Strictly Business Omaha - May 2022 by Strictly Business - Lincoln & Omaha, Nebraska

StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Omaha • May 2022 TM

• Severe Weather • Building & Financing Your Dream Home • Employing Omaha

Client Spotlight

• Nebraska Shakespeare

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

Excellence – Earned, Not Given.

Jay Durmaskin ShelfGenie

Ryan Downs Unison

Biagio arobba Loophire

Geoff Mcgregor McGregor Interests, Inc.

Rich Borgeson Langer Electric

tyler albers Cornhusker Bank

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

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client spotlight

ONE STAGE FOR ALL

A typical family of five can expect to spend almost $100 for a night at the movies, more than $125 for a night of community theater, and almost $300 for professional touring theater. With arts programs in schools having been decimated by the pandemic and habitual underfunding, the number of school children who have ANY interaction with theater - at ANY level - is exceptionally low, at best. Nebraska Shakespeare provides world-class, professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays in Elmwood Park for FREE as well as a professional, Statewide fall touring production that focuses on serving rural and underserved communities throughout the State, bringing professional productions to their schools and community centers.

Shakespeare on the Green Now in our 36th season - and having served more than 800,000 patrons - this signature program brings together the very best in theater professionals from all over the United States to create exceptional, world-class, professional FREE productions in Elmwood Park. Having become a destination for tourism, SHAKESPEARE ON THE GREEN presents zero barriers to entry and welcomes everyone to the park for picnics, fun, laughter, and superlative performances. One Stage for All! We are proud to showcase Omaha – and Nebraska – to all tourists and visitors. We are proud to call Nebraska our home!

very proudly presents

Shakespeare On The Green 2022

William Shakespeare’s

THELLO NEBRASKAshakespeare very proudly presents

Original Artwork by

After a 2-year hiatus due to the global pandemic, we are proud to present THE TEMPEST (June 23 - July 16) and OTHELLO (June 30 - July 17) for FREE. It is through the generosity of our donors and corporate supporters that we can continue offering accessible, free, professional theater on the green, for everyone!

NEBRASKAshakespeare

Fall Educational Tour

Shawnequa Linder

June 30 Shakespeare On The Green 2022 July 1-3, 6, 7, 9,15, 17 Elmwood Park Omaha, Nebraska

2022 marks the 17th season for this bold and exciting educational tour. Featuring a 70-minute adaptation of a Shakespeare play, this professional touring production (professional actors, designers, and educators, minimal sets, full costumes, educational focus) travels throughout Nebraska for 8-weeks. The production is coupled with educational workshops and hands-on learning experiences. The tour focuses on traveling to rural and underserved communities throughout Nebraska. Contact us today to inquire about booking a performance at your school!

T THE

empest William Shakespeare’s

Original Artwork by

Shawnequa Linder

June 23-26 July 8, 10, 13, 14, 16 Elmwood Park Omaha, Nebraska

Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities Available

(531) 466-3122 www.nebraskashakespeare.com info@nebraskashakespeare.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

This traditional summer program costs over $500,000 and for 35 years, the financial support of Nebraska Businesses and Organizations has kept it FREE for everyone! Your generous advertising and sponsorship support ensures that Nebraska families will, once again, have access to world-class, professional theater productions, for FREE! We cannot do what we do without YOU! Please contact our Executive Director, Brett Bernardini today to inquire about Advertising and Sponsorship opportunities.

May 2022 Strictly Business

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

“Credibility Creates a Halo of Trust” I recently read through The Association of Magazine Media (MPA)’s 2021 Magazine Media Factbook (www.magazine.org/mpa-factbook), which is filled with awesome information and statistics on the vitality of the magazine sector and the unique credibility and trust that magazine media has earned among their readers. I wish I could copy and paste the whole thing right here, but since space is limited and attention spans are short (mine included!), I’ll only highlight a few parts that really stood out to me. What I found the most amazing is how strong the numbers are that reinforce the importance of magazine media in the world of businesses and consumers today. According to the Factbook, “90% of Americans under 25 read print and digital versions of magazines—and 63% of millennials (Americans aged 25 to 40) say that, even in the digital age, they love the touch and feel of a printed magazine.” This is significant! It totally goes against the misconception that print is dying. Even younger generations that pretty much live on their phones still appreciate print media. This is because people value tangible objects—they inherently have more meaning. Ultimately though, the reason print is so impactful is the reality that people place a higher level of trust on content that has been responsibly sourced and fact-checked. If you advertise or publish articles about your business with a credible source (like Strictly Business or any other local publication!), you are creating a “halo of trust” around your brand.

that there are so many competing unreliable sources out there that are publishing content as well. It’s difficult to sift through it all and know what is true versus what is manipulated or exaggerated for “click-bait” purposes. I think we can all agree that it gets a little tiring when we scroll through our computers or phones and we’re ambushed with ads and articles that exist to monopolize our time and attention without actually giving us any value. At Strictly Business, our main goal is to promote local businesses in an effective and meaningful way by sharing their stories and putting real names and faces to the business. Another priority of ours is to deliver trustworthy and relevant content to our readers—content they benefit from knowing because it actually affects them and the community they are a part of. What I’d emphasize to marketers and business owners who are making marketing decisions is that, not only does print advertising establish credibility and trust, it also has a longer-lasting impression on its audience. According to the Factbook, paper readers remember more. Neurosciense can tell us a lot about why print magazine ads work. For starters, people are typically more focused and have less distractions when they read something in print. This results in higher comprehension and recall. Print also drives sensory involvement which contributes to reader impact, and it has a greater capacity to stimulate emotions and desires.

“The reason print is so impactful is the reality that people place a higher level of trust on content that has been responsibly sourced and fact-checked.”

According to MPA, 62% of readers they surveyed agreed with the following statement: “With so much information available today, I rely on trusted, credible journalists and editors to curate what’s important for me to know.” I would never dismiss online or social media advertising methods. It’s not that digital marketing isn’t effective—it totally is, which is why Strictly Business is also online and utilizes social media platforms—it’s

Finally, the majority of magazine readers who notice print advertising take action in one way or another. This might simply be that they think more highly of a brand and, therefore, recommend it to others. The action could also be going to visit the advertiser’s website or social media pages to seek more information or engagement (requesting to be added to an email list, “Liking” or “Following” a social page, etc.). If you’re mapping our your marketing strategy and are on the fence about print advertising, please reach out to me! I’d love the opportunity to tell you more about Strictly Business and how we can help you enhance your business/organization in print, online, on social media, and word-of-mouth.

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 20 Personnel

23 Nonprofit

SPOTLIGHT

Hannah

Derek

Devyn

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Derek Nosbisch - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

FEATURE STORIES

SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com

Nebraska Shakespeare

30 Award Winners

45 Severe Weather 46 Building & Financing Your Dream Home 47 Employing Omaha

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

Strictly Business May 2022

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ABOUT ABOUTTHE THECOVER COVER

Excellence – Earned, Not Given. There’s no doubt that excellence is a way of life in Omaha and the surrounding region. That’s reflected in our people and in the work they do. The Greater Omaha Chamber and Premier Bank are here to celebrate that excellence and recognize the businesses that demonstrate innovation, leadership, and Excellence – Earned, Not Given. philanthropy. The Business Excellence C S Awards are an annual recognition of organizations that elevate our community and make Greater Omaha a better place to live, work, and play. Honorees were selected from more than 50 nominations by a committee comprised of representatives from six regional companies and the Greater Omaha Chamber. In short, the 2022 award winners are truly deserving. The Chamber presents awards in three categories: Leadership, Innovation, and Philanthropy, with additional recognition for Sustained Excellence and major milestone anniversaries. • Severe Weather • Building & Financing Your Dream Home • Employing Omaha LIENT POTLIGHT

• Nebraska Shakespeare

OMAHA • MAY 2022 TM

RIVER CITy SIX

IN THIS ISSUE

STRICTLyBUSINESSOMaHa.COM

Jay DURMaSKIN ShelfGenie

RyaN DOWNS Unison

BIaGIO aROBBa Loophire

GEOFF MCGREGOR McGregor Interests, Inc.

RICH BORGESON Langer Electric

TyLER aLBERS Cornhusker Bank

AGO

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

Strictly Business is proud to be the Media Sponsor of the Greater Omaha Chamber’s 2022 Business Excellence Awards.

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So, how does a business demonstrate excellence? Leadership—A vision of the future, growing an organization, and developing employees; these are the hallmarks of catalytic leaders. Clarity and demonstration of purpose in all the practices and policies. An outcome that is representative of the values at the core of the business. These are not platitudes, but the cornerstones of leadership philosophies that define excellence and inspire it from all who come into contact with the organization. Innovation—The most challenging phrase in business is “that’s how we’ve always done it.” Those who demonstrate excellence in innovation fly in the face of that conceit, always looking to improve in efficacy and efficiency. The honorees in this category change the establishment, shift paradigms, and buck old trends. They see and seize opportunity and find new ways to do things. Each winner has established innovation as part of their everyday routine and they definitely do not coast. Philanthropy—Serving others is deeply ingrained in our Midwestern ethos. By helping the community, we understand that we help ourselves, and that a rising tide lifts us all. Organizations with a culture of giving help advance Omaha’s overall health and well-being. Those that prioritize paying back and empowering others understand that we’re measured by a bottom line of caring and support. The improvement of our community rests on all of our shoulders, and those who demonstrate excellence in philanthropy carry that burden willingly, proudly, and ably. Sustained Excellence—For many organizations, being recognized once isn’t the goal. Instead, they shoot for sustained excellence and make a case to be honored year after year. These businesses deserve their own category and are the models for consistency we all strive to be. Milestones—Experience comes with time, and every year that an organization operates is a testament to its ability to serve, allowing it to uplift the community and contribute to the strength and growth of the region. Milestones matter, and anniversaries mark the dedication of organizational stakeholders, as well as the commitment of customers to the operation.

Award Winners and Milestone Recipients are displayed on pages 30-43.

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

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com May 2022 Strictly Business

Business News Clark & Enersen Announces Opening of Omaha Office in Aksarben Village

Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals Recap 17th Annual YP Summit

Clark & Enersen is excited to announce the opening of its Omaha office, located in Aksarben Village! They recently opened the office to respond to their growing client base in Omaha. Clark & Enersen offers in-house ser vices in arc hitecture, landscape arc hitecture, interior design, and mec hanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering as well as additional expertise in commissioning, community engagement, construction administration, energy modeling, grant assistance, laboratory planning, land development, and sustainable design. Recent projects in the Omaha area include multiple buildings on the Farm Credit Services of America corporate campus, the new Union Bank & Trust building, UNMC’s Davis Global Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning, and renovations to the Durham Hall of Science and Williams Hall on the UNO campus. In addition to contributing to the beauty of Omaha’s cityscape, Clark & Enersen is also a top-notch employer. They are currently looking for more architects, engineers, and landscape architects to fill their new office. Career opportunities can be found at www.clarkenersen.com/careers. Clark & Enersen was founded in 1946 by Architect Ken Clark and Landscape Architect Larry Enersen — Harvard graduates who believed in achieving excellence in design through multidiscipline collaboration and strong client partnerships. Since their founding, the firm has been dedicated to carrying on this mission. Learn more at www.clarkenersen.com.

The Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professionals (YP) held the nation’s largest gathering of young professionals on March 31 – the YP Summit, hosted at the CHI Health Center Omaha. This year’s conference, the 17th annual, brought together young professionals for a full day of education, inspiration, and connection. “YP Summit is really something extraordinary for our community,” said Darius Christensen, chairperson of the YP Summit. “Our Omaha young professional community is actively seeking opportunities to both professionally and personally develop; YP Summit truly fits that demand. It is inspiring to watch young professionals invest in their individual futures and it is equally encouraging to see organizations invest in and prioritize their young professional workforce.” The YP Summit this year included 15 breakout sessions, remarks from Mayor Jean Stothert, and two keynote speakers – Journalist, Author, and Entrepreneur, Gaby Natale; and Performance Painter, David Garibaldi. In addition, the YP Summit’s previously announced Change Makers gave inspirational remarks concerning their own unique journeys. At the conclusion of the YP Summit, attendees were challenged to take their Summit experience to activate curiosity and cultivate growth within the community. They were then told to save the date for the 2023 YP Summit which will be held at the CHI Health Center on Friday, March 24, 2023. To learn more about the Greater Omaha Chamber, visit omahachamber. org. More information about the Chamber’s Young Professionals can be found at omahachamber.org/omahayp.

A smarter way to unlock home equity without interest, debt, or monthly payments. We’re hiring!

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Business News Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Celebrates 25 Years in Omaha

9th Annual Sip Nebraska Festival Celebrates Nebraska Wines, Craft Beer, and Spirits

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is thrilled to be celebrating 25 years of serving the Omaha community in 2022. ‘Personal Banking Like You Remember’ means putting their customers first. At Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, you feel welcomed, important, and secure. The Bank has been fulfilling this promise since 1906 across the state of Nebraska and since 1997 in Omaha. Customer Service Supervisor Susan Scheef has worked at the Omaha branch since its opening, stating, “I love my job and the relationships that I’ve built with my customers over the years. I take great pride in watching them succeed financially.” To celebrate 25 years of providing mortgage lending and personal banking, the branch will be hosting a weeklong Customer Appreciation celebration May 2 – May 6. Refreshments will be served all week during business hours. Additionally, guests can enter for a chance to win one of five $100 gas gift cards! The Bank invites the community to join in the celebration. Located at 673 N 132nd St., Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in personal checking and savings products, residential home loans, construction loans, home equity loan products, and commercial real estate loans. For a full listing of products, services, and locations, visit lincolnfed. com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

The finest wines, craft beers, and distilled spirits produced in Nebraska will once again be showcased at Sip Nebraska, returning to Mahoney State Park on May 6-7. Celebrating Nebraska’s thriving beverage industry, Sip Nebraska guests can sample over 100 types of Nebraska-produced wines, craft beers, and distilled spirits from over 17 different Nebraska-based vendors. The two-day event will be packed with local bands Ro Hempel Band, Boondox, Beaten Path and Bottle Tops, along with artisans and food vendors, mobile massage, goat yoga, ax throwing, dance lessons, sip and learn classes, wood art painting, trolley tours, and other activities at Mahoney State Park, taking advantage of the spring atmosphere. Sip Nebraska is excited to partner with the nonprofit Shepherd’s Rest Goat & Sheep Rescue, an organization that brings together animals and humans in a way that is healing for both. Guests can interact with goats on Saturday afternoon with several goat yoga sessions. If you would like to donate to their cause, go to www.shepherdsrestrescue.com. Tickets range from $15-$75 and can be purchased at sipspring2022. eventbrite.com. Tasting and limited edition tickets include commemorative items in addition to wine, hard cider, craft beer, and distilled spirits tastings. A full list of activities, food vendors, musicians, and more is posted at www.sipnebraska.com and on Sip Nebraska’s Facebook page (@ sipnebraska). Volunteer opportunities are still available by calling (402) 882-2448 or emailing Maggie Miseno with Blur Parties at maggie@ blurparties.com for more information.

Deep Sky Wealth Earns Ameriprise Client Experience Award Deep Sky Wealth, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Omaha and Lincoln, has earned the 2021 Ameriprise Client Experience Award. Deep Sky Wealth was honored with this award because of their ability to consistently deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service. Award recipients earned an overall client satisfaction rating equal to or greater than 4.9 out of 5.0 and maintained stellar business results. The award represents an elite group of Ameriprise advisors recognized as leaders for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of their clients. As a private wealth advisory practice, Deep Sky Wealth provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and is delivered in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact Allison Keller at (402) 334-7265 or visit the Ameriprise offices at 1111 N 102nd Ct., STE 320 in Omaha and 7011 Kentwell Ln., STE 100 in Lincoln. At Ameriprise Financial, they have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With a network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors and extensive asset management, advisory and insurance capabilities, they have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of consumer financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Sampson Construction Celebrates 70 Years as a Construction Leader Sampson Constr uction is celebrating 70 years as a construction leader in 2022. Through seven decades, the Sampson team has made it a priority to build quality buildings with integrity, and it’s how they measure their success today. With offices in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming; projects completed in 17 states; and more than 300 employees; Sampson celebrates this remarkable milestone and extends gratitude to their talented team, faithful clients, supportive family, and the communities in which they build. Sampson Construction was founded when a contract was a handshake and a promise. Today, that principle of trust continues to set the tone for the business and their culture. Company President John Sampson said: “Without our people, Sampson Construction would not be what it is today. I cannot give enough credit to the many great employees that have been part of the Sampson team, both past and present. They are our company’s greatest asset.” Sampson Construction has served as trusted partners with business owners, developers, and communities across the country. Projects vary in size, scope, budget, and complexity, and the team’s values and passion guide their priorities and their actions, inspiring them to deliver the highest quality construction services to clients. Sampson continues to be a leader by providing the latest industry advancements to enhance their services, by supporting their in-house team of experts, and by holding to a vision that their defining achievements are both behind and still ahead. For more information, visit www.Sampson-Construction.com. To partner with Sampson, contact Derrick Hensel, director of marketing, at (402) 4345458 / derrick.hensel@sampson-construction.com. May 2022 Strictly Business 5

Business News Laff Breaks Celebrates Grand Re-Opening On April Fool’s Day, there wa s a r i b b o n - c u t t i n g ceremony held to celebrate the grand re-opening of Laff Breaks. Laff Breaks is Omaha’s newest and truly FIRST smash club. This reopening pertains to Laff Breaks offering three separate Laff Lanes (i.e. throw rooms), a brand new party room with its own Laff Lane, and a 60-seat Comedy Club. The ribbon cutting was held in partnership with the Greater Omaha Chamber. Detox Sober Lounge sold their fantastic non-alcoholic mixed drinks during the event. Laff Breaks is not a “rage room”. There are a wide variety of breakable items available to purchase and, after signing a liability waiver, customers can take the breakables into a semi-private room to throw them at the wall. Each Laff Lane is equipped with a “Dashboard” (countertop barricade), custom LED lighting, protective head gear, a Bluetooth speaker, and a projector with a USB port. You can bring your own USB loaded with movies or pictures to project on the target wall. Laff Breaks also provides movies to project on the wall. Since fully opening in January, Laff Breaks has earned several “5 Star” reviews. Customers have posted comments such as: “Great stress reliever,” “It’s so therapeutic,” and “Wasn’t sure but very addictive! Had a blast.” Laff Breaks is located at 3830 N 108th Plaza in Omaha. Visit laffbreaks. com to learn more. You can email laffbreaks@gmail.com or call (402) 235-LAFF (5233) for more information or to book an appointment.

Strictly Business May 2022

Metro Omaha Builders Association’s Spring Parade of Homes Set for May 14-15, 21-22 The 2022 Spring Parade of Homes, presented by the Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) is open May 14–15 and 21–22 and features newly built homes located throughout the metropolitan area. The t o u r s h owc a s e s i n n o va t i ve workmanship from local home builders featuring everything from townhomes to estate homes. Whether you’re looking for a starter home or dream home, there’s truly something for everyone. The Parade of Homes has been a MOBA tradition for over 60 years. Homes will be open from noon – 6 p.m. Download the Omaha Parade of Homes mobile app for driving directions or visit www.moba.com to learn about this FREE event. The Metro Omaha Builders Association was chartered in 1946 and is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA members are builders/developers and their trade partners who are dedicated to preserving integrity and lifestyle through high professional standards and sound business practices in the industry. MOBA is well known for producing the Street of Dreams, the Omaha Home Show, Remodel Omaha & Outdoor Living Tour, and the Parade of Homes. For more information, visit www.moba.com.

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Business News Center Sphere to Host Annual Charity Golf Tournament July 27

Meza Gardens and Design to Host Benson Garden Walk June 11

Center Sphere recently announced that their Annual Charity Golf Tournament will tee off on Wednesday, July 27. Check-in for the golf tournament will run from 8 – 9:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. sharp! The event will be at Tiburon Golf Club, 10302 S 168th St., and the cost is $300 per four-person team, with lunch included. They ask that at least one Center Sphere member be on each four-person team. All proceeds from the golf tournament will support the Little Giants Foundation, a nonprofit that works with families, doctors, and researchers around the world to help educate, raise awareness, and gather funding for a rare genetic life-limiting disease called Schimke Immuno-osseous Dysplasia or SIOD. It is a condition characterized by short stature, kidney disease, and a weakened immune system. 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.

Meza Gardens and Design is excited to announce that they will be hosting the Benson Garden Walk on Saturday, June 11, rain or shine from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. After a brief break the past few years, they are happy to once again be able to offer the garden walk. This is a community event to promote landscaping and present opportunities for design ideas, inspiration, and even growing tips. A variety of gardens will be showcased on the walk throughout the Benson area. Mark your calendars and come stroll through the gardens and stop to smell the roses. Tickets will be available for purchase soon online at www. mezagardensanddesign.com at $15 per person; tickets also can be bought on the day of the walk with cash or check only at a designated location. Proceeds will go towards a Benson cause or organization. Learn more about the walk by reaching out to bensongardenwalk@gmail.com or visiting Benson Garden Walk on Facebook (@BensonGardenWalk). 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.

Omaha-based HorsePower Brands Expands Franchise Territories in Record Time HorsePower Brands, an owner and operator of a growing portfolio of service-based franchise systems, has recently awarded its 200th Franchise Territory. In efforts to increase scale, market penetration, and brand success, HorsePower Brands continues to diligently award franchise territories at an expedient pace which allows its franchisees to open and operate quickly and profitably. “This milestone is a result and culmination of decades of experience with both franchisees and as franchisors. We know what the avatar of a good franchisee is today. People who seek and are in partnership with HorsePower Brands understand this is an awards process, not a sales process. We have 360-degree view on development, validation, and what franchisees need to be profitable. We understand what territorial success means,” said Josh Skolnick, founder and chairman of HorsePower Brands. While HorsePower Brands is less than 18 months old, the investments made in intellectual capital, corporate infrastructure, and the franchisee territorial selection process has allowed the company to differentiate from its competitors and award territories at a pace that would normally take three to four years to achieve in almost half the time. HorsePower Brands is a portfolio company comprised of servicebased franchisors and franchise brands delivering first class customer service and experiences. Founded in 2019 by franchise veterans Josh Skolnick and Zach Beutler, the team was determined to disrupt the franchise industry to responsibly grow and support franchisees through a platform that focused on operational excellence and accountability. For more information on HorsePower Brands and their various franchise opportunities, visit HorsePowerbrands.com or contact Tony Hulbert at (402) 314-6722 / thulbert@HorsePowerbrands.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NBDC to Present Minority Small Business Summit Pitch Competition June 23 The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Greater Omaha Chamber REACH, and the Rotary Club of Omaha West are pleased to announce this year’s Minority Small Business Summit will include a new pitch competition, providing minority-owned small businesses the opportunity to win significant funds to be used for the growth or scale of their operation. Now in its second year, the 2022 Minority Small Business Summit is a chance for small business owners and entrepreneurs to strategize and grow at a day-long event. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, participate in educational sessions, and connect to community resources. The event will take place on June 23 at Seventy Five North - The Highlander. New to the summit this year, the Minority Small Business Summit Pitch Competition is geared to established business owners seeking funding to branch into a new area, invest in additional marketing, or other ways to bring their business to the next level. This competition is not intended for start-up funding. Five finalists will be selected to compete on June 23 at the Minority Small Business Summit. In addition, they will attend a practice run on June 17 where they will be given feedback and have the opportunity to refine their pitch. Prizes for the pitch competition include $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $1,000 for third – fifth place. Applications are now open at nbdc.unomaha.edu/msbspitch. Submissions are due by May 6 at 11:59 p.m. to omahawestpitchcompetition@gmail.com. Learn more about the Nebraska Business Development Center at nbdc.unomaha.edu. May 2022 Strictly Business 7

S H A K E S P E A R E ON T H E G R E E N

JUNE 23 - JULY 17, 2022 ELMWOOD PARK OMAHA, NE

FREE PROFESSIONAL THEATER FOR EVERYONE!

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Business News Up-and-Coming Fintech Unison Expands with Omaha Office in Old Market Unison, the leader in residential equity agreements, officially opened their new office in Omaha’s Old Market district on March 16. The San Francisco-based company helps homeowners liberate the equity bound up in their house without creating additional debt while simultaneously engaging investors with the opportunity to access the elusive yet lucrative residential real estate asset class. The expansion to Omaha is a “natural choice,” according to Unison President Ryan Downs, who cited the city’s highly skilled and educated workforce, along with the “business-friendly” environment, as top reasons for the selection. Chief People Officer Holly Danko in particular praised Omaha’s “vibrant culture” and its ability to provide “opportunities to advance our commitment to diversity and a healthy work/life balance.” Moreover, the affordability, overall high quality of life, and nationallycentralized location make Omaha especially attractive as an expanded location for the company, which seeks local talent to join its ranks. Unison was named a Forbes Fintech 50 Company in 2020, as well as a Deloitte Technology Fast 100 recipient. This year, they have thus far been included in HousingWire’s Tech 100, which recognizes and celebrates innovation in technology companies within the mortgage and real estate sectors. Currently, Unison is hiring for a number of positions in Omaha, with opportunities in departments such as sales, finance, and operations. To learn more, visit www.unison.com.

National Association of Women in Construction Posts Upcoming Event Schedule The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter #116 is announcing its remaining 2022 meeting dates/times and activities. NAWIC holds its monthly meeting on the second Thursday of each month. Guests are always welcome. • May 12 – Introduction to BIM and its role in construction • June 9 – Jobsite tour of Applied Underwriters site • July 14 – Community engagement event • August 11 – Nebraska Innovation Studio makerspace tour in Lincoln • September – How to incorporate wellness into your home/work office space • October – Jobsite tour (TBD) • November – Personal development event • December – Potluck lunch and gift-wrapping members’ donations for charity In addition, the NAWIC/CFMA (Construction Financial Management Association) scholarship fundraising golf tournament has been slated for August 23 at Indian Creek Golf Club. More information and registration will be posted on the chapter’s website at www.nawicomaha.com. National Association of Women in Construction Greater Omaha Chapter #116 hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade-apprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members, and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 70+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Heartland Women’s Network Monthly Meeting Set for May 17 T h e n ex t m e e t i n g f o r Heartland Women’s Network (HWN) is set for Tuesday, May 17 beginning at 11:30 a.m. This month, they will f e a t u r e S a s h a Pa t r i c i a Berscheid, founder of Project International, Inc., as the guest speaker. Project Intentional provides resources to women who otherwise might not be able to afford them during the holiday season. The May meeting location can be found at www.heartlandwomensnetwork.com. Monthly lunch meetings feature engaging speakers on topics of interest to members, along with networking opportunities. They are open to non-members. Recent speakers have included David Brown, CEO of the Omaha Chamber; Katherine MacHolmes, founder of k+r strategies; Quinn Texmo, who works in business development at Turner Construction Company; and Pam Hernandez, founder and president of The Right Reflection. Heartland Women’s Network provides the structure women in the Heartland need to grow professionally and personally. Partnering with nonprofit organizations is an important part of HWN’s mission. Each year, members select an organization to support financially and through volunteer opportunities. Rejuvenating Women was selected as the 2021 nonprofit partner. Lili Shim, HWN’s 2021 director, recently presented the organization with a check for $1,500. This year’s nonprofit partner is Ronald McDonald House Charities in Omaha. To register for the May luncheon, 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. May 2022 Strictly Business 9

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Business News Best Care EAP Hosts Onsite and Virtual Management Boot Camp Training May 12 Best Care EAP will host the next onsite Management Boot Camp Training on Thursday, May 12 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. However, Best Care’s new training facility can host virtual attendees, too. Just indicate “onsite” or “virtual” when registering. Description: Managing is one tough job! Best Care’s “basic training” boot camp provides everything a new manager or seasoned professional will need to survive in today’s ever-changing work environment. No matter what the level of experience, this session provides any manager the training to: • Keep employees motivated while setting clear expectations for performance objectives • Promote independence while encouraging initiative • “Think” like a manager For more details or to register, go 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.

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Celebrates 7 Years Under New Ownership Tyler Whalen and Justin Tangeman took over ownership of the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franc hise in May 2015. Tyler and Justin have a significant history with TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Prior to purchasing and operating their own location together, they started like most people, on the trucks as movers and drivers after they finished their Justin Tangeman (2nd to right) and Tyler studies at college. They slowly Whalen (far right) pictured with previous started working their way up owner Eileen Marrison and her husband. each level of management until they were in a spot where they could become owners. Tyler and Justin are now owners of multiple franchises across the Midwest! TWO MEN AND A TRUCK has received many mentionable accolades since being founded in the early 1980s. There have been multiple recognitions since Tyler and Justin took ownership, as well. Some of these include landing a spot in Franchise Business Review’s Top Franchises for 2018 and being rated in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 over 20 times. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the nation’s leading full-service moving company, offering customers comprehensive home and business relocation, packing and unpacking, and junk removal services. Making training and customer service a priority, they are proud to offer professionally trained movers along with top-of-the-line equipment and resources to exceed your expectations. Their goal is to tailor each experience to specifically fit all moving needs. To learn more, visit twomenandatruck.com/movers/ ne/omaha or contact (402) 597-6683 / sales0423@twomen.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Business News Clearwater Counseling Shines Light on Mental Health Awareness Month

Omaha Empowerment Breakfast to Feature Marketing Strategist Jeff Quandt May 6

Mental Health Awareness Month has arrived and there are various ways to celebrate, according to Clearwater Counseling, PC. Observed in May, Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to bringing mental health to the forefront. It’s a great reminder to take a step back and evaluate one’s mental health. It’s also an opportunity to talk about mental health with others, which helps to end the stigma surrounding mental health. To celebrate this special occasion, Clearwater Counseling urges individuals to share their mental health story and encourage others to, as well. Additional ways to honor this observance include donating or volunteering to a mental health cause, taking a mental health screen, attending a discussion about mental health, and sharing information or resources on social media. It’s important to remember that there are many ways to improve mental health and now is the time to reflect and make changes. Proper self-care is key, as well as asking for help when needed. Therapy is an excellent way to express feelings and gain skills to cope with any challenges. Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Grand Island and Omaha area. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. 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.

The upcoming Omaha Empowerment Breakfast on Friday, May 6, is set for 7 a.m. and will feature speaker Jeff Quandt. Jeff is a digital and inbound marketing strategist, specializing in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Getting found in an online search involves competitive and keyword research, website design, social media, content creation, reputation management, and SEO. He has assisted his clients with all of these. Jeff will provide a brief overview to help you improve your SEO or the ability to be found when prospects are looking for what you do. Jeff worked in traditional marketing for most of his career, including media sales and sales management, nonprofit marketing, B2B marketing, tradeshow/event marketing, and client services/business development at two advertising agencies. Now semi-retired (as “retired” is not a subject in the Bible), Jeff devotes his time to cycling for mental, spiritual, and fitness health. He also applies his digital and inbound marketing talents with several nonprofit organizations. As a bucket list item, Jeff is working for the TREK Bicycle store in Omaha as a bicycle assembler for fun and to feed his cycling addiction. The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a non-membership networking event held monthly on the first Friday with great speakers, great food, and endless connections. People attending can showcase their business by being a three-minute speaker or being an event sponsor. To learn more about benefits and upcoming meetings, visit omahaempowermentbreakfast.org.

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Business News J-Tech Solar Produces Over One Gigawatt of Solar Energy in 2022 J - Te c h S o l a r & Constr uction is proud to announce that their combined projects have recently hit over one gigawatt of solar energy produced through their amazing customers. This milestone took place at the beginning of the year and is significant to the community and the Earth. One gigawatt is estimated to power around 2,000 homes for a whole year, or almost enough to power the flux capacitor for a one-way trip in a delorean! The Omaha Public Power District is shooting for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and reaching the one gigawatt goal this year is just one way that J-Tech is helping play a part in producing at such a high level for the Omaha area, moving the city towards a brighter and cleaner future. Unlike conventional power, solar energy produces zero harmful emissions that hurt the environment. Solar energy is a clean and renewable process that harnesses the most natural of all resources: the sun. J-Tech Solar & Construction is “The Official Solar Energy & Exterior Experts of the Huskers”. They specialize in solar energy arrays and battery backup systems. Give them a call at (402) 216-3682 if you have any questions about what your house could produce for you or your company! For more information, visit jtechsolar.com.

Magic Johnson to Speak for Empowerment Network’s 15th Anniversary on May 20 Legendary on the court AND in the boardroom, Earvin “Magic” Johnson is bringing his expertise, insights, and magic to Omaha to celebrate the Empowerment Network’s 15th Anniversary at the Rebuilding the Village Conference, held in conjunction with the Revive Black Business Expo. The conference will be held from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, May 20 at the CHI Health Center Omaha. Rebuilding the Village will bring together local, regional, and national experts. Magic’s keynote presentation will take place during the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. along with insightful and educational morning and afternoon breakout sessions. This conference focuses on the place-based, collaborative strategies that have been the undercurrent to some of the significant progress Omaha has been able to see over the last decade-and-a-half. Cities from across the country will be bringing delegations to get the insights needed to accelerate transformation in their backyards. Additional speakers include Suzan Hart, known for her breakthrough strategies that help entrepreneurs, leaders, and businesses; and Anna Barber, president and principal consultant for Barber & Associates, a boutique fundraising consulting firm focused on helping nonprofit organizations achieve their full fundraising potential through donor development. For more information or to register for the full conference or luncheon only, visit RTVomaha.com and reserve your space. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, call (402) 502-5153 or email info@ empoweromaha.com. Get ready for what is guaranteed to be a “MAGIC”-al experience! To learn more about The Empowerment Network, visit www. empoweromaha.com or call (402) 502-5153. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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storage solutions that can be done in any area of the home. We provide better access to your cabinets and closets. No more having What the on biggest challenge you’ve professionally? to getisdown your hands and knees to findfaced what’s in your cabinets. Getting our name out there. go -out in the community to How did you get started in theI would business? I was the franchise about ourmanager work, and didn’t even know existed, support formany ShelfGenie, working fromwe Omaha andinclud traveling around the country to work with franchisees. families that needed our support. Weour have workedAfter hardato cha year and a half of traveling non-stop, I joined the local franchise. that the last six years. Myover business partner, Nick Starkey, had been an installer for ShelfGenie and purchased the franchise from the previous owner. What been yourchallenge most important achievement professional Whathas is the biggest you’ve faced professionally? We’ve been very fortunate to have tenured, reliable At team - The removal of time barriers foraour assistance. theofbeginn andainstallers, our biggest challenge as a ShelfGenie wedesigners often had wait listsodue to the limited availability of funds. business is to let people know all of the ways we can help them. Nebraska ranks No. 1 in the Midwest for pediatric cancer Basically, we are always trying to find ways to let people know that incidence, so to the need great. we have ways give themis better access to everything in their home. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - When first graduated from college,- II worked in a family business Tell us a I little about your family. have been married to Don imprinted promotional products. Adapting from community. that to forselling over 30 years and he also serves the nonprofit selling other products and services, and then transitioning into Together, we have three grown children—Cole, Brenna, the franchising world where I helped other people grow theirand businesses, and then having mynamed own business, has been my most Grace. We also have a dog Harley. important professional accomplishment. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife and I are both widowed, so we have a blended family. She has two daughters What do married you see onein of the biggest points in yo who are andas living Omaha, with threeturning granddaughters. life? - Leaving very organization move to the so I have a son who liveswell-known in Minneapolis with his wifetoand my two granddaughters, and a daughter who lives with her husband in human service arena. Boston. He just ran in and completed the Boston Marathon! Whatisdoyour you see as onething of theto biggest What favorite do onturning a daypoints off? -inI your appreciate life? - Being blessed to find love a second time is something I am anything nature-related. I also love hanging with my dog and always thankful for. relaxing home by thething pool.to do on a day off? - Playing What isatyour favorite pickleball, reading, watching a movie, or taking a walk. Who inspires you?unique - My staff. They arething so committed and really What is the most or interesting about you that most people probably don’t know? Many years ago, when want to make a difference for our community. They also Ilike to was fun a member Optimists Club, I was selected the Nebraska have whichofisthe really important when you are dealing with Optimist of the Year. cancer. Who inspires you? - My kids because of everything they do in their lives. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - It’s a lengthy one by Theodore Roosevelt titled, What your favorite or the piece of advice “The is Man in the Arena”. quote It basically says,best it is not the critic who you counts. Rather, it is- the person strives to accomplish something, ever received? The bestwho piece of advice was given to me by even if they fail. father. He said, “Susie, you have two ears and one mouth, use If you have a super power, what would it be? - Being able them incould that proportion.” to speak and understand any language so I could communicate with anyone in the world. Which talent would you to have? - If you are What is your favorite book most or the like last good book you read? - famil with CliftonofStrengths, I always wanted WOO but that one is lik Presidents War by Michael Beschloss is the last great one I read. way down thefavorite list for me. am captured people who have th What is your localIrestaurant? - Laby Casa Pizzaria. ability. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 689-8055; jdurmaskin@shelfgenie.com; www. If shelfgenie.com/omaha. you could choose any other profession to be successful what would it be? - Healthcare. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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up a lucrative position as a partner in a law firm, but it was also challenging to learn everything necessary to lead a company effectively. It was the epitome of on-the-job training. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I am most proud of the work I did at PayPal. As a member of the executive team for nearly a decade, I helped PayPal go through its IPO, the acquisition by eBay, international expansion, and the high growth that made it one of the most successful fintech firms in the world. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to do things outside, including working around my 80-acre property, swimming in our pool, having a backyard party with friends, target shooting or hunting with my son, riding my bikes, riding horses, or driving my ATV. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I can shoot a basketball well. At my age, I am no longer fast and I cannot jump very high, but I am still able to play the game three times a week with MUCH younger players because of my ability to shoot.

What local nonprofits are you passionate about or involved in? - I am involved with NorthStar, an after-school and summer program that provides academic and other support for boys in y North Omaha. I am also part of the team organizing the 2022 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball, an annual event that supports the Buffet Cancer Center. I also sit on the boards of Bellevue University, The Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, the Maverick Venture Fund at the University of Nebraska – Omaha, and the Board of Lay Ministry for the King of Kings Lutheran Church. In addition, u’ve my wife and I support the Midlands Community Foundation, the Louisville Area Foundation, Louisville Public School Foundation, y my Concordia University, 4-H, and Boy Scouts of America.

What is your favorite book, or the last good book you read? - The last good book I read is called Winning on Purpose by Fred Reichheld. It discusses how businesses win by enriching the lives of their customers and thereby driving loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

liar kely What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Boiler Room with its farmhis to-table concept, regularly changing menus, and fantastic wine list.

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What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - My all-time favorite is The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Szechuan Express. They are family-owned, they have been in Omaha for a long time, and they still make homemade dumplings by hand. Oh, and this is also where I met my wife over 20 years ago, so it has some sentimental value for me. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 401-7559; biagio@loophire.com; loophire.com. You can follow me on LinkedIn as well! #PrintProudDigitalSmart 4/11/22 11:58 AM

Geoff

Geoff McGregor

Mcgregor interests INC. Meet Geoff McGregor, president of Lockbox Storage, a McGregor Interests Inc. company. Tell us a little about your business. McGregor Interests Inc. specializes in finding commercial real estate investments, structuring partnerships, and providing a return to our partners on those investments. If you’re looking to diversify into commercial real estate, join our investor group at www.mcgregorint.com and review the latest investment opportunities. Our latest developments are the Lockbox self storage facilities. How did you get started in the business? - My father Mac founded the company in 1978. I mowed lawns of the properties he managed while I was in high school. Then in college, I started getting my feet wet leasing commercial space. My passion became trying to figure out how to structure deals and building discounted cash flow models, while obtaining my bachelors in business and real estate economics from UNO. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - When my vice president, Drew Strohmeyer, commented that we had developed over 1,000,000 square feet. I laughed and then realized that we actually had! It was very rewarding see that we had crossed such a huge milestone in our 30s. Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Amber and I are high school sweethearts. We have two strong beautiful girls, Mila (7) and Nora (4). What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I was at the women’s hospital and my daughter had just been born. I thought Amber and Mila were both asleep. My cell phone rings and it was an owner of a self-storage facility that I had been trying to acquire for a while. They wanted to make a deal. I made a verbal agreement to buy the facility and then hung up the phone. I felt like I was unstoppable. Here I was, a new dad, and negotiating a multi-million dollar deal in the same day. The major turning point happened a couple years later in 2018. My marriage hit a rough patch—we were ships passing at night. Amber’s recollection of that same night at the hospital was a different story. It turns out she wasn’t totally asleep when I took the call. From her perspective, she saw a guy who didn’t stop working, even on the day his daughter was born. It was hard to understand since I love my job, but I’ve come to understand the importance of family time and the need to shut off work when I am with my family. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hunting or swimming and fishing with my family. Who inspires you? - My dad. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My dad would tell me, “Complaining doesn’t do you any good. Half of the people don’t care, and the other half are glad you got what’s coming to you.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Trustworthy. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “I’m On a Boat” by The Lonely Island. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A boat captain in the Caribbean, playing my theme song. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints does amazing things to support the community, and I am happy to attend and support. What is your favorite movie? - Training Day. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 334-2123; geoff@mcgregorint.com; www.mcgregorint.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Rich

Rich Borgeson

Langer Electric

Meet Rich Borgeson, journeyman electrician at Langer Electric. Tell us a little about your business. - Langer Electric is an electrical company owned by Chris Langer based out of Blair. We do it all when it comes to your electrical needs. How did you get started in the business? - I got my start in the electrical business eight years ago when a friend got me a job at his company. I worked there for four years before coming to work for Chris. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Deciding to take a job in the field of my degree or starting over in a different field. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Passing my journeyman exam on the first try and becoming an all-around asset to the company. Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my beautiful wife Beth of five years. We have a 10-year-old daughter who keeps us busy but we plan for more children. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Taking the relationship with my wife to the next level of marriage really helped me become the man I am today. Another would be coming to work for Chris. I have grown and learned so much, and I owe a lot of that to Chris. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Typically family time or being at the softball fields! We are a big softball family with my daughter and myself both playing multiple times a week. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I bowled a 299 when I was 14 years old. Who inspires you? - My father. He has shown that just because you aren’t dealt the best hand, you never stop fighting to become the best you that you can be. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - A friend’s grandfather use to always say, “There is no reason to take on a task if you aren’t going to do it right.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Dependable. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Being a great father. Which talent would you most like to have? - Stick to a diet! If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Play in the MLB. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Capital Gains by Chip Gaines. What is your favorite movie? - The Sandlot. What is your favorite TV show? - MTV’s The Challenge or Law & Order SVU. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Currently, it’s The Bucksnort in Missouri Valley. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Ken Griffey Jr, Bo Jackson, or Jackie Robinson. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 215-1915; www.facebook.com/LangerElectricCo. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Tyler Albers

Cornhusker bank

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Meet Tyler Albers, the vice president, Universal has added services to help customers manage and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of relationship manager at Cornhusker Bank. benefits that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources Tell us a little about your business. hotline and resources, including customized handbooks. Cornhusker Bank is a 119-year-old family owned community bank Employee Wellness plan delivered online! based in Lincoln. As vice president, relationship manager, my focus is growing and developing client relationships in the Greater Omaha area. In Omaha, Cornhusker Bank specializes and focuses on Located on the corner of 140th & Center commercial, wealth management, and mortgage banking. Universalinsgroup.com | 402-399-8721 How did you get started in the business? - I had a close relative who was involved in banking and I was able to witness firsthand the opportunities the profession had to offer. I’ve been lucky enough to be a banker in the Omaha area for 13 years now. What has been your most important achievement professionally? Rent a water softener or “Improve the quality of your life by letting us improve the - Becoming a vice president for Cornhusker Bank. It’s an honor to have reverse osmosis system for quality of your water. Our low-pressure sales experience the opportunity and trust to bring such a great brand and company YOU SAVE is why 9 out of 10 people who talk to us...work with us.” to the Greater Omaha community. * Jeff White, Aqua Systems Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my month incredible wife Nichole for 10 years. We have three amazing First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. kids—very active 5-year-old twin boys, Nolan and Micah, as well with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. as our beautiful 2-year-old daughter Hadley. We also have a mini dachshund named Slink. My wife and I are both originally from Shop and compare at Papillion and are very excited to have recently moved back to the ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com area after about a decade in West Omaha. TEMS WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? TE - Going away to college out of state. I quickly realized how great it is to live in Nebraska. It really is “The Good Life!” What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to golf if 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM the weather is nice, watching college football in the fall, and doing anything family related with my wife and kids. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I played basketball at NebraskaOmaha and also have Native American ancestry. Who inspires you? - My family, specifically my father and grandfather who have both passed away. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Cornhusker Bank has great core values: Own It, Care Deeply, Deliver the “Wow” Experience, Build Positive Relationships, and Do Life Together. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Friend. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Playing basketball. lockbox-storage.com (402) 342-0022 What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Stephen Center is such an amazing organization run by incredible people who I consider to be real-life heroes. Old Market on the corner of 5th and Pacific St. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida. 2 months Free Rent What is your favorite movie? - Gladiator. on all climate controlled units! What is your favorite local restaurant? - Hiro 88 or The Drover. Rent online 24/7 or use our onsite live If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or video chat kiosk. present, who would it be? - Kobe Bryant. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 671-0210 (direct) / (402) 689-5206 (cell); tyler.albers@ cornhuskerbank.com; www.cornhuskerbank.com. I am located at the Managed by McGregor Interests Inc. 11102 Blondo St. branch. #PrintProudDigitalSmart May 2022 Strictly Business 19

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Personnel News Donna Kohlan of Farris Engineering Receives SAME SMP Award

Joann Schaefer, MD, Joins City+Ventures to Lead Health Care Businesses

At Farris Engineering, giving back to the community is part of their company’s commitment, so they are pleased to announce that Donna Kohlan, a fire protection engineer in Farris’ Omaha office, received the Student Mentor Award from the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) during a recent monthly luncheon. “I was recognized for the many years I’ve volunteered in the SAME Student Mentoring Program (SMP),” said Donna. “I think it is a small effort that helps ensure the engineering discipline remains strong for the future.” In 2006, Donna started mentoring middle school teams before moving up to the high school level. Following mentoring for several years, she was asked to start judging the local annual SMP competition and has been doing that for the past 10 years. “I find this to be a very worthwhile and enjoyable program to volunteer my time,” she said. “The students are bright and imaginative, and I find I learn as much from them as they learn from the program.” 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 Strictly_centris.qxp_Layout 3/14/22 AMTo Page of employee-owners as they Bring1Your Buildings11:25 to Life. learn 1 more, visit www.farris-usa.com.

City+Ventures announced in March that Dr. Joann Schaefer, former chief medical officer for the State of Nebraska and executive vice president at Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of Nebraska, has joined the company as president of City+Ventures Health. In this newly established entity and role, Dr. Schaefer will lead and expand the company’s emerging health care sector work.

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“Dr. Schaefer brings a wealth of experience as a regulator, a physician, a thought leader in healthcare, and a former health insurance executive,” said Chris Erickson, co-founder of City+Ventures. “Her leadership and vision will help shape growth for patient and business services in the health sector, and ensure we best leverage our established and growing resources to best serve ever-evolving patient needs.” “I’m thrilled to be joining the City+Ventures team to lead City+Ventures Health,” said Dr. Schaefer. “This is a pivotal moment in health care with large, complicated issues to be solved for delivering services to people. I’m excited to bring my experience to these efforts, growing and diversifying our lines of business in a people-focused model.” Bringing decades of experience in public health, health insurance, and family medicine, Dr. Schaefer will drive the company’s expansion diversifying patient and provider services. City+Ventures’ flagship health delivery organization, GS Labs, has tested more than 1.2 million patients across the country and employs thousands of health care workers. GS Labs utilized cutting-edge lab technology and operations savvy to expand to meet public needs in the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources and expertise will serve as the foundation to grow City+Ventures Health to serve more communities and patients. At BCBS Nebraska, Dr. Schaefer worked to transform payment models to value-based care utilizing technology, such as predictive modeling and digital care management solutions, to assist members in receiving care. Prior to this, she was the longest-serving CMO and first woman CMO in the Governor’s Cabinet and in the state’s history. In this role, she safeguarded numerous public health programs serving the most vulnerable, enacted “Smoke-free Nebraska,” and regulated the health care entities and licensees across the state. She addressed pandemics, mass vaccinations, use of strategic national stockpiles, natural disasters, domestic terrorism, and transformed licensing and other systems from paper to online and electronic formats. Dr. Schaefer’s career began as a family practice physician after graduating from Creighton University. Dr. Schaefer and her husband, Phil Haines, a retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant and security expert, enjoy exploring the world, boating, and spending time with family members and friends. City+Ventures is a premier investment and development company focused on building companies and communities. With Omaha roots but a national footprint, City+Ventures owns and operates a wide array of businesses, including automotive dealerships; carwashes; a restaurant collection; a private aviation consulting, sales and management venture; community safety and firearm training facilities; a pageant production company; a health care entity; construction-related businesses; and a real estate management entity. The company also holds a significant real estate portfolio. In August 2020, City+Ventures’ proven track record of reinvention and financial success earned it the No. 71 spot on the Inc. 5000 Company list. Learn more at city-ventures.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Personnel News Wil Stoltenberg Joins True North Technologies Team as Sales Associate

Cox Media Introduces LuAnn Gentry, Missy Thompson to Team

Tr ue Nor th Tec hnologies, a digital marketing agency founded by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Wil Stoltenberg onto the team as sales associate. Wil loves being able to continuously think and learn, which initially led him to find True North Technologies. As a recent college graduate, Wil was grateful for the opportunity to join the team while still being a student. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. With strengths like Woo, Competition, and Restorative, Wil derives satisfaction from the challenge of meeting new people and creating an instant connection. By nature, he loves to energize discussions, always encouraging others to share their success, talents, and big ideas. Wil has always known this is the correct career path for him, as he genuinely loves to build strong relationships. He is eager to create excitement around clients’ businesses by compellingly portraying their message and values at True North. Wil plans to have busy weekends in his spare time, as he will be spending them on the golf course and rooting for Husker wins on Saturdays. True North Technologies makes technology simple with custom website and mobile app development, branding, text marketing, digital advertising, search engine optimization (SEO), and social media management. Learn more online at www.go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

Cox Media, a division of Cox Communications, is pleased to introduce their two newest team members, LuAnn Gentry and Missy Thompson. LuAnn Gentry joins Cox Media from THRYV/Dex Media where she was a successful business advisor/account manager across the Midwest region. She brings a wealth of experience consulting local businesses on marketing strategies and specializing in digital media campaigns. LuAnn says that building relationships with customers and always following through has been her key to success. Missy Thompson returns to Cox Media after a brief hiatus. Missy has always been a top-notch asset to the Cox Media family, fostering collaboration and dedication to her clients. Her superb new business development skills as well as her unparalleled customer service approach will once again strengthen the bonds between Cox Media and their clients. “We’ve added so many new and exciting products to our portfolio of solutions in the last few years,” said Pam Freyer-Reining, local sales manager. “That’s why it’s imperative that we have the best team of media consultants in Omaha. I’m thrilled to have LuAnn and Missy round out our expert team!” Cox Media is the advertising sales division of Cox Communications, the third largest cable entertainment and broadband services provider in the country. Learn more at coxmedia.com / cox.com.

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May 2022 Strictly Business

Personnel News First Responders Foundation Shares 2022 Awards of Excellence Winners

Tyler Albers of Cornhusker Bank Joins Sarpy YMCA Advisory Board

The First Responders Foundation is pleased to announce the 2022 Awards of Excellence recipients. This prestigious award acknowledges outstanding high school seniors who are children of first responders and demonstrate good character, balanced achievement, and outstanding commitment to the community. The following students represent families from the Bennington and Omaha Police Departments; Council Bluffs, Eppley Airfield, Gretna, Omaha, Papillion, Springfield, and Waterloo Fire Departments; and the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office: Bellevue West High School – Jocelyn Belcastro, Sophie Goessling; Blair High School – Caitlyn Haggstrom; Creighton Preparatory School – Maxwell McLaughlin; Douglas County West High School – Faith White; Elkhorn High School – Danielle Witt; Fremont Senior High School – Mackenzie Kirby; Gretna High School – Jack L. Johnson, Charles Evan Sams, Samuel Stolinski; Lewis Central High School – Jocelyn Ciara LeMaster; Louisville High School – Samuel Ahl; Millard South High School – Makenzie Clymer; Millard West High School – Zachary Jones, Gwyneth Stocker; Omaha Central High School – Grace Weberg; Papillion-LaVista High School – Reilly Healey, Lili Shepoka, Keira Sterling; Papillion-Lavista South High School – Brady Lichty; Platteview High School – Ellie Patera; Ralston High School – Connor Neville; Skutt Catholic High School – Liam Werner; Tri-Center High School – Drew Georgius, Madison Leigh Wood; Westside High School – Aiden NewMyer, Ethan NewMyer, Brandon Siedlik; Underwood High School – Kendra Kuck. Learn more at firstrespondersfoundation.org.

Cornhusker Bank congratulates Tyler Albers for recently being accepted as a member of the Sarpy YMCA Advisory Board. This advisory board has a vested interest in fostering connection in the Omaha metro community and in building relationships with their staff and members, and they mirror the Cornhusker Bank values.

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Barry Lockard, Cornhusker Bank president/ CEO, noted Tyler lives out the bank’s commitment to community in his personal involvement to multiple community-oriented organizations such as 6th Mav’s Club, 67th Street Hoops, and St. Columbkille Parish, as well as the YMCA. Cornhusker Bank is locally owned, demonstrating Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and a commitment to the community and its residents. Their 360 service model is focused on surrounding you with the best experience possible. Cornhusker Bank strives to continuously enhance your experience each and every day, in order to be “the bank of choice” for both their internal and external customers. In Omaha, Cornhusker Bank is located at 111102 Blondo St., STE 102. Here, their team of bankers specializes in private banking, mortgages, and commercial business. For more information, contact Teresa Elliott, vice president of communications at (402) 434-2245 / teresae@cornhuskerbank.com or visit CornhuskerBank.com.

Goodwill Omaha Announces Leadership Changes to Assist Expansion Plan Goodwill Omaha has announced its south Omaha expansion plan, which brings new roles a m o n g i t s exe c u t i ve leadership team. Goodwill’s south Omaha location will reside at 3327 L St., a former Hy-Vee location and will house a job training center, thrift store, and donation center, among other amenities. Goodwill Omaha’s president and CEO, Tobi Mathouser, said that to facilitate and sustain the expansion into south Omaha, Goodwill Omaha has made the following organizational changes, effective April 1: • Elaine Leibert was promoted to senior vice president of mission advancement. In her new role, Leibert continues to report to Mathouser and to oversee development and other functional areas of the organization. • Sarah Alba, a longtime employee at Goodwill Omaha, was promoted to director of mission programs south. Leibert and Alba will work to develop Goodwill’s mission programs for the planned south Omaha training center. • Janelle Ellis was promoted to senior vice president of retail advancement. Ellis continues to report to Mathouser and to oversee Goodwill Omaha’s physical locations, retail operations team, and facilities team. • Shantel Featherson has been promoted to director of retail operations, the role Ellis vacated, and is in the final stages of hiring a retail district manager. • Erin Blackledge has been promoted to vice president of administration, overseeing the organization’s human resources, marketing, IT, and finance departments. In her new role, Blackledge reports to Leibert. Goodwill Omaha is currently seeking qualified candidates to fill the position Blackledge vacated, director of human resources. For more information about Goodwill Industries, Inc., please visit GoodwillOmaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NonProfit News HETRA Introduces New Giving Program, Friends of HETRA

Heartland Hope Mission Helps to Feed Kids During the Summer Months

H e a r t l a n d E q u i n e T h e ra p e u t i c Riding Academy (HETRA) in Gretna, NE recently started a new giving program called Friends of HETRA. Through this program, your donation can be allocated to the HETRA herd to provide exceptional veterinary care, training, and nutrition, or can be given to a HETRA program of your choice, including their Veteran and First Responders programming, therapy programs, or even their Miniature Horse Onsite Learning program. When you become a Friend of HETRA, you become a vital part of their mission to improve the quality of life, both physically and emotionally, of adults and children of all ability levels through equineassisted activities. You’ll also help build a sustainable community of individuals willing and able to support HETRA’s programming. Whether you choose to donate to one of their many specialized programs or support the HETRA herd, your donation goes a long way toward keeping HETRA affordable to all of their loving participants. To join in on this amazing new giving program, visit www.HETRA. org/Donate/FriendsOfHETRA or contact Kalynn Sortino, HETRA’s development manager, at KalynnS@HETRA.com. For more information on participating with or donating to Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy, call (402) 3598830, or visit hetra.org.

Heartland Hope Mission is preparing to help children from low-income families with food during the summer months when they are no longer receiving free or reduced lunches at school. With the current inflation rate at 8.5% (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics), they have seen an increase in their pantry numbers of families needing assistance with food, clothing, and hygiene products. Families with school-aged children will be allowed to receive a week’s supply of food twice a month. Heartland Hope Mission is also in the process of developing a food box program that will help provide these children affected by food insecurity with healthy food over the summer months. You can help a child in need this summer by donating $25 which will provide them with nutritious food and supportive services for one week. 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 (@ HeartlandHopeMission) or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay up to date on all the important work they are doing in the community. To donate, please visit HeartlandHopeMission.org.

MICAH House to Release Video Highlighting Program Partners Mosaic Announces Partners in Possibility Luncheon Set for October 5 Mosaic in Omaha has announced that its 2022 Partners in Possibility luncheon has been set for October 5. The annual event offers the community the opportunity to learn more about Mosaic’s mission and how they can help support the organization. As part of the one-hour fundraising luncheon, sponsorships will be available to area businesses who would like the opportunity to support Mosaic and be recognized during the event. Sponsoring organizations will be featured throughout the event, beginning with event publicity (which includes the Mosaic donor newsletter and other Mosaic publications), Facebook page, and the event program, leading all the way to the stage at the luncheon. A sponsorship gift would assist in covering the food and venue costs which allows all funds raised at the event to go towards the needs of the people Mosaic serves. Sponsoring organizations are invited to join them for the lunch as well, and will be announced at the start of the event. Sponsorship amounts range from $250 to $2,500. For more information on sponsorships or other details of the event, please contact Deb Goodwin, community relations manager at deborah. goodwin@mosaicinfo.org, or by calling (402) 896-9988 Ext. 51002. Mosaic in Omaha serves approximately 110 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). They help provide a meaningful life in a caring community while giving a voice to their needs. To learn more about Mosaic, visit mosaicinfo.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MICAH House has been working with Right Idea Media Creative Agency to prepare a video that highlights the partnership experience from the perspective of their program partners. This year, MICAH House interviewed Opera Omaha, Anastasis Theater, and Great Plains Theater Company. Program partners that work with MICAH House clients one-on-one often express how it touches their lives to be a part of the growth and healing that takes place at MICAH House. Program partners play an important role in the lives of MICAH House clients, and there are many ways to become involved with MICAH House. MICAH House program partnerships take many forms from providing financial classes to wellness sessions and more. MICAH House welcomes programmatic partnerships with community members, businesses, and organizations. The video detailing the experiences of MICAH House program partners will be on the MICAH House site soon! If you or your business would like to learn more about becoming a program partner, please contact Angie Williams, program director at awilliams@themicahhouse.org. Finally, SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days takes place on May 17, 18, and 19. Please be on the lookout for updates about how to become involved with MICAH House in the form of making a donation, fulfilling MICAH House’s wish list items, or graciously considering making a new volunteering commitment at MICAH House. MICAH House will provide updates on their social media channel with more details. Founded in 1986, MICAH House is a transitional homeless shelter that serves families and women in the Omaha-Metro area and Southwest Iowa. For more information, visit www.themicahhouse.org. May 2022 Strictly Business 23

NonProfit News Host an Electronic Collection Event with Cross Electronic Recycling

Christian Record Services Launches Redesigned Website

Cross Electronic Recycling is calling on local businesses, c hurc hes, sc hools, and neighborhoods to host a community electronic collection event this summer. I m p ro p e r d i s p o s a l o f electronics causes significant harm to the environment and human health. Once tossed in a landfill, electronics leak toxic chemicals into the Earth, causing both soil and air pollution – especially during the hot summer months. Electronic collection events provide easy disposal for communities to properly recycle their unused, unwanted, or out-of-service electronics and divert toxic materials from reaching landfills. These events are held at no cost to the organizer. Cross Electronic Recycling provides all equipment, staffing, handling, and transporting of collected materials. Environmental processing fees may apply to some items –– the person recycling such items is responsible for paying those fees. Cross Electronic Recycling is owned and operated by the Cross Training Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and equip undereducated and unemployed adults through character development, vocational training, and work experience. Students enrolled in the program learn skills they need to become employed on a career path and financially independent in the community. To schedule a collection event or learn more about the program, contact Dan Lang at (402) 590-2100 or danlang@crosstc.com. Visit crossrecycling.com for more information.

Christian Record Ser vices, Inc. is excited to announce that they have launc hed a redesign of their website, www. christianrecord.org. Visitors will find that the site now features a more contemporary layout. The redesign includes aesthetic enhancements to provide a more engaging user experience and enhanced navigation to help their visitors more easily find the information they need.

CenterPointe Launches Public Phase of Capital Campaign for Trabert Hall Renovations

Open Door Mission is excited to announce the events they are hosting in honor of SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days. First, they are pleased to present their Breaking the Cycle Virtual 5K Run/Walk during May 15 – 21. By “virtual”, they mean anywhere! You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the 5K Run/Walk from any location that works best for you. So whether it’s your neighborhood, downtown, in a state park, or even a different city, your participation will help make a difference in the lives of the hungry and homeless. Your registration fee of $36.31 provides a night of safe shelter, nutritious meals, and quality care. Sign up at opendoormission.org/ events/breaking-the-cycle-5k. Fo r W i s h L i s t We d n e s d ay, yo u c a n s h o p O p e n D o o r Mission’s Amazon Wish List at amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ ls/2NX0I0DKAL2V2?ref_=wl_fv_le. Next up, there are many opportunities to volunteer on Volun-Thursday on May 19! Feed the hungry by helping Open Door Mission assemble 1,000 sandwiches and sack lunches from 9 – 11 a.m., or sort food from 1 – 3 p.m. You can also volunteer during a special Family Night at Lydia House from 6 – 8 p.m. Find out more info on volunteering at opendoormission.org/events/do-good-days. Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. To learn more, contact Kristen Dineen at kdineen@opendoormission.org / (402) 829-1538 or visit www. opendoormission.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CenterPointe has launched the public phase of its capital campaign to renovate the historic Trabert Hall in Lincoln. The total cost of the project is $27 million, with a private fundraising goal of $9.4 million. To date, CenterPointe has received $7.85 million in donor commitments, or 87% of the private goal, with $1.5 million left to raise. The public phase of the campaign launched April 1. Since breaking ground in October 2020, the project construction is well underway. The full project is expected to be complete by December of this year. The building will house a fully-integrated health clinic offering mental health, substance care, primary care, and pharmacy services all under one roof. It will also provide a programmatic home for staff supporting the clinical program, including therapists, care managers, and peer support. Renovations also include two floors of supportive housing units. Additionally, a 7,000-square-foot expansion will serve as a lobby. There will be outdoor spaces creating a healing and enriching environment in one of Lincoln’s core neighborhoods. CenterPointe helps the people they serve get better, sooner, for longer. They offer more than 40 programs including mental health and substance use treatment, primary care services, rehabilitation, medication management, 24-hour crisis response, and housing. Most of those served experience severe and persistent mental illness, addiction, and health issues. Nearly all are low or no income. To learn more about CenterPointe, contact Bailey Wood at (402) 4758717 Ext. 133 / bwood@centerpointe.org or visit centerpointe.org. 24 Strictly Business May 2022

Visitors can browse through the different services provided by Christian Record Services, learn how to become a member to receive these services, and give a gift online to support this important ministry to people who are blind and visually impaired. As part of the redesign process, Brian Carlson, digital media manager and project lead, partnered with individuals who are blind and visually impaired to help create a positive web experience for all visitors. 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).

Open Door Mission Presents Virtual 5K Run/ Walk, Volun-Thursday Events

NonProfit News Nebraska Safety Council Recognizes April 21 Conference Award Recipients

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands Presents Fundraising Palooza June 9

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) hosted the first conference and trade show in over two years on April 21 at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln. NESC had an exciting line-up of educational sessions, speakers, exhibitors, prizes, and networking opportunities for all that attended. During the awards luncheon, NESC had the pleasure of recognizing sixteen organizations and six individuals with Worker 360 Awards, NESC Awards, and Legacy Awards. The award recipients were selected and recognized for taking extra measures to keep their people safe and healthy. Worker 360 Award – Omaha Performing Arts, Bronze Level; UN Foundation, Silver Level; Ameritas, Silver Level NESC Award – BD, Spirit Level; Black Hills Energy, Spirit Level; Collins Aerospace, Spirit Level; GSK, Spirit Level; Husker Ag, Spirit Level; Jefferson Community Health, Spirit Level; LES, Emerging Level; Nucor Steel, Spirit Level; Papio-Missouri River NRD, Spirit Level; Parker Hannifin-Alliance, Peak Level; Reigle Cattle Co, Spirit Level; UN Foundation, Spirit Level; Western Sugar, Emerging Level Legacy Award – Laurie Klosterboer, Ambassador Level; Debbie Barker, UBT, Professional Leadership Level; Cody Chambers, Lincoln Industries, Catalyst Level; Deanna Sabata, UBT, Champion Level; Pam Adams, UBT, Champion Level; Casey Franklin, UBT, Champion Level 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.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) is pleased to announce Fundraising Palooza, a professional development workshop set for Thursday, June 9. Fundraising Palooza is an annual event designed to help fundraisers and grant-writers effectively spotlight their enriching programs and organizations. The event will be held at The Living Room at the Mastercraft Building, 1111 N 13th St. in Omaha. Fundraising Palooza will include a full day of in-person seminars and breakout sessions covering all aspects of fundraising. Participants will learn critical skills and best practices during interactions with industry experts and gain valuable insight in workshops led by local funders. The event will also feature an expansive networking opportunity for fundraisers interested in sharing new ideas and innovative methods. The cost to attend this event is $75 for NAM members and $150 for non-yet members. In-person attendance is restricted to fullyvaccinated individuals. Register at nonprofitam.org/events. For more information, contact Program Manager Abby Hughes at (402) 5575800 Ext. 103 / abbyh@nonprofitam.org. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 700 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. NAM strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. NAM also is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. Learn more at www.nonprofitaim.org.

Bags of Fun Omaha Presents Derby Days Fundraiser, First-Ever Golf Tournament Bags of Fun Omaha is pleased to announce two exciting upcoming events to keep on the calendar! On Saturday, May 7, Bags of Fun is presenting their Derby Days Bourbon Bash Fundraiser from 5 – 9 p.m. at Wine 121, 12100 W Center Rd. Activities will include bourbon and bourbon barrel wine tastings, derby viewing, chef-prepared appetizers by Chef Dan Benigno of Chef Around the Block, desserts by Pastry Chef Kirby Delgado of Kirb Kakes Bakery, consulting by Nick Bartholomew of Dandelion Pop-Up, live music by McCabe and Blake, and a silent auction. Attendees are encouraged to wear fun derby attire, and there will be a prize for “Best Hat”. Registration is $100 per person and limited to the first 55 people who sign up at bagsoffunomaha.org. Next, on Monday, June 6, Bags of Fun will hold their very first Bags of Fun Omaha Golf Tournament, presented by Landmark Performance Homes. The tournament will be held at Indian Creek Golf Club in Elkhorn. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Details and registration can be found at bagsoffunomaha.org. All proceeds from both events will go to children in Omaha hospitals fighting life-threatening conditions. More event information can be found by contacting Amy Krause at (402) 651-3587 / Amyk@bagsoffun.org. Bags of Fun Omaha exists to bring joy, laughter, and relief to every child fighting a life-threatening disease or condition. They believe in the Power of Play to bring a welcome distraction during times of difficulty. Learn more at bagsoffunomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Omaha West Rotary Club to Host Bloody Mary Fest Benefitting RMHC June 5 The Omaha West Rotary Club is hosting their annual Bloody Mary Fest fundraiser on Sunday, June 5, to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Omaha West Rotary Charitable Foundation. The event will be held from noon – 3 p.m. at Werner Park. The fundraiser brings local restaurants and bars together to show off their best recipes and designs of everyone’s favorite Sunday Funday drink and food! The restaurants and bars will compete in different categories for prize money that will be judged by the guests of the event and local celebrity judges. While sampling Bloody Marys and dishes, guests will be entertained by Omaha cover band, Ecko, playing incredible music while vying for their chances of winning different prizes in the raffle. Raffle items are donated by local businesses and generous Rotarians. To register for the 21+ event, visit the Bloody Mary Fest website at OmahaBloodyMaryFest.com. Ronald McDonald House Charities creates and operates programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. RMHC also provides wrap-around services delivered by community partners such as a hair salon, financial support, educational programming, mindfulness and yoga, birthday celebrations, a House therapy dog, as well as healing through the arts. The cost to provide their services is approximately $120 per night, per family. Families are asked to donate $20 per night, but no family is ever turned away due to an inability to contribute. Visit www. rmhcomaha.org to learn more or get involved today. May 2022 Strictly Business 25

NonProfit News Buffalo Women, A Black Cowgirl Musical Dramedy to Present at BLUEBARN

Do Space to Present Free Coding Program, Hello Code, July 17 – August 14

The regional premiere of Buffalo Women, A Black Cowgirl Musical Dramedy will present at the BLUEBARN Theater from May 26 – June 19. The show is written by Beaufield Berry with music by J. Isaiah Smith. Buffalo Women will be BLUEBARN’s final show of their 33rd season.

Do Space is pleased to announce that another session of their free coding program titled Hello Code will take place July 17 – August 14. Interested in coding but don’t know where to start? Don’t currently have the ability to participate in a full-time boot camp or degree program? The upcoming Hello Code program will introduce you to HTML and CSS over the course of five weeks. In addition to learning to code by using the tutorials assigned through online instruction, students will undertake a session-long project to build their own website. The website does not need to be hosted, but can instead be built in a local environment or online development environment. Whether you are an aspiring artist showcasing work, a parent rejoining the workforce, or a community leader organizing a neighborhood event, Hello Code can help you accomplish your goals. Applications for the upcoming program will be open on June 20 at dospace.org/programs/hello-code. 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. Do Space is located at 7205 Dodge St. Learn more by visiting dospace.org or by contacting them at hello@dospace.org / (402) 819-4022.

The first Juneteenth. New lives and new freedoms. True grit and good trouble. From the playwright who brought us 2019’s ground breaking original production 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. Buffalo Women will star Brandi Smith, TammyRa’, Jorden Brooks, Breanna Carodine, and Tiffany White-Welchin. The musical is directed by Echelle Childers with music direction by Justin Payne. Tickets go on sale on Monday, 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.

Working together to create an insurance plan fit for you.

unicogroup.com 402.434.7200 Where connections make a difference. 26

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NonProfit News Outlook Enrichment Presents Tee It Up Fore Sight Golf Tournament June 9

Child Care Nurse Consulting Services Available at FAMILY, Inc.

Registration for Outlook Enrichment’s June 9 Tee It Up Fore Sight golf tournament is now open. The tournament is a four-person scramble with lunch, dinner, and a raffle at the Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Tee It Up Fore Sight has been called one of the best-run charity golf events in Omaha. It is also one of the only fundraising tournaments in the area with a dedicated women’s flight. The annual fundraiser supports Outlook Enrichment’s programs, which help people with vision conditions access adaptive technology training and stay active through a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. Your day of golf creates hope, adventure, and joy for our neighbors living with vision loss and blindness. Kicking off the day is Outlook Enrichment’s Stanley M. Truhlsen, Jr. Memorial Blind Golfer Clinic. Together with the golf tournament, this event will give everyone a new perspective on visual impairment. Outlook Enrichment partners with adaptive sports specialists and local golf pros to offer visually impaired participants of all ages a day of inclusion through golf instruction. Register a foursome or sponsor the event or clinic at outlooken.org. Outlook Enrichment is a nonprofit providing resources and support to those with vision loss so they can remain independent. For more information about their programs and resources, visit www.outlooken. org or call (531) 365-5051.

FAMILY, Inc. is pleased to announce that they provide Child Care Nurse Consulting (CCNC) ser vices wherein registered nurses work with c hild care and early education programs on topics of child health and safety. Providers may call or send questions to a CCNC about health and safety policies, health programs, and specific child health or safety issues. CCNCs also provide onsite assessments to assist child care homes and centers in improving health and safety for the children in their care. Did you know there are only 172 child care programs in Pottawattamie and Mills counties combined? Of those, only 65 (38%) participate in a Quality Rating System (QRS). CCNC services are one component of the Iowa Quality for Kids (IQ4K) system that is newly implemented as of April 1. IQ4K is a voluntary program that offers a way for child care providers to assess their current level of quality across all areas of their programming and devise a structured plan for improvement. The new system provides guidelines and benchmarks to help providers build off successes, identifying five levels of quality that can be achieved. It is FAMILY’s goal to have all child care providers and programs participate or receive guidance from CCNC. It’s a win for Iowa families, who will have the assurance that their child will receive the best care possible. In the month of May, FAMILY wishes to highlight CCNC during #DoGoodDays with SHARE Omaha. For more information about CCNC you may contact Jenny Sharrick at (712) 256-9566. To learn more about FAMILY, Inc., visit www.familyia.org.

Project Harmony Recognizes National Missing Children’s Day May 25 Project Harmony is raising awareness for National Missing Children’s Day, recognized each year on May 25 to shine a spotlight on child safety. The observance also honors the professionals dedicated to protecting children around the country. As a Child Advocacy Center, Project Harmony seeks solutions to the widespread community problem of exploitation, sex trafficking, and other victimization of our most vulnerable youth. Through their missing youth program, police have the option to take runaways to Project Harmony or refer the families there. Project Harmony staff also look through police reports and reach out to families who may need help. Staff meets with the young person and their family and creates an intervention plan, including individual and group therapy. The goal is changing the attitude towards runaways and not just labeling them as ‘bad kids’ but realizing there is something more going on – what are they running from or what are they running to? For families, it can be the critical support system that means the difference between a young person staying or running again. If you are a caregiver or concerned party of a youth in Nebraska who has run away, please report them missing to your local police department and the Child Abuse Hotline at 1 (800) 652-1999. You can also call Project Harmony at (402) 595-1326 for support services. 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

Youth Emergency Services Moves Administrative Offices After more than a decade at its previous location, Youth Emergency Services (YES) has moved its administrative offices one block east. The move was effective April 4. YES’ new address is 2566 Farnam St., STE 301, on the third floor above Site-1 Brewing in the Quarters neighborhood. The entrance to the building is at Hank & Ax salon. The move was made to accommodate staff and case managers in more efficient and secure offices. The new location has secure doors inside and out and offers more space for staff and visitors. “We see this as not only an opportunity to move to a more accommodating location but also as a fresh start as we move forward,” said Interim Executive Director Kalisha Reed. “We are excited to have everyone together in a more open, accessible space, and we welcome people to stop by and say hello.” YES asks that all future item donations be made to the YES Street Outreach Center located at 2602 Harney St. – just one block south of the new offices. Financial contributions should still be sent to the administration address. Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 750 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently. Learn more about YES at www.yesomaha.org. May 2022 Strictly Business 27

NonProfit News The Rose Theater Announces Show Lineup for New 2022-23 Season

Stephen Center Invites You to Do Good for the Homeless May 17-19

A mix of traditional favorites, cartoon characters, modern myths and fractured fairy tales will make up The Rose Theater’s 2022-23 season. The 2022 season will open August 26 with the cartoon-turned-musical smash, The SpongeBob Musical, which finds the irreverently square sponge on an adventure to save the world. The SpongeBob Musical is just one of six shows included with a Rose membership. Highlights of the membership program includes the world premiere of Popularity Coach, written by Rose playwright-in-residence Brian Guehring; The Lightning Thief, a musical based on the popular Percy Jackson book series; a one-woman touring production, Havana Hop; and two books based on popular, award-winning children’s literature: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales and Last Stop on Market Street. In addition, members receive discounts to The Rose’s two premium event shows – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast – as well as the two First Stage shows for Pre-K audiences – Ode to Toy and Firefly. Rose memberships for the 2022-23 season are now on sale and offer one of the area’s best values for family entertainment. For $105, a family of four has the opportunity to see six Rose mainstage performances, a value that is less than $5 per ticket. The Rose Theater remains dedicated to its mission of inspiring young people and their families to discover the magic of theater, to find their voices, and enrich their communities. For more information about The Rose Theater’s 2022-23 season, visit www.rosetheater.org.

Mark your calendars to support Stephen Center during SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days, May 17-19, presented by First National Bank of Omaha. This week is focused on all forms of support for local causes, including people experiencing homelessness in our community. The three-day online event provides the community with an opportunity to give monetary donations, needed shelter items, and volunteer commitments to Stephen Center. “The community’s proven generosity was on display during the 2020 and 2021 events,” Stephen Center Executive Director Michael Wehling said. “We hope to continue that momentum going into the 2022 event.” As Stephen Center continues to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness this year, all forms of support are needed – dollars, items, and time. SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Days is an opportunity to provide all three. Save the dates and follow along by going to Stephen Center’s link to the SHARE Omaha page – shareomaha.org/nonprofit/stephen-center-inc. 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. Learn more at stephencenter.org.

Vision Maker Media Announces Upcoming Documentary Daughter Of A Lost Bird Vision Maker Media (VMM) is pleased to announce that Daughter Of A Lost Bird will air as a part of America ReFramed on Nebraska Public Media beginning Thursday, May 5. VMM partners with many PBS entities to bring Native cultures and stories to viewers everywhere. In Daughter Of A Lost Bird, viewers will follow Kendra, an adult Native adoptee, as she reconnects with her birth family, discovers her Lummi heritage, and confronts issues of her own identity. Her singular story echoes many affected by the Indian Child Welfare Act and the Indian Adoption Project. VMM 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 nonprofit 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). 28 Strictly Business May 2022

Child Saving Institute Celebrates 130 Years of Helping Omaha Families Find Hope For 130 years, Child Saving Institute (CSI) has been dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of c hild abuse, neglect, and trauma. What was once known as the leading agency providing infant adoption services, CSI today provides an array of services, all aligned to bring hope and healing to children, teens, and families. During the Great Depression, trains would stop in small towns across Iowa and CSI provides Early Childhood Nebraska and families would fill a boxcar Education services; Foster Care with fruits and vegetables for the CSI kids. services; an Emergency Shelter for teens needing a temporary place to live; Triage Center services in partnership with Project Harmony; and comprehensive Mental Health Services, including Therapy and Medication Management Services for children, teens, and young adults. Most recently, CSI added its Family Empowerment Program in collaboration with the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) to assist parents and caregivers and their children who are survivors of domestic violence in the Omaha-metro. The Family Empowerment Program offers a research-based model to help enhance life after domestic violence for survivors. Parents and caregivers attend adult group classes while children and youth engage in fun, interactive activities proven to address, process, and heal trauma. Together, families grow as a cohesive family unit and develop skills to find stability. Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving. org or follow CSI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NonProfit News Sponsorships Available for Rejuvenating Women’s Annual Restored Wings Gala Rejuvenating Women is pleased to announce that sponsorships are now available for their 8th Annual Restored Wings Gala, being held Thursday, September 8. Sponsorship levels range from $2,000 to $15,000 and offer commensurate recognition and ticketing packages. Top donors will be recognized on the new donor wall. Sponsorships and silent auction donations are significant to the success of Rejuvenating Women and the impact of the Restored Wings Program in the lives of survivors. Your contributions provide resources for traumainformed care and healing for individuals affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Partnering with Rejuvenating Women is an opportunity to share with the community that impactful change is possible. The gala will take place at Embassy Suites Omaha-La Vista Hotel & Conference Center at 12520 Westport Pkwy, and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Keynote speaker for the event is Jessa Dillow Crisp, a survivor of familial trafficking. For more information on the gala, visit rejuvenatingwomen.com/restored-wings-gala. You can also contact Julie Shrader at julie@rejuvenatingwomen.org or Meredith Klein at meredith@rejuvenatingwomen.org. Rejuvenating Women is a nonprofit organization committed to providing hope and restoration for victims and survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. They provide a trauma-informed short and long-term housing recovery program, designed to restore physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Learn more by visiting www.rejuvenatingwomen.comor by contacting them at (531) 213-2663 / info@rejuvenatingwomen.org.

Young Chiropractic Partners with Angels Among Us for Third Year, Raises Over $15K Angels Among Us is honored to continue to partner with Young Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center in La Vista for a third year. This year, they raised over $15,000 at Young Chiropractic’s annual poker tournament. Young Chiropractic hosts the poker tournament every year to raise funds for a local charity, and the past three years Angels Among Us has been chosen. This support has been extremely valuable as Angels Among Us’ need has exponentially grown and more families than ever are being served. In 2021, Angels Among Us provided over $430,000 in support to nearly 130 pediatric cancer families in Nebraska. So far this year, nearly 100 families have been touched with nearly $200,000 in support. “Community partnerships like the one we have with Young Chiropractic are key to allow us to continue to meet the needs of our pediatric cancer families,” said Assistant Director Aly Theilen. “Working with the doctors and staff at Young Chiropractic is always such fun and they have such a passion for giving back to their community.” To learn more about Young Chiropractic & Rehabilitation, contact Colton at colton@keepthebodyyoung.com. Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. To learn how you and your business can make an impact for children being treated for pediatric cancer in Nebraska contact Aly at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or visit www.myangelsamongus.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Returning in 2022! Sip Nebraska May 6-7 @ Mahoney State Park Don’t wait, get your tickets online today! Scan the code below to receive $5 off tickets

sipnebraska.com

Register Now for American Heart Association’s Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk There is still time to register to participate in the American Hear t Association’s 2022 Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk, set for Saturday, May 14. The walk is taking place at Miller’s Landing, 151 Freedom Park Rd. at 8:30 a.m. American Heart Association is excited to host their walk in-person for the first time in two years with a few changes to ensure the safety of all participants. If you’re looking for a great way to socially connect and engage in physical activity, the Heart & Stroke Walk is the event for you – and you’ll be making a great impact in the community and saving lives! American Heart Association has set a goal of $600,000 in donations for the event. 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. For more information, visit www.heart.org. For further questions about the event, contact Luke Allmon at (402) 810-6844 / luke.allmon@heart.org.

Registration Open for Wear Yellow Nebraska’s Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk There is still time to register for the 19th Annual Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk benefiting Wear Yellow Nebraska on Saturday, May 14. The event will start at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, NE. This event is an opportunity for riders to 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 also get to enjoy a 5K route throughout the beautiful Mahoney State Park. The Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk funds the Wear Yellow Cab Ride Program, which provides cancer patients with free transportation to life-saving treatment. Register for the event at supportwyn.org/19. While the deadline has passed to earn a t-shirt with registration, be sure to check in after 10 a.m. when at the event to see if extras are available. To learn more about the event or the organization, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact them at contactus@ wearyellownebraska.org / (402) 965-1699. May 2022 Strictly Business 29

Business Excellence Awards

OPPD is humbled to receive the Omaha Chamber’s Business Excellence Award in Philanthropy

HONORING OUR

COMMUNITY oppd.com 30

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Sustained Excellence

Leadership

Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center

BFF Omaha

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WESTSIDE

QLI

Carson Wealth

Spreetail

Tri-Faith Initiative

Business Excellence Awards

Award Winners

TSIDE COM

Celebrating 75 Years of Academic Excellence Come Be Part of Westside Community Schools! westside66.org | (402) 390-2100

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May 2022 Strictly Business

Business Excellence Awards

Award Winners

Innovation Omaha Children’s Museum

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center

Hawkins Construction

READY FOR LIFTOFF project pictured: offutt airforce base runway

Congrats to the innovative Leaders of hawkins ConstruCtion Company

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Business Excellence Awards

Omaha Conservatory of Music

Philanthropy

Fontenelle Forest

Boys Town Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center

Omaha Public Power District

i3 Bank OrthoNebraska

2021 Small Business of the Year “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

Stable Gray #PrintProudDigitalSmart

May 2022 Strictly Business

Business Excellence Awards

Whether it’s setting a bold and ambitious course of action or finding solutions in the face of uncertainty, these businesses exemplified the elements of leadership and truly shined in 2021.

Leadership

Tri-Faith Initiative

leadership philosophy is that “ Our it is okay to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and to take risks. Tri-Faith fosters an environment that creates a psychological safety net for risktaking and failure.

– Wendy Goldberg, Founding member and Executive Director

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During the 2021 Israel/Palestine crisis, Tri-Faith facilitated a joint statement that acknowledged their belief that more than one truth can exist at the same time. The statement also represented the belief that it’s important to have complex conversations, be courageous, and listen deeply to others, particularly when you disagree. The Tri-Faith Initiative is proactive about identifying changing community needs. As industry thought leaders in religion, race, and social justice, Tri-Faith’s leadership creates a balance between autonomy and cooperation in addition to f reedom of thought and belief.

50 Years of Creating Champions. And We’re Not Done Yet. SONE.org 34

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Carson Wealth, we don’t call anyone employees, we call them stakeholders. Each “ At individual, regardless of role, is empowered to make a difference. – Ron Carson, Founder and CEO

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And that difference starts by developing young leaders through a traditional mentorship program and a rotational internship program with three Nebraska universities. They’ve also cultivated partnerships with the AAAA Foundation, the nonprofit FinServ Foundation, and 19 HBCU’s to empower the next generation of financial professionals through coaching and training programs. Carson Wealth also has an Annual Women’s Leadership Series and completed a DE&I partnership with Inclusive Communities. Employees can tap into Advanced Professional Development funds, tuition reimbursement, and student loan assistance. Ron also created one of the most popular conferences in the financial advisor space: Excell. This annual gathering of 2,000+ attendees is filled with keynote speakers (including former presidents, athletes, and worldrenowned CEOs), breakout sessions, and a community committed to bettering themselves.

a Best Place to Work for Advisors and one of Omaha’s leading wealth management firms, for receiving the Chamber’s Excellence in Leadership award.

BFF Omaha

Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. 14600 Branch St., Omaha, NE 68154

Omaha is an organization for artists, “ BFF run by artists. Many of our creatives have

no professional training, come f rom backgrounds without privilege, have faced discriminations, or elicited judgements f rom which many organizations would not take a chance on. – Alex Jochim, Co-founder and Director

”

In 2020, BFF created the GenQ & Green Team program, which provided professional development and real-life training experiences for many volunteers and participating artists. Those staff members remain with the organization today, and are continuing to elevate their positions, creating more room and opportunity for additional staff members. As a group, the BFF collective is whole-heartedly focused on putting the ability to create space and provide opportunities for Omaha’s creatives directly in the hands of its creatives. They know the value and potential impact in the ability of the city's creative community to actually influence the cultural voice and impact of Omaha, from the ground up. Although BFF has enough funding to fully compensate their full-time Executive Director, they distribute funds to their part-time volunteers in order for 17 additional staff members to grow into leadership positions themselves. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Thank you, Omaha, for making the Tri-Faith Commons the only place of its kind in the world!

Walk the walk with us: SAVE THE DATE

UNITED WE WALK Sunday, September 11

13136 Faith Plaza, Omaha, NE • TriFaith.org

May 2022 Strictly Business

Business Excellence Awards

Carson Wealth

Business Excellence Awards

These businesses demonstrated selfless stewardship by not only investing their own resources, but also rallying the Omaha community to support and champion underserved communities.

Philanthropy “

OrthoNebraska OrthoNebraska’s approach to stewardship is centered on being active members of the communities we serve. This includes everything f rom supporting youth organizations in the area to donations to nonprof its. – Katie Benak, Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

”

As a trusted resource for orthopedic injuries, OrthoNebraska providers routinely donate their time to speak at events for athletes, coaches, and parents to discuss injury prevention and safe return to play. A small group of team members has spent time at The Hope Center speaking with kids at their Employment Learning Academy about the various careers in healthcare, requirements for certain roles, and what it is like to work in the industry. Additionally, the OrthoNebraska sports medicine team spends significant time on the sidelines of events triaging injuries to ensure athletes get the care they need when they need it the most. This ranges from high school football games and weekend soccer tournaments to community rodeos and fun runs for the weekend warriors.

From Main Street to Wall Street Insuring individuals and businesses is our specialty. For over 90 years, we have been serving niche markets and providing innovative insurance solutions for standard and complex risks— and everything in between. Get to know us at markel.com.

Strictly Business May 2022

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

One of OPPD’s Guiding Principles is to be a Trusted Energy Partner. Our entire business is constructed around the premise that we can help build thriving communities. In all that we do, we seek to make life better in the communities we call home. – Laura King-Homan

”

In 2020 and 2021, the combined funds raised during OPPD’s Month of Giving totaled more than $500,000 for United Way of the Midlands and their Energy Assistance Program. OPPD also worked with Habitat for Humanity, sponsoring five neighborhood cleanup events throughout north Omaha in 2021. OPPD partnered with Metropolitan Utilities District in the annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth raising funds for the Energy Assistance Program (EAP). More than 500 runners and walkers participated virtually and brought in more than $100,000 for utility assistance in the community.

During the pandemic, employees rallied together to support their communities through food and monetary drives and support of non-profit organizations in each market they serve. The events of 2020 also made i3 Bank more intentional in their efforts to recognize first responders and service members including employees, immediate family members, customers and community members. They also held special ceremonies and gave out cookies and flags for customers and staff on Veterans Day. Additionally, i3 Bank has been recognized by the Small Business Administration through their Heartbeat program for contributions to their customers, community, and industry. There are currently over 50 other organizations that have also received monetary donations from i3 in the last year.

Fontenelle Forest

we’re uniquely positioned to provide access to an immersive natural space, and the core of Fontenelle Forest’s mission is to steward this land for the wider community’s benefit.

a nonprofit organization, Carol Joy Holling “ As Camp, Conference & Retreat Center experiences first-hand the impact generosity of others can

– Jason Gerdes, Executive Director

”

Forest approaches community “ Fontenelle stewardship by providing access to nature through its land management. As an urban nature center,

Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference and Retreat Center

have every day. Our team members have a front-row seat to philanthropy, which inspires them to pour their own time, talents, and treasures into the community.

– Matt Kluver, Retail Relationship Manager

– Andrew Klinkenborg, Manager of Donor Relations

”

The camp will never turn a camper away if they cannot afford it. Annually, the year-round staff donates approximately $30,000 worth of time back to the organization. That equates to almost 70 “camperships” supported by the 36-member staff alone. Annually, the team gathers to pick up trash along the two miles of county road leading into camp. And outside of the organized event, employees are known to come back f rom hikes and long walks around the site with handfuls of litter to recycle or dispose of properly. Also, during the summer of 2020, the organization opened its 317-acre site for respite and outdoor recreation. Hundreds of people utilized this place set apart to walk, hike, fish, meditate, and take time away from the stresses of living and working in a pandemic. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

”

Within the last three years, Fontenelle Forest h a s i n t ro d u ce d communityfocused efforts like: Library Pass Program; Summer Camp Access Partnership; and Blue Star Museum. The Library Pass Program allows any public library cardholder to check out a Fontenelle Forest day pass in the same manner as checking out a book. The program has allowed more than 9,000 individuals to visit the Forest at no cost and experience the outdoors. Summer Camp Access Partnership distributes camp scholarships to youth-focused nonprofits to increase forest accessibility while maximizing the mission impact of both Fontenelle Forest and partner organizations. Blue Star Museum is a nationwide program offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. In 2021, Fontenelle Forest provided free admission to more than 2,000 military personnel and their families. May 2022 Strictly Business 37

Business Excellence Awards

“

Omaha Public Power District

i3 Bank Our mission of serving our customers and our communities is emulated from the very top. Our bank team members serve on numerous boards, volunteer throughout our communities for various causes and events, and find unique philanthropic causes to support.

Business Excellence Awards

Casting aside conventional wisdom, these businesses found new and creative ways to grow their business and inspire their team members.

Innovation

Hawkins Construction Company

culture allows us to produce cheaper, faster, cleaner, and safer projects for our clients. “ Our Innovation also allows our management team to be flexible in contracting. ” – Chris Hawkins, President and CEO Hawkins Construction Company has built, managed, and nurtured a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving. This focus on innovation inspired Hawkins to create an app that helped streamline their planning, make communication more transparent, and adjust instantaneously to changes. Thanks to the app, Hawkins paved over 4 million square feet of roadway in 2021, hitting their scheduled pour times at a 95% rate (and 100% overall project deadlines met) and over 300 equipment moves made on time, safely, while still allowing proper inspections and maintenance. Additionally, management time dedicated to scheduling and adjustments for changes decreased by over 60%.

Omaha Children’s Museum

at Omaha Children’s Museum is all “ Innovation about finding new and unique ways to serve a young audience, regardless of their means. The museum believes every child should have a childhood filled with discovery, creativity and learning. – Kim Reiner, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

fun memories

The place for

Strictly Business May 2022

and

”

To live up to that vision, the museum established programs like the Welcome Fund, the Partner School Program, and the Museum Without Walls initiative. The Museum Without Walls (MWoW) initiative was launched in March 2020 with virtual programs and interactive virtual field trips over Zoom, and creating STEM kits to distribute to 1,000 local students. It grew to include in-person programs and nearly all programming has been free for families and community organizers. The program served 8,840 individuals at neighborhood festivals and cultural events in 2021. In 2021 and 2022, the museum partnered with Varsity Tutors to transform science shows into free virtual opportunities that served thousands of kids online. This year, the museum will partner with UNO, allowing them to research informal learning and STEM in early childhood. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

– Mark Kresl, Director of Development

Boys Town

Town is proud to use cutting-edge “ Boys research methods and sound science to create new life-changing therapies, treatments and

”

Using that innovative spirit as a spring board, the Omaha Conservatory of Music created String Sprouts, a groundbreaking and one-ofa-kind program in the country that provides an instrument at no charge for children ages 3 through 8. It’s also only one of four programs in Nebraska to be recognized and supported by the National Endowment of the Arts. Recent studies have shown the positive impact String Sprouts has made on these aspiring young musicians. Iowa West Foundation showed that children in the String Sprouts program outperformed their peers in grades by a full grade point. In addition, they had 30% fewer absences and had no disciplinary interventions (district average 7%). These numbers are significant because they are in direct contrast to national numbers for underserved children who typically average a full grade point behind their peers and have disciplinary interventions exceeding the class average.

“

Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Children’s has risen to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic through innovation and collaborative partnerships to protect the health of children in our communities. We’re proud to be on the leading edge of research ensuring a safe, effective vaccine for children by serving as the local clinical research site for the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trials. – Chanda Chacon, President and CEO

– Melissa Farris, Marketing Manager

”

Boys Town’s unique approach of blending research and clinical care continues to generate new and better ways to improve and transform lives. In 2021, they opened the Boys Town Institute for Human Neuroscience, one of the most advanced neuroscience research facilities in the nation. It’s also the only site in the world to have two next-generation MEG (magnetoencephalography) systems, the most powerful and accurate brain mapping technique available. This 15,000 square foot facility is where research and clinical care come together. Currently, there are seven research labs conducting studies on healthy brain development, developmental disabilities, pediatric psychiatric disorders, trauma exposure, healthy and pathological aging, cognitive decline, substance abuse, and other neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions.

EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION AWARD WINNER

”

In March of 2020, Children’s quickly expanded virtual visit capabilities. By that summer, their virtual care team of 250+ providers had conducted 20,000 virtual visits in 20+ pediatric specialties. Children’s launched two educational vaccination campaigns in partnership with the Nebraska Department of Education, Fruitful, and Max the Vax, to keep kids protected and in school. Additionally, the Hubbard Center for Children offers some of the latest, most innovative equipment in state-of-the-art surgical suites. Operations can now be performed with minimally invasive techniques, using small cameras and instruments placed through incisions less than 5mm, and the DaVinci Xi surgical robot, the first in Omaha to be used in a pediatric setting. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

programs in youth care and health care. These innovations improve the physical, behavioral and emotional well-being of thousands of children and families each year.

For more than 100 years, Boys Town has been driven by dedicated employees who believe we can always do more to help the children and families we serve. Thank you for always striving to innovate and find new and better ways to help them be successful.

boystown.org 2201-064-01a

When COVID burst onto the scene, we were able to pivot to virtual lessons within 2 weeks and were able to continue lessons for all the children in String Sprouts. This was particularly important as students lost much of their social network and felt isolated.

May 2022 Strictly Business

Business Excellence Awards

“

Omaha Conservatory of Music

Business Excellence Awards

Refusing to allow challenges or unforeseen roadblocks to impede their growth, these businesses once again distinguished themselves in 2021 as industry examples of continued success and excellence throughout their operations.

Sustained Excellence Thank you to all of our staff and volunteers since the beginning for being a part of serving seniors in North Omaha for 25 years!

Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center

you get city, county, state, federal “ When government working together and then you add in the school systems, it’s remarkable to see the level of collaboration that does come together on a government level. – Gene Klein, Executive Director

”

Project Harmony is one out of seven child advocacy centers (CACs) in the state of Nebraska and one out of 924 nationally accredited CACs – serving a collective 338,475 children each year. Currently, they provide training for employees of the state’s largest school district to help employees learn how to be resilient not only for themselves but for the students they serve. The Omaha Public Schools asked Project Harmony to train its staff (over 9,000 individuals) on how to manage one’s personal resilience when working with children. The training is for everyone from the janitor to the school counselor. In the training sessions, OPS staff are asked to reflect on personal impacts of the last year and are given tools and coping skills so they can show up for the next student walking into the classroom.

Together, we can

END CHILD ABUSE

QLI

businesses across Omaha have felt the “ Recently, squeeze of staffing shortages. While some have the option of condensing schedules, our clients deserve top-quality care 365 days a year.

– Mike Joyce, Director of Development and Public Relations

”

QLI is now the nation’s largest and most specialized post-hospital resource for brain and spinal cord injury survivors. QLI provides its powerhouse rehabilitation program alongside nationally lauded long-term care and assisted living services. Leading by example to motivate their employees to look outside their roles for ways to help, QLI’s leaders stepped up to the challenge.

BE SOMEONE

projectharmony.com 402.595.1326 40

Strictly Business May 2022

Over the past few months, a visitor to QLI’s campus might find the Vice President of Human Resources doing a client’s laundry on a Saturday morning, the Marketing Director clearing his afternoon to clean windows, or the Events Coordinator, an Occupational Therapist by training, working side-by-side with the CNA team to deliver direct care. Their leadership is constantly focused on building up new leaders and maximizing skill sets regardless of title. They cultivate a culture of belonging and curiosity, encouraging an inclusive, flat, and open system where everyone is encouraged to be part of the conversation. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Small Business of the Year

Stable Gray

learned over the years that customers “ We’ve are rarely buying what you’re selling. They’re buying from you in hopes to have a certain experience. So, you when you maintain a high level of customer service, it inevitably leads to a much more effective outcome for your client.

– CharDale Barnes, co-founder and CEO

”

Stable Gray, Inc. is a creative agency founded in 2015 by CharDale Barnes and Theardis “Teddy” Young. They strive to blur the lines between large companies with unlimited marketing budgets, and budget-conscious small businesses. Barnes sees his agency as a brand translator for their clients, using passion and empathy to build strong consumer relationships. Because when they’re able to maintain a high level of customer service, it inevitably leads to a much more effective outcome for their clients. “No matter what business you’re in, you have to deliver,” said Barnes. “Your customer is spending money with you to solve a problem and if that problem isn’t solved, they leave disappointed. Always deliver what brings them closer to their solution.” Equally important, though, is Stable Gray’s connection to the North Omaha community. Each year, Barnes and Young donate to Abide and Bridge Church in an effort to push forward the mission to eliminate the inner city.

2021 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

GREATER OMAHA CHAMBER - BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS STABLEGRAy.COM | (402) 965-1726

TO OUR CLIENTS | TO OUR TEAM TO THOSE WHO BELIEVED IN US #PrintProudDigitalSmart

THANK YOU May 2022 Strictly Business

Business Excellence Awards

Casting aside conventional wisdom, these businesses found new and creative ways to grow their business and inspire their team members.

Business Excellence Awards

Milestones Milestones matter, and anniversaries of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125 or 150 years in business mark the dedication of organizational stakeholders, as well as the commitment of customers to the business or nonprofit.

25 Years •

A-Relief Services, Inc.

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Midlands Choice

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Amur Equipment Finance

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Nebraska Medicine

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Constellation West

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Notre Dame Housing, Inc.

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Fast-Trac Freight Services, Inc.

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Olsson

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First Star Recycling

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OMNE Partners

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Forest Green Lawn & Landscaping, LLC

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Payroll Maxx LLC

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Heartland Properties, Inc.

•

SignIT

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Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites at Ameristar

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Slate Architecture, Inc.

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Lastime Roofing

•

Smith, Slusky, Pohren & Rogers, LLP

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Lovely Skin

•

Stortz Financial Group

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Magnum Development

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Student Transportation of America Inc.

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Markel Specialty

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Suiter Swantz Intellectual Property

•

Mercedes-Benz of Omaha

•

The Alliance Group

Visit Us: HighlineWarren.com

Highline Warren is Celebrating

Strictly Business May 2022

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Business Excellence Awards

C E L E B R AT I N G 50 Years •

Access Elevator and Lifts, Inc.

•

Charles Schwab

•

Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD)

•

Data Axle

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DC Centre

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Grandmother's Inc. dba Don & Millies

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Hyatt Hotel Reservation Center

•

International Nutrition

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KVNO

•

Masimore, Magnuson & Associates P.C.

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Metro

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Millard Manufacturing Corp.

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Palco Industrial Marking and Labeling, Inc.

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Santa Monica House

•

Special Olympics Nebraska

50 Years

W I T H E V E N T S T H ROUGH OU T THE NEXT YEAR

Ju ly

50th Anniversary Celebration Kick Off

Augus t

Shop for a Cause

September

Recovery Month Celebration

O c to b e r Friend-raiser

Nove m b e r

Giving Thanks to our Stakeholders

D ec e m b e r 50th Birthday

... And more in 2023!

75 Years •

Edward J. Heck & Sons Co.

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Fisher Fixture

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Mitchell & Associates

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Nebraska Iowa Supply Co., Inc.

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Sadoff Iron & Metal Company

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T.O. Haas Tire

•

Westside Community Schools

100 Years •

Edward Jones Investments

•

Salem Baptist Church

•

Highline Warren

125 Years •

Omaha Musicians Association

150 Years •

Doane University

•

Northwestern Mutual of Nebraska

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

(402) 558-7088 heather@santamonicahouse.org

1947

2022

We Value Experience

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF GREAT CLIENTS AND A GREAT TEAM

mitchellassociates.com | (402) 330-4500 May 2022 Strictly Business

lable rg i a v r.o ts A e h b g i l F am

d PM ahaCh n a AM t Om

er a t s i Reg

JUNE 17, 2022

at Tiburon Golf Course Business on the Green is our annual best-ball scramble. It’s relationship building at its best – 18 holes of friendly competition. This is your excuse to get outside, enjoy fresh air, drive connections and ace the work week.

Full information & event details: OmahaChamber.org/business-on-the-green/

Strictly Business May 2022

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

SEVERE WEATHER While Nebraska and the Midwest as a whole are known for unpredictable weather, it doesn’t always mean that residents are regularly prepared for the days when the weather gets a little too out of hand and turns severe. When we are not prepared, we risk damage to our important investments, which can cause further damage emotionally and financially. Severe weather can happen at any time, though we are nearing the season when we are most likely to experience it. To ensure your home is built to withstand these inevitable storms or that it has the adequate coverage in the event that property is damaged, we recommend reaching out to these local experts and taking advantage of their quality services. Exterior Home Repair Unfortunately, after a severe storm moves through Omaha, some of our homes are left damaged and in need of repairs. In the event you find yourself needing work done on your roofing, siding, windows, or gutters, call Stonebrook Exterior. “When it comes to roofing, we want to take the guesswork out of choosing the right contractor – that’s why we have our team go through an intensive training course and comprehensive testing to become Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors,” said TwiLea Fletcher, business development manager. “As Haag Certified inspectors, we have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately inspect your roof for damage and correctly evaluate that damage. Our team will work with you through the entire process, from TwiLea Fletcher discovering your needs to assisting you in the Stonebrook Exterior selection of a quality product.” After a storm, TwiLea strongly urges homeowners to avoid climbing onto the roof to check for damage; instead, contact a professional roofing contractor to inspect the property. This is also the time to check the attic for leaks or signs of water damage. Stains or discolorations that may begin to appear on the ceiling or walls are signs your roof needs repairs or replacement. “When it is safe to move around your property, use your cellphone or a camera to photograph any damages so that you will have a record for your insurance company,” TwiLea recommended. “Check the exterior of your property for signs of storm damage from the ground. Look for missing shingles or missing pieces of fascia. Look for dents and dings in your roof eaves, gutters, siding, vents, windowsills, and window casings. In addition to dents and dings, other signs of impact from hail include bruising, exposed surfaces, and/or chipped paint.” Storm damage will vary depending on the type of material. For example, damaged clay roofs will have visible cracks, while damaged metal roofs are more likely to sustain dents. This is why it is very important to have your roof inspected by a trained professional. If you notice minor damage and aren’t sure it would merit an insurance claim, just give Stonebrook a call and they’ll come check it out for you. Reinsulate to Keep Extreme Temps Out Severe weather is more than just storms – it also includes drastic temperatures. This summer, keep the high temps and over-bearing humidity from causing your energy bills to skyrocket by reinsulating and air-sealing your home with Streamline Energy Solutions. “One of the biggest things we recommend to create the maximum impact when someone wants to insulate their home is to air seal it,” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

said Streamline Co-founder and BPI-Certified Auditor Jen Keller. “We’ll locate all the accessible crevices in your attic, including around your fixtures and top plates, and seal them to prevent conditioned air from leading into the attic space. That preps the attic for us to insulate with blown-in fiberglass. We prefer this product over cellulose because it doesn’t settle over time, does not absorb moisture, and is a lot cleaner product. Of course, the baffles we install in an attic are a crucial step in the process, too, because Jen Keller they keep the insulation from blocking air Streamline Energy flow through your soffit vents and provide Solutions necessary ventilation.” With a combined total of 16 years of experience in the industry, Streamline’s co-founders came together to provide a holistic approach to energy efficiency. Their energy auditing services coupled with a variety of weatherization upgrades maximize your savings while minimizing your home’s energy usage. Streamline’s services keep money in your wallet and take it easy on the environment. Reach out to them today to ensure your home insulation is up to code before severe weather and temperatures arrive. Severe weather season is upon us. We encourage all of our readers to prepare for this time of year by contacting these reputable businesses to ensure your home is properly protected or adequately repaired.

Now Accepting Applications!

stonebrookexterior.com

OMAHA | 402.934.5559

LINCOLN | 402.438.5559 May 2022 Strictly Business 45

Building & Financing your Dream Home Ready to start building the home of your dreams? Make sure you’ve done plenty of research first to ensure you are only working with the best companies that come with plenty of new construction knowledge. To help, we’ve gathered a few great companies in Omaha that can make your vision for your dream home a reality. Home Construction Financing When you choose West Gate Bank for home construction financing, their team of experienced lenders will help you through every step in the construction project, helping to protect you and your investment. They pride themselves on meticulous and thorough management of your project from start to finish. By having a dedicated Construction Loan department, your project is in good hands as West Gate monitors the monthly construction draws, conducts on-site inspections, tracks lien waivers, and reconciles your project budget against the actual spend. If something doesn’t look right, you can count on them to let you know. Once the build is complete, they have a team of mortgage lenders ready to assist you with the permanent financing of your new home. “West Gate Bank services mortgage loans locally, which means we do not sell the servicing of your home loan to another bank,” explained Guthrie Steen, AVP, mortgage Guthrie Steen loan officer. “We also offer Extended Lock West Gate Bank mortgage loans up to nine months in advance

Better Wi-Fi Better Support Superior Experience.

Network Support Parental Controls Streaming Services Bandwidth Monitoring Smart Home Devices Outdoor Wi-Fi

We provide Wi-Fi solutions that keep your family connected. We are not an internet service provider.

HOMECONNECTSOLUTIONS.COM

Strictly Business May 2022

of the completion of the new home. Our processing, closing, and underwriting teams are all local and on-site to assist with questions that need quick answers. We also provide our Jumbo Portfolio loan option to customers that have a loan need above the standard limits. Higher input costs and rising purchase prices have caused this to be a popular option.” Upgrade Your Home Network At Home Connect Solutions, they try to think of the home network differently. Instead of adding a network to your home after it has been built and hoping it works well, they look to fabricate a custom, business-grade solution into your new construction build so that just like your lighting, heating, and air, it is a part of your home. This eliminates dead spots and gives the homeowner the best possible coverage. “Streaming is the future of how we all watch TV,” said Tim Tritsch, co-owner. “We help this by pulling Ethernet cabling to each TV location so they are given the best chance of success for streaming their live TV. In addition, we also pull cabling to ceilingmounted wireless access points to give the home amazing Wi-Fi coverage for their mobile devices. Smart appliances are a wave that we have seen coming in as well—stoves, refrigerators, and grills are being connected to the network and run with an app. Our Tim Tritsch network can handle these new devices better Home Connect Solutions than consumer-grade networks can.” Home Connect Solutions also helps parents protect their little ones while they are online. They do this by setting time restrictions for the kids’ devices, blocking inappropriate content or apps, and helping to respond to alerts if the kids click something they shouldn’t. In addition to Home Connect Solutions helping parents protect their kids, they’re also there for all members of the family whenever connection problems arise. “If you are watching Netflix on a Samsung smart TV while connected to your Netgear router that is connected to your network provider’s modem, and you get buffering, who do you call? Netflix? Netgear? Your internet service provider?” asked Tim. “Here’s the answer: you call us and we find out what is causing the issue. Because we manage our customers’ networks for them, we have very unique insight as to what the problem really is instead of just pointing the finger at the other guys.” Storage Solutions Implement convenience and organization into your home through ShelfGenie. ShelfGenie transforms your home’s storage space with their glide-out shelving that is made custom to fit your kitchen, bathroom, pantry, closet, office, or any other storage space you have in your home. Their simple three-step process typically takes four to six weeks from consultation to installation, so you don’t have to worry about drastic timeline changes in the homebuilding process. In addition to glide-out shelves, ShelfGenie also creates custom closets, and they encourage homebuilders to reach out to them during the building process to create a personalized design or even after the home is built in the event they’d like to modify their closets. ShelfGenie’s products have a lifetime warranty, meaning it is a one-time investment in your cabinets. Even more, their solutions are designed for already existing cabinet spaces, so if you’re not quite sold while building your dream home, they can easily be installed down the road when you’ve decided to take advantage of this outstanding product. We recommend reaching out to these professionals who will be there to ensure the home you are constructing is the home of your dreams. Happy home building! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Employing omaha Deluxe Landscape Design is looking for experienced, motivated, and talented individuals to join our crew. We do hard work, but it is rewarding. There are a lot of opportunities within our company, especially as the season gets busier heading into spring and summer. If you are detail-oriented and care about customer satisfaction, you’ll fit right in. Just like with our customers, you’ll be treated like family when you’re with Deluxe Landscape Design. We are Omaha’s preferred lawn care and landscaping provider. With 18 years of experience in the market, we understand how important it is to treat everyone we work with and for with honesty, integrity, and respect. Our services include seeding, laying sod, fertilizing, aeration, mowing, trimming, mulching, installing retaining walls, cleaning gutters, lawn clean up, and even holiday lighting! If you are interested in working for a reputable Omaha company that offers competitive pay, 40 hours PTO, gym membership, a flexible work schedule, and a work-hard-play-hard mentality, reach out to Chris Ansell about joining the Deluxe Landscape Design team. You can reach Chris at (402) 225-6600 or visit www.deluxelandscapedesign. com for more information.

Buildertrend is the leading cloud-based construction project management software trusted by homebuilders, remodelers, and specialty contractors. Since 2006, we have empowered the construction industry with a better way to build. More than 1 million users across more than 100 countries have chosen Buildertrend as their preferred platform for real-time collaboration throughout each and every stage of the building process. Our award-winning culture is one that’s focused on collaboration, putting customers first, and a healthy work-life balance. The Buildertrend team works together to create, sell, and service a software solution that provides a better way for construction professionals to operate their businesses. As a workforce, Buildertrend’s software also provides our team with a means to live better lives and be better humans. Areas for career opportunities at Buildertrend include sales, customer success, marketing, development, product, data science, talent, corporate communications, legal, and infrastructure. We celebrate passion and positivity just as much as talent with perks aplenty, including free drinks and food, companywide social events, an onsite gym and yoga studio, open-office design, paid volunteer time off, and bonus perks such as childcare reimbursement or tuition assistance. Being a member of the Buildertrend team means coming to work every day with higher expectations than the day before and possessing a drive to continuously improve. We expect our people to come in, work hard, and reap the benefits that follow. The culture is built on accountability, transparency, and a drive to be the best. Together, we never stop improving. In all that we do – as individuals, as a team – we will do what it takes to be better every day. If this sparks your interest, visit our careers page at buildertrend.com/ company/careers or email talent@buildertrend.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Quality Processing Services (QPS) opened its doors for business in 2005 with 10 people to provide custom meat processing for their customers. Currently, QPS in Omaha employes 120 people from steak trimmers/cutters, packaging workers, maintenance, QA Techs, and warehouse workers. Our mission is “to provide quality services in everything we do.” We offer a familyfriendly, faith-based atmosphere to work in. Here at QPS you are not a number but a part of the Quality “family.” We pride ourselves in finding the best talent around and providing a quality work environment that demonstrates respect and integrity. We offer a competitive wage and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, as well as a 401(k) plan. We currently have openings for a maintenance tech, QA Tech, and multiple packaging openings. We are also always interested in talking to anyone with steak trimming/cutting experience. QPS is an equal opportunity employer. Learn more at www.qualityrefrigerated.com or contact Plant Manager Shane Thorstad at (402) 738-1118, Ext. 133. We h e a r i t a l o t ; insurance is boring, but when we’re together we talk about how proud we are to be insurance nerds! We understand, insurance is usually something we buy because we have to. So what do we find so interesting? We are always learning something new and building meaningful relationships all while maintaining our work/ life balance through a reduced work week and work from home options. Here is what our employees say: “I enjoy insurance because it seems to always be changing, there is always something new.” – Jeni Grant, account manager “My favorite part about working in insurance is the client interaction. I have some great relationships formed with clients in different states.” – Jenna Byrd, lead account manager “FNIC has become my second family and has provided me with the resources to be successful in my career, in addition to raising four small children.” – Alec Hogan, sales executive Learn more about FNIC career opportunities at fnicgroup.com/careers. HorsePower Brands has seen a meteoric rise to success in the franchise space. With new franchisee signings every week and brands launching every quarter, HorsePower Brands is looking to hire for a multitude of new roles to add to the rapidly expanding team! A little bit about HorsePower Brands: they’re a portfolio company with expertise in building out home-service franchise brands and have helped hundreds of partners achieve financial freedom and success within communities across the U.S. To date, HorsePower has launched four franchises: Mighty Dog Roofing, Blingle!, iFoam, and HEROES lawncare. With an ever-increasing focus on positive work culture and employeecentric leadership, HorsePower Brands has met the call of the modern employer with a holistic approach to employee development and success. Inclusive and complementary workshops are offered to help employees achieve personal goals, team-building events are held to help foster company culture, and a servant C-suite leadership team that takes the time to connect with their employees, and so much more. Come build your career and achieve your professional goals through the power of HorsePower. To check out open positions, visit horsepowerbrands.com/careers. May 2022 Strictly Business 47

HBE LLP is one of Nebraska’s l e a d i n g p ro v i d e r s o f p ro f e s s i o n a l a d v i s o r y services. The company has a long history of employee satisfaction due to core values centered upon integrity, respect, and teamwork. They have been ranked among Accounting Today’s Best Firms to Work For, and in 2020, HBE was one of Accounting Today’s top 10 Best firms for Young Accountants. In addition, the firm has been identified by the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance as one of the Best CPA Firms for Equity Leadership for seven consecutive years. Operating from Omaha, Lincoln, and Norfolk, HBE offers comprehensive financial management services for businesses, nonprofit and governmental organizations, and individuals. Services include specialized advisory, accounting, audit, tax, outsourced accounting, and CFO solutions, data analytics, and personal financial planning. They are always looking for bright and energetic talent to join their team. To learn more, visit www.hbecpa.com/careers. Cox Communications is the largest private broadband company in America, and we proudly serve 6.5 million homes and businesses across 18 states. We are committed to creating more moments of real human connection by bringing people closer to family and friends through our technology. Our world-class broadband applications and services are helping create smart homes and smart cities that bring more convenience, security, entertainment, and connectivity to the lives of the people we serve. Cox Communications offers amazing benefits including free internet and other Cox discounted services, medical benefits day one for full time employees, flexible time off, paid work hours to volunteer, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, training programs, paid parental leave, adoption assistance, 401K plus company matching, and more. Cox is consistently recognized for our great customer service and top performance, as well as being a great place to work. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that makes each one unique. Join the Cox team in Omaha today! To learn more and apply online, visit jobs.cox.com. Ovation Heartwood Preserve is a premier upscale senior living community that is unlike any other place in Omaha. What sets us apart are the first-class services and amenities that our community offers. We provide state-of-the-art technology that makes our residents’ and employees’ lives easier. Our mission to enhance the life of every person we serve starts with our team members. We are currently hiring for: • Certified Medication Aide/CMA • Housekeeping • Certified Nursing Assistant/CNA • Servers • Cooks • Licensed Practical Nurse/LPN • Maintenance Technician • Concierge • Cosmetologist • Community Relations Assistant • Manicurist • Activity Assistant At Ovation Heartwood Preserve, we offer a comprehensive benefits package with medical coverage, voluntary dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, and AD&D coverage. Our employee perks also include employee meal credit, generous PTO policy, and 401k with employer contributions. Learn more at ovationbyavamere. com/omaha-nebraska/careers or call (402) 235-4458.

Strictly Business May 2022

Take the next step in your career with a nationally recognized firm that will propel you forward. Clark & Enersen puts people first and strives to bring out the best in one another across each of their six offices—including their new Omaha office in Aksarben Village! This growing firm offers an engaging, collaborative environment. While they work hard to provide the highest level of service to clients, they also believe in a positive culture, camaraderie, and having some fun along the way. Are you or someone you know an architect, engineer, landscape architect, or telecommunications designer looking for a new opportunity,? Reach out to Clark & Enersen! They offer flexible hours, professional development classes, and a culture that prioritizes collaboration. Oh, and Friday afternoons off! That’s doesn’t sound too bad! Clark & Enersen is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with competitive benefits and abundant opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career. Visit the careers page at www.clarkenersen. com/careers to learn more about open positions! Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Horseshoe Council Bluffs Casino, operated by Caesars Entertainment, has a wide variety of positions available, including openings in the hotel, various restaurant outlets, security, surveillance, marketing, and the casino floor. Casino floor positions involve learning to be a blackjack dealer, working as a casino cashier, or maintaining the slot machines. There are also leadership opportunities available in multiple departments. Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Casino offer full-time, part-time, and oncall schedules with a variety of shifts available. Many of the front-line positions do not require any previous experience, other than great customer service skills. Caesars Entertainment values career advancement and promoting team members from within the company as often as possible. They are also blazing the trail for their team members with a competitive benefits program. Full-time team members are able to choose from five different medical coverage levels and four different carriers. There is also an on-site clinic for team members to take advantage of. Team members have a variety of options with dental and vision plans, along with other voluntary benefits. Additional benefits include the option to enroll in 401(k) with a company match, free parking, tuition reimbursement, and a wide variety of team member activities. Team members are also able to enjoy free meals in an exclusive team member dining room while on shift. This includes sandwiches, salads, fresh fruit, cereal, and a wide variety of beverages. Caesars Entertainment has a commitment to act with integrity and care for their colleagues, communities, and environment. Locally, Harrah’s Council Bluffs hosts blood drives and breast cancer awareness events, and they attend local events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. They also participate in Code Green Campaign® initiatives such as AdoptA-Street and recycling drives. Caesars Entertainment is the first gaming company to make the Disability Equality Index, which is the world’s most comprehensive bench-marking tools to measure disability workplace inclusion. Caesars Entertainment is also proud to have earned a perfect score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index for 14 consecutive years. Caesars Entertainment also created Equal, a group created for LGBTQ+ and ally team members. If you’d like to learn more about working for Caesars Entertainment at Harrah’s Council Bluffs Hotel and Casino, visit www.caesars.com/careers or contact Cindy Vanblaricom, HR supervisor, at (712) 329-6486. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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