would be to recommend the business to others. Performers in the top quartile achieved a score greater than 95. Signs Now earned a top score of 98, the highest overall customer loyalty and satisfaction rating within their industry segment for the quarter.

“We are constantly focused on how we can support our local businesses and ensure they thrive through our services,” said McRoberts. “With offerings of logo and business signs, storefront, ADA and directional signage, and so much more, our team is sure to have a creative strategy for local Omaha businesses to boost their brand and elevate them to the next level.”

Signs Now is a full-service signage provider with in-house capabilities including graphics services, custom architectural and storefront signage, vehicle graphics, wraps and custom car decals, trade show exhibit displays, regulatory, wayfinding, and ADA compliant signs, as well as monument signs, pole signs, and commercial signage.

Located at 4505 S 119th Cir., Signs Now in Omaha is locally-owned and operated, and is a member of the Alliance Franchise Brands network, a world leader in marketing, graphics, and visual communications with locations in the United States and Canada. For more information, contact the award-winning Signs Now in Omaha at (402) 330-8411 or visit the company’s website at www.signsnow.com/omaha.

On March 1, Omaha residents Sommer and Ryan Hahn opened their third location of The Exercise Coach at 3525 N 147th St. in Omaha. The Exercise Coach is considered a smart fitness studio franchise due to its bio-adaptive, robotic exercise equipment providing a customized, efficient workout. This location is the third such smart fitness studio in the entire state of Nebraska. The Hahns plan to open an additional fourth location in LaVista in the next two years.

Outfitted with high-tec h computerized machines instead of traditional equipment, The Exercise Coach offers highly personalized programs optimized for efficiency, resulting in only two 20-minute workouts per week that can’t be matched in effectiveness with even seven days a week of traditional exercise.

The Exercise Coach’s robotic exercise technology is combined with the guidance of certified coaches to create a workout designed to be a perfect fit for anyone. The studios create a dynamic exercise experience that blends strength and interval cardio training in each session.

The Exercise Coach offers privacy, convenience, personalization, efficiency, and guidance to change the quality of life for people who are less familiar with fitness successes. Learn more at exercisecoach.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Southpaw Veterinary Clinic to Open Soon Under Dr. Kati Lackovic and Dr. Trent Shrader Dr. Kati Lackovic and Dr. Trent Shrader are proud to announce the opening of Southpaw Veterinary Clinic. Under their leadership, the clinic will specialize in preventive care and medicine for small animals, avians, exotics, and non-traditional pets. Southpaw Veterinary Clinic will be located at 192nd and Q St. Kati was born and raised in Omaha. She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at Iowa State University in Ames, IA in 2010. Kati then became a part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln/Iowa State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, completing her first two years of study at UNL and the last two years at ISU – ultimately completing her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from ISU in 2014.

Trenton attended Kansas State University for both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees, graduating in 2015. He then completed postdoctoral training programs in zoo, exotic, and wildlife medicine, first for one year at the University of Saskatchewan and then an additional year at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. He continues to practice zoological medicine as the medical director at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo. To learn more about Southpaw Veterinary Clinic and making an appointment for your animal friends, visit southpawomaha.com.

Quantum Workplace Named in 2022 Peak Matrix Assessment for Employee Experience Quantum Workplace—a leading provider of comprehensive employee engagement and performance software based in Omaha, as well as a leader in data collection for the nationally recognized Best Places to Work Programs—announced its inclusion as a Major Contender for Employee Experience Management (EXM) in the Everest Group PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2022.

Everest Group recognized Quantum Workplace’s employee engagement solution, which includes engagement surveys, lifecycle surveys, and pulse surveys. These tools provide insights into key moments of the employee experience and perspectives for leaders to make meaningful changes for business and employee success. An analytics dashboard helps visualize employee feedback and create enhanced benchmarking to connect to goals.

“This recognition emphasizes the ways Quantum Workplace solutions are being embraced by our customers for strategic business impact.

Over the past two years, we have seen the weekly active usage of our engagement solutions grow by 242 percent. The level of people analytics we are delivering to our customers gives them greater, more useful insights into their talent and allows HR professionals to leverage this data to make the workplace better,” Quantum Workplace CEO Greg Harris said.

Released on March 16 by Everest Group—a research firm focused on strategic information technology, business services, engineering services and sourcing—the PEAK Matrix Assessment is a proprietary framework for the assessment of market impact, vision, and capability.

It measures the level of impact various solutions have created in the marketplace through three key benchmarks: market adoption levels (number of clients, revenue base, and year-over-year growth); portfolio mix (diversity of client base across industries, geographies, environments ,and enterprise size classes); and value delivered (based on value delivered to clients based on their feedback and other measures).

Quantum Workplace, a human resources technology provider, equips workplaces with the smartest talent solutions so that they can grow and succeed. Nearly 20 years ago, the company pioneered some of the earliest employee engagement and performance software and has since partnered with thousands of organizations to drive employee, team, and business success. To learn more, visit www.quantumworkplace.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

402.991.9200 /TheOmahaBakery

Wolf Creek Plaza at 15th and Cornhusker • Bellevue, NE 725 North 210th Street • Elkhorn, NE

The Lerner Company Releases 2021 Retail Market Summary Based on the findings of the 2021 Retail Market Summary, published

by The Lerner Company, the Omaha Metro retail real estate market is experiencing healthy growth in many of the submarkets while maneuvering through today’s climate of external factors.

A total of 371 properties were analyzed with over 30.5 million square feet of total inventory. The vacancy square footage came in at just under 2.8 million, which provides a vacancy rate of 9.09%.

Eighteen months ago, the concern for retailers revolved around customer presence in physical stores. Fast forward to now, the trouble lies in supply chain bottlenecks and a labor market crisis. While raw land prices remain relatively constant in primary retail corridors, Omaha developers and landlords feel new pains from construction costs, proving to be a challenge to new projects and developments.

The survey considers two types of retail properties, (1) multi-tenant shopping centers larger than 15,000 square feet and (2) large freestanding retail stores serving the Omaha market. Statistics are broken down by project size as well as the seven retail submarkets that comprise the Omaha Metropolitan area. To ensure that the most accurate and current data was used, all research was done in-house, with multiple verification processes (not outsourced).

In 2021, the demolition of Crossroads Mall, except for Target and the parking garage, was completed and will make way for the new mixed-use project with deliveries scheduled for 2024. Also, the leveling of Mall of The Bluffs was also completed and construction will begin for Menards Mega Store in Q2 2022. The once-vibrant Oak View Mall was purchased from the Receiver and AMC 24 Theatres closed its doors.

When you pair the improving performance of the Omaha retail environment with appealing yield spreads and investors primed with cash, you have a recipe for an active market. A few of the ongoing developments in the metro include Regency Landing, Heartwood Preserve, Gene Leahy Mall, as well as numerous projects along the Highway 370 corridor near Gretna. There is also expectation for high activity in the East Downtown submarket with UNMC’s multibillion-dollar Project NExT commencing.

When these value-added endeavors combine with retailers listing Omaha as a high-priority market to enter, Lerner foresees the low vacancy rates to continue. Overall, the Omaha MSA has been robust during 2021, and that should continue moving forward.

The Lerner Company is a commercial real estate company located in Omaha. Serving the entire Midwest, they have been successfully helping clients and landlords since 1985. Their team specializes in the retail market, offering full services including Tenant representation, brokerage, property management, investment sales, and development. Learn more at www.lernerco.com.

APRIL 2022 Strictly Business 15

ADAM

Adam Steinspring

BIG BIRGE PLUMBING

PEOPLE THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Our collaborative team provides innovative, project-specific solutions to any challenge they face. Let us help bring your buildings to life.

BRINGING YOUR BUILDINGS TO LIFE

54 YEARS

50+

EMPLOYEES

+ 34K PROJECTS

42 STATES

FARRIS-USA.COM 402.330.5900 OMAHA

16

LINCOLN

SIDNEY

COLORADO SPRINGS

Strictly Business APRIL 2022

KANSAS CITY

Adam Steinspring is an apprentice plumber at Big Birge Plumbing.

Tell us a little about your business. - Big Birge Plumbing is a full-service company doing everything from new commercial to residential service. It began in 2012 with Brad and Lallenia Birge opening the business out of their garage with just one plumbing truck. Since then, they’ve grown to a commercial space in Elkhorn with a licensed and highly trained crew. Each member of our team is dedicated to handle any and every plumbing need our clients may have; whether it’s a kitchen or bathroom remodel, water heater repair, gas or water piping, or drain cleaning and clogged toilets, we will be there to get the job done.

How did you get started in the business? - I grew up in the construction industry and knew that I always wanted to be a licensed tradesman. A friend of mine told me about his company that was hiring entry level apprentices and I never looked back.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - One of the first things that my first journeyman taught me was that plumbing is 10% physical ability and 90% mental strength. Having the mental strength and right attitude to see the job through has been one of the biggest hurdles I have faced.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I am finishing school and am currently testing for my journeyman’s license.

Tell us a little about your family. - My girlfriend and I bought a house together almost four years ago and together we have two dogs.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Joining my local volunteer fire department.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I volunteer my time as an assistant chief on my local volunteer fire department.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I used to play the double bass.

Who inspires you? - My mom. Watching her work ethic while raising three children and being a single mom has truly inspired me to achieve every goal I strive for.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “On to the next one.” – Dale Brisby If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Honorable.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Eyes To The Sky”

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Which talent would you most like to have? - Welding.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Career fireman or a diesel mechanic.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls.

What is your favorite movie? - Forrest Gump.

What is your favorite TV show? - How I Met Your Mother.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? - Junior’s Forgot Store Bar & Grill.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Johnny Bench, the former catcher for the Cincinnati Reds.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 575-0102; bigbirgeplumbing@gmail.com; www. bigbirgeplumbing.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Who inspires you? - Everyone in my life who believes in me inspires me to be the best version of myself every day.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be able to fly, even though I am terrified of heights. I could save money on gas and get to where I am needed a lot quicker.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I have always wished I could sing well.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Real estate would be a lot of fun. HGTV was one of my favorite channels to watch. I love being able to see a home and the potential it has.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I love mystery and suspenseful books. I just recently finished Final Girls

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What is your favorite movie? - Saving Private Ryan. I also love comedy movies—anything with Will Farrell.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Office. I have watched every episode at least twice, and I could watch it every day and not get tired of it.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Roma Italian Restaurant in Bellevue.

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Tell us a little about your business. - Most of our work is done behind the scenes, providing designs for central plants, generators, air handling systems, electronic power and lighting, and plumbing systems. We are an employee-owned company with additional expertise in fire protection engineering, lighting design, building commissioning services, technology systems design, and life safety systems engineering. Farris Engineering offers these services in a variety of markets including education, healthcare, government, commercial, and industrial. For all our projects, engineers focus on cost, safety, reliability, and visual impact. We listen to our clients’ needs and are dedicated to quality, service, and long-term partnerships. At Farris, we don’t just make buildings function, “We Bring Your Building to Life” through our designs.

How did you get started in the business? - I obtained my college education at South Dakota State University and majored in mechanical engineering. I was exposed to the HVAC side of mechanical engineering during my studies and was offered a position in Phoenix, AZ out of college. I worked in the A/E field in Arizona for four years before returning to the Midwest and joining Farris Engineering.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Kimberly and I have a daughter, Annika, and a son, Henry. We have been living in Nebraska for about 13 years and enjoy the Midwest way of life.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Having children. Raising kids has been rewarding and challenging. It is constantly helping me grow and adjust each day.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sports, and working on the family farm.

Who inspires you? - My dad. He instilled hard work and dedication into his profession. With dedication and hard work, your achievements will be endless.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Success doesn’t come to you, you go for it.”

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

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

It would be great to go back in time and possibly in the future.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that I am passionate about. Blood donations are needed each and every day. It is gratifying to know that your donation can help others live.

What is your favorite movie? - Tommy Boy starring Chris Farley.

What is your favorite TV show? - None at the moment. Life is busy, so there isn’t much time to watch television.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 330-5900; jbannwarth@farris-usa.com; www. farris-usa.com.

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What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Not Universal has added services to help customers manage having much of an Omaha network when I got started in banking. I and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of benefits that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, take pride in building relationships professionally and personally. It a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources just takes time. I’ve learned that if you always do what you say you hotline and resources, including customized handbooks. are going to do, people respect that.

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

- Going to college and learning how to connect with people on/at a higher-level outside of a high school bubble.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Traveling with family, golf, basketball, football, and hanging out with friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have attended 21 different PGA golf tournaments.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “It’s my money and your job.” – Roy Dinsdale, the executive chairman of Pinnacle Bancorp, the holding company of Pinnacle Bank.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - A Tupac song.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To take away people’s pain.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I have been involved with or am currently involved with Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce as past chairman, Sarpy County Chamber Young Professionals Board, Lions Club of Papillion as past president, Papillion Community Foundation Board, Aksarben Foundation / Floor Committee, judge for Nebraska DECA, and TeamMates Mentoring. I also am a past graduate of the Sarpy Chamber’s “Leadership Sarpy” and Omaha Chamber’s “Leadership Omaha” programs.

What is your favorite movie? - The Godfather.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Drover.

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

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business-critical solutions for telephone, high-speed Internet, digital television, networking, security, cloud, and managed What is the professionally? services.

Webiggest focus onchallenge deliveringyou’ve secure, faced next-gen technologies - Get toand talkplatforms about our and didn’t eventoknow weinexisted, in thatwork, enable ourmany business customers succeed a digitally driven economy. ranges from a onehard to change that overOur thecustomer last sixbase years. person flower shop to a 5,000+ employee company with robust infrastructure needs. Cox Business is truly a one-stop shop.

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How did you started the business? waslimited workingavailability for beginning, we get often had in a wait list due to- Ithe o the competition at the time and was worried that I would be cancer incidence, so the need is great. furloughed due to a large merger. One of my referral partners at

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the company reached out to me asking me to schedule a meeting with Business for your an open position.

I did,been and I married was brought Tell usCox a little about family.

- I have to Don for onto the team in August of 2018. I spent three and a half years Together, we have three grown children—Cole, Brenna, as an acquisition representative, hunting for new business. I haveand Gra recently been promoted to referral program manager.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family consists of myself,

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What doKatherine you seeCollins, as one biggest turning my wife andof mythe beautiful daughter Stellapoints Jo. We in you can’t forget the pups!

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

What your favorite tomy dolife onis adefinitely day offthe ? -arrival I appreciate a life? is - The biggest turningthing point in of my daughter.

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Most people I’m of a “fl y by you’v What is probably your favorite quote- or the best think piece advice the seat of one’s pants” kind of person based on my personality. me by my Ifather. said,to “Susie, two and one mo However, actuallyHe prefer analyze,you ask, have and dig intoears the whys behind the whats.

Which talent would you most like to have? - If you are familia Who inspires you? - Elon Musk because of his unmatched drive is and likely way down for me.

I am captured by failed, people who h motivation.

He the tellslist stories about all the times he’s only to overcome each one of those failures with a success story.

If True you inspiration. could choose any other profession to be successful in

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What nonprofi t organization(s) ever local received?

- Fortune favors the bold!are you passionate about or Don and I are very passionate about Youth for Christ, our Church If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Predict organizations that serve the pediatric cancer community like Bag the future.

Action Network, Camp CoHoLo, and more.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would choose the IT industry. I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

What is your favorite movie? - Jerry McGuire.

What is your favorite movie? - The Judge.

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or present, who would it be? - Again, Elon Musk. I think there is so much to learn from someone that has built what he has built.

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- (402) (cell); If you could have378-0824 dinner with onemichael.collins3@cox.com; famous person from the past o coxbusiness.com.

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PC had siness? -CLEARWATER I had good COUNSELING, friends who have d for some, journey sadly.therapist I Meetthat Taylar Mason, ended mental health Clearwater PC. it was ncer thatateff ected myCounseling, family and us to a make little about business. perienceTell I had a diffyour erence in

Clearwater Counseling’s mission is to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being further enhance life.

Gettingtoour name out quality there.ofI would go out in the community How did you get started in theour business?

- I started my career as ed, including families that needed support.

We have worked a therapist at a psychiatric residential treatment facility. Ultimately, I saw myself working in private practice, but did not know how to get started. I saw the job posting for a part-time therapist at Clearwater nally? - The removal of time barriers for ourmy assistance.

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It was my opportunity to get foot in the door and learn about privateranks practice, even if itthe meant workingfor long hours on lity of funds.

Nebraska No. 1 in Midwest pediatric top of my full-time job. I interviewed for this position in February 2020, right before the pandemic hit. I felt lucky that Kayla Leddy and Nikki Bauer, co-owners of Clearwater Counseling, hired me even though there was lot also of unknowns pandemic and how it n for over 30 years andahe serveswith thethe nonprofi t community. could impact small businesses. Since being hired, I have gained so Grace. much We also have about a dogbeing named Harley. knowledge in private practice and confidence in my ability to provide mental health services.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Doubting myself and my abilities. your life?

- Leaving very well-known organization to move to What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Landing an internship at Florida International University (FIU) at the Center for Children and Families. I honestly did not think I would even get ate anything nature-related.

I also counselor love hanging myTreatment dog an interview.

I was an adolescent at FIU’s with Summer Program for adolescents diagnosed with neurodevelopment disorders, disruptive impulse-control and conduct disorders, and applied behavioral modification treatment for research. I was intimidated from the start and ally wantthought to make a diff erence for more our qualifi community.

TheyThroughout also like everyone around me was ed than myself. with cancer. the internship, I became more confident in my abilities and decided I wanted a career working with adolescents in any capacity.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Visit my parents and sisters in Lincoln.

My parents inspireofme. ou’ve ever received?

- The best piece advice was given to your favorite or the best piece of advice you’ve ever e mouth,What useisthem in thatquote proportion.” received? - “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Ghandi If you couldStrengths, choose onlyI one descriptive word to bebut remembered miliar with Clifton always wanted WOO that one as, what would it be? - Passionate. ho have this ability.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Friendship ful in, what be?mission - Healthcare.

Homewould in Lincoln.it Their is to support, shelter, and advocate for victims of domestic violence and their children. Friendship Home is the reason why I decided to get a master’s degree in social work and, ut or involved with, and the aretherapist there any reasons why? -for ultimately, become I am special today. I began volunteering hurch, and the Foodbank thea Heartland. also because love the other Friendship Home whenfor I was senior in high Ischool it was a for a government Little did I know, this would change Bags ofrequirement Fun, Metro Area Youthclass.

Foundation, Pediatric Cancer not only my life, but my outlook on life. My time at Friendship Home did not stop there. Throughout undergrad and graduate school, I completed an internship, started as an on-call women’s advocate, moved to a full-time children’s advocate, then became the transitional housing case manager. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about my time at Friendship Home and their mission.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery by Catherine Gildiner.

What is your favorite movie? - 10 Things I Hate About You. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (308) tmason@clearwatercounselingne.org; ast or present, who 210-8487; would it be?

- Jimmy Fallon or James clearwatercounselingpc.org. e too seriously.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Spruce Up Your Home for Springtime With springtime right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about rejuvenating your landscape for the warmer seasons. Meza Gardens and Design can help with that! Whether you are a passionate gardener or just getting started, their three-step process for redesigning and rejuvenating your space best fits the needs of your individual experience and home.

Meza Gardens and Design highlights the areas of your home that tend to be ignored; the outdoors. They work to showcase that even your outdoor space can transform the overall look of your home. Offering services in landscapes, hardscapes, seasonal plantings, and maintenance, every home has a place to spruce up their outdoor space.

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The first step of the process is a free on-site consultation where experts can perform site analysis and gather ideas and style from homeowners. This then allows them to transfer their design onto paper to bring your vision to life before they start the build. Meza Garden and Design also provides seasonal or one time maintenance. This process is designed with the clients in mind, keeping them informed and up to date on their vision.

Owner, Christine Meza, is a certified nurseryman recognized by the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association in 2021.

She holds a degree in landscape architecture and oversees the design services and project management of Meza Gardens and Design. Christine is only one half of the team, with Marcelino Meza as operations director and 20 years of experience building unique landscapes in the Omaha metro area.

Meza Gardens and Design is a female-and minority-owned fullservice landscape design-build company. Drawing on a combined 40 years of experience, husband and wife duo Marcelino and Chris Meza are dedicated to creating your ideal, timeless landscape.

Their services include design, installation, and maintenance. For more information, visit www.mezagardensanddesign.com or contact them at hello@mezagardensanddesign.com.

We had a great experience working with the team at Meza Gardens and Design. They listened to our needs, were mindful of our budget and created a landscaping plan for our backyard that fits our home’s aesthetic. Their attention to detail is first rate, and they made the entire process easy and fun.

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Chris listened to our ideas for our ultimate goal and presented options that met our budget and timeline. Her design has transformed the front of our house from average to magical.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Robert J. Borer Announces Candidacy for Nebraska Secretary of State

Radio Talking Book Service Announces Bekah Jerde as Executive Director

Robert Borer of Lincoln announced that he will be a candidate for Secretary of State on Nebraska’s 2022 Primary Election ballot on Tuesday, May 10. Borer is a retired firefighter and recipient of the first-ever Congressional Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest civilian distinction for courage and bravery.

“I am announcing my candidacy for the office of Secretary of State,” Borer stated. “I have dedicated the past two years to holding local and state government officials and agencies accountable for actions that have negatively impacted our civil liberties.

Nebraska needs a Secretary of State who will prioritize people over politics. Nebraska deserves a Secretary of State who will stand up against the Biden administration who wants to tank our country by instituting nationalized elections. I am looking forward to instilling integrity back into our state’s elections and restoring voter trust.”

The pinnacle of his 27-year firefighting career was ascending 1180’ up a 1500’ TV tower with an “attempt to rescue” that earned him and his team the inaugural Congressional Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor. Borer and his wife Cheryl reside in Lincoln. He is the father of six “bright, hardworking, wonderful” children. For more information about Borer’s candidacy, visit RobertJBorer.com.

Bekah has been involved with RTBS since 2013, when she began recording programs including Good Old Days, Consumer Information, and more as a volunteer reader.

In 2015, Bekah was hired as the office manager. Spring 2016 found her in the role of interim executive director and that fall, she became the assistant director. Bekah serves as treasurer of the IAAIS, an international board that supports organizations like RTBS. She provides audio description for live theater and other events in the metro area. She supports the mission of the Women’s Fund as a member of Circles, serving on their leadership team. Bekah is also an award-winning artist and photographer.

Father-Son Duo of PJ Ramaekers & Associates Achieve “Top of the Table” MDRT Qualification Patrick J. Ramaekers and Nicholas J. Ramaekers, of PJ Ramaekers & Associates, Inc. in Omaha have both qualified for Top of the Table, a coveted milestone achievement for their membership in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT). The Ramaekers’ membership equips them with tools and resources to better serve their local community.

Top of the Table is an internationally recognized mark of excellence reserved for the most successful in the financial services industry. This places Patrick Ramaekers with 53 years as Patrick J. Ramaekers a qualifying member of MDRT and Nicholas Ramaekers with 27 years as a qualifying member, among the top professionals in the intensely competitive global life insurance and financial services industries.

“Top of the Table is comprised of the best and brightest professionals our industry has to offer,” said Randy Scritchfield, CFP®, LUTCF, MDRT president. “MDRT hopes to continue to foster a culture of excellence and encourage members to grow both personally and professionally.”

Since 1927, MDRT has been committed to Nicholas J. Ramaekers providing its members with a unique mix of networking and resources to help them gain new and unique insights to better serve clients’ individual needs. Working with an MDRT member connects clients not only to a highly credible and leading financial advisor but also to an unmatched global network spanning 72 nations and territories around the world.

Make PJ Ramaekers & Associates, Inc. your best choice for life insurance and financial planning! For more information, contact (402) 331-3337 or info@pjrins.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Radio Talking Book Ser vice (RTBS), Nebraska’s only radio reading service, is pleased to announce that Bekah Jerde has been named the new executive director of the organization as of January 2022.

Radio Talking Book Service is a nonprofit radio station that broadcasts print information across Nebraska and southwest Iowa via radio signal and the internet. Eligible listeners are provided radios at no cost to access their programming or can access RTBS on home computers, tablets, smartphones, or smart speakers. Over 70 RTBS volunteers read newspapers and magazines aloud and their diverse voices are broadcast to blind, low vision, or print impaired listeners. RTBS informs, entertains, and brings the printed word to life for their listeners, empowering them to remain active and engaged in their community. Learn more at rtbs.org.

Farris Engineering Welcomes Back Bruce Lassek as Senior Electrical Designer In March, Bruce Lassek rejoined Farris Engineering as a senior electrical designer, adding his 25+ years of experience to the team. Bruce earned his associates degree in architectural technology from Southeast Community College. Since then, he has been designing electrical systems for hospitals, malls, high-rise buildings, Air Force bases, and industrial type projects. At Farris Bruce will use this knowledge to create electrical plans for clients that fit an individual project’s needs.

“I left Farris several years ago in search of something better. I found the grass is not always greener on the other side.” Bruce said. “Farris doesn’t have that corporate feeling. I feel like a valued employee and can use my expertise to not only bring life to spaces, but also develop future talent within the company.”

His idiom seems appropriate as Bruce enjoys working on his farm outside of Crescent, IA. There he raises several different animals – his favorite being his flock of sheep. Bruce also enjoys hunting, fishing, and most of all spending time with his family.

Farris Engineering is an industry leader in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering with additional expertise in fire protection engineering, lighting design, building commissioning services, technology systems design, and life safety systems engineering. They look forward to tackling your projects head-on with this talented team of employee-owners as they Bring Your Buildings to Life. To learn more, visit www.farris-usa.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Greater Omaha Packing Names Childs New VP of Food Safety and Technical Resources

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha Names 2022 Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Greater Omaha Packing, a high-quality supplier of beef, welcomes Kirby Childs, Ph.D., as vice president of food safety and technical resources. Childs will lead the company’s ongoing food safety efforts and oversee company-wide endeavors to integrate the industry’s latest technology.

Childs brings extensive education and industry experience to Greater Omaha, with a master’s degree in food science from Oklahoma State University and a doctorate in animal science with specializations in meat science and food science from Colorado State University.

Dr. Childs has extensive experience working with beef and poultry harvest facilities, as well as further processing for multiple proteins.

Dr. Childs also led research and development teams and brought products to market for national and regional chains. He has experience in overseeing food safety in facilities having produced ground beef, par-cooked, ready-to-eat, and sous vide.

From pasture to plate since 1920, Greater Omaha Packing has been known for the finest quality beef products, service, and delivery.

The company processes 2,400 head of the nation’s finest, highquality cattle each day for customers in retail, foodservice, and manufacturing. With more than $1 billion in annual sales, nearly 1,000 employees, and beef shipments to more than 70 countries around the world, quality is an all-encompassing attitude at Greater Omaha. To find out more, visit greateromaha.com.

Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for 2022, including Levi Scheppers as the new chair of the board. Scheppers is chief executive officer of OrthoNebraska.

He is joined on Habitat Omaha’s Executive Committee by Past Chair George Achola, vice president and legal counsel, Burlington Capital; Vice-Chair Caren Woodruff, founder and coach, QuarterLife Coaching; Secretary Javier Fernandez, president and CEO, OPPD and Rollie Johns, executive vice president and chief financial officer, CSG. Habitat Omaha is also excited to welcome Julian Young and Rahul Jalali to its Board of Directors. Young is the co-founder of Julian Young Business Advisors. Jalali is senior vice president, chief information officer at Union Pacific Railroad.

Returning board members include: Jon Costello, Bellevue Public Schools Foundation; Bob Dalrymple, Bank of the West; Dr. Cynthia Gooch-Grayson, Metropolitan Community College; Jeff Gordman, Jeff Gordman Advisory LLC; Marcos Hernandez, U.S. Bank; Dan Houghton, Buildertrend; Ryan Iwansky, D.A. Davidson & Companies; Keith Jankuski, CHI Health; Teri Mercer, McCarthy Capital; Brian Miles, Bridges Trust; Laura Nelson, First National Bank of Omaha; Gustavo Oberto, Lindsay Corporation; Dan Patterson, Cobalt Credit Union; Mark Rodgers, Core Bank; Jaison Samuel, Thrivent Financial; Connie Ryan, Streck Inc.; Angel Starks, Nebraska Realty and Lucas Weatherly, Olsson.

Founded in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha builds and renovates homes, repairs existing houses, takes down blighted structures, and advocates for better laws and systems. For more information about, visit habitatomaha.org or call (402) 457-5657.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Greater Omaha Chamber’s Young Professionals Announce 2022 Change Makers

Child Saving Institute Appoints New Program Director Jovan Johnson

The Greater Omaha Chamber Yo u n g Professionals has recognized their 2022 Change Makers, sponsored by t h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Nebraska at Omaha Office of Graduate Studies.

“Omaha’s success is spurred on by young professionals who strive to make a difference for their communities,” said Ana Lopez Shalla, senior director, workforce development for the Greater Omaha Chamber. “These Change Makers have all done something extraordinary and we are proud to recognize them here. The 2022 Change Makers truly are an inspiration and an example to others.”

The Change Makers have been carefully selected for their commitment to the success of their community, their friends and family, and themselves by breaking down barriers and overcoming challenges through innovative and exemplary acts.

This year’s Change Makers include: • Daniela Rojas Florez, assistant dean of student success, College of Saint Mary • DaShawn McGary, B.S.B.A, co-founder and director, Divine Living • Leah Whitney Chavez, executive director and founder, World Speaks Omaha • Theodore W. Johnson, MPA, instructor – Aviation Institute, University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Daniela Rojas Florez was born in Bogota, Colombia. She moved to Omaha in 2007. Daniela graduated from College of Saint Mary with a double major in art and theology, as well as a medical interpreting certificate. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she completed her master’s in higher education administration in the fall of 2020. Daniela now serves as assistant dean for student success at College of Saint Mary.

DaShawn McGary is a native of Omaha and recent graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, conferred with a finance emphasis. He is a co-founder and director of Divine Living, a home and community services-based agency through Medicaid, that provides assistance to community members with developmental disabilities.

Leah Whitney Chavez is the executive director and founder of World Speaks Omaha, a nonprofit that removes barriers from our community by providing language access services and community education courses. With a bachelor’s degree in foreign language and literature with a concentration in Spanish, she is bilingual and from an early age had an appreciation of Spanish language and Latin culture.

Theodore W. Johnson, MPA, is an instructor within the Aviation Institute at UNO who is pursuing his doctorate in public administration.

He is a pracademic educator and DEI stalwart engaged in the integral mission of moving the equity needle in public and private sector entities. He has only been in Omaha 18 months and is already creating lasting change to broaden the horizons of racial and gender minorities within the UNO and Omaha communities pertaining to aviation/aerospace and other STEM fields.

The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. The organization is made up of over 3,000 members working to make Omaha a vibrant place to do business, work, and live. To learn more, visit www.omahachamber.org.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) has appointed Jovan Johnson as its new director of child welfare services.

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Johnson possesses more than 20 years’ experience working with children and families, serving the Omaha community in various roles. Formerly, Johnson served as a Pathways to Permanency specialist with the Nebraska Home Society and a child and family service specialist with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Most recently, Johnson supervised the Omaha Healthy Start (OHS) program at Charles Drew Health Center.

Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in education and human services from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a master’s degree in human services with a concentration in leadership from Northeastern University.

To learn more about CSI’s entire leadership team visit childsaving.org.

CSI is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. For 130 years, CSI has been “Responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. CSI serves approximately 2,500 children and families each year. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving.org or follow CSI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Paola Lopez and Joe Safford of CountryHouse Honored as Agemark Heroes Agemark Senior Living recently recognized CountryHouse employees Paola Lopez and Joe Safford as Agemark “Heroes” during a company-wide virtual awards ceremony on February 10. Hero winners are showered with gifts including a $1,000 cash bonus, an extra paid day-off, and a customized prize package valued at $1,000.

Paola Lopez is a housekeeper at CountryHouse in Omaha, but Executive Director Erinn Drouin says that Lopez’s efforts go well beyond her job title.

“Paola has an irrefutable pride in her work, and she is sweet and engaging of our residents as she navigates her day,” shared Erinn.

“Because she is all over the building, she is a comforting routine to our folks – they know her and trust her. She has earned that trust by being kind and supportive. She will help residents back to their rooms when they have lost their way or takes time to sit with them when they’d like company.”

Joe Safford serves as dining director at CountryHouse in Elkhorn. Beth Gonnerman, executive director of CountryHouse in Elkhorn, says that Safford’s honor is well-deserved.

“Joe is simply amazing,” said Beth. “He is so skilled at creating and presenting delicious meals that fill not only bellies, but hearts! He also goes above and beyond his job description. He takes the time to visit and joke with residents and is always there with a hug or a smile to brighten their days.”

CountryHouse communities provide exceptional memory care for those with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. For more information on CountryHouse, visit countryhouse.net. For more information on Agemark Senior Living, visit agemark.com.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Leadership Nebraska Honors 28 Graduates Twenty-eight Nebraska leaders were recognized with certificates and commemorative awards for completing Class XIII of Leadership Nebraska at a commencement ceremony held March 3. Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state.

Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions, and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. The program includes six, two-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include: economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy.

Leadership Nebraska Class XIII members who graduated Thursday include: ALLIANCE—Mara Anderson, Alliance Recreation Center BLAIR—Matthew Reed, Great Plains Communications COLUMBUS—Heidi Elliot, Nebraska Public Power District HOLDREGE—Rochelle Jurgens, Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District KEARNEY—Brenda Jensen, City of Kearney; Kelly Kreger, Path for Growth; Lisa Tschauner, University of Nebraska at Kearney LINCOLN—Macala Carter, Great Western Bank; Ben Martens, U.S. Bank; Nate McHargue, State Farm; Bridgett Petzoldt, Black Hills Energy NELIGH—Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen, City of Neligh Economic Development NORFOLK—Dr. Tracy Kruse, Northeast Community College; Andrea Libengood, Daycos, Inc. NORTH PLATTE—Chance Schilling, First National Bank of Omaha OMAHA—Brook Aken, Omaha Public Power District; Britton Gabel, Omaha Public Power District; Elizabeth Hallgren, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business; Julie Klug, Aksarben Foundation; Megan Murray, Metropolitan Utilities District; Jennifer Olds, Peter Kiewit Foundation; Sarah Sjolie, The Wellbeing Partners; Carole Swanson, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Nebraska PAWNEE CITY—Jessica Colo, OCI Insurance & Financial Services SCOTTSBLUFF—Douglas Mader, Western Nebraska Community College WAYNE—Abby Schademann, Wayne Area Economic Development WISNER—Kevin Black, Pinnacle Bank YORK—Edward Tjaden, City of York Police Department Applications for the next class may be submitted until April 15. For more information on the NE Chamber Foundation’s Leadership Nebraska, please contact Roberta Pinkerton at (402) 480-6918 or visit www. leadershipnebraska.com.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly B u s i n e s s, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via strictlybusinessomaha.com.

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Strictly Business Welcomes Derek Nosbisch as Art Director Derek Nosbisch joined the Strictly Business team as the art director in January 2022.

Originally from Omaha, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.

In his role as art director, Derek designs advertisements, magazine layouts, and promotional materials for Strictly Business.

He also posts the magazines’ content online.

Derek enjoys the challenge of working with brands and businesses of all sizes, and his background in developing identity systems helps him represent the clientele of Strictly Business in print and online.

He cares deeply about how people interact with design in their everyday lives and strives to build a more designed world.

Derek is married to his better half, Caroline Nosbisch, who is the best cook on this side of the Missouri river. They’re owned by two cats: Calypso and Hannah.

Strictly Business has been a reliable news source and effective advertising tool in Lincoln for 28 years and in Omaha for 16 years, publishing engaging content in print, online, and on social media. To learn more, visit strictlybusinessomaha.com. To contact Derek, email design@strictlybusinessomaha.com or call (402) 466-3330.

Erik Petersen and Jesse Steinbach Join Huffman Engineering, Inc. Mechanical Engineer, Erik Petersen and Licensed Technician, Jesse Steinbach have joined Huffman Engineering, Inc. Petersen holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with minors in both mathematics and physics. He brings with him experience as a development, test, and R&D engineer building data acquisition programs for product development tests, refining test patterns, working with calibration and installation for natural gas Erik Petersen systems, and analyzing project, process, and system improvements.

Steinbach holds his State of Nebraska Journeyman Electrical License and degrees as an electrical and electromechanical technician from Southeast Community College. His experience extends to machine tool, lowvoltage electrical systems, proficiency in SAP, Kreuter building systems, and AutoCAD. Named 2022 System Integrator of the Year, Huffman Engineering is excited to welcome both Erik and Jesse to their team of Jesse Steinbach professionals as they continue to grow.

Huffman Engineering, Inc. has over three decades of experience with a proven track record of delivering large-scale system integration projects with industrial customers and municipalities as an electrical control systems integrator with offices in Lincoln, NE and Englewood, CO. They specialize in start to finish engineering projects in pharmaceuticals, water/wastewater, food and beverage, electrical utilities, and manufacturing. Huffman Engineering designs and builds robust and reliable automation systems to meet stringent CDPHE, FDA, USDA, and EPA regulations. Learn more at huffmaneng.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Employing Omaha MAY 2022 Issue

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES! Let people know why your company is a great place to work.

In the May 2020 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our quarterly “Employing Omaha” feature to highlight great places to work in Omaha.

This is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 15,000 businesses every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people.

Editorial features are published on our website as well.

We are proud to have a strong online presence.

Feature Includes: Company logo & 150-word write-up

To participate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS BLUEBARN Theater Presents Buffalo Women: A Black Cowgirl Musical May 26 – June 19

Christian Record Services Releases 2022 Summer Camp Schedule and Locations

BLUEBARN Theater is proud to announce the world premiere of Buffalo Women: A Black Cowgirl Musical by Beaufield Berry with music and additional lyrics by J. Isaiah Smith. The show will be offered from May 26 – June 19.

Christian Record Services, Inc. has recently released its summer camp schedule and roster of locations as they prepare for another successful summer of camp experiences for children and adults who are blind or experiencing vision loss. This summer, campers may enjoy a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities at summer camps in five different locations across the country. Activities include horseback riding, archery, water skiing, crafts, cooking, and even a zip line over the lake.

Hot off the saddle, this trailblazing new musical is BLUEBARN’s final show of the season. The first Juneteenth.

New lives and new freedoms. True grit and good trouble. From the playwright who brought us 2019’s smash hit Red Summer comes a tale of hidden figures leading extraordinary lives on the frontier in 1865. Don’t miss this gun-slinging, toe-tapping, wild west adventure. Starring Brandi Smith, TammyRa’, Jordan Brooks, Breanna Carodine, Dara Hogan, and Tiffany WhiteWelchin. Buffalo Women is directed by Echelle Childers with music direction by Justin Payne. Tickets go on sale on May 2 at bluebarn.org.

Founded in 1989, the BLUEBARN Theatre is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and change. The BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s only professional regional contemporary theatre company. Each year the BLUEBARN produces five plays in a season that runs from September through June. The BLUEBARN remains committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect us all to our shared humanity. Learn more at bluebarn.org.

Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk to Benefit Wear Yellow Nebraska Set for May 14 Wear Yellow Nebraska invites you to join them for the 19th Annual Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk on Saturday, May 14. The event will begin at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, NE. Riders will experience the very best of springtime in rural Nebraska, including 25-, 35-, 45-, and 55-mile options; a new 27-mile beginners gravel option; and a 55-mile experienced gravel riders route. Walkers and runners will enjoy a 5K route through beautiful Mahoney State Park.

All proceeds from the event support Wear Yellow Nebraska’s cancer fighting and cancer patient assistance programs. The event specifically supports the Wear Yellow Cab Ride Program and the Wear Yellow Grant Program. Register by April 24 to receive an event t-shirt; the registration link can be found at supportwyn.org/19.

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offered cancer survivors support in ways that were not being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. To learn more about the event or the organization, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact them at contactus@ wearyellownebraska.org / (402) 965-1699.

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A previous camper commented that he was “amazed” at how the camp staff treated the people who were blind: “They treated blind people like the rest of the people here. Like human beings.”

Since beginning in 1967, over 50,000 campers have experienced camps through National Camps for Blind Children, a program of Christian Record Services. Each camp is scheduled at a well-equipped site, chosen especially for the standard of excellence and geographical location. Committed staff and counselors are trained to meet the needs of legally blind campers who are between the ages of nine and 65.

For more information, please visit blindcamps.org.

Christian Record Services, Inc. is an international ministry to people who are blind. The nonprofit was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lincoln. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord. org, call (402) 488-0981, or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn (@CRSBfriends).

Outlook Enrichment Encourages Local Donations to Assist People with Vision Loss Outlook Enric hment, an o r ga n i z a t i o n p ro v i d i n g resources and support to those with vision loss so they can remain independent, encourages everyone to support local organizations as much as possible. Omaha metro area nonprofits do great work for our community. Donating to charities helps people in need and can be very rewarding. Millions of people routinely donate to charities to support causes they believe in and to positively impact their own lives.

Generous supporters help Outlook Enrichment assist people in our community with vision loss through adaptive-technology training and culture, recreation, and peer-support programs. New programs since 2020 also include independent living classes and virtual education sessions.

With Outlook Enrichment’s help, Omaha native Julia Lockette regained independence after vision loss and her husband’s death.

No longer able to see her computer screen, Julia prepared for an early retirement from her career in finance. Now, because of the donor-funded Outlook Enrichment programs, Julia remains employed and will retire on her own terms.

“Learning how to use software like screen magnifiers helped me realize I could still work and live my life, even with very little vision,” said Julia.

“From the support group to helping me with daily tasks, I know Outlook Enrichment will be there for me no matter what I face. And your gifts make the work they do possible.”

Local donations stay in the community. Supporting our nonprofits ensures people like Julia get the services and support they need. Anyone can easily make a donation to Outlook Enrichment at outlooken.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission to Now Serve the Valley Community Heartland Hope Mission is excited for a new opportunity to help lowincome families who live in Valley, NE with food pantries. In Valley, one out of every seven individuals lives in poverty. For children under the age of six living in poverty, the rate is over 37%. Inflation has also increased the need for hunger assistance programs. Heartland Hope Mission’s Valley mobile pantry will operate every fourth Friday of the month from 3 – 4 p.m. to help families in need.

You can help families living in Valley by volunteering to help distribute food at the mobile pantry or by giving a donation. $124 will help feed a family of four for a month. For more information about volunteering or donating, please visit their website at HeartlandHopeMission.org.

Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state, but they are More Than a Pantry since they help families work toward self-sufficiency. They primarily serve working poor families and those facing a crisis by providing a week’s supply of food, as well as clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. Like and follow Heartland Hope Mission on Facebook or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date on all the important work they are doing in the community. Learn more at HeartlandHopeMission.org.

Cornhusker Bank’s One Day Without Shoes Program Benefits Stephen Center It’s time for One Day Without Shoes, Cornhusker Bank’s annual shoe collection drive to benefit Stephen Center. The collection drive will take place April 25 through May 7. One Day Without Shoes is a collaborative effort with local businesses who volunteer to help the bank collect new and wearable used shoes for free distribution by Stephen Center.

One Day Without Shoes started in 2011 by Cornhusker Bank to benefit the Lincoln community. In 2020, the event expanded to Omaha, and a partnership was formed with the Stephen Center. In the two years of hosting this event in Omaha, Cornhusker Bank’s Omaha location and numerous business partners collected over 3,200 pairs of shoes and $450 in monetary donations. All shoes and any cash donations collected in Omaha will stay in Omaha for distribution.

Gently worn and new shoes can be dropped off at one of the collection sites during these two weeks. A complete list of collection sites can be found on Cornhusker Bank’s website: cornhuskerbank.com/DayWithout-Shoes-omaha.aspx.

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. In 2021, Stephen Center provided services to more than 1,200 men, women, and children and offered 209,061 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Learn more at stephencenter. org or by calling (402) 731-0238. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cross Electronic Recycling Honors Earth Day, Encourages Public to Recycle Electronics Cross Electronic Recycling, a program of the Cross Training Center, is honoring Earth Day on April 22 by encouraging the community to bring their unused and unwanted electronics to their center to be safely recycled.

Through Cross Recycling Center’s asset recovery program, recycled electronics are sorted to determine what is usable and what is not. Electronics that have reached the end of their useful life are properly dismantled to prevent environmental pollution in landfills. Items that are considered still usable are sent through a stringent refurbishing process and are resold at a discounted rate to individuals and businesses around Omaha.

Electronic drop-off hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cross Electronic Recycling also encourages individuals to host electronic collection events at their workplace, school, or neighborhood to help the community easily dispose of their electronics in a safe manner. Collection events are held at no charge to the organizer; Cross Electronic Recycling will provide all equipment, staffing, handling, and transporting of collected materials. To schedule a collection event or to learn more, please contact Recycling Operations Supervisor Dan Lang at (402) 590-2100 Ext. 007 / danlang@crosstc.com.

Cross Electronic Recycling is operated and the owned by Cross Training Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and equip undereducated and unemployed adults through vocational training and work experience. Learn more at crossrecycling.com / crosstc.com.

FAMILY, Inc. Recognizes Volunteers during National Volunteer Month FAMILY, Inc. is celebrating National Volunteer Month in April. This month is dedicated to recognizing the importance of volunteering and honoring the significant contributions volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes. In the previous fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, FAMILY received the benefit of approximately 470 hours of volunteer time. FAMILY extends its gratitude to those community individuals who enable them to engage and educate the community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health services.

Volunteers are an essential part of FAMILY’s vision; a resilient community built on strong partnerships and trust with equitable opportunities to thrive. Volunteers boost their power, lighten the load, and exponentially increase their impact. Best of all, they do it because they believe in the cause and want to help. FAMILY has many ongoing opportunities to volunteer, such as preparing mailings, prepare incentive and home care bags for the school sealant program, and organizing and processing donations (clothing, books, etc.), amongst other opportunities that vary depending on the season and upcoming events. If there is something specific you would like to help with, FAMILY may be able to accommodate depending on tasks available. If you or your organization is interested in volunteering, please contact Jessica Navarrete at (712) 256-9566 Ext. 214 or jnavarrete@familyia.org.

FAMILY, Inc. is an early childhood and public health organization that provides public health education, support, and connection to resources for women, children, and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. To learn more about how to support FAMILY’s mission, visit www.familyia.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Join NESC for the Conference, Trade Show, and Awards Luncheon on April 21

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Recognizes Volunteers in April

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is excited to host their annual conference and tradeshow luncheon in Lincoln at the Graduate Hotel on Thursday, April 21.

NESC has an exciting line-up of educational sessions, speakers, exhibitors, prizes, networking opportunities, and more. Join them for the full conference, or if you are short on time, you can simply register for the Awards Luncheon that will be held between noon – 1:30 p.m.

The Awards Luncheon will recognize winners of the NESC Awards, Worker 360° Awards, and Legacy Awards.

April is National Volunteer Month, and Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital (MJEH) is so excited to recognize their many volunteers for all they do every day. They thank them for their kind and caring manner and for being loyal to what they do as a Jennie Volunteer. Their volunteers add to the quality of services MJEH provides to their patients, their families, and the community.

Participants will have an opportunity to earn up to three hours of CEU/ PDC Continuing Education; there will be three breakout sessions with the option to choose from Safety, Wellness, and General topics. In between breakout sessions, participants will have over two hours to visit the exhibit hall filled with safety products and services as well as additional worksite wellness vendors. Additionally, you will have a chance to see demonstrations of the latest safety and wellness products and services.

To see a full list of speakers and agenda highlights, or to register for the conference, visit NESC’s website at nesafetycouncil.org – Worker Education & Events – Conference & Events.

The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org.

Every day, MJEH’s volunteers help improve a patient’s stay at the hospital, whether helping deliver newspapers and flowers or working in the gift shop, at the information desk, or in the outpatient surgery department.

Ultimately everyone works together to promote the wellbeing and safety of the patients. MJEH welcomes new volunteers to join this incredibly compassionate team who are the heart and soul of the hospital. One Jennie volunteer puts it this way: “I do it because it makes me feel good.

I believe that any act of kindness, whether it’s a smile, a hug, whatever the act, it creates a ‘ripple effect’ and these good vibes come back to us 10-fold, every time.”

At MJEH, they value their volunteers and thank them for giving their time and talents. When you see a volunteer, be sure to say ‘thank you’ to these special people.

Find out more about Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s volunteer program by calling (712) 396-6040. Visit jehfoundation. org for more information.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Kids Can, American National Bank Present 2022 Can Do Awards Celebration May 5

VMM Announces Three-Day Native American Filmmakers’ Summit April 28-30

Kids Can Community Center invites the community to join their Can Do Awards Celebration presented by American National Bank. The luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Omaha Downtown Marriott in the Capitol District.

The event honors individuals and organizations in recognition of their contributions to our community. This year, eight Can Do awards will be given out: Future, Junior, Hope, Growth Mindset, Provider, Entrepreneur, Volunteer, and Educator.

Vision Maker Media (VMM) is pleased to announce a threeday Native American filmmakers’ summit to take place in Lincoln from April 28–30 at the University of Nebraska City Campus Union building. The final day of the summit, Saturday, April 30, is free and open to the public to hear, learn from, and speak with Native filmmakers through film showings and panel discussions. Audiences can discuss Native American film stories on various topics. Some sessions will be available online for those unable to attend in-person. See the schedule at www.visionmakermedia.org Vision Maker Media is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Their mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. VMM envisions a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate. They work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for all public media.

VMM supports training to increase the number of Native Americans and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations and Native organizations and communities.

Vision Maker Media is a nonprofi t 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). Learn more at visionmakermedia.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@visionmakermedia).

“We are so excited to celebrate so many outstanding individuals at this year’s event,” said Robert Patterson, Kids Can CEO. “Their can do spirit is an inspiration for all of us and the remarkable work they do every day.”

Tickets and sponsorships for the event are now available on the Kids Can website at KidsCan.org. Even if you cannot attend, there are options to purchase sponsorships or make individual donations to their cause.

The mission of Kids Can Community Center is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood education and quality out-of-school experiences. Founded in 1908 as the Social Settlement Association, the nonprofit organization has evolved over the last century to meet the constantly changing needs of children and families in the community. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships for the Can Do Awards, visit KidsCan.org or contact Cliff McEvoy at (402) 731-6988 / cmcevoy@kidscan.org.

Project Harmony Raises Awareness for Child Abuse Awareness Month in April Friday, April 1, marks the start of Child Abuse Awareness Month, and Project Harmony wants to bring awareness to the community of this very serious matter. Child abuse does not discriminate.

It spans all racial, gender, socioeconomic, and demographic boundaries. In 2021, Project Harmony provided services to over 6,000 children within our community. This includes preventative and response services. Of the abuse cases, 45% were sexual abuse, 21% neglect, 13% physical abuse, and 6% witness to violence.

Thousands of pinwheels are spinning all across the Metro Area throughout the month of April as part of Project Harmony’s Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign to raise awareness of this life-threatening issue. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America® introduced the blue pinwheel as the national symbol for child abuse prevention. The pinwheel represents the great childhood that every child deserves, and the role we each play in providing a loving and supportive environment for the children in our lives.

“April provides an opportunity for all of us, individuals and organizations alike, to take action by learning more about prevention and supporting organizations that support children,” said Project Harmony Executive Director Gene Klein. “A cause is only as strong as the people who support it and together we can end child abuse.”

Project Harmony exists to protect and support children, collaborate with professionals, and engage the community to end child abuse and neglect. Learn more about how you can Be Someone in the life of a child at ProjectHarmony.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Midlands Community Foundation’s 2022 Reflection Ball Raises Over $150K Midlands Community Foundation’s 2022 Reflection Ball, held on January 22 at the Embassy Suites in LaVista, raised over $150,000. More than 400 organizations and individuals supported the gala. Net proceeds from the event will support the needs of non-profit organizations that provide programs and services (L-R): Tom Ackley, MCF Board President; in Sarpy and Cass counties in Tonee Gay, MCF Executive Director; Cathie the areas of art, community, and John Fullenkamp, 2022 Reflection e c o n o m i c d e v e l o p m e n t , Award Recipients; Tammy and John Winkler, 2022 Reflection Ball Honorary Chairs. education, health, and human services. At the event, the 2022 Reflection Award was presented to Cathie and John Fullenkamp by Tom Ackley, MCF Board President and Tammy and John Winkler, 2022 Reflection Ball Honorary Chairs.

“We are pleased to present Cathie and John Fullenkamp with this year’s Reflection Award in appreciation for their dedication to community growth, volunteer involvement, and nonprofit philanthropy.

Their significant contributions to our community have made impactful economic advances in the development of Sarpy and Cass counties,” said Tonee Gay, executive director.

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to be a catalyst for lasting impact in Sarpy and Cass counties and to give opportunities to organizations and individuals so that they can pursue their charitable goals. Learn more at midlandscommunity.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Open Door Mission Honors Volunteers during National Volunteer Week

Volunteer Opportunities Available at HETRA, Prospective Volunteer Tour April 7

National Volunteer Week is April 17–23, and Open Door Mission wants to acknowledge the volunteers that help the organization continue to move forward in their mission to inspire hope for lasting change. They extend their thanks to the 11,079 volunteers who served in 2021.

Open Door Mission encourages volunteering not just during National Volunteer Week, but throughout the whole year. You can make a difference in the lives of the hungry and the homeless by volunteering a couple hours at Open Door Mission, where there are many opportunities to share your time and service; for example, serving meals or volunteering in their Outreach Centers. Anyone who is interested in volunteering can register online and, once approved, self-schedule where they would like to serve. Get started at opendoormission.org/volunteer.

They also offer Volunteer in Place opportunities where you can volunteer from your home or work; this includes activities such as making sack lunches, encouraging handmade cards, making fleece blankets, and more. Find out more at opendoormission.org/volunteercategory/volunteer-in-place.

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. To learn more, visit opendoormission.org, or contact Public Relations Coordinator Kristen Dineen at (402) 829-1538 / kdineen@opendoormission.org.

Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) in Gretna would like the community to know of volunteer opportunities available within their organization. Currently serving over 150 participants a week, volunteers are the heart of HETRA. Without them, HETRA cannot accomplish their mission to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally for adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. Every hour donated makes a difference in the lives of their participants. Those who are interested in volunteering are invited to attend a prospective volunteer tour on Thursday, April 7; to sign up for the tour, visit HETRA.org/ Volunteer or call (402) 359-8830. If you can’t make this date, volunteer tours typically occur every second Thursday of the month.

While HETRA does not require any previous experience, volunteers must be 12 years or older and must be able to work independently with minimal staff supervision. Whether you have years of horse experience or none, the dedicated HETRA staff will train you on what you need to know to serve their beloved participants effectively. They currently need additional greeters, session volunteers, and barn maintenance helpers.

Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, also known as HETRA, has a mission to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally for adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. For more information on participating or donating, call (402) 359-8830, or visit hetra.org.

NAM Shares Agenda for April 21 Central Nebraska Nonprofit Conference The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) will offer seminar and networking sessions on a variety of topics to support nonprofits at the 5th Annual Central Nebraska Nonprofit Conference, Thursday, April 21, at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney, NE. Thursday’s sessions on nonprofit trends, best practices, and issues affecting the sector will include: Key Ingredients to Your Strategic Planning Recipe, Building a Fundraising Board of Directors, The Importance of Hiring People Reflective of the Population You Serve, Y’all Means All, Nonprofit Financials 101, Marketing Trends Nonprofits Need to Know and Embrace, Social Media and Nonprofits, Non-traditional Fundraising Methods and Wrap Arounds: Getting Serious About the FUN in Fundraising, Elements of an Effective Board Orientation, and Leading Sustainable Change. A pre-conference session will be held Wednesday, April 20, with presentations titled Embracing Creative Staff to Thrive and Crush Your Biggest Goals by Silencing Your Inner Critic and Banishing Limiting Beliefs.

The event is hosted in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, Kearney Area Community Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and DA Davidson. To register and view the full agenda, visit nonprofitam.org/events.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of more than 650 nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa.

To learn more, visit nonprofitam.org.

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Onsite Volunteers Return to MICAH House, Classes and Programs Now Available MICAH House is pleased to announce that they have begun accepting volunteer applications for individuals and groups once again!

Previously, community members would donate their time and talents in service of the families and women living at MICAH House before the pandemic hit in March 2020. As a congregate care facility, MICAH House had to shut its doors to the volunteer program for the safety of their clients and volunteers. Now that volunteers will be returning to MICAH House, the organization can offer classes and programs to clients that remained on hold during the last two years.

MICAH House’s small but mighty staff can only accomplish so many things in a day’s time. Having reliable volunteers makes such a powerful impact on the level of care provided to clients. Even in the smallest or humblest moments of service, MICAH House strives for volunteers to feel connected, helpful, and empowered. If you or your group are interested in volunteering opportunities at MICAH House, please contact Marketing and Community Development Specialist Jenny Andersen at jandersen@themicahhouse.org / (712) 323-4416 Ext. 2101 for more information.

Founded in 1986, MICAH House is a transitional homeless shelter that serves families and women in the Omaha-Metro area and Southwest Iowa. MICAH House provides safe shelter, nutritious meals, health care access, and adult education classes as individuals seek a better tomorrow. For more information, visit www.themicahhouse.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Learn about the Transfer of Wealth in NCF’s New Virtual Learning Series

Do Space Announces New Dates for Start Omaha Work Week, Now Set for April 25-29

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) has announced a new virtual learning series featuring their staff and volunteers that aims to help communities across Nebraska better utilize NCF’s latest Transfer of Wealth Study, mobilize a localized “5 to Thrive” campaign, and most importantly, harness some of this unprecedented abundance in your own hometown!

The three 45-minute sessions focus on a variety of transfer of wealth related topics – understanding the data, leveraging planned giving, and marketing the transfer of wealth among them. Each of the sessions points viewers to NCF’s ever-expanding Transfer of Wealth Toolkit which features a variety of free tools and resources that can be utilized by any Nebraskan who cares about the future of their place.

NCF’s “5 to Thrive” campaign asks all Nebraskans to think about the future of the community they love. Leaving just 5% of your assets to your favorite Nebraska hometown or to NCF to benefit all of our communities can secure your family’s legacy and help your hometown thrive. If we all left just 5% to local charitable causes, that would equate to more than $5 billion in the next decade that could be reinvested into education, health, prosperity, and quality of life.

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Visit fivetothrivene.org to access an interactive transfer of wealth map, the Transfer of Wealth Toolkit, planned giving resources, and the new virtual learning series.

Do Space has rescheduled Start Omaha Work Week to now be held Monday, April 25, through Friday, April 29, at the Do Space Building. Do Space is located at 7205 Dodge St. Start Omaha Work Week provides local entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with a dedicated focus-week to tackle challenges and pain points in their venture and walk away with new tools and concepts to help them move forward. This week-long event aims to spark discussions on inclusiveness, awareness, and leadership in the local workforce to provide information and knowledge to the local entrepreneurial small business/start-up community. Do Space’s vision for this week is to provide common ground for members from the community to learn together as well as bring awareness to resources, small businesses, and freelance opportunities within the Omaha-area entrepreneur and startup community. Each day of the event will feature a different topic with a keynote speaker. The schedule is as follows: April 25, Funding Your Business; April 26, Scaling Your Business; April 27, Artificial Intelligence & Automation; April 28, Content Creation; and April 29, Bonus.

Do Space is a technology library providing free access to the latest software, devices, and ultra-fast internet to the Omaha community. The one-of-a-kind concept creates a digital workshop and an innovation playground filled with new opportunities to learn, grow, explore, and create through programs and events. Contact Do Space at hello@ dospace.org / (402) 819-4022. Learn more at dospace.org.

Mosaic in Omaha Expands Opportunities through “Mosaic at Home” “Mosaic at Home” provider Madonna Bondilla describes her family’s experience hosting Mosaic in Omaha client Richard Hiatt as the best possible gift to her family.

“My husband Manny and I have always believed we were meant to be the hands and feet of Jesus,” she said.

“To be a part of Richard living his life to the fullest, something he very much deserves, is an honor for us.”

Through “Mosaic at Home,” the person Elliott and Darlene Alexander have been Mosaic at Home with IDD shares a residence with a Mosaic independent contractor who providers since the fall of 2021. helps the person be an active member of the household and the greater community. Madonna and her husband have hosted Richard in their home since 2018. She had been an educator for individuals with special needs in the past and said the opportunity with Mosaic was the next logical step.

For Elliott and Darlene Alexander, being host home providers allows them to care for two individuals in their home, while maintaining a consistent, reliable schedule for their family. “We get to care for these individuals, who have become a part of our family,” Elliott said. “I think we both have such a passion for serving. But it also allows us to spend more time with our son and daughter.”

Mosaic in Omaha offers services to empower people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs, and autism, as well as aging adults to live their best life. For additional information on Mosaic at Home, please contact (402) 896-9988, Ext. 51035, or visit mosaicinfo.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

First Responders Foundation Offers Gracie Jiu-Jitsu®, Available for Youth and Adults The First Responders Foundation is the official home of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Omaha, and they are encouraging the community to sign up for one of the many classes they have available for youth starting at five years through adults. Classes take place at the First Responders Foundation Health & Wellness Center at 10605 Burt Cir. and are led by Director of Physical Training and Law Enforcement Officer Brian Bonifas. Brian recently completed Instructor Certification at Gracie University HQ in Torrance, CA. If you know of kids that are experiencing bullying, the Foundation offers a program that will help. Gracie Bullyproof® is a program that instills unshakable confidence in children so they can overcome bullies without violence. Gracie Combatives® is a beginner program for adults. This program teaches the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun, safe, and cooperative environment. The public is invited to sign up for a 10-day free trial of the program. Contact Brian for more information at brian@firstrespondersfoundation.org.

The First Responders Foundation is a social impact organization that works to build community appreciation and respect for our first responders. They offer behavioral health, physical health, and financial health services to First Responders, Veterans, and their families. For more information about the organization, to donate, volunteer, or sign up for classes with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® Omaha visit firstrespondersfoundation.org, email contact@ firstrespondersfoundation.org, or call (402) 218-1234.

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HEALTH NEWS Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk by American Heart Association Set for May 14

Restore Hyper Wellness Holds Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Opening in Village Pointe

The American Heart Association is eagerly waiting to begin the 2022 Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk, taking place on May 14. The walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. and is being held at Miller’s Landing, 151 Freedom Park Rd. Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun corporate, community, and family environment. They are excited to host their walk in-person this year with a few changes to ensure the safety of all participants.

Restore Hyper Wellness is excited to announce they are officially open for business after holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate their grand opening in Village Pointe. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Chamber in February. Founded in Austin, TX in 2015, Restore Hyper Wellness is the award-winning creator of an innovative new category of care—Hyper Wellness®. Restore delivers expert guidance and an extensive array of cutting-edge health modalities, such as IV drips, cryotherapy, infrared sauna, red light therapy, biomarker assessments, micronutrient testing, NAD+, and mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Their licensed estheticians provide CryoSlimming, CryoToning, CryoFacials, as well as HydraFacial services.

All of these services are integrated under one roof. These modalities help you feel your best, so you can do more of what you love. With 125+ locations across 34+ states and a fast-growing national retail footprint, Restore makes proactive health more accessible than ever.

It’s never been a better time to find new ways to boost physical and emotional health. Joining the Heart Walk is a great way to socially connect and get moving - all while making a great impact in our community and saving lives. The American Heart Association is hoping to reach a goal of $600,000 in donations for the event. You can check their progress and register for the event at www.omahaheartwalk.com.

The American Heart Association’s mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To achieve this, they work by driving equitable health impact in our communities. Every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. As champions for health equity, the American Heart Association will advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality. For more information, visit www.heart.org.

For further questions about the event, contact Luke Allmon at (402) 810-6844 / luke.allmon@heart.org.

Restore Hyper Wellness is the market leader in proactive healthfocused modalities. As the ultimate pioneer of their industry, they will undoubtedly be held to a higher level of scrutiny than any other player in the market. Learn more at restore.com/locations/ne-west-omahane001 or by contacting General Manager Jodee Larsen at (402) 915-1358 / jlarsen@restore.com.

Red Cross Celebrates Red Cross Month in March, Blood Supply Remains Low

Clearwater Counseling Celebrates Counseling Awareness Month

In March, the American Red Cross of Nebraska honored the people who make its mission possible every day during its annual Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation ever since.

This April, Clearwater Counseling, PC is celebrating Counseling Awareness Month, a time of advocacy for the profession and celebration of the outstanding efforts of counselors as they seek to facilitate the growth and development of all individuals.

Counseling Awareness Month helps shine a light on the profession of counseling and promotes the importance of mental health.

In 2021, the Red Cross responded to more than 400 disasters in Nebraska, most of which were home fires, providing care and comfort to nearly 575 households. Volunteers and supporters are needed now more than ever to ensure Red Cross services can continue to be provided when emergencies happen.

The Red Cross blood supply remains incredibly vulnerable — especially as doctors begin to resume elective surgeries previously delayed by omicron. It’s critical that individuals schedule a blood or platelet donation immediately to help ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1 (800) RED CROSS, or download the Red Cross Blood Donor App. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit them on Twitter at @RedCross.

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According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five Americans experience mental health issues – that’s more than 40 million adults each year. In many cases, counseling can help people overcome previous trauma or mental and emotional setbacks so they can reduce stress and anxiety, avoid emotional triggers, form healthy relationships, and take other positive steps to move forward.

Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org.

Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Grand Island and Omaha area. Clearwater Counseling works to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance quality of life. Learn more at clearwatercounselingpc.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

TRAVEL STORY

DESTINATION KEYST NE COLORADO F

rom outdoor adventures to fun restaurants and bars, Colorado is the perfect getaway. For this trip, we spent most of our time in the Keystone, Colorado area.

Keystone is our favorite place to go to hit the slopes. Since there were seven of us with all our snowboards and luggage, we had two options: drive separately or rent a van. If you’re anything like us, you know that part of the fun is road-tripping together, so we didn’t want to split up. Luckily, RENT A VAN in Lincoln has an impressive fleet of vans that can get you where you’re going for a reasonable price. We rented their 12-seat van, but they also have 8, 10, and 15 seaters for these kinds of trips.

If you’re going to a resort in Colorado to ski or snowboard, we highly recommend staying near the base. It will make your life a whole lot easier. Plus, then you get to be close to all the shops and restaurants at the resort! At Keystone Resort, River Run Village is the main base area with awesome amenities and mountain access. What makes Keystone so attractive is that it caters to all experience levels. In total, Keystone consists of three mountains – Dercum Mountain, North Peak, the Outback – and five bowls. You'll find runs of all difficulties. There are a couple of areas strictly dedicated to beginners. Keystone has also manufactured a worthy terrain park with its own lift so you can keep challenging yourself to hit jumps, rails, half pipes, and more. What sets Keystone apart the most is its night skiing on weekends and holidays. You can keep the adventure going until 8 p.m. on the runs that stay lit up on the front side of Dercum.

If you make it to the top of the Outback, brace yourself for the most stunning view. It’ll make your whole trip worth it.

After wearing ourselves out on the slopes, we answered the call of the Cottonwood Hot Springs, located in the highmountain ecosystem of Collegiate Peaks Range. You’ll want to spend at least a couple of hours here. There are five separate, gravity-fed hot water pools that make up this oasis, plus a bonus bath for the brave. Each of the five geothermal pools is slightly cooler or hotter than the next. Don't just head straight to the hottest one and stay there! Get the full experience by going from the lowest waters to the highest, and then repeat the process. This is a practice known as contrast hydrotherapy, which involves alternating hot and cold water treatment. You can really do this by going down to the river where the waters are freezing. A couple of us did this not once but twice! It awoke all our senses and left our bodies feeling rejuvenated. Cottonwood Hot Springs is truly a place of serenity and healing.

The final highlight of the trip was our time spent dining and dancing at GOAT Soup & Whiskey! The menu has a wide variety of delicious burgers, sandwiches, wraps, wings, and more. However, as the name suggests, the soups are truly what put the GOAT at the next level. Two items that stood out the most for all of us were the Broccoli Cheddar Soup and the Bacon & Bleu Burger. Also, Paige still can't stop thinking about the Chicken Noodle Soup! We recommend the Sweet Chili Wings as well. What made everything so good was knowing that it was all freshly made by the GOAT’s awesome chef, Sean Woods. Sean has a lot of experience in the kitchen, and he’s been perfecting the ingredients at the GOAT

Chef Sean Woods and Manager Derek Jackson, GOAT Soup & Whiskey

for about eight years. He was nice enough to come to our table to make sure everything tasted great, which it did. The manager, Derek Jackson, was also very hospitable to our group.

The GOAT is also a great place to grab a drink and live it up for the night. They have a great selection of local whiskeys and brews. On weekends, the GOAT brings in live music and they have a dance floor so you can bust a move. Check it out for yourself next time you're in Keystone!

For the extended version of this story and to view more photos from this trip, visit the travel section of strictlybusinessomaha.com

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

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SPRING LANDSCAPING • Landscape & Hardscape Installation • Spring cleanup • Creative design solutions

Bring Joy to Your Outdoors!

402.391.1323 | hello@mezagardensanddesign.com www.mezagardensanddesign.com

The calendar deems it is “officially” spring, but the season in place is truly determined by how Mother Nature in Nebraska is feeling that day. Regardless of the instability of our weather, nothing brings us Midwesterners more joy than a beautiful day – even if it is predicted to be followed up by freezing temps.

The only thing that can make great weather even better is a gorgeous landscape to enjoy it with. You might be a do-it-yourself landscaper, or perhaps you’d rather enlist some professionals to help you transform your property. Regardless of which route you’d like to take, Omaha has seasoned landscaping professionals that can offer their advice and/or labor to help you create the perfect landscape, just in time for summer – that is, the one that’s marked on the calendar.

If you know anything about our President Paige, it’s that she loves plants. In fact, there are 50 plants of all shapes and sizes scattered throughout our little office! Our team definitely isn’t complaining; indoor plants have been proven to improve your mood, reduce fatigue, lower stress and anxiety, and improve office performance and focus, among other things. Some places, such as an apartment, don’t come with the opportunity to implement landscape design, so in that case we suggest bringing nature inside and placing some plants around your home or office. You’ll be breathing better air and feeling the benefits in no time!

The Strictly Business team has been eager for spring to arrive so that we can begin some of our own landscaping plans. Paige hopes to add to her ever-growing plant collection and produce a fresh garden in her green house. Editor and Director of Operations Hannah plans on devoting some extra time to caring for her lawn to prepare for summer, and our Art Director Derek is going to spend some time catering to his indoor plants – he’s especially excited about his ficus bonsai tree. Our Writer Devyn would love to begin implementing an outdoor living space. Keep reading to get more ideas on landscaping projects that you can get started on this spring!

Spring Cleanup

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For a landscaping business that has the experience to handle the complex projects while also small enough to offer their clients the attention they deserve, contact Meza Gardens and Design. Meza Gardens and Design is a full-service, Chris Meza professional landscape design, build, and Meza Gardens and Design #PrintProudDigitalSmart

maintenance company. They can design and install landscapes and hardscapes, including retaining walls, patios, water features, and fire pits. Their main focus is residential landscapes. We spoke to Owner Chris Meza about some of the things homeowners should keep in mind as they prepare for spring landscaping.

“Your spring cleanup checklist should include removal of debris, including leaves and fallen branches; cutting back perennials and ornamental grasses, if not completed in the fall; bed edging; light top-dressing of beds with mulch; and pruning/trimming branches,” advised Chris. “Applying a pre-emergent to your landscape beds can also assist with weed control.”

While spring cleanups are happening now, Chris said to still reach out as soon as possible so her team can fit you into the schedule.

It’s also important to reach out right away as soon as you decide you are interested in landscaping services. This is especially important if you have a big event coming up and wish to have a new landscape installed prior. Chris concluded by offering some of the trends she has seen recently and expects to continue to see: “Relaxing outdoor spaces with fire pits has been the trend the past two years,” said Chris. “I anticipate continuing to see this in 2022. With everyone staying home, the focus has been on improving your outdoor areas and maximizing the use of garden space – we call it ‘Staycation.’”

Accent Lighting Are you tired of getting up on a ladder every year to hang your holiday lights? Are you interested in accenting your home differently? We have found a permanent, worry-free, hassle-free solution for you through Halo Custom Lighting. A sister company to Streamline Energy Solutions, they provide outdoor LED lighting that will last for 20+ years.

“They are maintenance-free and lowprofile with a discreet design, and can be controlled through a free mobile app and connected via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth,” said Owner Jen Keller. “Choose from 4,228,250,625 different color options, including warm white or cool white. You can even control each individual bulb, which allows for a complete customization for everyday accent lighting.”

Halo lights are designed to be a sleek, lowprofile, custom fit and color to your home.

The waterproof, climate-tested lights are rated to last 55,000 hours, and provide beautiful lighting to any property. Contact Halo Custom Lighting today to tie it all together with their gorgeous accent lighting!

Jen Keller Halo Custom Lighting

Landscaping + Lawn Care Deluxe Landscape Design offers a wide range of services for lawn care and landscaping, including seeding, sod, fertilization, aeration, mowing, trimming, mulching, retaining walls, and even holiday lighting! Their highly trained crew is made up of experienced, motivated, and talented individuals who all keep their motto of “Quality is Always Important!” at the forefront of their work.

The company was started in 2002 by Owner Chris Ansell when he was 17.

“No job is too small or too large, and we will get the job done right the very first time,” said Chris. “Our team prides ourselves on providing outstanding service in a timely manner, and giving you a finished product to be proud of.”

Chris informed us that if your lawn receives Chris Ansell Deluxe Landscape Design lots of heavy traffic, such as kids and pets #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NEW CLIENTS!

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running through it, the soil may be compacted and aeration could be needed. Aeration creates openings in the lawn that lets water and air get into the soil and to the roots. While aerators can be rented, Chris advised us that it’s best to hire a professional to ensure that your lawn is aerated correctly – otherwise, you could overstress your lawn.

“Aerating doesn’t always need to be done in the spring, but if your soil is so compacted that your grass can’t even grow, it can be the necessary first step to developing a great lawn for the summer,” said Chris.

Deluxe Landscape Design is currently offering a great promotion this season: new clients receive a 15% Spring Special discount on all landscaping and lawn care services now through May 31.

Reach out to Chris today to take advantage of this fabulous deal and have your landscape looking top-notch!

Lawn Care Tips Here is some lawn care advice to keep in mind as you dive into your spring landscaping plans: • Don’t let warm weather trick you into working on your yard too early! There are still beneficial insects wintering in your plants and grass, and if cut too early, their habitat may be disrupted.

While you wait to get started on your lawn, work on cleaning up any broken branches or debris that winter may have left behind, or make some calls to landscaping professionals to get started on your plans early.

• Plan for over-seeding; this is generally best done in mid-April.

Newly-seeded areas should be watered every day for at least a week, or until the grass reaches a height that is tall enough to mow.

• Don’t mow your lawn too short. Taller grass will keep weeds out by providing more shade to prevent weed germination.

In addition, tall grass strengthens roots and heightens heat tolerance. Nebraska consists of mainly cool-season grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass and Tall Fescue, for example), which should be kept at three to four inches tall. In addition, leave your grass clippings on the lawn when you mow; they will help to feed your grass.

• Ensure your irrigation system is well-tuned. With the dry winter and prediction for a drier-than-normal spring, proper watering will be extremely important to ensure that your lawn is being watered efficiently.

Spring has sprung, so what are you waiting for? Reach out to these local landscaping and lawn care experts today to create your perfect outdoor environment today!

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Unplanned Life Changes WE’VE GOT YOU

COVERED Driven by customer service and upheld by reputation, SEE THE TRAINER® is an orthopedic, sports medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning through a variety of bracing and support products.

For more information give us a call at (402) 493-4747 Or visit us at SeeTheTrainer.com

• Highest level of home care at affordable hourly rates • No up front deposit or fees to begin services

Office@CCAHomeCare.com 11640 Arbor St., Suite 103 Omaha, NE 68144 402-398-1848

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 202 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-488-3771

CCAHomeCare.com

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We are told to “expect the unexpected,” – but how does one do that, really? Unplanned life changes can be uncomfortable and come with a string of emotions, ranging from anger and fear to helplessness and worry. It’s common to feel a sense of loss that comes with unexpected changes, as we are pulled away from what is familiar and comfortable. For seniors and their loved ones who find themselves in these situations, life can be challenging for some time as adjustments are made.

Local individuals offered some words of wisdom and encouragement for us to share with our readers, seniors, and their loved ones who want to prepare for the event of unexpected changes – or those who may be going through unforeseen changes right now.

Home Adjustments Made Simple When something unexpected alters life’s direction, changes around the home may need to be put in place in order for you or your loved one to adequately adjust. The changes that matter the most to our aging loved ones are typically the ones that threaten independence, which can result in difficulty adjusting to a new way of life. A convenient way to keep independence in place while still making things easier for your aging loved one is through the help of ShelfGenie. With ShelfGenie, everything is within reach using their custom Glide-Out shelves. Their storage solutions are custom-designed to add more space, more organization, and more accessibility to your existing cabinets.

“One of our designers will visit your home to generate a 3D rendering of your custom solution in real time,” explained franchise Co-owner Jay Durmaskin. “We use this to build your custom-made designs and provide an estimate right there on the spot. After production is finished, an installer returns to your home to put the product in place, and you can enjoy your newly organized space by dinnertime!”

ShelfGenie’s solutions are available for Jay Durmaskin the kitchen, pantry, bathroom, closet, and ShelfGenie creative spaces such as the office or craft room, spirits and wine cellar, or other custom layouts.

“While many of our customers come to us because they have difficulty getting into their cupboards and drawers due to an injury or surgery, our solutions are helpful for anyone who is aging and may have some trouble getting around,” Jay explained.

“We encourage you to plan ahead for this time of your life by implementing our solutions into your home. Even if you aren’t able to plan ahead, you don’t have to worry about waiting months to have our shelves arrive; you can expect to have the product produced and installed in your home within four to six weeks after your original consultation, and installation takes less than a day.”

Minimize the Stress with Immanuel Often, when a senior faces an unplanned medical event, once the acuteness subsides, they will quickly begin thinking of recovery. If #PrintProudDigitalSmart

there is not someone in the home who can be a caregiver, shortterm rehab may be the answer. Immanuel offers individual shortterm or rehab care at Newport House and Lighthouse in Omaha on the Immanuel Village and Lakeside Campuses.

“Immanuel is deeply rooted in Nebraska,” said Director of Communications Connie Chisholm. “We were founded in Omaha over 130 years ago and since then have been committed to a not-for-profit mission.

What this means for residents and their family is they can be confident and know that we are dedicated to what is in the interest of those we serve. We consistently invest directly into enhancing programming, updating our buildings, and supporting other like-minded community organizations. It’s the difference in Connie Chisholm knowing decisions are being made in the best Immanuel interest of those who matter most – seniors.”

Immanuel has found that the best way to minimize stress for both seniors and their families during times of change is to start planning sooner rather than later. Know the senior living options and create a plan – even if it is a rough plan. The best way to begin this process is by visiting a few senior living communities to see how it feels for you or your loved one prior to being faced with an immediate need.

“At Immanuel, we have 16 communities on 11 campuses in Omaha and Lincoln, as well as Council Bluffs and Des Moines, IA,” shared Connie. “They all have a different feel and flavor. While each of our communities may be all different in name and location, the care and service remain the same: Christ Centered Service to Seniors, Each Other, and the Community.”

Protected Storage for Years of Memories If an unexpected event results in your loved one moving into a senior living community, some downsizing may be required. This is

likely to be difficult for your loved one, as not only is life changing for them suddenly, but they are now being asked to leave behind items that contain years’ worth of memories. Rather than selling or tossing out these mementos, consider renting a storage unit at Lockbox Storage. Owned and operated by McGregor Interests, Inc., Lockbox Storage provides indoor and outdoor storage solutions for all of your storage needs. They offer a variety of different unit sizes and features that come with each space so you can find storage to fit your needs.

“We have 10 locations between Nebraska and Iowa, each of which is fully fenced with a full-time manager, security cameras, electronic gate access, and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings,” shared Owner Geof f McGregor. “Your loved one’s possessions are invaluable, and we take that seriously.

Lockbox Storage will allow you and your loved one to ensure that these possessions and the memories that come with them will be kept safe.”

Geoff McGregor Lockbox Storage has climate controlled units Lockbox Storage that place special emphasis on humidity control, which is vital to storing some of those heirloom pieces of furniture that might not be as functional when downsizing to a senior living facility.

They also have RV and boat storage, 14’ doors, power and lighting, temperature controlled spaces, and drive-up or pull-through unit options.

“In addition to space for rent, we provide packing supplies, protection plans, and locks along with complimentary hand-carts and dollies for rent to make moving easier,” said Geoff. “Lockbox Storage offers a 5% discount at any of our sites for senior citizens all year long. Plus, to ensure you aren’t traveling far out of your way for storage, we have five locations throughout the Omaha area to provide convenience for you and your loved one.”

“The entire team at CountryHouse is an inspiration.”

Buffy, Friend of a CountryHouse resident As soon as Buffy met the caring team at CountryHouse, she was confident she’d found the right place for her dear friend and neighbor.

From their smiling faces to the way they approach their jobs with joy and grace, the staff members are dedicated to helping residents move forward and make the most of every day.

“From the moment you walk through your doors, something magical happens. The staff spreads cheer, goodwill and kindness.”

Discover care designed exclusively for those with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.

Schedule a tour of one of our Omaha Metro CountryHouse communities!

CountryHouse.net or 402-307-2004 Omaha

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Connect with what matters most.

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Discover Omaha’s new upscale, urban community for active adults. Whether you’re retired or still working, Ovation Heartwood Preserve is a place to set your own pace, expand your independence and make new friends. It’s a place to pursue new interests and live life with less stress and more financial freedom.

And it gives you peace of mind because a continuum of support is right on campus.

Simply put, Ovation Heartwood Preserve brings a way of life that connects you

To truly appreciate the lifestyle that awaits you, call (402) 588-5170 today and arrange a visit.

with what matters most.

471 Maxwell Plaza Omaha, NE 68154 402-588-5170 OvationHeartwoodPreserve.com Independent • Assisted • Memory Care

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Omaha’s New Active Lifestyle Community Ovation Heartwood Preserve is an urban, upscale, active lifestyle community where independent living, assisted living, and memory care are inspired by life and Omaha’s interwoven history and scenery. The community provides resort-style amenities designed with their residents in mind. These amenities include the 360 Social Club rooftop deck, multiple restaurants including 1863 fine dining, an immersive and soothing pool, complimentary concierge services, exclusive wellness and fitness classes, cultural and entertainment experiences, and so much more.

“Ovation is opening this month, and we are so thrilled to offi cially be able to share our passion for others with the senior community here in Omaha,” shared General Manager Stephanie Grade. “We offer easy access to 80 acres of parks, trails, and green space; different choices of dining; concierge and valet services; customized fi tness classes; cultural and entertainment experiences; and much, much more!”

Stephanie encourages anyone who is Stephanie Grade Ovation Heartwood Preserve interested in being a part of the Ovation community to reach out soon to begin planning ahead. This way, in the event you find yourself or your loved one in need of assisted living sooner than anticipated, for example, your plans have already been made and you can feel confident in moving forward in this next chapter. Planning ahead for these events also makes it easier for the family as a whole to adjust to the changes, as they can know what to expect from Ovation and how the community will benefit their loved one.

“Our community relations team would be happy to set up an appointment with you to answer all of your questions about Ovation,” shared Stephanie. “We understand that moving yourself

or a loved one to a retirement community may seem daunting, which is why we do not put you under an obligation or any pressure to complete the process. There is no risk, since reservation deposits are fully refundable!”

Safe and Secure Memory Care Alzheimer’s and other dementias progress differently in each individual diagnosed. For some, the decline may be very rapid and sudden. In the event your loved one with dementia unexpectedly needs additional care, Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Special Care Center is a wonderful option, providing exceptional personcentered holistic care to residents with cognitive impairment.

“We pride ourselves on offering a 24/7 on-site nurse,” said Marketing Director Don Woods. “This goes far beyond the minimal regulations of eight hours a day, and it eliminates any stress and anxiety a family may have when placing their loved one in memory care.”

Residents at Prairie Meadows are encouraged to stay active by being involved in the various activities offered at the senior living community. For example, Prairie Meadows has a variety of different Don Woods clubs seniors can partake in; Book Club, Prarie Meadows Alzheimer’s Park Club, Singing Club, Walking Club Special Care Center – you name it, they have it! They strive to meet the interests of their residents in addition to taking them out for fun outings, such as a day spent fishing on the boat or a trip to the casino to try their luck. When your loved one goes to Prairie Meadows, you can rest assured that they will continue to be as active as they were before, with options and activities designed to meet their interests.

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area – CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care and The Meriwether – offer a range of short- and long-term care options, including supported independent apartments, assisted living, and secured memory care, all in home-like surroundings.

“There are many types of care and sometimes the hardest part is knowing which is needed – skilled, rehab, assisted, in-home chore or companion services, home health, memory support, or even hospice – so a thorough needs assessment is your first step,” said Marcia Houchin, vice president of life enric hment at Agemark. “Once your loved one’s doctor or other care provider has recommended additional care, you can begin looking. In addition to searching online and checking Marcia Houchin reviews, be sure to ask friends and family CountryHouse Residence who have gone through this before, or if for Memory Care you belong to a church family, ask about a parish nurse program. If your loved one is being discharged from the hospital, the transition care team will be an excellent resource.”

Marcia also suggested contacting a local consulting company whose sole focus is helping families find the right place for someone who needs more care, or visiting the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ website (dhhs.ne.gov) to view a roster of licensed care facilities. For those that choose an Agemark Senior Living community, Marcia says family can rest assured that their loved one will be highly prioritized.

“Every effort is made to welcome your family to ours, accommodate personal preferences, and help make each day the best it can be through our state-of-the-art life enrichment program,” said Marcia.

“Our free transportation service helps residents stay connected to the people and places they love. And because family is so important, we offer educational programs and regular family

events as well as Caregiver Connections, a monthly meeting to support those who are caring for a loved one with dementia conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Finally, we offer LifeLoop for families, which keeps them ‘in the loop’ through weekly updates and one-on-one messaging.”

Prolong Independence at Home with a Caregiver Staying independent in your own home is something we all strive for as we age, so an unexpected event, such as injury or illness, that threatens this independence can be not only hard to accept, but hard to adjust to. This is where CCA Home Care steps in. They screen and refer independent contracted caregivers who work for families and provide client-directed care, ensuring that you make the decisions regarding your care for that of your loved one.

“CCA Home Care is the state’s largest home care registry,” said President and CEO Kyle Johnson. “The caregivers we provide work privately for clients who are in need of additional help. Many of these caregivers are certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and services through CCA are paid for on an hourly basis. Rates typically range from $21.50–$28.50 per hour, depending on length of visit, care needed, and client location.”

Another wonderful feature of CCA Home Care is their ElderCare Resource Handbook. Many refer to this handbook as the “Bible” of the industry, as it is comprised of companies that offer services to seniors, split up into six main categories. The ElderCare Resource Handbook is published in both Lincoln and Omaha so that you can find the best options for you in your specific location. If you don’t have a printed copy, you can find each book online at OmahaHandbook.com or LincolnHandbook. com. Advertisers throughout the book allow CCA Home Care to print and hand out thousands of copies each year at no cost to the end user.

“Change is always difficult, no matter what your age,” Kyle concluded.

“Our biggest advice is to ask for help when you see that change is necessary. Accepting a helpful hand when it’s offered might allow you to stay independent in your home for a longer period of time.

Many in the industry are here and ready to help when needed.”

Here for you.

Not for profit.

As a not-for-profit senior living provider, we’re driven by a higher purpose to do things right. We serve seniors with compassion and respect and devote resources to bettering our communities.

Learn how Immanuel is different.

Schedule a visit today at Immanuel.com

Serving the Omaha Area

Signature Communities: Lakeside & Pacific Springs Arboretum Village, Immanuel Village, Trinity Village

Affiliated with the Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Stay Comfortable at Home If a loved one in your life has suddenly been faced with the need for additional care, help them to stay comfortable within their own home by working with Key Home Care. Their trusted and verified caregivers are available 24/7 for seniors living in their homes. Key’s main objective is to provide quality care and put every effort into making sure seniors get to stay in their own home for as long as possible. Their home care services include personal care, round-the-clock or 24-hour care, bedside sitter care, respite care, hospice support care, and companionship.

“It can be confusing or frightening to seniors when they move into new surroundings,” shared Owner Sandra Miller. “We can help you keep your loved one in their comfortable, familiar environment by caring for them at their home. In the event that your loved one does move into assisted living or ends up in the hospital, our caregivers will be there to offer companionship and reassurance.

We understand you rarely have enough time to sit at the bedside for hours at a Sandra Miller time – especially due to an unexpected Key Home Care event. We can be there for you.”

Rehabbing After an Injury or Surgery Injuries come when you least expect them, and as you age, the healing process often becomes longer, leading to difficulties in living your day-to-day life. To get yourself or your loved one back into their pre-injury health and strength, visit See The Trainer. They have a variety of sports medicine products that can help seniors recover after an intense injury or surgery.

“We have a variety of helpful products that can assist someone going through rehabilitation after a major surgery or injury so that they can safely get back to their normal routine as soon as possible,” shared Owner Kristie Egan. “We understand that it would be challenging to have to adjust your daily routine for weeks or months due to something unexpected. Our products can help you through your recovery to ensure everything heals properly and you can get Kristie Egan back to your pre-injury routine.”

See The Trainer Elder Law The team of six elder law attorneys at Burnett Wilson Law has experience helping clients through all kinds of unexpected situations. These include helping with probate and estate administration when a loved one passes away, but also making legal and financial arrangements when a family member’s health situation, such as being injured in a fall, makes it necessary for them to move from their home to a rehab facility or nursing home, sometimes with only a few days’ notice.

“Situations like these can be incredibly stressful,” said attorney David Thompson, “and we do our best to help relieve that stress by joining the care team responsible for helping families make difficult health care and financial decisions.”

The elder law attorneys of Burnett Wilson Law are happy to provide initial consultations to help clients start preparing David Thompson for the future and whatever it might bring.

Burnett Wilson Law We recommend reaching out to these local businesses to help you get through unplanned changes and adjust to the next chapter of life. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Designed for Comfort, Care, and We are excited to let you know that Carlson Quality of Life. & Burnett is changing its name to:

Burnett Wilson Law, LLP.

Specialized Memory Care | Meaningful Moments® 24/7Our Specialized Nursing Care new name reflects some changes in personnel, but we contin

402.391.2790 | prairiemeadowsseniorliving.com to offer the same high level of service as we have since the firm w 13208 Meredith Ave Omaha, NE 68164 founded in 2008.

As before, the firm will be focused on estate

planning, elder law, probate and trust administration, family law, twelv

business personal WeWilson have a team of The Omaha firm of Burnett Wilson Law, planning The and eleven attorneysinjury. of Burnett LLP is pleased to announce the additionattorneys with expertise in each of these areas.

Law, LLP are committed to serving of two new associates

Daniel P Bost.

clients across a range of practice Anne Burnett areas Terry White estate DeAna Shaffer including planning, elder David Thomp Adam Wint Andy Wilson Karen Nelson Charlie Grimes law, trust and estate administration, T.W. Huntingt Matt McKeever Joe Risko Steve Schmidt personal injury, family law, business and general litigation.inWe We are allplanning conveniently located our existing provide expertise and empathy to office at 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130 Tyler Grevengoed help our clients face life’s challenges be part of the firm’s and reach their goals.

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Our bi-annual Women-Owned Businesses feature gives us the wonderful opportunity to highlight female leaders in our community and inspire other women with entrepreneurial ambitions. When women rally behind each other, amazing things happen. All women are powerful—stay-at-home moms and business owners alike. As a woman-owned and run business publication ourselves, it’s our great pleasure to put this feature together.

All of these women felt strongly enough to invest in themselves and their business or organization by sharing a little bit of their stories with our readers. Please join us in celebrating these women-owned and women-led businesses and organizations in Omaha. Read their stories, support their work, and do business with them. Who knows, one of them might even become your future mentor!

Providing a patient experience b a s e d o n a p h i l o s o p hy o f compassion, care, and the highest treatment standards was the driving force behind Hilary Muhle and Leanne Bata’s opening of Allure Health & Med Spa nearly five years ago. Since opening, Allure has been voted Best of Omaha’s First Place for Female Hormone Replacement, First Place Med Spa, Laser Hair Removal and Esthetician. “Helping our clients discover the quality of life, health, and happiness they’ve been searching for is the most rewarding part,” Hilary explains.

Whether visiting Allure for bio-identical hormone replacement—a plant-based, safer form of hormone replacement—or for the variety of med spa services, customers feel welcomed, listened to, and have confidence in the quality of their treatment and results.

Leanne summarizes, “The Allure experience is our foundation and we’re excited for continued growth of our female owned business with the values and standards our patients have come to know and trust.”

To learn more about Allure Health & Med Spa, visit www.

AllureHealthMed.com or call Hilary Muhle and Leanne Bata (402) 881-3638.

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Nicka Johnson is the owner and founder of Budget to Success, LLC. This business teaches the importance of financial literacy to help bridge the economic gap focusing on budgeting, savings, and credit. Over five years ago, Nicka began using her social media platform to help educate others about their relationship with money. This was once something she did often amongst friends and family that soon captivated a brand within itself.

Growing up in poverty, Nicka became no stranger to overcoming adversity. She grew up in a single-parent home and quickly learned that her family dynamics may shape who she is, but they won’t determine who she will become. As she continues to break barriers and build futures, she supports individuals by helping them define their level of success they desire through budgeting, savings, and credit.

Not only is Nicka a business owner and community activist, but she is also a devoted wife and mother. This multifaceted and talented woman loves cultivating meaningful relationships with everyone she meets. Her visionary perspective has earned her opportunities to work with the Susan Buffett Foundation, the TeamMates Mentoring Program, and speaking engagements teaching about economic development. Although she has accomplished a lot within a short time, the journey for the trailblazing Mrs. Nicka Johnson has just begun. To learn more about her and Budget to Success, visit budgettosuccess.net or email support@budgettosuccess.net. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Laurie Dunn is an independent insurance broker for individuals and employer groups. Her belief in the entrepreneurial spirit focuses her work toward companies with 20-150 employees.

“The industry is overwhelmed with benefit options and strict guidelines, and I am a resource for the business owner who wants to grow their company and employee base by offering full benefits,” said Laurie.

As a partner in AIS Insurance Specialists and AFLAC, Laurie’s goal is to provide income protection and offset out-of-pocket costs of healthcare by representing multiple companies in the ever-changing market and offering solutions to employers for rising insurance costs to attract and retain the best employees. In addition, she provides complimentary human resource consultations for navigating employee benefits with a customer service emphasis to save time during the application processes and assistance in EASE enrollments and claims.

For a consultation or quote contact Laurie Dunn at (402) 525-5797.

Mar ti Neely, FAPLD and owner of Marti Neely Design and Associates, has been in practice as a landscape designer since 1988. She inherited a green thumb from her family, but she recalls a flowerbed project at her church being a pivotal endeavor that put her on her current path.

“People just bought different flowers and planted them without thinking about it, and it looked horrible,” said Marti. “So, I took it over, first planning the design on paper before I started planting.”

Since then, Marti has built a successful career by combining her education in fine arts, sociology, and horticulture to create outdoor spaces uniquely suited for her clients. A keen understanding of how people, places, plants, and patterns interact enables Ms. Neely to develop designs that are not only functional but fresh and dynamic. She served as president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and the Nebraska Nursery and Landscape Association.

“I’ve continued my education with professional courses through various organizations, and I’ve traveled to gardens across the U.S., England, and the Netherlands,” said Marti. “I have had the opportunity to see the best of the best and experience the challenges, successes, and failures one finds in the world of gardening. Using this knowledge to create outdoor living spaces that enhance the quality of life of those who use them is what I do best.”

Marti Neely Design and Associates is mainly focused on luxury projects at the time, or a project so unique and intriguing that Marti couldn’t help to add to her portfolio. If this is you, visit www.martineely.com or call (402) 630-0050. Marti is also published in multiple landscaping, gardening, and design publications. You can view some of her articles at www.finegardening.com/ author/marti-neely-fapld. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.”

- Dolly Parton Since 1985, Rose McCormick has been a small business owner and entrepreneur. As a little girl, she loved flowers and would delight in visiting a plant store in the Old Market with her mom. From an early age, she knew flowers and plants were her passion and worked in a variety of flower shops. At the age of 23, she purchased her first flower shop, Younkers Flowers, at the Center Mall and opened a second location two years later. In 2003, she moved to West Omaha, expanded into home decor, and renamed her business Beyond the Vine Flowers and Home Decor, and in 2015 moved into an even larger showroom at 132nd and Grover, where she’s located today.

Rose has been a pillar in the Omaha small business community, and she is passionate about sharing her knowledge to mentor aspiring women entrepreneurs, with the goal to find a successor to helm Beyond the Vine. To learn more about her business, visit www.gobeyondthevine. com or contact Rose at (402) 397-4585 rose@gobeyondthevine.com.

Josefina Loza, the c hief executive officer of Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations firm, is a multi-skilled communication professional with experience covering regional and national entertainment, local community news, local government, higher education, and healthcare. As an award-winning journalist, she’s covered human interest pieces for more than two decades and has been published in national and regional publications. Her strengths lie in publications, writing, editing, digital and print marketing, public relations, and project management. Loza was recently honored by the Omaha Jaycee’s as a Ten Outstanding Young Omaha (TOYO!) award for her career as a longtime journalist and dedication to her community for the boards in which she serves.

She manages media relations for clients such as Fleri, a fintech startup that provides healthcare for immigrant families, K Watson Group, and International Filter Manufacturing Corporation, which produces automotive and industrial air filters. She works as communication director for THE BLOC’s 50 Over 50 NE awards and the Global Leadership Africa Summit.

Loza serves as publication manager of The Gateway, the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s independent student newspaper.

She is also the vice president of marketing and public relations for the Midlands African Chamber, Inc. If you want an articulate communicator who is well-versed in many facets of the communication field or can provide support in these areas, look no further. Contact her via www.lozafina.com or (402) 658-3636 to discuss how she can help you create and grow.

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Keana P. SeptMatthews is the founder and director of education at B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy. Keana is very proud to be a young, black, female entrepreneur. In her 20+ years of being in the early childhood education field, she has learned a lot and identified ways to make it better. This is the reason she opened her own center that not only focuses on the children in their care but also their families as well as the staff.

Growing up in Chicago before making Omaha her home, Keana ended up studying child psychology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Today she works closely with her husband of 23 years, Brian. He is a great source of support and encouragement. Together, they have two adult children and one granddaughter. Keana’s main passion is spreading the Gospel and making a positive difference everywhere she goes by doing the Lord’s work.

“God has anointed my hands for His work, and in all that I do I put Him first,” said Keana. “I thank God every day for my life and how he is doing wonders and miracles.”

B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy is located in Bellevue. They teach both Montessori practical application and traditional early childhood learning through play.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/ ExSeptionalones or contact (531) 365-6805 / exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com.

Helping people is a true vocation for Tara Slevin, c hief philanthropy officer for Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and president of the Jennie Edmundson Foundation.

“Throughout the pandemic and in these increasingly difficult economic times, the financial and emotional support the Foundation provides is a real difference-maker,” Tara said.

Tara came to Jennie Edmundson Hospital in 1989 as teen volunteer coordinator. She also served as director of volunteers and foundation, and vice president of development and volunteers before assuming her current role in 2021.

She is active on many community organizations, including the Iowa West Foundation, Advance Southwest Iowa Corp., and Omaha/Council Bluffs Bridges Out of Poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic put her skills and compassion to the test as a member of the Pottawattamie County Public Health Department COVID-19 Task Force and the county’s Emergency Operations Center COVID Committee.

Still, the people who turn to the Jennie Edmundson Foundation for help come first in her mind and her heart.

“From our large annual fundraising events and capital campaigns to the programs that provide transportation to life-saving medical treatment at Jennie Edmundson or the means to put food on their table, I am proud of the incredible impact the Foundation has on so many patients and their families throughout Southwest Iowa,” Tara said. “It’s what brings me to work every day.”

To learn more, visit www.jehfoundation. org or reach out to Tara directly at Tara.

Slevin@nmhs.org.

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Teresa Friesen grew up in a sports-loving family, cheering on favorite teams as a regular Saturday activity. However, she never saw women in sports on the screens in her home, a missed opportunity for representation and visibility of positive female role models.

This experience is not unique to Teresa. Male athletes get a whopping 95% of televised sports coverage.

After years of employment as a social worker and college professor, Teresa paired her passion for positive social change with her sports-centered past as she develops a new business in Nebraska called SheMate.

SheMate connects women in sports with the youth sports industry.

With SheMate, female college athletes meaningfully monetize their skills and experience by helping younger athletes find their voice and self-confidence, and offering parents and coaches recommendations for effective athlete development strategies.

Since its launch in November, hundreds of athletes across the country have applied to share their stories with SheMate. Later this month, SheMate will launch the next level of development with a new marketplace.

Through this marketplace, athletes and subscribers will be able to engage in meaningful work and advancement towards equity for women in sports will emerge.

To learn more, visit www.shemate.club or contact Teresa at teresa@shemate.club.

Nicole Bianchi is an i n t e r n a t i o n a l key n o t e speaker, author, and awardwinning entrepreneur. She is widely regarded as the go-to source for leadership and bravery. Her passion?

Inspiring bravery. Her focus? Enabling leaders to stretch into their bravest selves.

Nicole co-founded and scaled a firm, Bravium HD, specializing in developing leaders at all levels and executive coaching, whose roster includes Google, GE, Macy’s, Union Pacific, Darden Restaurants, and ConAgra Brands.

Additionally, Nicole’s book, Small Brave Moves: Learn why Little Acts of Bravery are the Key to Life-Changing Leadership, was endorsed by the inspiring Daniel H Pink, saying, “Bianchi shatters the false belief that only some of us are brave. Then she shows the way forward with practice steps that can help us advance one small brave move at a time.”

Nicole decided to write this book when she saw the common missing element in leaders was bravery—everyday bravery. She works with executives, leaders, and teams to craft their own small brave moves around the missed conversations, gaining alignment or being more strategic, and the skills + action everyone needs to effectively lead.

When Nicole is not speaking, writing, or leading workshops, she is most likely cheering on one of her children in their collegiate sport or startup business, planning their next adventure with her husband Dave, or enjoying a fullbodied wine surrounded by friends.

Giving back to her community is important.

Nicole and her family have partnered to bring the Butterfly Effect, a national movement to Papillion. The Social Butterfly Installations are an art project mural designed to promote positive community change. Learn more about Nicole and her work at www.braviumhd.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Jenny Moraga is the owner/operator of LaborMax Staf fing Nebraska. With 12 years in the industry and five years of ownership in the Nebraska area, Jenny and her husband Donnie have developed four locations and are continuing to expand. “Changing people’s lives is what we do, putting them back to work is how we do it.” This is the motto LaborMax Staffing lives by every day.

“Balancing business ownership, family, team development, expansion, and working with business and people to create the right match is a passion,” said Jenny. “It is so fulfilling to help an employee find the right job for them as well as helping clients to find the right person and keep their business going.”

LaborMax Staffing has entered into the toughest employee market in history and still has success with matching employees and clients.

“You have to love this industry to do what we do every day!” said Jenny.

To learn more about LaborMax Staffing Nebraska, visit www.labormax.net or contact Jenny at (402) 805-4720 / (402) 614-2929 / jenny.moraga@ labormaxstaffing.com.

“Women need a seat at the table, they need an invitation to be seated there, and in some cases, where this is not available, they need to create their own table.”

- Meghan Markle “Hope is believing, encouraging, dreaming, caring...hope is us.”

Carole Kinlow, founder and CEO of Carole’s House of Hope, has served the Omaha community for over 24 years as a mentor and role model for young women. In 1992, Carole began her journey in human services when she became an advocate at EPS (then Emergency Pregnancy Services). She served for a seven-year period as an instructor for the Kid Ability program at Girls Inc. and later for YWCA as a legal advocate for victims of domestic violence. She has taught classes focused on life skill development, teen assertiveness, positive youth engagement, and bullying. Her passion to help others led her to become a foster parent and family advocate for youth experiencing homelessness. Carole also worked as a property manager and regional supervisor for 14 years assisting low-income families.

Carole’s House of Hope received a generous donation from Children’s Hospital and Medical Center of the former Carolyn Scott Rainbow House that they have occupied since 2016.

Also, Carole and her husband (co-founder) were the recipients of the Angel’s in Adoption awarded by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCIA) for 2021. Congressman Donald Bacon presented the award that was read to the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., and is now a part of the permanent Congressional Record. To learn more, visit www.caroleshouseofhope.org or email Carole at Carole@caroleshouseofhope.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nikki Wulff is the owner of Assisted Living Locators of Greater Omaha, and she offers a no-cost assisted living and memory care referral service. She partners with over 100 communities in the Omaha area and helps seniors and their families find care and placement tailored to their loved one’s unique needs. Nikki earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. After a successful career in telecommunications and healthcare, she stepped into the role of an Assisted Living Locators franchise owner to provide care and guidance to seniors and their families in the community. Nikki’s passion for seniors comes from her own family experience and the lack of support and resources she experienced for her own loved ones.

In March 2022, she celebrated four years with Assisted Living Locators. In addition to running her business, Nikki loves traveling the world and spending time with her family.

Instead of trying to navigate the healthcare maze alone, let Nikki help you! She will guide you through the entire process. You can contact her at (402) 926-9505, by email at nikkiw@assistedlivinglocators.com or visit www.assistedlivinglocators.com/ omaha to learn more.

Brittney Rexius is a powerhouse in the Omaha community—she leads up multiple ventures that are all centered on self empowerment and healthy living through education, exercise, nutrition, and support. With a desire to bring better products to the industry, Brittney was at the forefront of launching VHi (vhifit.com) with her husband Tim in 2019. The VHi Fit and Wellness lines are the best formulated and clinically dosed supplements on the market. These products can be found online (vhifit. com) or at any of the seven Rexius Nutrition (www.rexiusnutrition. com) locations around Omaha. Rexius Nutrition is owned by Brittney and Tim. They were disappointed in the current retail experience, with most stores being extremely overpriced and a general lack of knowledge by the sales associates. Since founding Rexius in 2010, they’ve achieved over a 90% customer retention rate and opened many more stores in Nebraska and beyond. They also own Optimal Performance Popcorn—the perfect healthy snack for all ages! In addition to Rexius and having six kids at home, Brittney and Tim are also co-owners of Iron Heaven Gym (ironheavenomaha. com). Whether you’re into bodybuilding or simply want to get into shape, Iron Heaven’s exclusive equipment and experienced staff will help guide you along the way. They are focused on building a community of motivators and goal-crushers. Lastly, to achieve the full scope of mind and body health offerings, Brittney established Lotus Transformations. Through Lotus, she does one-on-one coaching to help people accomplish their fitness goals, all while keeping the focus on transforming a wellness lifestyle. As a 19-year recovering drug addict who got pregnant as a teenager, Brittney knows firsthand how life-changing daily exercise and balanced nutrition can be when the world feels like it’s caving in. She’ll help you kick your excuses to the curb! To get in touch with Brittney, email brittney@ rexiusnutrition.com.

APRIL 2022 Strictly Business 47

“It isn’t what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”

– Jane Austen

Brenda Banks is the founder and executive director of the Omaha-based nonprofit organization Cross Training Center. Her dedication to empowering those living in poverty and her insights into the plights of the underprivileged inspires others to participate in the transformation process. She is known to promote community engagement and collaboration, creating strong relationships and effective partnerships to serve a greater purpose.

“I am driven by God’s declaration that He has a plan to give every person hope and a future, as affirmed in Jeremiah 29:11,” said Brenda. “Faith has always been the foundation of my vision for this organization to help individuals find their paths toward success.”

Cross Training Center provides vocational training and job experience for unemployed and undereducated adults so they can attain employment, become financially successful and break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.crosstc.com or contact Brenda at (402) 590-2100 / brenda@crosstc.com.

Teresa Jordan, president and CEO of CareMATRIX Senior Housing Experts, LLC, has a heart for seniors and for making an impact in this community.

Eight years ago, Jordan founded CareMATRIX Senior Housing Experts, the first FREE senior housing navigation company in the Omaha area. This locally owned company, comprised of Teresa and Senior Housing Consultant Jean Cramer, will personally assess all clients, coordinate and attend senior living community tours, and help navigate individuals through every step of the process. They will personally help make the physical and emotional task of finding the most appropriate housing option easier for CareMATRIX clients.

“As a free, local resource, our value add is that we take away the stress and provide options and education so you can create a plan for your loved one. It is a personal journey, so our process is personal,” Jordan said.

Jordan is the proud wife of a Marine who is a disabled veteran.

She understands what it is like to be a caregiver and wants to help others. She has three children and four grandchildren. Jordan was born and raised in Iowa but is proud to call Nebraska home. She enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, and photography. To learn more about Jordan and her business, visit CareMATRIX. net or contact (402) 885-5693 / Teresa@CareMATRIX.net.

48 Strictly Business APRIL 2022

VENUS Vein Clinic has been a dream, become reality, for Dr. Kelly Schroeder. She opened VENUS to address the vastly under-treated population with vein disease, as well as educate her community on healthy ways to get the most out of life. Every day, she and the staff at VENUS Vein Clinic change lives.

Men and women of all ages with achy, swollen, or restless legs, and even patients with severe swelling, and ulcerations, get competent compassionate care.

Something that’s very different from other medical offices, is that patients become part of the VENUS family the first time they set foot in their office. They love spending time getting to know each and every individual. Kelly and her team look forward to seeing their smiling faces and hearing their wonderful success stories when they finish their treatments. To learn more, venusveinclinic.com.

Owned by Kimberly Remmereid and founded in 2015, Contour Construction began with just two employees and has since grown to employ more than 40 highly skilled and talented individuals.

With her leadership, passion for excellence in construction, and positive energy, Remmereid leads her dedicated team to provide top-notch services to owners, general contractors, and to all her employees. Just last year, Contour Construction received the ABC Eagle Award and Pyramid Award for their work on the Farnam Hotel and the St. Wenceslaus Church expansions, respectively. While there have been many challenges, Remmereid has navigated the male-dominated industry by building solid relationships, not being afraid to stand out, and learning not to take things too personally.

Contour Construction has a team of experienced project managers and estimators who are available to assist you with your commercial construction projects.

Learn more about the company online at contour-construct.com. Kimberly can be reached at (402) 238-2362 / kimberly@ contour-construct.com.

DON’T MISS OUT! This is an excellent opportunity for women-own and women-run businesses and organizations to share their stories!

The next Women-Owned Businesses feature will be in October 2022.

Please call (402) 466-3330 or email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com if you are interested in participating! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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