Strictly Business Omaha - April 2021

OMAHA • APRIL 2021 TM

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

• WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES • SPRING LAWN CARE • STARTING A BUSINESS • UNPLANNED LIFE CHANGES

Client Spotlights

• CENTER SPHERE • CORNHUSKER BANK • COX BUSINESS

AGO

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RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

High Quality Results for Complex Projects

TIM SILKNITTER Gitt Construction

MIKE ROUW The Office Cleaners

BLAKE THOMAS MICHAEL KING CCA Strictly Home Care Teams.CoachAPRIL 2021

KEANA SEPTMATTHEWS B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy

CASEY PUTNEY

Business 1 Business Ethics Alliance

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

Protection for your business, 24/7.

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Because we know what you need is more than a security system. It’s peace of mind.

Purchase Surveillance and Detection and Get a $200 Cox Business Visa® Prepaid Card.* With a 3-yr. svc. agreement. After online redemption. Mention “reward promo” to qualify.

CALL (877) 404-2523 OR VISIT COXBUSINESS.COM/SECURE *Offer ends 4/30/21. Available to new Cox Business Security Service surveillance and detection subscribers in Cox service areas. 3-year service agreement required. Early term. fees may apply. Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 1/1/21 and 4/30/21 with min. 3 yr. contract. Must mention “reward promo” when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min. of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 5/31/21 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $200. Allow 15 days after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. Other restrictions apply. Service provided by Cox Advanced Services: Arizona, LLC–ALARM Lic. #18141–0, ROC Lic. #310876; Arkansas, LLC– Lic. #CMPY.0002278; California, LLC–Alarm Lic. #7196, Contractor’s Lic. #992992; Connecticut, LLC–Lic. # n/a; Florida, LLC–Lic. #EF20001232; Georgia, LLC–Lic.: Bryan David Melancon #LVU406595; Iowa, LLC– CRN Lic. #C121646, 2021 #PrintProudDigitalSmart AC2 Lic. #268; Strictly Kansas, LLC–TopekaBusiness Lic. #109, Wichita Lic. APRIL #2015–36492; Louisiana, LLC–Lic. #F 2006; Nebraska, LLC -- Lic. #26512; Nevada, LLC–Lic. #81757; Ohio, LLC–Lic. #53–18–1671; Oklahoma, LLC–Lic. #2002; Rhode Island, LLC–Lic. #9314; and Virginia, LLC–DCJS Lic. #11–7776, DPOR Lic. #2705164725.© 2021 Cox Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

WE BELIEVE THAT BY BUILDING AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS, REFERRALS COME NATURALLY. Benefits of The Network: • Connect with success-minded professionals on a local and nationwide level • Gain fresh and new perspectives that are beneficial to your business • Get connected to different philanthropic activities • Build long-lasting business and personal relationships • Learn business and life lessons from other members • Support the growth of business in your community

What Makes Center Sphere Different?

• Access to a proprietary Member HUB • Members may earn a FREE membership renewal • Weekly chapter meetings and independent memberships offered • Personal and professional development opportunities through Center Sphere Academy • Access to Members Only social media pages • Nationwide Industry Collaborative groups • Exclusive pre-negotiated savings through the Member Perks program Are you and your existing group looking for a better way to network?

Talk to us about our large group offer and how we can help open up The Network to you and your members!

CENTER•SPHERE is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to provide a network of local support for businesses through trusted, profitable and proven relationship building. We believe that if you invest in connections, maintain authenticity and lead with generosity, the possibilities are endless. Whether it’s growing themselves, their relationships, their teams or their business, we provide our members the resources for an all-encompassing experience.

CENTER•SPHERE provides members a multitude of different opportunities to build their own networking experience: independent memberships, weekly chapter meetings, nationwide collaboratives, professional development courses, access to all members nationwide, and much more.

Don’t take it from us, here is what our members have to say...

“I recommend Center Sphere because it really gives you the opportunity to go around and tell your story in front of more people. You are welcomed and embraced through one specific chapter that really gets behind your cause and helps you get the word out about your business as well. Since my organization is a newer foundation, it helps to have those in the network rallying behind you.” - Erin Koesters, Little Giants Foundation “This Network has transformed my life and accelerated my growth because of the relationships I’ve built.” - Jim Mayhew, Elevate Leadership U “Center Sphere has been a tremendous blessing to me professionally and personally! I have met so many people that I trust to refer my family and friends too. Our business has grown tremendously because of the trust the members have in us. I can confidently say I am a better version of myself because of Center Sphere!” - Susan Corpuz, Corpuz Family Dentistry

To learn more and attend an event/meeting for free, visit www.centersphere.com or email info@centersphere.com

EXPAND YOUR NETWORK! VISIT A CHAPTER MEETING FOR FREE AND SEE WHAT ALL THE EXCITEMENT IS ABOUT.

WWW.CENTERSPHERE.COM #PrintProudDigitalSmart

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Time for Businesses to Bloom Again by Reinvesting in Their Brand We're heading into my favorite time of "This one is evergreen," Ashley said. "But for as often as we’ve all year—the ground is thawing, birds are heard it, this advice hasn’t diminished at all in value." chirping, and flowers are budding. I'm ready Our Strictly Business team wholeheartedly believes in investing in your to start gardening again and spending time brand. That is what our advertisers are doing when they partner with outdoors with friends and family. I'm also us and let us tell their story in a way that is engaging and visually ready for this April to look a lot better appealing. If you're planning on starting a business or you just want than last! A year ago, I was writing about to grow your business, have you fully assessed your brand? Ashley "Finding Perspective in Times of Distress and complied a couple questions for business leaders to ask themselves Uncertainty" after the world essentially shut when determining what their brand is: down. Now, doors are back open—excluding the heartbreaking stories of those that had to permanently close • Is your branding recognizably you? theirs—and people are not as afraid as they “We all know what worked once were. We're slowly gaining our consumer Does your brand convey authenticity? This is one over a year ago is not going • of confidence back, and I'm so happy to see it. the most important things that customers look to have the same result today. for, with 86% of consumers stating that they In the spirit of Spring, I'd love to focus on growth value authenticity in the brands they support.

That being said, there are and the blooming opportunities that lie ahead for businesses in Omaha. Growth remains the top timeless strategies that remain • What feelings and ideas do you hope to evoke priority among business owners, yet research shows for your customers? How can you convey this effective because they are that almost one in three businesses don't know how through your brand? to grow. Does this apply to you or someone you centered on one very important know? The key is keeping up with the growth trends aspect of a company’s success: • D oes your branding distinguish you from competitors or others in your sector? of the time. We all know that what worked over a relationships.” year ago is not going to have the same result today.

• Do you have unified aesthetics throughout your That being said, there are timeless strategies that social media and larger branding? Consistency is remain effective because they are centered on one very important key: studies found that a consistent presentation aspect of a company's success: relationships. At Strictly Business, we of a brand raised revenue by 33%. believe relationships can be cultivated through storytelling, which is exactly what we do.

Strictly Business has actually been reinvesting in our own branding lately—so no matter if you're an entrepreneur launching a new In this issue, you'll find a feature story that talks about Starting a business or you've been around for 28 years, having an established Business. There is a lot of great information in there and advice from brand is crucial and it requires attention every day. Furthermore, local experts. While some may think the climate is too rocky to be you'll want trusted marketing partners in your corner to ensure your starting a business due to the pandemic, think again! There are a lot branding is being seen. I encourage you to reach out to our team so of opportunities still, especially depending on the type of business we can help your business blossom this year! you have and how willing you are to adapt and adopt today's trends.

In a Forbes article published in January, titled 6 Tips To Grow Your Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as Business In 2021, contributor Ashley Stahl listed "Reinvesting in Your THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social Brand" among the top strategies. media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 23 Personnel

26 Nonprofit 32 Health

SPOTLIGHTS

Hannah

Diane

Dillon

1 Center Sphere 22 Cornhusker Bank 34 Cox Business

PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Diane Gumaer - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

16 River City Six

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

COLUMNS

FEATURE STORIES

35 38 40 44 4

Women-Owned Businesses Spring Lawn Care Starting a Business Unplanned Life Changes

Strictly Business APRIL 2021

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.

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ABOUT THE COVER

HIGH QUALITY, LONG LASTING RESULTS FOR LARGE SCALE, COMPLEX PROJECTS McGill Restoration has become a regular at the MUD Florence Water Treatment Plant. For the last three consecutive years, the team has been restoring their large, exterior water treatment basins. Basin 1 was completed in 2019, Basin 2 was completed in 2020, and Basin 3 is scheduled to be completed in the Fall of 2021. The first two tanks hold 22 million gallons apiece and the third basin is similar size but includes some additional challenges beyond the scope of the first two basins.

These projects are unique due to the numerous complexities faced. The basins were drained, unveiling layers of deteriorating concrete. The concrete demolition was performed using specialty, hydro-demo machinery that was able to take out the bad concrete from the steep embankments. There were also timing-related issues to work around. Due to the amount of strain put on the treatment facility, McGill Restoration aggressively bid the project to be completed in a tighter than usual timeframe. Each basin project was completed in less than 60 days start to finish.

In the spring of 2021, McGill Restoration captured the biggest job in the company’s 36-year history. The project, overseen by the Nebraska DOT, includes structural concrete rehabilitation and waterproofing of the I-480 bridges that run from downtown Omaha to the Missouri River. There will be over 1 million square feet of polyurea waterproofing applied over three seasons, the largest project of its kind in the United States.

Capturing this project brought back great memories that point to how far McGill Restoration has come. A little over 20 years ago, McGill Restoration took part in the last major update to the same stretch of bridges. At that time, Tim McGill, Jr. was a field

laborer working for the company’s founder, Tim McGill, Sr. Now, as president of the organization, Tim Jr. gets to relive the project from a new perspective. Bridge rehabilitation, waterproofing, and high friction coating systems have grown to be one of McGill Restoration’s largest business sectors over the last five years.

Like the first go-round, McGill Restoration will be performing their scope of work alongside Hawkins Construction.

Four of the last five years, McGill Restoration has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America.

The organization is on pace to make the list again as they have emphasized a growth mindset positioning themselves for strategic, sustainable growth opportunities.

While much of the work performed by McGill Restoration is located in the Omaha and Lincoln metro, they continue to significantly grow their presence across the entire state of Nebraska and the Midwest. In 2021, the organization will perform work in over 10 states.

As the organization tackles more large-scale, complex projects it has realized a need for skillsets that are harder to come by. In response, McGill Restoration has added a handful of skillsets that are complimentary to their growing offerings. A recent focus, McGill Restoration has found a way to creatively add a significant amount of industrial blasting and painting talent to help make them a regional leader in the sector.

With the rapid growth, McGill Restoration has plans to move into a facility that fits their future needs in the coming years.

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5

BUSINESS NEWS Dundee VC Launches New Fund to Lead SeedStage Investments in the Mighty Middle

Heartwood Preserve’s Award-Winning Greenways and Park to Open June 1

Dundee Venture Capital (VC), an Omahabased seed-stage venture capital firm with offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis, announced on March 15 that the firm has closed on more than $25 million in investor commitments for their third venture capital fund. Dundee VC leads seed-stage investments in technology entrepreneurs building in the Mighty Middle, with a specific focus in four key verticals: commerce, construction, transportation and logistics, and financial services.

The promise of Heartwood Preserve in Omaha, one of the largest urban developments in the United States, has taken a giant step toward fulfillment.

Applied Underwriters, owner of the over 500-acre tract in West Omaha, announced in March that the development’s Greenway along Pacific Street will soon be completed, Heartwood Park will soon complete Phase 1 construction, and both will open to the public June 1 in time for summer. Future Phases 2 and 3 at Heartwood Park will include the completion of additional infrastructure such as the reconstruction and restoration of the old Boys Town barn, an ice rink, a bandshell, and many other landscaping features.

The award-winning multi-use development, Heartwood Preserve includes the Greenway system preser ve that will secure permanently 80 acres of open space, eight miles of trails, thousands of trees, and 13 iconic water basins that will feature important works of land art while also mitigating flood-risk, according to Mr. Bart Emanuel, National Director of Development and Construction at Applied Underwriters. More information can be found online at www.heartwoodomaha.com.

With a target raise of $50 million, Fund 2020 will be Dundee VC’s largest fund to date and follows their $31 million 2016 fund.

Dundee VC was launched in 2010 with the goal of helping scale the Midwest’s tech economy by partnering early with the region’s best tech entrepreneurs. The fund’s launch follows a decade of startup expansion in the region, with Crunchbase’s America’s Mighty Middle Report highlighting 3-4x growth in financing, fund formation, startup growth, and exit events over the past decade.

Previous Dundee VC investments include Summersalt, a leading consumer lifestyle brand which has raised $25M+ in venture capital, and Phone2Action, a leading civic advocacy software platform which was acquired by Frontier Capital in 2019. Fund 2020 has already made five investments, including St. Louis-based companies Mission Control and Whistle, Washington DC-based Dobby, and Minneapolisbased Omnia Fishing.

Fund 2020 Mighty Middle Geographic Focus: Led by a distributed partnership across the Midwest, Dundee Venture Capital has offices in Omaha, Chicago, Minneapolis, and St. Louis. Managing Partner and Founder, Mark Hasebroock, founded GiftCertificates.com and Hayneedle Inc. (now a part of Walmart) prior to launching Dundee VC in 2010. Dundee VC has made more than 50 investments across 20 cities since 2010.

Dundee VC’s Managing Partner Mark Hasebroock remarked, “Entrepreneurs in the Mighty Middle no longer get asked what I was asked 20 years ago: 'Can you really build a tech company here?' Investors have recognized what entrepreneurs have always known—there is a distinct advantage to launching and growing tech companies in the Mighty Middle. The corporations are here, the talent is here, and now the capital is, too. The companies being launched and funded here today are the ones you will see ringing the opening bell on the stock exchanges before the decade is up.”

“It’s not a matter of if our region collectively catches up to Silicon Valley but when,” said Dundee VC’s newest partner, St. Louis-based Ron Watson. “The Midwest has all of the ingredients for quality VC activity: homegrown talent from our universities, Fortune 500 customers and growing sources of seed capital. Adding St. Louis to the mix—along with everything its business community contributes to a robust national VC ecosystem—further strengthens Dundee VC’s position as a premier seed fund in the region.”

The mission of Dundee Venture Capital remains the same today as it did 10 years ago when it was formed—leading seed rounds for the best tech entrepreneurs in the Mighty Middle and partnering with them to build a better future. Dundee VC provides seed capital and support to founding teams across industries with specific attention to e-commerce, construction tech, transportation and logistics, and fintech. Learn more by visiting dundeeventurecapital.com or follow on Twitter (@dundeevc).

6 Strictly Business APRIL 2021

redbox+ Introduces Combination Roll-off Box, Porta Pottie Concept to Omaha Area redbox+, the only combination portable toilet and dumpster roll-off box, has arrived in Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lincoln. Mark Fredrickson, local franchise owner of redbox+, is excited to bring this concept to the area—specifically residential and commercial construction sites. Mark has experience as an entrepreneur. After working as a licensed land surveyor for 21 years, he helped launch the healthy takeout food company Eat Fit Go. After exiting that business, he wanted something new that was both recession- and pandemicproof. With close to 60 franchises across the country and a model built around customer service and quick turnaround times— something the container industry generally lacks—Mark decided redbox+ was the perfect business model to bring to Nebraska.

Mark brought on Steve Caffery as his operations manager, who is also a CDL driver. The pair works well together, with Mark focused on business development and marketing, and Caffery focused on scheduling, delivery, and pickup. They work with homeowners, roofers, commercial contractors, and fire and water remediation contractors. They’ve seen an uptick during the pandemic with homeowners cleaning out basements and garages, as well as realtors who specialize in house flips. redbox+ offers a truly unique product. The bright red, powder-coated containers, which are manufactured in the U.S., are meticulously designed for durability. They come in 20- and 30-yard sizes, both standard and elite, which are ideal for larger projects. The elite containers include two porta potties, securely mounted onto the front of the container, ensuring they can’t be tipped over or stolen—a common problem for the industry. An additional perk of redbox+ elite containers is that the front doubles as a billboard for marketing.

Scheduling is also easy, with a simple call or text and a contractors app, which will be coming soon. The routing component of the company’s software lets them control scheduling to ensure a 24-hour turnaround time. Learn more at www.redboxplus.com or call (402) 205-3105. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS West Gate Bank Plans to Build a New Branch at 177th and Maple Street

Budget Car and Truck Offers Cargo Vans, Personal and Business Long-Term Rentals

West Gate Bank has announced plans to expand its presence in the Omaha market with the building of a fourth location at 177th and Maple Streets.

The 7,000-square-foot branch will begin construction in the spring with an opening in mid2022. The location will include a full-service retail branch and drivethru with Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), as well as commercial lending, mortgage lending, and business banking solutions.

Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska continues to innovate, including the recent launch of its LongTerm Rental Program, which provides individuals and businesses with an alternative to leasing or purchasing a car, truck, or a passenger van by renting one for any length of time.

It is the perfect solution for individuals and businesses with longterm transportation needs who may not want to make a long-term commitment. A dedicated rental agent concierge provides a high level of customer service throughout the entire Long-Term Rental process.

Rates start as low as $599 per month and are inclusive of a generous mileage allowances and preventive maintenance.

Budget Nebraska also is offering rentals of a new fleet of 2021 highroof, all-wheel-drive cargo vans, which are perfect for businesses that need to make deliveries or hauling goods, supplies, and equipment.

Whether you choose a long-term rental or you want to rent a cargo van, your Budget vehicle will be a newer, fully loaded model to get you to your destinations comfortably and safely.

Although Budget Rent a Car is an internationally recognized brand, many people may not know that Budget Car and Truck Rental of Nebraska is actually a 33-year-old, local family business run by Omaha resident Rob Durrett. Budget Nebraska has seven locations serving Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island. For more information their long-term or cargo van rentals, visit BudgetNebraska.com or call (402) 898-7250.

“The addition of our Maple branch at 177th and Maple Streets gives us a dynamic presence to serve the fast-growing area of northwest Omaha and Elkhorn,” said West Gate Bank President and CEO Carl Sjulin.

West Gate Bank currently has 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha and is committed to providing its customers with all the services a large bank can offer with the outstanding, personal customer service that only a community bank can provide. As a familyowned community bank, West Gate Bank’s interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.

G. Lee Homes Joins Online Houzz Community to Provide Architecture and Design Inspiration G. Lee Homes, locally owned

by Greg and Katie Frazell, is a part of Houzz, an online website and community for arc hitecture, interior design and decorating, landscape design, and home improvement.

On G. Lee Homes’ profile, you can learn about the company, see some of their previous projects, search reviews, and take a look at their ideabooks.

Currently, G. Lee Homes has 23 ideabooks, which cover a variety of spaces in the home, such as closets, laundry/mud rooms, fireplace surroundings, home offices, exteriors, lighting, bathrooms, and much more.

With over 1 million home professionals on Houzz, you’ll easily find the trusted professional for your next project. The website has upto-date contact information for all their users. If you’re browsing Houzz and have a contractor in mind--such as G. Lee Homes--then you’ll quickly find that requesting a quote is easier than ever. From one simple dashboard, you can even manage all the quotes you got.

G. Lee Homes is a licensed general contractor committed to building to a higher standard. Greg and Katie firmly believe in giving their customers a quality finished product. They strive to offer an intimate building experience. G. Lee Homes’ services include: barn design and construction, basement remodeling, custom home bars, custom homes, energy-efficient homes, home additions, home extensions, home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, new home construction, pool house design and construction, project management, shed design and construction, and the buying and selling real estate process. Learn more online at omahasbuilder. com or find G. Lee Homes on Houzz at www.houzz.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Berry Law Announces New Location in Omaha Berry Law, a leader in personal injury, criminal defense, and Veterans law, opened a new office in Omaha on March 1, 2021 and is ready to serve clients in the greater Omaha area with their legal needs. The new office, at 1414 Harney St., features an array of integrated technology and a client-centric environment designed to provide client comfort while delivering the highest standards of professionalism. Berry Law occupies the fourth floor of the building and has opened half of the floor to business while the other half will be added later this year to yield more than 10,000 square feet of working space. The downtown location provides easy access to the Douglas County Courthouse, at the same time providing its own parking garage for visitors. This is Berry Law’s third new office in Omaha in the last decade, with each location growing to approximately twice the size of the previous one.

“Our mission is to defend the rights of Nebraskans and our Veterans,” said Berry Law CEO and Army Veteran John Berry, Jr. “With our new facility, we will be able to expand our legal services and advance that mission in a meaningful way. While many aspects of law have become digital, there is still no substitute for being able to work with your clients in person in a comfortable space.”

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the team at Berry Law is well equipped to handle the most serious legal needs. For more information, visit berrylawfirm.com or contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 or marketing@jsberrylaw.com.

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Safety Council, Business Leaders Partner to Make a Difference on NE Roads

Heartland International Holds Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Trainings

The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is working to make a difference on Nebraska roads, thanks in part to a grant allowing Road Safety Specialist Karen Rehm to partner with business leaders to provide information about road safety as part of their worksite safety initiatives. Funding for the NESC Road Safety Program is provided through the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office. The Road Safety grant focuses educational efforts on seatbelt safety, cell phone use, and distracted, impaired, and drowsy driving.

“We take it for granted when we get behind the wheel, that our road trip will be uneventful,” Karen said. “That’s not always the case. Our Road Safety team provides individuals with the tools they need to make informed decisions to ensure that they arrive at their destination safely.”

To date, NESC has partnered with 24 companies, reaching 3,559 employees and 14,236 family members. The Road Safety grant continues through September. If your company would like to participate in the Road Safety Program, contact the Nebraska Safety Council office at (402) 483-2511, ext. 104 or email Karen Rehm at krehm@nesafetycouncil.org to let her know how NESC can help you and your team. This is a free benefit for NESC members. For more information about NESC, visit nesafetycouncil.org.

Heartland International invites current and aspiring roofing contractors to learn more about Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing and Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminars on tap in Kansas City in April and May. The one-day Metal Roofing System Training will cover not only the application process of a Conklin MR® System but also will provide an overview about how to get started as a Conklin contractor and introduce strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. The next Metal Roofing System Training program takes place on April 22.

The three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training provides a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and gives contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems using industry-standard tools and materials. Participants in this training must have completed a one-day Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre-qualification for this advanced program.

The next Advanced Roofing Systems Training programs are set for April 7-9 and May 12-14.

For more information about the Heartland International, Inc. training programs, please visit sprayroofs.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS MOWBC, NEF Entrepreneur Square Table April 29 is About Teaming Up for Success The Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) are copresenting a FREE women’s Entrepreneur Square Table on April 29, the focus of which is Teaming Up for Success! The workshop is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. It will be offered via Zoom also via livestream on the MOWBC Facebook page (@MOWBC). The Entrepreneur Square Table provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to present their concerns, struggles, resource gaps, share ideas, and get answers in a supportive environment addressing topics including marketing, taxes, leases, and resources.

The Nebraska Enterprise Fund envisions a Nebraska where every small and micro business owner has the opportunity and resources to realize their potential. They support entrepreneurs by providing capital, training, and technical assistance. Since its inception in 1994, NEF has supported and impacted more than 2,000 businesses and 5,100 jobs directly and via partnerships. For more information, visit nebbiz.org.

The mission of the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center is to empower women to become economically self-sufficient by providing targeted education, workshops, job training, strong relationships, and resources that provide business, professional, and personal growth. They create economic opportunities and bring value to their members through their signature program. For more information, membership questions, and more about the upcoming MOWBC Entrepreneur Square Table, visit mowbcf.org, call (402) 763-0540, or email info@MOWBCF.org.

Monolithic Brewing, Locally-Owned Craft Brewery Opens in Northwest Omaha Monolithic Brewing is one of the newest breweries to open in Nebraska and the first to open in Northwest Omaha. Located near 120th and Fort Streets, Monolithic is a locally-owned, independent craft brewery serving a variety of flavors and styles from light sessionable beers, to IPAs, stouts, hard seltzers, and everything in between. Its beers are paired with light food fare prepared in Monolithic’s scratch kitchen.

Monolithic was well-positioned to serve its patrons safely without many modifications to its business concept. Its location offers 5,050 square feet of indoor space that seats 80 and an outdoor patio that seats an additional 30 and overlooks a pond. Monolithic brews everything in-house on its 3.5 barrel system and does not distribute its beers to retailers, bars, or restaurants.

Monolithic is owned by Todd Hartung and Derek Richards who have a combined 40 years of restaurant experience. Todd has worked in various food service management roles placing an emphasis on customer service and Derek holds a Culinary Arts Degree from Colorado Institute of Art, and has been a part of his family-run business, Cunninghams, for the past 10 years. Home-brewer-turnedhead-brewer, Shane Costello, has a background in banking, sales and foodservice. With a shared passion for craft beer and exemplary service, this partnership was the perfect fit to start a brewery.

Monolithic is excited to serve Northwest Omaha and the surrounding neighborhoods, through its taproom, which is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (with plans to open on Thursdays this month), as well as being accessible to traveling craft beer lovers located only a mile and a half from I-680. To learn more, visit monolithicbrewing. com or call (402) 502-4477. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Help Keep Your Employees Safe with Fire Extinguisher Training by FireGuard Pros

Get Your Booth Reserved for MBA Business Expo—and Mark Your Calendars to Attend!

I n a n e f fo r t t o ke e p yo u r employees informed and safe in the workplace, FireGuard, Inc. recommends preparing them with hands-on training to provide the knowledge and confidence needed to respond quickly and decisively in the event of a fire. FireGuard’s Fire Extinguisher Training provides a customized experience for your workplace, including options for indoor Bullex simulated training and—now that the weather is improving—Live Burn outdoor training. Your team will experience unlocking and properly discharging an extinguisher to put out a live fire or digital fire simulation, helping to ensure that they are prepared and ready to act, and that your business remains OSHA compliant.

Get your booth reserved today for the second annual Millard Business Association (MBA) Business Expo on April 22, and mark your calendars to attend the networking event of the year! Booths are available for any and all business types—member businesses and nonmembers alike—and entry to the Expo is open to the public. The all-day event is designed to be a kickoff for boosting networking and finding new business prospects in 2021. The Expo will be at the Ramada Inn at 3321 S 72nd St. Connect with MBA members and other respected business leaders in and around the Millard community, or showcase your business to potential customers.

FireGuard is a local, family-owned, full-service fire protection and life safety company that has been protecting lives and property since 1994.

They are a leader in the healthcare industry, in addition to protecting businesses from school districts to processing plants and everything in between. Since its inception, FireGuard has grown to more than 50 employees with 475 combined years of experience in fire protection, servicing the entire Midwest as far as Colorado and Wyoming.

With more than 30 vehicles on the streets each and every day, FireGuard, Inc. provides services ranging from fire extinguishers and fire alarms to fire sprinklers, special hazards, restaurant suppression, exit/emergency lighting systems, and more. Learn more at fireguardusa.com, and call (402) 592-1999 to get a free quote for your team’s Fire Extinguisher Training.

“Don’t miss the opportunity to kick off a better year of connecting with your vendors and your existing and potential customers,” said MBA President John Drazic. “Especially considering the kind of year we had in 2020, this could be THE event of the year to spark an improved era of business communication and promotion.”

Millard Business Association was formed in 2003 by a small group of Millard-area business owners and associates who recognized and developed opportunities for effective business networking and community development. The MBA is also highly involved with Millard Schools and the community. For more information, visit millardbusinessassociation.org. For details about the 2021 MBA Business Expo or to register for a booth space, contact Todd Baumbach at (308) 440-7041 or email him at Toddeb1225@gmail.com.

NDOL Increases Prevention, Detection Tools as Unemployment Fraud Schemes Continue

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The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) is increasing prevention and detection efforts for unemployment fraud schemes that have been prevalent throughout the pandemic, and they are reminding Nebraska residents to be vigilant in watching out for them. These schemes include fraudsters posing as NDOL and other state workforce agencies to solicit personally identifiable information, supposedly for the purpose of collecting unemployment benefits. NDOL has hired additional staff for fraud prevention and detection, including income and identity verification. A new federal requirement for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is to verify self-employment and identity of claimants. Even if a claim was previously approved, each claimant will be asked to provide additional information.

Unemployment fraud through identity theft has been prevalent nationwide throughout the pandemic. Nebraska residents should be on the lookout for notices indicating a claim was filed in their name.

Nationwide, fraudsters are setting up Facebook accounts to mimic state agencies, as well as sending text messages to claimants while fraudulently using state workforce agency names. For their own security, individuals should not give out personal information via social media and messaging platforms. Any individual who received a 1099-G tax form from NDOL but did not file an unemployment claim should report suspected fraud by emailing NDOL.1099fraud@nebraska.gov and filing a police report.

Anyone who receives a written determination letter from NDOL without applying for benefits should immediately report the incident to the state.

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Labor fraud prevention and detection program or to report suspicious activity, visit dol.nebraska.gov. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Former UNO Basketball Player Brings Better Flooring to Omaha with Footprints Floors After working in various sales positions, Jake White, former University of Nebraska-Omaha basketball player, decided to take his career in a new direction by opening a Footprints Floors, a quality hardwood, tile, and laminate flooring service in Omaha. The new location is White’s first Footprints Floors franchise and he looks forward to serving his community with premier flooring. At the start of the pandemic, he opened a commercial janitorial service franchise, but after that took off he needed a new project to focus on.

“While researching new franchise opportunities, I had some contractors come out and do my floors,” said White. “I realized there was a level of unprofessionalism that was shown to me while in my home. I thought to myself, ‘if I had a flooring business, we could do better, show up on time, and provide a quote on the spot.’”

From there, White founded Footprints Floors and knew it was the key to providing Omaha with an affordable flooring business that exceeded the expectations of customers. He looks forward to becoming a household name in flooring or as ‘the floor guy’ throughout Omaha. His goal for his new venture is to start with his one territory and eventually grow it over the years as he takes on adjacent territories. To learn more, visit footprintsfloors.com/omaha or call (402) 527-6153.

AOI’s DIRTT Team Honored with 2020 Partner Awards for Growth, Best Project in Vertical AOI Corporation’s DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) team is honored to be the recipient of two DIRTT Environmental Solutions Partner Awards for 2020, including “Growth Partner of the Year” and “Best Project in Vertical: Commercial” for the new Kiewit headquarters building interiors in Omaha. This prestigious national recognition honors AOI for interior construction powered by technology and resilient modular interiors that are built faster, cleaner, and more sustainably using DIRTT products.

As a DIRTT partner, AOI operates on the tenet that constructing spaces shouldn’t be an exercise in predicting the future. This means creating built environments that are adaptable, accommodating, and equipped to manage the unknown. The benefit of DIRTT’s fully integrated solutions is that any space can immediately be converted to reflect changing circumstances and meet the evolving needs of the people utilizing them. DIRTT’s mission is to create innovative spaces that revolutionize the way people work, heal and learn. Their solutions help clients create meaningful environments that respect the unique priorities and goals of people, teams, and organizations. AOI uses DIRTT’s ICE software to help clients make real-time changes to their space with all of the pricing, manufacturing, and visual information calculated instantly. Total customization results in spaces that support productivity, safety, and wellness while also taking the environment into consideration.

AOI Corporation works with clients, from small startups to Fortune 500 corporations. They provide solutions for construction, furniture, and customized prefabricated interiors. For more information about their DIRTT team, visit aoicorp.com or contact Marco Lade at (402) 896-5520 / mlade@aoicorp.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Ambius Survey Finds 60% of Employees Would Take Pay Cut for Better Air Quality A recent survey commissioned by Ambius suggests that 60% of U.S. and Canadian workers would take a lower-paying job if it ensured better air quality, greater hygiene, and health-conscious colleagues than their current jobs provide.

Ambius—the global leader in creating smarter, healthier spaces through hygiene, plants, and scenting ser vices—found that 35% have already found a new job with better hygiene practices.

The survey provides evidence that a shift in the awareness of clean and safe workplaces will be at the forefront of employee concerns, as 70% of those surveyed said they would be more likely to ask future employers about their health and hygiene policies and implementation before accepting future jobs.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted many of our workplaces to at-home environments, business leaders are trying to figure out how to safely bring back their employees,” said John Myers, president and CEO of Rentokil, the parent company of Ambius.

“Based on our study, research shows that when workers return to their workplaces, their expectations and priorities have changed. A clean, hygienic and well-ventilated space with efficient air circulation and strategically placed hygiene stations are central to the idea of a safe workplace and will be expected by employees as they return to work. Physical health is important, but these measures also contribute to the mental health and overall well-being of employees.”

Clean, pure, and healthy air (62%), efficient air circulation (54%), regular disinfecting (52%) and natural lighting (50%) were some of the most popular responses to what these top features are.

Stale and stuffy working rooms (47%), unpleasant odors (42%), and poor ventilation (42%) were all selected as factors that would create a stressful and anxious workplace environment. (See comprehensive study results at ambius.com/offices/workplace-wellbeing-returning-to-work.)

With a layered approach, Ambius helps brands inspire confidence with every interaction and integrates hygiene health and safety into the brand experience. For more information, visit ambius.com and connect with Ambius on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (@Ambius).

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS American Marketing Association of Omaha Hosts Free ‘Power of the Podcast’ Program

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The American Mar keting Association of Omaha is hosting a FREE Zoom workshop on April 14, titled “The Power of the Podcast.” With the burgeoning popularity of podcasts, radio industry experts Jill Thomas and Pat Safford will help you answer questions including What’s a podcast?, Why do I need a podcast?, and How do I start my podcast? They’ll address the real value in podcasting—being able to tell your story about your business in your voice, which gives your audience a strong understanding of your business and culture and a deeper connection with you, the expert. From small businesses making their marks in their local areas to national organizations, Jill and Pat have worked with incredible brands of all sizes and budgets on a variety of projects.

Jill grew up in Ashland and began her career in radio more than 25 years ago, as an intern for a morning show. Through the years, she has found herself handling nearly every role you can find within the radio industry, including hosting a morning show with Pat for 17 years.

Pat has also worked in radio for more than 25 years, spending most of his time as an on-air host before co-founding the Parkville Media Podcast Production Company with Jill.

For more information about the American Marketing Association of Omaha, visit amaomaha.org, and register for the Power of the Podcast via the “Events” tab on the site.

Centris Federal Credit Union Announces Opening of Headquarters and 15th Branch Centris Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce the opening of its headquarters and 15th branch at Sterling Ridge. The four-story building, at 13120 Pierce St., provides office space for 150 Centris employees and includes a full-service branch, four drive-thru lanes, and a publically available community room.

Holland Basham Architects designed the structure, and MCL Construction managed project implementation.

Centris occupies three of the four floors, with construction underway now to complete office space for Raymond James.

Centris CEO and President Steve Photos by Architectural Swanstrom said features of the new Photography Inc. headquarters include 24 conference and training rooms and three outdoor patio spaces for employees, complete with a green roof-friendly mix of succulent plants: “We also built out a vending market space in the breakroom and many open spaces with lots of natural light throughout the building designed for team collaboration.”

The branch includes non-traditional teller pods for two tellers who can serve members who walk into the branch or are in their car in the drive-up lanes. For parents with school-aged children doing business in the branch, Centris installed a kids’ area with Touch 2 Play and Playstation screens and equipment. Another of the many highlights of the building is the exterior light-up, and an interactive sculpture, titled “Belong,” by artist Joe O’Connell. The sphere shaped sculpture features more than 150 unique silhouette cutouts of people who “belong” or are Centris members. For more information about Centris Federal Credit Union, visit centrisfcu.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NAWIC Invites Guests, Potential Members to Attend Monthly Meetings The Greater Omaha Chapter #116 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) invites guests to attend their monthly meetings. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Due to social-distancing guidelines, please notify NAWIC if you are interested in attending or joining this organization of women in construction.

NAWIC hosts a variety of events to 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 in Omaha encompasses Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. First chartered in 1966, the chapter has 56 members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit nawicomaha.com and follow them on Facebook (@nawicomaha). To inquire about becoming a member or attending a monthly meeting, email nawicomaha@gmail.com or call (402) 617-0961.

Toastmasters District 24 Annual Conference Speakers are Kinsey, Campbell, and Osborne On April 23-24, To a s t m a s t e r s District 24 is hosting their 2021 Sailing to Success Annual Virtual C o n f e r e n c e, w i t h key n o t e s p e a ke r s Matt Kinsey, Johnny Campbell, Dr. Tom Osborne including To a s t m a s t e r s International Vice President Matt Kinsey, accredited speaker Johnny Campbell, and Nebraska’s own legendary Dr. Tom Osborne! Registration for the virtual program is only $25 and includes a copy of Johnny Campbell’s book, The Agent of Change, and an audio file of his The Power of Resiliency presentation.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on April 23, Keynote speakers have a treasure trove of powerful presentations on tap for you. When you learned to ride a bicycle, for example, did you realize you were learning real-world skills? Kinsey will give you the inside scoop on how these two things are connected. Osborne will accept the District 24 Communication and Leadership award and address the conference on the topic of leadership. Then you can relax and play online games hosted by “Not So Bland” Toastmasters Club. Return at noon on Saturday, April 24 for the business meeting and officer election, followed by Campbell, who will share his secrets to translating “Change” from a dreaded word to a strength. After breakout sessions, he will return to explain how to craft a winning presentation, and Kinsey will provide a motivational presentation about crafting a journey of success. The conference will wrap up with a showcase of some of the hidden talents of Toastmasters District 24 members.

Toastmasters International empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Toastmasters District 24 includes more than 60 clubs and 1,000 members across Nebraska and Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more at d24tm.org. Register for the 2021 Annual Conference at d24conference2021.eventbrite.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Café Postale Opens in Historic Rail & Commerce Building Café Postale, the newest venue in downtown Omaha’s dining scene, has opened in the historic Rail & Commerce Building at 950 S 10th St., in the Little Italy historic district. The café is a partnership among Omaha-based chef Nathan Newhouse and Commerce Village coworking space. The combination of Newhouse’s expertise as a professional chef and nearly 20 years’ experience running Attitude on Food catering will find a comfortable home in the Rail & Commerce Building’s ground-level café and patio space. Also doubling as an available-for-rent event venue, Café Postale features a connected lower terrace for weddings and other gatherings that is also accessible to Commerce Village members during office hours.

“This is not a corporate office cafeteria,” said Alex Liekhus, the community manager for Commerce Village, which occupies the Rail & Commerce Building’s lower level. “This is a place that ties together Nathan’s expertise with the intersecting stories our building has to share.”

The menu for Café Postale will feature fresh offerings for dine-in or grab-and-go that will rotate on a seasonal basis to reflect locally available ingredients. Patrons can dine and work from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside the café space or on the sunken patio off the east edge of the building, weather permitting.

Like the Rail & Commerce Building, Café Postale blends modern concepts with reimagined historic elements that nod to the building’s past among a broader district on the National Register of Historic Places: local historic photographs adorn the walls of the space, while the facility’s restrooms require passage through a massive mail chute that was left in place and repurposed as an entryway. Diners can marvel at portions of elevated observation galleries where postal supervisors would monitor mail-sorting workers are still in place while seated behind a vault door that once safeguarded postal valuables in the middle of the café space. Learn more at cafepostaleomaha.com or call (402) 550-1833.

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BUSINESS NEWS BBB Tip: Hunting for a COVID-19 Vaccine?

Be Careful Sharing Personal Information

CareBuilders at Home Sponsoring Booth at Millard Business Association Business Expo

If you’re looking for assistance scheduling an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine, the Better Business Bureau warns against sharing personal information with “vaccine hunter” websites, online forums, and social media groups that have sprung up offering to help people find open appointments and leftover vaccine doses. While most of these website and online groups are legitimate resources, this situation is an ideal opportunity for scammers to push phony vaccines and other cons. The BBB warns to use caution when following links or providing personal information.

If you want to learn more about CareBuilders at Home and join in some fun games and chances for prizes, be sure to join them at their booth at the Millard Business Association Business Expo from 1 to 7 p.m. on April 22. The Expo will be at the Ramada Inn, 3321 S 72nd St. in Omaha. It will include a scavenger hunt, games, and prizes throughout the day, plus swag bags, fantastic networking opportunities, and an after-hours event from 5 to 7 p.m. If you or someone you love is in need or would benefit from at-home care, the Expo provides the perfect opportunity to meet the amazing folks at CareBuilders and see how they can help—and have some fun at the same time!

CareBuilders at Home offers professional, affordable, and compassionate in-home care to individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living. Their mission is to uphold the independence and dignity of their clients by providing world-class, cost-effective homecare services, including housekeeping, meals/meal options, med-alert, social work, transportation, medication reminders, 24-hour contact, free assessments, and home health aides to provide assistance with activities of daily life. Learn more at carebuildersathomeomaha.com.

Centralized vaccine availability websites, similar to airfare aggregation sites, scan the databases of vaccine providers, such as CVS or Rite Aid for availability. VaccineFinders.org is one such site and is promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These websites can be handy tools, but be wary of lookalike sites that collect personal information or require payment. The best way to avoid cons when looking for a vaccine appointment is to go through official public health channels—such as the public health department or a pharmacy—and approved providers.

Anyone claiming to sell vaccine doses is a scammer, and don’t pay to add your name to a waiting list.

The Better Business Bureau has been serving local communities since 1936. The overall mission of the organization is to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. For more information, visit bbb. org/Nebraska or call (800) 649-6814.

Nebraska Writers Co-Author Book about Corruption in Beef Checkoff Program Currently a resident of McCook, NE, Diane Gumaer and co-author Leesa Zalesky, who resides in Wahoo, NE, recently celebrated the release of their book, A Buck A Head: The Beef A Buck A Head Checkoff, which presents a history of The Beef Checkoff the beef industry’s only national selfhelp promotion program with the goal of answering this question: “Did greed, envy, and a thirst for power hijack beef research and promotion?” Diane has been a writer for more than 35 years, working in newspapers, magazines, and as a business writer, in addition to serving 15+ years as director of communications for the Beef Checkoff Program before coming to work for Strictly Business. Leesa is retired from a 25-year career as an award-winning investigative journalist and freelance writer, with the lion’s share of her time spent covering the U.S. cattle industry.

Did Greed, Envy, and a Thirst for Power Hijack Beef Research & Promotion?

Leesa Zalesky Diane (Henderson) Gumaer

Renowned Omaha Attorney David Domina of Domina Law described the book as a synthesized history told with clarity and force, adding: “A Buck A Head is an unflinching story of power over principle, immorality over rectitude, and hucksters undermining meaningful public policy. I congratulate the authors on a very important contribution to the history of American agriculture, which provides lessons to every industry and informs policy needs nationwide.”

A Buck A Head culminates more than a year of research and writing—plus the authors’ combined 40 years of experience with the U.S. cattle industry. For more information or to order a copy of A Buck A Head, visit abuckahead.com, from which you may 14 Strictly Business APRIL 2021

Apache Industrial Provides Midwest with Scaffold, Insulation, Coatings Services Apache Industrial Services is a company that has built a reputation of doing things the right way, each and every time. For the men and women of Apache, that means prioritizing safety above all else and doing whatever it takes to get the job done. The company is proud of its safety performance and continues to outperform the industry average TRIR, while logging over 18 million man-hours in 2020.

“The secret behind Apache’s success and resiliency is no secret at all: it’s our people, our craftsmen,” says Mike Knigin, Apache Industrial Services’ CEO. “Every member of the Apache team is committed to working with our customers and ensuring the job is getting done the right way.”

Apache has remained steadfast in its commitment to keeping its people safe and healthy and continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an industrial and commercial services leader. Apache’s scaffolding division provides a wide range of access solutions including both systems scaffold and frame and brace, this division is their largest and fastest growing line of business. Their insulation division meets the highest standards of quality and sets the bar in the industry. In addition, Apache does more volume in coatings than anyone else in new construction, this division includes unmatched specialty services such as thermal spray coatings, lead abatements, and tank linings. Apache is also one of the largest passive fire protection applicators in the U.S. Other services include refractory, abatement, forming and shoring, and tank and technical services.

For over 30 years, Apache Industrial Services has met the needs of the petrochemical, industrial, commercial, and energy sectors by providing superior quality, service, and long-term value to their customers. Through their work, record of safety, and culture, Apache continues to make a statement, but it is the actions of Apache’s craftsmen that speak the loudest and most clearly define and differentiate a company that’s doing it right. To learn more, visit www.apacheip.com. Contact David Fry at (402) 968-1645 or Luke Wertz at (303) 905-1624 with any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Nebraska Sports Council Opens Registration for Omaha Corporate Games Nebraska Sports Council has opened registration for the inaugural Omaha Corporate Games (OCG), a company v s c o m p a ny c o m p e t i t i o n i n 1 2 events taking place in the months of September and October at several locations in and around Omaha.

Events include Adventure Walk, Bowling, Cornhole, Cycling, Disc Golf, Fitness Class, Fun Run, Meals From The Heartland Challenge, Pickleball, Trivia, Top Golf, and Volleyball. Companies are divided into divisions based on number of employees, and small companies may join together as combined teams. Space is limited to the first 50 registered companies.

Awards include medals in competitive sports, company banners for divisional winners and a travelling title belt for the top company overall. A leaderboard, updated after each event, is posted at OmahaCorporateGames.com and updates are provided on the OCG Facebook page.

From a company standpoint, the benefits of the Corporate Games include: wellness, team-building, company pride, hiring/retention perk and networking/public relations.

The Omaha Corporate Games are produced by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also conducts the Cornhusker State Games and the WellPower Movement. Presenting sponsors include Grinnell Mutual and the Nebraska Lottery. Companies can register or find more information, including an informational webinar at OmahaCorporateGames.com.

Center Sphere Celebrates 11th Anniversary with Member Celebration Event April 29 Center Sphere is turning 11, and they’re ringing in their anniversary with a Member Celebration event on April 29! The Center Sphere story started in 2010, when four guys sat down in a sandwich shop in Omaha and decided they wanted to do networking differently. They were tired of the options out there and knew there was a better, more affordable, more effective way to grow business through connection. Fast forward more than a decade and Center Sphere is still growing every day!

“We are so excited to be celebrating our members and their success stories after over a decade with The Network in our founding city,” said President and Managing Partner Erin Pearson. “We would like to call it our 10-year anniversary and pretend 2020 didn’t count,” she jokes, “but at the same time, 2020 affirmed to us why The Network exists in the first place—so members can lean in and support each other when they need it the most.”

The Anniversary Celebration Event is set for Thursday, April 29, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Aloft Omaha West, 215 S 181st St. Appetizers will be provided, a cash bar will be available, and participants will have the chance to win from multiple drawings. What’s more, all active members in attendance will receive a free gift (while supplies last)!

Omaha members and guests alike are invited to mark their calendars and come connect with fellow metro professionals.

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 50 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Omaha Area Director Lona Anderson at LonaAnderson@CenterSphere.com or (402) 650-5380. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Blueprint Nebraska Unveils New Tax Framework, Launches Statewide Dialogue In a press briefing on March 3 that included members of the Nebraska Legislature’s Revenue Committee, Blueprint Nebraska made the case for a bold and robust plan to modernize the State’s aging tax code and explained why such an effort is essential for the health and competitiveness of Nebraska’s economy. In attendance with Committee Chairperson Senator Lou Ann Linehan and Senator Tom Briese were Jim Smith, president of Blueprint Nebraska; Professor David Brunori of The George Washington University; and Jim Greisch, national industry leader for financial services at RSM US L.L.P and Blueprint taskforce leader.

Blueprint Nebraska is a statewide strategic plan to grow the state economy by attracting talent and encouraging business investment. In building on the legacy and strength of Nebraska’s people, location and natural resources, the Blueprint model is focused on Growing the Good Life in every corner of the state.

Although the Blueprint Nebraska strategy for economic growth, competitiveness, and prosperity targets 15 signature initiatives, one singular thread throughout the plan has the greatest immediate impact on talent recruitment and business investment: Nebraska’s tax system.

A combination of economic analysis and academic and tax think tank recommendations helped inform a list of potential strategies that state legislative leaders could consider, including long-term funding for property tax relief, simplifying income taxes to stimulate growth, and aligning economic incentive programs with Blueprint Nebraska initiatives. Recommendations also include the use of regional economic modeling to study and determine the best modernization tactics, including elements of broadening the state’s sales tax base.

The press conference coincides with the conclusion of legislative committee hearings for 2021. Learn more at Blueprint-nebraska.org.

APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 15

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BUSINESS NEWS Physicians Mutual Launches New Brand Campaign, Reclaiming Joy In Retirement Physicians Mutual has launched a new brand campaign aimed at reclaim ing the joy that comes from entering retirement. The new spots feature the return of the company’s brand spokesperson, actor John Michael Higgins, who showcases his song and dance abilities while bringing an enjoyable humor to the campaign. The pandemic has created increased uncertainty and complexity for those approaching retirement age. Particularly the onset and escalation of “ambiguity loss,” which is the psychological grieving around the loss of an envisioned future resulting in a heightened need for social connection, comfort and familiarity. Physicians Mutual is uniquely positioned to provide an emotional counterbalance by shifting the prospective retiree to feeling connected with an approachable, credible educator devoted to reestablishing a positive retirement outlook.

The spots were created by a team led by the psychology-driven agency Intermark Group based in Birmingham, AL, that also included members from Physicians Mutual’s in-house creative team.

The spots were produced by MJZ Productions with director Nick Ball.

The commercials aired nationally—featuring a launch during March Madness coverage. The spots will also appear on the Physicians Mutual’s social media channels and digital platforms.

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Applications for Sarpy County Chamber 2021-22 Leadership Sarpy Due by May 3 The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications through May 3 for the 202122 Leadership Sarpy Class. The mission of Leadership Sarpy is to develop leaders who will actively engage in strengthening Sarpy County and promoting its wellbeing. The challenge is to stimulate participants’ thinking, personally and professionally, and about Sarpy County. Participants learn to be informed and acquire new perspectives about leadership and our county, as well as initiating performance, collaboration and change.

Leadership Sarpy is for leaders who want to become engaged in Sarpy County through interactive sessions that give exposure to the key challenges and opportunities of the county. Diverse topics give insight to economic development, quality of life, local and state government, and community awareness. Each session encourages and inspires participants to reflect upon and develop their leadership potential in Sarpy County. Along the journey, participants establish long-lasting relationships with one another and become committed to enhancing the future of Sarpy County.

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce proudly serves the communities of Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Offutt, Papillion, Springfield, and Greater Sarpy County as the primary business resource in the county. The Chamber is a membership organization comprising local business owners and executives who believe strongly in the free enterprise system. They provide a host of programs and services designed to help businesses of all sizes. To apply for the 2021-22 Leadership Sarpy Class, visit sarpychamber.org/ leadership-sarpy or call (402) 339-3050. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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365DailyHustle Completes Comprehensive Rebranding to Match Company’s Personality In mid-Marc h, Karissa Adkins completed a comprehensive rebranding of her business, 356DailyHustle, to better match the company personality that she has come to portray. The rebrand stems, in part, from the evolutions of the business to include more depth to the health-and-wellness coaching and speaking services she has offered in the last two years. The new portrayal focuses on teaching women how to BossUp, get healthy, and thrive in all areas of their lives.

Karissa’s entirely new website (still at 365dailyhustle.com) not only offers free video training for women looking to lose weight, feel energized, and create unstoppable confidence, but it also allows her clients to access the full eight-module framework for Bossing Up! When you get to know Karissa, you also will see how the rebranding better matches her personality and boundless energy, too.

“I worked with a rebrand marketing coach out of Australia, and she said my existing website was ‘boring and blah—the opposite of you,’” Karissa said. “I love shiny, glitter, gold, and pink, and I want people to feel that energy when they land on my website. My whole identity is about vibrancy and energy, and the new colors and personality of my brand better match how I represent myself, both in person and on the phone or Zoom.”

In the anecdotes of the creative world, the meaning associated with vibrant gold and glitter like that at the center of Karissa’s new brand includes prosperity, wisdom, and power, while black is associated with power, strength, and authority, and pink adds the values of universal and love of oneself and of others—all among the goals that she helps her clients achieve in life. The rebranding helps her get back to the true roots of her passion— helping women Boss Up in their health, wellness, and balance to achieve a thriving life.

365DailyHustle offers signature coaching programs, which includes one-to-one VIP coac hing, group coac hing, and corporate training for women. Karissa is also a corporate speaker and offers training on a variety of topics, including work/life balance, burnout, wellness in the workplace, and goal-setting Masterclasses. For more information about Karissa Adkins and 365DailyHustle, visit 365DailyHustle.com or call Karissa at (402) 880-2142 and find out how she can help you or your employees Boss Up! APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 17

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Strictly Business APRIL 2021

TIM

Tim Silknitter

GITT CONSTRUCTION Meet Tim Silknitter, owner of Gitt Construction.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are a design-build remodel and residential general contractor improving homes and clients' lives by increasing home value and comfort through design, quality, value, integrity, and innovation.

We were founded in 2004 by Mike Gitt.

How did you get started in the business? - I was blessed to grow up in a family with rental property, so I was swinging my first hammer at age eight and have never stopped. I have an architectural degree from UNL and worked with a few local architectural firms. I spent 25 years as a manager or director in the commercial opening industry for distributors and manufacturers. I purchased Gitt Construction in October of 2020 from Mike Gitt. I guess my background allowed me to take off where Mike handed it over to me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Growing a business in these uncertain times, and increased material prices.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Receiving recognition as a program developer and trainer for a corporate commercial company. It taught me that employees are driven by the support of their manager and company.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my wife Anne for over 20 years. As we like to say, "We have had five amazing years, a minute here, an hour there." If you are married, you can appreciate the humor in that statement. I would not be who I am today with our her loving support. Our daughter Kate is a sophomore at Cottey College, and our son Colton is a freshman at Iowa State. I'm so proud of them!

We also have two fur mutts, George and Walter.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Deciding to own a business. It is rewarding and challenging.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Riding our motorcycles while we build friendships and find unique places along the way.

What is the most interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I absolutely love the Beastie Boys and Run DMC! Who inspires you? - My late father, Duane. He always made today better than yesterday and never gave up. He could accomplish anything once he set his mind to it.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” – Ricky Bobby.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Born to be Wild"

by Steppenwolf.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Smoking meats!

Which talent would you most like to have? - Glass blowing. I love Chihuly’s work.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Miles for Heroes. It was started with Nebraska Veterans in support for those battling combat effects at home.

What is your favorite movie? - Deadpool or O Brother, Where Art Thou.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 990-6682; tim@gittdbr.com; gittdbr.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MIKE

Mike Rouw

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We provide commercial cleaning services to a wide variety of businesses in the greater Omaha and Lincoln areas. Our focus is Shop and compare at ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com on customer service first, second, third, and always. We customize our services to the unique needs of each customer. Whether the TEMS WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS service is daily, weekly, or just a one-time thing, our professional TE staff is there to guarantee customer satisfaction. My wife Kellye and I acquired the business in 2020.

Locally owned independent insurance agency servicing What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? all of your risk management needs.

2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM Adapting to changes. I’ve worked for four different corporations and owned three different businesses in my 30+ year professional • Business Insurance career. I’ve experienced leveraged buyouts, public offerings, • Workers Compensation Insurance international expansion, and many, many different management • Personal Insurance changes. Adapting to change is the only constant.

• Employee Benefits Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Kellye and I have been married for 36 years, and we have four grown daughters Universal has added services to help customers manage and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of and one beautiful grandchild. We are proud to call Omaha our benefits that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, home for all of that time. a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources hotline and resources, including customized handbooks.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your Employee Wellness plan delivered online! life? - From a personal perspective, it was choosing my life partner and starting our family. Professionally, making the pivot from a corporate management career to running my own small business.

Located on the corner of 140th & Center Universalinsgroup.com | 402-399-8721 What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy golfing, riding motorcycles, attending sports events, working around the house, and hanging out with friends and family over a shared summer BBQ in our backyard.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I spent 20+ years coaching youth soccer, including seven years at the high school level, even though I never had a chance to play the game myself.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Responsible. Responsibility shows love, empathy, respect, and professionalism toward others in action. I strive to bring this responsibility in everything I do.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - I grew up in the age of big rock anthems and electric guitars. While I don’t have a theme song, I always enjoy a good guitar riff!

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I am a trained computer programmer and data analyst. While we make use of technology in our business, commercial cleaning is more of a personal service to our customers.

Which talent would you most like to have? - I would love to have enough talent at golf to beat my wife at the game occasionally!

We’re here to help you find the right What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about home loan. or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We support JDRF and local food pantries. A family member suffered To get started, or apply online at with juvenile diabetes and no one in our community should go pinnbank.com/mortgage. hungry. We also support our local parish and schools.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? My favorite author is Stephen King. I think I have read them all!

What is your favorite movie? - Christmas Vacation is a classic.

What is your favorite TV show? - Wheel of Fortune.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do Standard carrier rates and fees may apply. so? - (402) 680-7838; mrouw@the-office-cleaners.com; www. the-office-cleaners.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart APRIL 2021 Strictly Business 19 * *FIRST 3 MONTHS @ $4.95/MO. WITH INSTALLATION COST OF $149; AFTER INTRODUCTORY PERIOD, RENTALS START AT $25/MO.

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B & K EXSEPTIONAL ONES ACADEMY Meet Keana P. SeptMatthews, director of education at B & K ExSeptional Ones Academy.

Tell us a little about your business. - We are an Early Childhood Center like no other. We teach both Montessori practical application and traditional early childhood learning through play. We are a center that was born out of wanting to make a difference in the lives of children in lower social economic statuses.

How did you get started in the business? - As a person who has been in early childhood for over 20 years, I have seen and heard lots of negative things. This is the reason I wanted to open a center that not only focuses on the children in our care, but also their families as well as our staff. Our mission is to give them a safe home-awayfrom-home atmosphere.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Being a young, black female entrepreneur.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- In spite of adversity, my love for this field keeps growing with the opening of the new center in Bellevue.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to my husband Brian for over 20 years. Together, we have two adult children, Mario and Mykiah, and one granddaughter, Naomi, whom we are so in love with and adore.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming a grandmother to little Naomi.

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

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - We are not just striving to make a difference in the United States but we are also funding and helping plant ministries in Kenya Africa.

Who inspires you? - Most definitely my husband. His support of my dreams is unreal. Brian is a disabled veteran and, even though he is battling his own things, somehow he always finds the time to give back.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - When given a task, great or small, do it right or not at all. Also, it takes a lot of steps to get to the top but one wrong step to fall to the bottom.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "Made a Way" by Travis Greene.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Play the piano.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Law. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? MALCOM X. What is your favorite movie? - The Blind Side.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Genji Japanese Steakhouse.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (531) 365-6805; exseptionalconsultingbiz@gmail.com; www. facebook.com/ExSeptionalones. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MICHAEL

Michael King

TEAMS.COACH Meet Michael King, the executive coach and owner at Teams.Coach.

Tell us a little about your business. I am an executive business coach that helps C-suite leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, and their teams get better results and break barriers by operating with the highest levels of clarity, health, and innovation.

How did you get started in the business? - I started my business three years ago, but I have been a leadership coach in some capacity for close to 20 years. I started Teams.Coach after experiencing the pain of leadership. I had been a part of some incredibly successful endeavors, and I knew what was working and what wasn’t. I recognized a couple things: 1) There is never a lack of "vision"—if you don't have it, someone will; and 2) the world is changing, so the leadership language and business strategies that go along with it needed to evolve. We are helping business leaders look at the world through a new lens and this is a catalyst that is breaking barriers and creating significantly better outcomes.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I had allowed some negative mindsets to settle in to my life. The Internet is packed full of people who call themselves coaches… how could I stand out? I hired an executive coach. I learned a lot and started believing in myself.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? My clients are my heroes. In the midst of COVID, several of my clients had the best year they've ever had. It all came down to the relentless discipline, never giving up, and trying something new. I was grateful to have a front row seat.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to Beth, and we have three amazing kiddos—Emerson (10), Amelia (13), and Chloe (14). We are also the proud parents of a St. Bernard named Benedict and a St. BerDoodle named Winston.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my family and traveling. I love riding my motorcycle or just landing somewhere for a cup of coffee and conversation.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I started off my career as a recording artist and music pastor.

Who inspires you? - People who are champions for justice, equality, and fairness.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "We are the music-makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." – Willy Wonka. I also love the quote by Tony Gaskins, Jr.: "If you don’t build your own dreams, someone else will hire you to build theirs."

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - The Marvel Cinematic Universe orchestrated theme or “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John.

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

What is your favorite movie? - Superman (1978).

What is your favorite TV show? - The Mandalorian.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Either Winston Churchill or Robert Downey Jr. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (763) 245-4984; michael@teams.coach; www.teams.coach. You can also sign up for a free 45 minute coaching session! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BLAKE

Blake Thomas

CCA HOME CARE Meet Blake Thomas, business development coordinator with CCA Home Care and the Omaha and Lincoln Eldercare Resource Handbooks.

Tell us a little about your business. - CCA Home Care, previously named Care Consultants for the Aging, has been around for 30 years and is locally owned. We provide medical and non-medical support to seniors in their home, wherever they may call home. We also staff senior living communities with CNAs and Med Tech around the Omaha and Lincoln areas for a much more affordable cost than your staffing and home care agencies. CCA Home Care publishes the Omaha and Lincoln Eldercare Resource Handbooks yearly as the industry's “Bible” to the resources for the elderly. This is a FREE resource book that is paid for by those who advertise.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - We come into the lives of these seniors at their most vulnerable times and to not be able to bring them the services they need is just heartbreaking.

This is why we all must have resources in our back pocket to offer, which makes the Eldercare Resource Handbook vital to us in the industry and the seniors who seek help, answers, and solutions.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Working for companies that are known for quality care.

We received the STAR Award for the highest move-ins from professionals out of 320 locations.

Tell us a little about your family. - I have been married to Erik for the last 16 years. We grew up together as our parents were close friends.

We have three kids: Evan (16), Bella (14), and Lexxie (9), and Savannah, our one-month-old chocolate lab! We moved here from North Carolina and before that we lived in Colorado, Indiana, and Texas. We currently live in Bennington where we own Johnny Ricco’s Brooklyn Pizza.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? As a teenager, my father moved in with his mother to care for her with Alzheimer's and my mom moved in with her father to care for him during the same time. I saw them struggle to manage raising us and holding a career all while being full-time caregivers. This has given me compassion for the families going through the same situations.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time on the water with family and friends. We love to travel and try new restaurants.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Each child of mine was born in a different state.

Who inspires you? - Successful women who are able to obtain their goals while running a household and raising a family.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - You are who you surround yourself with.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Psychologist or a physician.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Alzheimer's Association due to my grandmother passing from the disease when I was a teenager. Also, Project Harmony in Millard. They support children taken from their homes due to bad situations. We donate to them yearly.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I love the novels by Nicholas Sparks and read each new one he publishes.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 200-8731; (402) 398-1848; Blake@CCAHomeCare. com; www.CCAHomeCare.com; www.LincolnHandbook.com; www.

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CASEY

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Casey S. Putney

BUSINESS ETHICS ALLIANCE Meet Casey S. Putney, director of education and leadership development at Business Ethics Alliance.

Tell us a little about your business. - The Business Ethics Alliance works with leaders to impact the lives of others. We believe that everyone desires and deserves to be valued, respected, appreciated, and heard.

When leaders can get the organizational culture right, people are sent home happier, better prepared to reach their potential as husbands, wives, mothers, and fathers.

How did you get started in the business? - I discovered my passion for leadership while serving in the U.S. Air Force. I felt a genuine desire to help others reach their potential. So I studied leaders and asked question after question. Along the way, I started having success in leading teams and building relationships.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Being a part of a culture that left me feeling unfulfilled and underappreciated.

I was going home sick and tired. Not sick and tired of my boss, but sick and tired because of my boss. During that time, my unhappiness at work impacted my life at home. I was tired, stressed, and unfocussed.

In all honesty, I wasn’t the best father and husband that I could be. That experience drives me today. It drives me to work with leaders to create the organizational cultures that we all deserve.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married for close to 27 years. We have two amazing kids, a 24-year-old daughter and 20-yearold son. My family is everything to me. We’re a multi-racial family originating from southern Missouri. We’ve learned together, succeeded together, and become better people together.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Joining the Air Force. I was 23 and lost. I wasn’t sure if it was the right decision, but it ended up being one of the best professional decisions of my life. I learned discipline, responsibility, service, and leadership during my time in uniform.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I was a break-dancer. I’m talking fat laces, nylon jacket, and cardboard. I even had a nickname.

Who inspires you? - My mother and wife.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I cannot become what I am to be, until you become what you are to be. And you cannot become what you are to be, until I become what I am to be.” - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Servant.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - Umm, "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang. Isn’t it everybody’s?

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Nonfiction: Anything by John Maxwell. Fiction: Anything by Mindy McGinnis.

What is your favorite movie? - Forrest Gump. It just never gets old.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Charleston’s.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His desire to serve and impact the lives of others is truly inspiring to me.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 280-2235; cputney@businessethicsalliance.org; businessethicsalliance.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

LOCALLY OWNED. NEBRASKA VALUES. Cornhusker Bank will be celebrating its first year as a full service branch in Omaha with a ribbon cutting by the Greater Omaha Chamber on Thursday, April 29, at 4 p.m. Prchal Petersen Group, LLC will be co-hosting the open house celebration, which will follow the ribbon cutting.

As a community outreach, part of the celebration will be a shoe collection for the bank’s One Day Without Shoes campaign that benefits the Stephen Center. Those attending the celebration are encouraged to bring their wearable used or new shoes to donate that day. The One Day Without Shoes campaign runs April 26 through May 8, 2021. Partners throughout the greater Omaha area are collecting shoes through this entire period. Locations to drop off shoes in addition to Cornhusker Bank at 11102 Blondo St. are listed on online: www.cornhuskerbank.com/Day-Without-Shoes-Omaha.aspx In the first year of collections in 2020, even with the pandemic in full swing, the bank and numerous business partners collected over 2,000 pairs of shoes and $350 in monetary donations for the Stephen Center. With the community’s help, the bank is striving to make the same kind of impact for the Stephen Center in Omaha as it has made for the People’s City Mission in Lincoln. In the 10-year history of the Lincoln event, over 182,000 pairs of shoes and $87,000 have been donated to the Mission.

Cornhusker Bank’s Omaha associates and many partnering businesses will go shoeless on April 27 to raise awareness of the need for footwear in the community. All shoes and any cash donations collected in Omaha stay in Omaha for distribution.

Cornhusker Bank Chairman, John F. Dittman; Stephen Center Executive Director, Michael Wehling; Cornhusker Bank Omaha Market President, Allen Chaff ee, Bank President/CEO, Barry Lockard, and Bank VP/Relationship Manager, Tyler Albers with a barrel of shoes donated for One Day Without Shoes.

Cornhusker Bank is a full service bank, offering both consumer and business products and services. The team of bankers at the Omaha location service customers in Private Banking, Mortgages, and Commercial Business.

In the first year of operation as a full service branch in Omaha, Allen Chaffee, Market President - Greater Omaha, noted, “We have been honored to successfully help businesses navigate through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which has assisted in their viability throughout the pandemic, and look forward to helping more businesses with their financial needs.”

Cornhusker Bank is locally owned, demonstrating Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and a commitment to the community and its residents.

For more information visit www.CornhuskerBank.com 24

Strictly Business APRIL 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS UNICO Adds Rodenburg as Benefits Advisor UNICO Group recently welcomes Reagan Rodenburg to their benefits team as a benefits advisor. Reagan grew up in Elkhorn and currently lives in Lincoln with her husband, Max. She comes to UNICO equipped with a bachelor’s degree in business and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Nebraska College of Law. She began her career after law school working as an in-house claims attorney for Fidelity National Title Group, handling title insurance claims for owners and lenders. As a benefits advisor with UNICO, Reagan will work with employers to develop and manage employee benefit programs by working with insurance carriers to customize solutions that fulfill their needs.

“As I grew to love the insurance industry, I wanted to find a way to combine my legal expertise with my passion for analyzing and working with businesses,” Reagan said. “UNICO proved to be the best of both worlds. I am dedicated to making sure clients feel confident in the decisions that must be made to efficiently run their businesses. I want my clients to consider me an ally when it comes to the success of their businesses, as I’ll ensure they feel understood and well-equipped throughout their decision-making process.”

UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Nebraska. They offer a consultative and relational approach to their customized solutions for clients nationwide. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) organization, every one of their employees is a part-owner and gets to celebrate the company’s biggest successes as their own. For more information, visit unicogroup.com or call (402) 434-7200.

First Responders Foundation Welcomes OBI Creative Founder Mary Ann O’Brien to Board The First Responders Foundation is delighted to welcome Mary Ann O’Brien to its Board of Directors. Mary Ann is the CEO and Founder of OBI Creative—an internationally-recognized research, strategic communications, and advertising agency with offices in Omaha, Des Moines, and San Diego. She launched the company in 2001 with her first project, Digital Home Solution, for Gateway Computers. It was the first of many successes that led to the growth and capabilities of her agency.

OBI Creative has since led numerous national and global strategic initiatives for companies including Microsoft, Sony, Viewsonic, Stericycle, Borsheims, Nebraska Crossing Outlets, Creighton Heider College of Business, and Travel and Transport.

Mary Ann’s experience and skill in bringing big-picture strategy to world-class advertising campaigns and her thorough understanding of customers will be priceless in directing the First Responders Foundation to fulfill its mission to serve and honor first responders and their families and enhance public safety. Mary Ann is an Iowa native and has lived and worked on both coasts, but chose to put down roots here in Omaha. She and OBI have earned countless regional, national and international awards, but her favorite was winning an Integrity Award from the Better Business Bureau.

The First Responder Foundation provides the support and services needed to first responders, veterans, and their families, and Mary Ann’s expertise and leadership will help the Foundation’s success in the metro area along with growth in the Midwest and beyond. For more information, visit firstrespondersfoundation.org, email contact@firstrespondersfoundation. org, or call (402) 218-1234. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Whitney Skutt and Sarah Barnhill Join McGill Law McGill Law has announced the addition of Whitney Skutt as office administrator and legal assistant and Sarah Barnhill as a new associate attorney.

Whitney was born in Omaha and is pursuing a degree in sociology at UNO. Her passion for supporting and elevating other women, along with her kind and helpful demeanor, will be a true asset to clients as they start their journey with McGill Law. Sarah is passionate about public service and guiding families through the legal process. The team at McGill Law is so excited to have Sarah onboard as her passions will align well with their mission.

Sarah will specialize in family law litigation and also assist with probate, collections, and uncontested family law matters.

Whitney Skutt

In 2011, when Jodie McGill founded McGill Law, she knew that she not only wanted to help people through their legal matters, but also help people differently.

Jodie is committed to focusing on the client Sarah Barnhill and providing expert legal guidance with compassion, integrity, and their futures in mind.

"When we complete a case and clients share their deep gratitude and appreciation with us, it makes all the difference," said Jodie.

"We feel truly honored that people trust us to guide them through what is often the most challenging time in their life. We're excited to add Whitney's and Sarah's expertise to this process."

McGill Law had four employees at the start of 2020, and they have since doubled that number to eight employees this year.

This has allowed the firm to serve even more families, using their creativity and patience during a time that has felt out of control.

McGill Law specializes in family law issues including divorce, modifications, adoptions, estate planning, and guardianships.

Learn more online at www.mcgilllawomaha.com.

It’s Not What You Know, It’s Who You Know and Who Knows You! At Strictly B u s i n e s s, we strive to recognize local professionals for their significant awards, promotions, achievements, and/or efforts in partnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@strictlybusinessomaha. com, or submit your news online via www.strictly-business.com. Our advertising clients qualify for a free press release each month, which is a great opportunity! We’d love to share your story and celebrate your people and their accomplishments.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Bridge to Better Living Hires Stephanie Sacco as Omaha Transition Consultant

Ovation Heartwood Preserve Brings on Karin Holmes as Community Relations Assistant

Bridge to Better Living is proud to announce the hiring of Stephanie Sacco as their Omaha Transition Consultant for Retirement Living Options. Stephanie brings a background of 14 years as an assistant vice president of marketing, during which she worked with hundreds of seniors and their families while opening independent senior living communities in Omaha, Lincoln, and the surrounding areas.

Stephanie’s favorite part of being a Bridge to Better Living transition consultant is developing relationships with her clients. She thrives on introducing seniors and their families to communities that fit each client’s specific needs and criteria and on witnessing how rewarding and beneficial the right move is for the senior. She exemplifies the Bridge to Better Living motto of Placement with Passion.

Bridge to Better Living, a locally owned 11-year-old business, assists seniors to find the best quality of life when choosing a move to a senior living community, be that an independent, assisted-living, memorysupport, or long-term care community. Serving Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding areas, this service is available at no cost to clients. For more information or to meet with Stephanie, visit BridgetoBetterLiving. com or call (402) 218-5610.

As of late last year, Karin Holmes has been bringing her years of marketing and event planning experience to her new role as Ovation Heartwood Preserve's community relations assistant. Karin is the first face you will see upon entering the Ovation Showroom. As Ovation gets closer to their grand opening, Karin will be an integral part of Ovation events and the move-in process ensuring that all residents receive an outstanding hospitality experience.

Outlook Business Solutions Appoints Diana Criser to Accessibility Advisory Council Outlook Business Solutions recently appointed Diana Criser to its new Accessibility Advisory Council for its digital accessibility testing service offering, Ally Support. The social enterprise also provides marketing and customer-care services to organizations, as well as employment to professionals with vision loss. Outlook’s vision for the Accessibility Advisory Council is to assemble a team of strategic partners who have a passion for improving the user experience for people relying on assistive technology to access digital content. Websites, applications, and software are often plagued by errors that make them incompatible with the adaptive technologies used by people with a range of disabilities.

“I am proud to collaborate with Outlook Business Solutions to help develop Ally Support,” Criser said. “As the world continues to move online, it is critical that no one is left behind in gaining access to the tools helping us stay connected to employment, commerce, education and our loved ones.”

Criser, a product and field technology specialist with Securities America, based in Omaha, specializes in the continuous improvement of web-based applications. She is a certified user experience analyst (CXA) and certified usability analyst (CUA) by Human Factors International, the world’s largest company specializing in user experience (UX) design.

Outlook Business Solutions works with entities to create workplaces that are more inclusive and aligned with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the global standard for digital accessibility to web content for a range of end-users, including individuals, organizations and governments.

Ally Support is the company’s subscription-based offering that provides accessibility expertise for development teams and content creators, allowing them to troubleshoot and remove accessibility issues without having to add full-time staff. For a free consultation about outsourcing to Ally Support, call (531) 365-5055, or visit allybiz.co for more information.

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Ovation Heartwood Preserve is a new active lifestyle village opening in Omaha in late Fall of 2021. It will offer independent, assisted living, and memory care communities.

Ovation will be located within the new development in West Omaha’s Heartwood Preserve, a larger community surrounded by well-planned urban development including family homes, shopping, restaurants, and walking trails. Current plans include spacious apartments, numerous dining venues, attractive social and fitness options, and a wide range of state-of-the-art features right within the neighborhood. With 14 different floor plan options, full-service living and month-to-month fee options, Ovation Heartwood Preserve is designed specifically to meet the needs and desires of those looking for a premier, active senior lifestyle. To learn more, visit www.ovationbyavamere.com or contact Karin at (402) 999-7900 / karin.holmes@ovationbyavamere.com.

The Hope Center for Kids Welcomes 4 New Members to Volunteer Board of Directors The Hope Center for Kids recently welcomed four new community leaders to its volunteer Board of Directors. Kappes Chatfield is the CEO of Rveal Media; Jean Main is a realtor with The Good Life Group for Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate; Shawn Shanahan is the executive director of Development and Community Heath at Methodist Fremont Health/ Fremont Health Foundation; and Luther Starks is a director of Commercial Card and Treasury Services at FNBO. The 16-member board guides the work of The Hope Center for Kids, overseeing strategic goals, financial decisions and overall operations of the nearly 23-year-old nonprofit in north Omaha.

“Our board is made up of gifted and dedicated volunteers, and it means so much to our team that these successful leaders in our community would give of their time and talents to further our mission,” said Board President Mike Frank. “We’re honored to announce our newest directors, and we’re confident their expertise will be critical as we continue the work we do in 2021 and beyond.”

The Hope Center for Kids Executive Director Paul Lanphier said board members help promote a beacon of hope: “There is so much hopelessness in the world, and we want to be a place of light and hopefulness—where kids get excited just at the thought of being with us. That’s why I’m thrilled to know our board is comprised of caring people who truly have a heart for kids in North Omaha.”

The Hope Center for Kids is a faith-based after-school and summer program for K-12 students in North Omaha, where children and youth receive a nutritious meal every weeknight, as well as life-transforming opportunities such as tutoring, college visits and field trips, employment training, sports programs, family events, and more. Get involved by visiting hopecenterforkids.com or calling (402) 341-4673. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Kevin Mahler with Contributed Line Helps Nonprofits Grow, Thrive, and Raise Money As society struggles to get past the COVID-19 pandemic, the ways in which nonprofits have relied upon philanthropy in the past may not be viable as we enter a post-pandemic world.

However, new opportunities are emerging every day. Led by founder, Kevin Mahler, an experienced fundraising professional with more than a decade of diverse fundraising experience, Contributed Line, LLC has spent most of 2020 and 2021 helping nonprofit organizations identify the doors that are opening determine a path forward.

Contributed Line is a grant writing, fundraising, and content development company serving the nonprofit sector in Omaha and several other locations across the Midwest. Since founding Contributed Line in 2017, Mahler has helped dozens of clients achieve new levels of success and engagement through assistance with grant applications, corporate giving programs, and overall fundraising strategy planning.

“When you lead a nonprofit organization, you have a lot on your plate,” said Mahler. “Raising money can seem like an overwhelming process, but it doesn’t have to be.”

If you are interested in learning more about Contributed Line, LLC and meeting with Kevin Mahler to discuss your organization’s fundraising needs, please contact kevin@contributedline.com / (402) 216-8766. For more information, go to www.contributedline.com. You can also follow Kevin on Linkedin at linkedin.com/in/kevinfmahler.

Business Ethics Alliance Adds Director of Education Casey Putney to the Team The Business Ethics Alliance is excited to announce the addition of a new director of education. In February, the Alliance welcomed Casey Putney, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role and is committed to advancing the Alliance in the Omaha community. Casey is a leadership professional with more than 15 years of training, evaluation, professional development, and consulting experience in nonprofit and for-profit organizations. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and is a John Maxwell-certified speaker, coach, and trainer.

Casey honed his leadership skills while holding a top-secret security clearance within the United States Air Force, where he served as director of personnel within the Nightwatch program. He also led all learning and development efforts within Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services. Most recently, he engineered the global leadership development efforts of Omaha-based Travel and Transport. Casey is passionate about helping individuals find their potential and helping organizations create cultures that leave employees feeling valued, respected, appreciated, and heard.

The mission of the Business Ethics Alliance is to build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business education. The Alliance was legally established in 2008 as a standalone, not-for-profit entity. The Alliance has three founding partners: the Heider College of Business, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the Better Business Bureau of the Midlands. The Alliance also includes trustees and business leaders around Omaha, who act as ambassadors, supporters, and advisors of its mission. For more information, visit BusinessEthicsAlliance.org or contact Charli Hathcox at (402) 280-2235 or chathox@businessethicsalliance.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Angels Among Us Welcomes Davis, Henry, Johnson, Patterson to Board of Directors As they celebrate their 15th anniversary in operation, Angels Among Us is pleased to announce four new board members to its Board of Directors.

Terry Davis (BuilderTrend), Katie Henry (ACCESSbank), J.R. Johnson (Edgewater Insurance), and Terry Patterson (Children’s Hospital & Medical Center) were seated at the beginning of the year. As the Angels Among Us organization has continued to grow both in size and demand for services, they are thrilled to bring on additional Terry Davis board members that will play vital roles in moving their mission forward.

Terry Davis has a keen focus on internal processes, and as the nonprofit manages hundreds of families a year, his skillset will ensure that the Angels Among Us back end and onboarding process is fine-tuned and seamless from the start of each client’s journey to the finish. Katie Henry and J.R. Johnson have great networks in the community that will help spread the Angels Among Us mission to new networks as the Katie Henry organization grows.

Terry Patterson brings a perspective that Angels Among Us has needed for some time, as he has worked side-by-side with the families Angels Among Us serves at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center for most of his career. He understands the importance of what the organization does and the impact it has on pediatric cancer families. Overall these additions to the Angels Among Us Board of Directors will be extremely valuable.

J.R. Johnson “As we grow, we are really focused on how we better serve our families and be sure we are touching every pediatric cancer family that needs us,” said Director of Community Relations/Development Aly Theilen. “By helping cover critical bills such as rent, mortgage, and utilities, among others, we are helping families focus on what matters most—their sick child.”

In 2020, Angels Among Us provided more than $510,000 in support to nearly 130 pediatric cancer families in Nebraska, amid the global pandemic. The needs of local Terry Patterson families whose children have cancer are only expected to grow. Angels Among Us feels extremely blessed to work with their Board of Directors, Advisory Committee, and countless volunteers and supporters as they celebrate their 15-year anniversary and look ahead at the next 15 years. They recently scheduled their two key fundraising events for 2021, including a July 12 golf outing at Champions Run Golf Course and the October 15 Gala event at Embassy Suites Conference Center in La Vista Nebraska ranks No. 1 among the 12 Midwestern states for incidences of childhood cancer, constantly increasing the need for financial backing for Angels Among Us. Any family whose child is battling cancer and living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska is eligible for support. For more information about Angels Among Us or how you can help make a difference, visit myangelsamongus.org or call (402) 934-0999.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Best Care EAP Sets Free Monthly Webinar, Grit and Bear It! for Wednesday, April 21

Save the Date for the Midlands Community Foundation 2021 Golf Tournament August 9

Best Care EAP invites individuals, area businesses, and their teams to join them for a FREE webinar on April 21, called “Grit and Bear It!—How to Become Mentally Tough.” Set for 9 a.m., the webinar will feature Best Care Training Consultant Dave Dechant, who will define grit and lay out a proven plan for tapping into the grit that lives in each of us. In short, grit is the perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals. Sometimes you will hear grit referred to as mental toughness, and researchers assert that grit is a strong predictor of one’s success and ability to reach goals.

M a r k yo u r c a l e n d a r s fo r the Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) 2021 Golf Tour nament teeing off on August 9 at the Oak Hills Country Club. Registration is set for 11 a.m., with a shotgun start at noon. Last year’s sold-out tournament raised more than $45,000, with 150 golfers enjoying the beautiful weather and a great day of golf while raising money for local nonprofits. Proceeds from the annual golf tournament—one of the organizations two main fundraisers each year—go toward the mission of the MCF.

“As we begin to see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, many of us are aching to return to a ‘normal’ life,” Dave said. “Unfortunately, there’s still a great deal in order to reconnect with each other and restore our economy. What can sustain us in the weeks and months ahead? Grit!”

Best Care EAP offers emotional and mental health support to your employees, helping them focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get too overwhelming. They also offer a number of professional development options, performance coaching, and leadership training. To register for Grit and Bear It!—How to Become Mentally Tough, please call Best Care EAP at (402) 354-800 or email them at EAP@BestCareEAP.org.

Assistance League of Omaha® Excited to Announce Return of 2 Live Events in May After a long pandemic-related dry spell for live events, the Assistance League of Omaha® (ALO) is excited to announce two in-person programs in May—their annual Spring Style Show and Luncheon and their Annual Meeting! Like so many other organizations, the Assistance League has canceled and postponed so many of their programs and functions in the last year, but with hope peeking its head on the horizon, the return of live events is a welcome start to spring.

The annual Spring Style Show and Luncheon is scheduled for May 11 at Champions Run Country Club, both for members and guests.

Nearly a dozen local retailers and vendors will be presenting some new spring fashions, with modeling by Assistance League members.

On May 25—again at Champions Run Country Club—ALO will hold their Annual Meeting, preceded by a social hour and luncheon. The new Board of Directors for 2021-22 will be installed at this meeting, as they bid farewell to the 2020-21 Board, recognize them for their hard work, and wrap up the work for their term.

The Assistance League of Omaha® is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and raise funding for ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. They remind the public to check out their new ALO Thrift shop at 8502 West Center Rd. It currently is open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. only, but they hope to extend hours by summer if COVID restrictions relax.

ALO Thrift carries great men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, coats, accessories, and lots of wonderful decorator items and small furniture.

For more information about ALO or the May events, visit alomaha. org or call (402) 342-4288.

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Midlands Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) whose mission to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement, and service. The MCF Board of Directors is made up of individuals from the Sarpy and Cass county areas who bring a high degree of involvement to the Foundation and its mission. MCF began as a community-based foundation in 1994. Since that time, they have enriched many local organizations through gifts and grants totaling more than $10 million. The Foundation has placed an emphasis on prevention and education. If you have questions about the 2021 Golf Tournament, email events@midlandscommunity. org or call (402) 991-8027. For more information about the Foundation, visit midlandscommunity.org.

OHB Participating in Share Omaha’s 2020 Do Good Week Presented by FNBO April 19-24 Omaha Home for Boys (OHB) is participating in Do Good We e k A p r i l 1 9 - 2 4 a n d seeking community support for their mission. Share Omaha’s Do Good Week, presented by the First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), encompasses f i ve d ay s d e d i c a t e d t o meeting the cash needs of nonprofits in our community, as well as volunteer and product needs, followed by a day of celebration.

OHB’s focus during Do Good Week is to secure funds to support the mental health needs of the youth and families it serves. The Clinical Services Program at OHB addresses mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse issues of clients as well as members of the community. In June 2020, the first teen entered OHB’s Crisis Stabilization Program, a new program that provides housing, therapy, and support to youth who find themselves in a crisis situation. The community’s support of OHB during Do Good Week will help teens and families in the region connect with therapy and family support. It will provide counseling services, education and skill building, helping youth and young adults become self-sufficient, productive members of the community.

Omaha Home for Boys equips youth, young adults, and families with the skills they need to become self-sufficient and productive members of the community. To support OHB during Do Good Week, go to shareomaha.org/nonprofit/OHB. For more information about OHB programs and mission, visit ohb.org or call (402) 457-7000. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS NAMI Omaha Announces April Affiliate Meeting is Set for April 1 Through Zoom N A M I O m a h a ’s n ex t Mental Health NAMI Affiliate meeting will be held virtually through Zoom on April 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Individuals from the Sarpy County Wellness Court will be speaking about how the court started, how individuals become eligible, and the goals for the program. Advance registration is required through Zoom, so contact namiomaha@gmail.com to request registration link.

Along with providing education, literature, support, workshops, conferences, and more, NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services for and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families. For more information about NAMI Omaha, visit namiomaha.org or call (402) 345-8101 / (877) 463-6264. For helpful articles about mental illness, follow NAMI Omaha on Facebook (@NAMIOmaha).

Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty Takes Getting Ahead Program into Workplaces Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty will be taking their Getting Ahead curriculum into the workplace. This program has seen phenomenal success in the classroom, and now it's time to take it a step further. By collaborating with over 100 other agencies and organizations within the area, the 10week (4 hours/week) Getting Ahead program is able to be offered in English and Spanish across the metro. After the classes, Omaha Bridges will place Success Coaches in the workplace to connect employees to needed resources. The result: lower turnover, less absenteeism, and employee-graduates obtaining great life skills, i.e., problem solving, time management, goal setting, controlling emotions, and personal financial management. Simply put, employees are more stable and productive.

In other communities, employers report a 200-400% ROI from dollars invested in Getting Ahead in the Workplace.

“We take the classes to where the people are,” said Omaha Bridge’s Volunteer CEO and Founder Roger Howard, “and now we are moving into the workplace with several major employers."

In addition, Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty has announced a partnership with UNMC to study the health improvements in graduates of the organization's Getting Ahead in the Workplace program. The negative impacts of poverty on health status are well documented, so Omaha Bridges Out of Poverty seeks to measure the positive health impact of Getting Ahead and replicate it across the metro, hopefully addressing health disparities and driving down the cost of care.

To date, the Getting Ahead program has seen the following results: • 591 graduates • 94% graduation rate • $18,000 average increased income • Solid progress in 15 factor Stability Scale The Bridges Out of Poverty model defines poverty, not just as the lack of money but as the extent to which an individual lives without resources in defined key areas. The Bridges model is a holistic approach that empowers the individuals to lift themselves out of poverty to a stable, self-sufficient lifestyle. It's not about giving people fish, it's about teaching them how to fish. To learn more or get behind this mission, visit omabop. org or contact (402) 884-9665 / info@omabop.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Open Door Mission Hosts Virtual Lydia House Baby Shower for Children, Expecting Mothers Throughout the month of April, Open Door Mission is hosting a virtual Lydia House Baby Shower by asking the community to show your love to expecting mothers and children who are experiencing homelessness at the Lydia House—and others in need— by purchasing much-needed baby items. By making a donation, you are adding to a mother’s joy by helping provide for her precious baby.

To participate, purchase items at your choice of retailers or visit the baby registries at Amazon, Walmart, and Target for needed items and send your gifts directly to Open Door Mission 2828 N 23rd St. E, Omaha, NE 68110 or drop them off at any of the Missions three donation/outreach centers. That’s all you have to do to help this community in need! Baby gifts requested include high chairs, teething cream/Orajel, single strollers, double strollers, Pack n’ Plays, infant car seats, toddler car seats, bathtub rings, baby baths, pacifiers, bibs, burp cloths, diaper cream, and baby washcloths.

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 about 4,750 nutritious meals, and provides preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. For more information, visit opendoormission.org or contact Kristen Dineen at (402) 829-1538 / KDineen@opendoormission.org.

Registration Open for Angels Among Us Golf Outing, Young Professionals Event Angels Among Us hosts various fundraising events throughout the year to help meet the financial need of Nebraska’s pediatric cancer families, and has now opened registration for two summer events—the 11th Annual Bland Cares Golf Outing and the 2nd Annual Young Professionals event, Birds & Beer. Sponsorship opportunities are available for both events at www. myangelsamongus.org.

In partnership with Bland & Associates and the Bland Cares Foundation, the golf outing is scheduled for July 12 at Champions Run golf course. It will feature 18 holes of golf, high-value raffle items, games on the course, and a day out of the office to support local cancer families. The Birds & Beer event is on tap for July 15, with the location to be announced in May. This is a casual FUNdraising event that brings in Nebraska breweries from throughout the state, plus state and local restaurants, to provide participants with the best chicken wings and brews going. Tickets are $35 per person and include all-you-can-taste food and drinks, a pint glass to keep, and a swag giveaway—all in a safe and socially distanced environment.

Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved in the Angels Among Us mission, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission Expands Services to Underserved Areas in State of Nebraska

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Launches roundit Fundraising Campaign

Heartland Hope Mission has expanded services to reach people in underser ved areas in the state of Nebraska. In recent months, they have hosted mobile food pantries in the towns of Macy, Walthill, and Santee. Along with the mobile food pantry, they deliver hygiene products and baby diapers. The expansion arose because these towns are “food deserts,” whose residents do not have nearby access to a grocery store and where some families are living in extreme poverty.

You can help, too! Partner with Heartland Hope Mission to ensure that the families living in underserved towns have access to fresh produce, meat, milk, and other necessary living essentials for their families. A donation of $31 to HeartlandHopeMission.org will help provide one person with enough food and hygiene products for an entire month.

Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state but is More Than a Pantry as they help families work toward selfsufficiency. The Mission primarily serves working poor families and those who may be facing a crisis situation, by providing them with a week’s supply of food, as well as clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. Visit HeartlandHopeMission.org, like and follow Heartland Hope Mission on Facebook or Instagram (@HeartlandHopeMission) and LinkedIn (@Heartland Hope Mission) to keep up-to-date on all the great work they are doing in the community!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands has partnered with the mobile giving platform, roundit, to help raise money from the community toward matching the 30+ kids on their waiting list with mentors. Once you spend the two minutes it takes set up your free, secure account at roundit and select an optimal monthly giving limit, roundit will round up your spare change every time you purchase something with your debit or credit card and donate it to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands! It’s really that easy to help Littles develop that special relationship with an adult mentor they can talk to and rely on for emotional and educational support and bonding. Step it up and volunteer as a Big match for a Little, while you’re at it!

Child Saving Institute Partnership to Help Children, Families of Domestic Violence Child Saving Institute (CSI) has partnered with the Women’s Center for Advancement (WCA) to launch a new program to bring healing and hope to children and their parents and caregivers who are survivors of domestic violence in the Omahametro area. The collaborative Family Empowerment Program is designed to aid hope and healing for parents/caregivers and their children (ages 4-13) who have experienced domestic or interpersonal violence, regardless of age, race, material status, or gender identity.

“All children deserve happy childhoods,” said CSI President and CEO Peg Harriott. “In order to achieve safety and happiness for all children in our community, we understand that their parent or caregiver must be safe and heal from past trauma. We are thrilled to partner with the WCA to provide this new program model to those in need of these services in Omaha.”

The Family Empowerment Program was supported by Grant Number 90EV0472 from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Family and Youth Services Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Survivors of domestic violence may be referred to the Family Empowerment Program through community partners. Individuals may also inquire about program participation by contacting CSI directly. For more information, visit childsaving.org or contact Director of Prevention Services Jana Habrock at (402) 504-3637 or jhabrock@childsaving.org.

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For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands has been creating meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 7-21 in the Omaha and Council Bluffs area, with a goal of helping children realize their potential and build their futures. For more information about Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands or to volunteer, visit bbbsomaha.org. To get started with your roundit account, visit roundit.com.

JDRF Gala Promises to be an Exciting Evening for the Entire Family The virtual 2021 JDRF Nebraska Gala is finally almost here and promises an exciting evening for the entire family— airing LIVE at 7 p.m. on April 17. JDRF has figured out how to engage everyone in the fun even though this year’s event is virtual. Get the family comfy on your couch and make it a special night—not just for your family but for the lives of children and adults who live with type 1 diabetes (T1D) worldwide and whose lives are enriched by JDRF funding for research to fight for cures and therapies!

Under the theme “Stronger Together,” the 2021 Gala will unite the T1D community to share progress made, celebrate this community’s philanthropic spirit, and remind the world that JDRF and the T1D community are not backing down until they cure this disease.

The Gala will be hosted by Nikki Boulay and include heartfelt messages from JDRF Youth Ambassadors and Gala leadership; an online auction and Fund A Cure Program with Co-hosts Jennifer Griswold and Serese Cole of KMTV 3 News Now; and some exciting entertainment.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Their goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. For more information or to register for the JDRF Promise Gala, call (402) 397-2873 or visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa and scroll down to “Events.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Omaha’s Habitat for Humanity ReStores Now Accepting Volunteers, Donations

Stephen Center Invites Omaha Community to Do Good for the Homeless April 19-24

If your company is looking for a way to safely support the community, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha’s ReStores may be just what you need.

The discount home improvement outlets, which support Habitat Omaha’s work, now are accepting limited numbers of volunteers in their stores. Volunteers help in a variety of ways, including painting or repurposing furniture, assisting with donations, and more. Masks are currently required for all staff, volunteers and customers.

Mark your calendars for a new way to support Stephen Center and people experiencing homelessness in our community. Join in SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Week, April 19-24, presented by First National Bank of Omaha and focused on all forms of support for local causes.

With spring cleaning in full swing, another way companies can support the cause is by holding a donation drive to collect new and gently used home items. Omaha’s Habitat ReStores accept donations of new and gently used residential building supplies, household furniture, home décor items, and select commercial items that they determine will sell in their stores. Those interested in coordinating a donation drive should contact Jackie Knobbe, Senior ReStore Manager, at (402) 884-6798 / jknobbe@habitatomaha.org for details.

Omaha’s Habitat ReStores are discount home improvement outlets that sell new, used, and surplus merchandise at a fraction of their original retail cost to support Habitat for Humanity of Omaha. In addition to providing the public with low-cost building materials, Habitat ReStore helps the environment by diverting usable materials from local landfills. Omaha’s Habitat ReStores are open to the public.

Learn more at OmahaHabitatReStore.org.

Youth Emergency Services Moves its 2021 Dance for a Chance Fundraiser to October With an eye toward ensuring dancer and audience safety amid the ongoing pandemic, Youth Emergency Services (YES) has rescheduled its annual 2021 Dance for a Chance fundraising event to October 7 at the Omaha Design Center—with Presenting Sponsor Lindsay Corporation. After canceling last year’s event due to COVID-19 safety protocols, this year’s “Dance for a Chance: The Roaring Twenty-Twenties” was originally scheduled for August 2021. The date change provides additional time for COVID vaccinations and safer congregating.

“Because of the nature of our event—especially when you have dancers and instructors spending weeks practicing together before performing together—we wanted to make sure we give everyone time to vaccinate and then safely congregate,” said YES Director of Development Barb Farho. “We are looking into some virtual elements to add to this year’s event for those who may not feel comfortable attending in person, and we are looking forward to having an event where people can safely come together and celebrate.”

The 2019 Dance for a Chance proved the most successful in the history of YES, raising more than $130,000. Similar to Dancing with the Stars, Dance for a Chance pairs dancers with instructors, who then work together to create a dance, pick accompanying music, and practice together before competing in October. Attendees enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks, as well as a silent auction, wine grab, photo booth, and a variety of impressive dance routines with opportunities to cheer on and vote for their favorites.

Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and nearhomelessness in our community. For more information or to donate, visit yesomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“Our community proved their generosity year over year on Omaha Gives! Day,” said Stephen Center Executive Director Michael Wehling. “Even in the last year, in the middle of the pandemic, more money was raised for nonprofits on a single day than ever before. Now, we can’t wait to see what the Omaha metro can do when we give together for more than one day.”

As Stephen Center continues to serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness this year, all of forms of support are needed—dollars, time, and items. SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Week is an opportunity to provide all three.

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center serves the homeless, addicted, and those in poverty. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment, and permanent supportive housing for disabled and low-income individuals. In 2020, Stephen Center provided services to 1,278 men, women, and children and served more than 200,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. For more information about Stephen Center, visit stephencenter.org. Follow Do Good Week and donate on Stephen Center’s SHARE Omaha page at shareomaha.org/nonprofit/stephen-center-inc.

Vision Maker Media Launches EnvironmentThemed Programs to Celebrate Anniversary Vision Maker Media (VMM) is launching its first environment-themed program as part of its 45th Anniversary and in acknowledgement of International Earth Day via an online film-streaming event. “commUNITY: Environment is Sacred” is a curation of five films, featuring themes of water, energy, Indigenous food, and health.

These themes highlight important environmental issues that have a direct effect on Native lands and an Indigenous philosophy for the world to better understand. The films will be available for worldwide streaming 24/7 at visionmakermedia.org throughout April. This event is free and open to the public, though registration is required at visionmakermedia.org.

VMM also is presenting two online events about environmental issues, including a social media challenge asking everyone to contribute to the environment by doing a trash pick-up challenge around their local community. Vision Maker Media will also present a moderated panel in collaboration with Indigeneity, a Native-led program within Bioneers that promotes Indigenous approaches to solve the earth’s most pressing environmental and social issues. Bioneers is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote practical and innovative solutions to global environmental and bio-cultural challenges.

Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit established in 1976 with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Nebraska Educational Television (NET). Their mission is to empower and engage Native people to share their stories. For more information about commUNITY: Environment is Sacred or other April events, visit visionmakermedia.org or follow them on Facebook and Instgram (@visionmakermedia).

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NONPROFIT NEWS Wear Yellow Nebraska Celebration Night at Infusion Brewery on Tap for April 30

Join Kids Can Community Center for 2021 Can Do Award Celebration at Noon April 22

Wear Yellow Nebraska is asking supporters to head out to the Infusion Brewery Southwest, 6271 S 118 St. in Omaha, for their April 30 Celebration Night. On tap for 6 to 9 p.m. The event brings supporters together to celebrate another successful year of Wear Yellow Nebraska and the Wear Yellow Ride, Run and Walk and kick off what will be a stellar event in 2021! Even though 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, the community turned out to support the nonprofit and its key fundraising event, and Wear Yellow Nebraska wants to say Thank You to their caring supporters and fellow Nebraskans for joining in the fight against cancer.

Kids Can Community Center invites the community to join their 2021 Can Do Awards Celebration on Thursday, April 22—a virtual streaming event— from noon to 1 p.m. The annual Can Do Awards are given to individuals and organizations in recognition of their contributions to our community.

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

In honor of maintaining COVID precautions, the event will have the back garage doors open for fresh air—and hopefully warm weather! The Celebration Night will include a food truck beginning at 6 p.m., plus music by Conrad & Nellor, and games in the back room/lot of the brewery. Also available for the first time is a limited-edition pale ale created especially for Wear Yellow Nebraska friends!

Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives for people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for each individual’s special circumstances. To learn more or register for the 2021 Ride, Run and Walk, visit wearyellownebraska.org, call (402) 965-1699, or email contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.

Outlook Enrichment Seeking Volunteers for Golf Tournament, Vision Beyond Site Event Outlook Enrichment is seeking volunteers for two upcoming events—the Tee It Up Fore Sight Golf Tournament & Blind Golfer Clinic on June 10 and the Vision Beyond Sight fall fundraiser on November 19. Tee It Up Fore Sight has been called one of the bestrun charity golf events in Omaha. It’s a four-person scramble with lunch, dinner, and a raffle at the Indian Creek Golf Course in Elkhorn.

Volunteers help with event registration, soliciting raffle prizes during the event, assisting golf-clinic participants, and other tasks, as needed.

Vision Beyond Sight is Outlook Enrichment’s fall fundraiser and a great way to meet supporters and program participants. Volunteers assist with decorating the event space, soliciting silent-auction items, greeting arriving guests, assembling event materials, and other tasks, as needed. Volunteers also work one-on-one with teens during events, provide office support, and captain tandem bikes as part of Outlook Enrichment’s Tandem Bike Club.

Outlook Enrichment is a nonprofit that provides resources and support to those with vision loss so they can remain independent.

Like other nonprofits, Outlook relies on the generosity of volunteers to meet the needs of the people the organization serves. They need your support to continue assisting neighbors living with vision loss through their adaptive-technology training and culture, recreation, and peer-support programs. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at outlooken.org or call (531) 365-5051 to chat with their team about your interests.

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The mission of Kids Can Community Center is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood education and quality out-of-school experiences. Originally founded in 1908 as a Social Settlement Association, the nonprofit organization has evolved over the last century to meet the constantly changing needs of children and families in the community. For more information or to purchase tickets or sponsorships for the Can Do Awards, visit kidscan.org. Ticket or sponsorship purchases will come with a link to the livestream event.

If you have additional questions, contact Cliff McEvoy at (402) 7316988 or cmcevoy@kidscan.org.

United Healthcare Grant Provided $300K for Saving Grace to Meet Growing Needs Partnerships are at the very heart of Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue’s mission, and a recent case in point is a partnership with United Healthcare that netted a $300,000 grant for the nonprofit to purchase a new refrigerated van, buy a 14-foot replacement refrigerated truck, and add staff positions, outreach, and education.

The grant is helping Saving Grace meet the increased demand for services by building capacity, which is especially crucial during the pandemic when more people than ever are food-insecure. Saving Grace works to save excess perishable food that otherwise would be wasted and provide it to organizations that are feeding hungry people in our community.

“This grant from United Healthcare is one example of how partnerships are crucial in every part of our program,” said Beth Ostdiek Smith, Saving Grace’s founder and CEO. “The new replacement refrigerated truck and van position us to better respond to emerging opportunities for food donations.”

All told, about 60 food vendors donate their surplus perishable food to Saving Grace, which then delivers it to the more than 40 nonprofit agencies that use this nutritious food for their clients. Financial donors, along with the relationships Saving Grace has built with key funders, also are critical to sustaining and growing these operations.

For more information about Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue or to become a funding partner, vendor, or nonprofit recipient of rescued food, visit savinggracefoodrescue.org or call (402) 215-6718. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS NALA Seeks Community Support to Pay $5K in Medical Costs for Rescued Dog

Tickets Now Available for Boys Town’s 10th Annual Blue Water Bash on July 24

Now named Max, this German Shepherd was found as a stray in Wichita, KS and given only three days before being euthanized, but Nebraska Animal Loving Advocates (NALA) rescued him and is seeking community support to pay for about $5,000 in medical costs for lifesaving surgeries and procedures. X-rays show clearly that he has a broken leg, and his left leg bone is not in the hip socket. Currently with a caring foster mom, Max will need a femoral head ostectomy to remove the head and neck from his femur—or an amputation. His leg has been broken on the growth plate for at least a year, resulting in pain as well as muscle wasting and calcification of the bone trying to reattach in the wrong place. Max has a long road ahead of him, plus steep medical costs, but NALA will not give up on him. He is a sweet 2-year-old who deserves the good life.

Tickets are now available for Boy’s Town’s 10th Annual Blue Water Bash at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 24.

Whether you join them under the big tent for a socially distanced event, or virtually, it’s sure to be a fun-filled summer party to benefit Boys Town’s Okoboji Camp. Their goal is to raise $125,000, and sponsorships are greatly needed. Stay tuned for more information as Boys Town continues to navigate the safety guidelines for the event—and be sure to register your phone for early access and mobile bidding on their exciting auction items: just text boji21 to 76278.

The mission of Nebraska’s Animal Loving Advocates educates people about the dangers of puppy mills and the realities of backyard breeders. If you are interested in donating to help pay Max’s medical expenses, please visit www.nalarescue.org.

FAMILY, Inc. Plans Daily Projects for 2021 SHARE Omaha Do Good Week Fundraiser FAMILY, Inc. is planning daily projects during SHARE Omaha’s Do Good Week, April 19-24, to enlighten donors about their mission to provide publichealth and family support to women, children, and families in the Omaha region. Do Good Week provides an outlet for celebrating and highlighting nonprofit successes by donating to help them continue serving the community, and FAMILY, Inc. is grateful for the community’s continued support toward their mission.

During Do Good Week, FAMILY, Inc. is celebrating Mission Monday, New Donor Tuesday, Wish-List Wednesday, Volun-Thursday, Fund it Friday, and Celebration Saturday to give community members options for helping in ways that truly make a difference in people’s lives. On Wish-List Wednesday, donors are invited to visit the FAMILY, Inc. Wish List on Amazon (a.co/oG5rfw3) to purchase specific items that help meet the nonprofit’s mission—for example, a host of children’s books to help with their Raise Me to Read campaign to support literacy and early learning. During April, FAMILY, Inc. will also be making extra Thank You gestures for their 2020 volunteers, in support of National Volunteer month!

FAMILY Inc. provides public-health education, support, and connection to resources for women, children, and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. To donate to FAMILY Inc.’s mission, visit familyia. org anytime or Shareomaha.org during Do Good Week. For more information, contact Kimberly at kkolakowski@familyia.org or (712) 256-9566, ext. 240. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Boys Town believes that every child deserves a future, and to fulfill that dream provides compassionate, high-quality care to at-risk children, focusing on the love, support, and education they need to thrive. Boys Town National Research Hospital offers a broad range of hospital and clinical services, backed by 40 years of research, to provide the most innovative care to their patients. Learn more at boystown.org. To get tickets or become a sponsor for the 2021 Blue Water Bash, visit e.givesmart.com/events/kt4/.

MLCDC Offers New ‘Mujeres Emprendedoras’ Education Program for Women Entrepreneurs Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) announced the launch of a new financial-education training series, “Mujeres Emprendedoras,” as part of its Women Entrepreneurs Program.

The program includes five sessions addressing budgeting, loans and credit management, how much to spend on a vehicle and housing, and asset building and retirement.

The program creation stems from lessons learned during the pandemic.

Specifically, MLCDC learned through their clients and participants during the last year that Latino communities in Omaha and Council Bluffs were more vulnerable than the average employee to losing their jobs to the pandemic. Some of the lost jobs will not return, or individuals will see their working hours reduced permanently, and personal financial decisions impact families' ability to respond to and meet basic needs during such times of crisis.

The new MLCDC trainings aim to deliver knowledge to low- and moderate-income participants to make more informed financial decisions.

The program is being extended to the Council Bluffs community thanks to a partnership with Centro Latino of Iowa. Program participants will receive training and access to a personal financial coach to evaluate their financial situation and create an action plan with the goal of lowering their stress and financial burden. MLCDC trainings are supported by U.S. Bank, FNBO, and United Way of the Midlands.

The mission at the heart of the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation is to provide training opportunities to low- and moderate-income individuals to achieve financial stability and economic growth through entrepreneurship. For more information about MLCDC, contact Juan Montoya at (402) 9334466 / info@midlandslatinocdc or visit midlandslatinocdc.org.

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HEALTH NEWS Wheels of Courage Car Show Supports Cancer Patients at Methodist Jennie Edmundson

UNMC App by Deepta Ghate is First to Show What Glaucoma Patients See

This year’s Wheels of Courage Car Show is slated for June 26 at Quaker Steak & Lube in Council Bluffs, to support Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s Charitable Patient Care Fund. So, if you’re a car enthusiast and have a vehicle you would like to show, this is the event for you! Go back to the Rock ‘N’ Roll era and see gorgeous classics cars, including vintage vehicles and hot rods. More than 200 cars are expected to participate in the 2021 show, and a registration fee of just $20 will put you and your favorite show car in the line-up. Register by June 18 to receive a free T-shirt. The event will include 13 judging categories, plus special awards. Judging begins at 12 p.m., and awards will be presented at 3 p.m. Bring your family out to enjoy this FREE fun event!

Deepta Ghate, MD and associate professor in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, collaborated with students from the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Information Science and Technology to develop an app that allowed ophthalmologists to see what their glaucoma patients see. The app was then studied on 12 glaucoma patients. In the study, participants used the app on an iPad to modify “blur” or “dimness” to match their perception of a two-by-two meter wall-mounted poster at one meter distance. They looked at various scenes and recorded what they saw. Patients could modify the scenes so ophthalmologists could see what the patient sees and compare and validate the vision of the patient.

The Jennie Edmundson Hospital Foundation is indebted to the longtime support they have received from large and small communities across southwest Iowa and the Omaha metro area. All proceeds from Wheels of Courage will benefit Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s Charitable Patient Care Fund, which helps Jennie cancer patients in their times of need. For more information about registering your car or becoming a sponsor, go to jehfoundation.org or call (712) 396-6040.

NAM Launches Fourth COVID-19 Pulse Poll to Measure Pandemic Effects on Nonprofits The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) launched the fourth iteration of its COVID-19 Pulse Poll in late March and is encouraging nonprofits to participate in this important survey to help measure the ongoing effects of the pandemic on the region’s nonprofit industry. NAM first measured the impact of COVID-19 on the nonprofit community in March 2020, and information gathered through each poll provides comparative analysis about how nonprofits were faring last year compared to today. The results also identify trends and provide government, philanthropy and corporate sector leaders with access to valuable data at a time when the demand for nonprofit services is higher than ever. NAM is encouraging nonprofits in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to complete the survey, at www. surveymonkey.com/r/NAMPulsePoll4, by April 7.

The last COVID-19 Pulse Poll, conducted in October 2020, indicated that the pandemic has had significant budgetary implications for area nonprofits. Approximately 75% of the 248 nonprofit survey respondents reported budgetary implications related to the pandemic’s strains on the economy, estimating a combined total revenue hit of $54 million by October 2020, up $42 million from their estimates in April 2020. While demand for nonprofit services increased, nonprofits were restricted in their ability to respond due to the immediate need for supplies, staffing, volunteers, and resources from government, philanthropic, and business entities.

NAM is a state association that represents more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. The Association strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, this is the fourth online Pulse Poll that NAM has completed.

For more information, visit nonprofitam.org or contact Hannah Young at Hannah@nonprofitam.org.

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One of the problems with glaucoma is patients don’t know they are losing their vision. Their central vision is perfect, often 20/20, but the glaucoma is continuously causing a loss of peripheral vision so slowly that, normally, it isn’t noticeable. The app can show patients they have lost vision even when they think they’re vision is fine. Learn more at www.unmc.edu/eye.

Walk Together, But Apart, in 2nd Virtual AHA Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk With the coronavir us pandemic continuing to keep Americans distanced, the American Heart Association (AHA) is embracing the new normal and moving its iconic Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk to a virtual platform for the second consecutive year—but with an exclusive twist. Presented locally

by Union Pacific, this year’s participants will be invited to walk the brand new, never-before-seen Lake Cunningham trail, as it will be available to AHA Heart & Stroke Walk participants only for the week of the walk!

On Saturday, June 5, Heart & Stroke Walk participants and teams will remain physically apart but together in their efforts to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, encourage physical activity, and raise lifesaving funds for AHA, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all. Get moving at home and around your neighborhoods, follow along with the fun on Facebook (@HeartNebraska), take a walk outside, get the whole family involved with an indoor dance party, try out some new strengthening exercises, create an at-home circuit workout, or do whatever gets you moving for heart health!

“While we are not able to be together in-person for this year’s event, we’re still focused on our main goal—funding groundbreaking research through the passion of walking together to change lives,” said 2021 Heart Walk Chair Chad Beeson, who is president of Tetrad Property Group. “I am honored to serve and play a role in the promise of a better future for younger generations to live a longer, healthier life.”

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To register for the virtual Greater Omaha Heart & Stroke Walk, visit www.OmahaHeartWalk.com.

Download the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via email or social media. On the day of the event, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirts and post pictures and videos to document their activity using #OmahaHeartWalk. Money raised funds research, advocacy, CPR training, and promotion of better health. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS CenterPointe Providing Beacon of Hope via Programs More Tailored to Youth, Families

Red Cross Honors Local Citizens with 20th Annual Heroes of the Heartland Awards

Among the newer services offered at CenterPointe’s outpatient facility are ones specifically tailored to providing a beacon of hope to youth and their families. That includes outpatient therapy, family therapy, Parenting Magic 1, 2, 3, and group therapy.

For all youth and family services, walk-ins are welcome, or you can call to make an appointment. And when it comes to results, nothing speaks louder than firsthand stories from people who have already participated in CenterPointe’s Youth and Family Program, like this one:

The American Red Cross Serving the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro area recognized four area citizens with Heroes in the Heartland Awards on March 9 via a virtual event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the awards. The four winners were recognized for extraordinary acts and services to the community. The Heroes were nominated by peers and the general public, and then chosen by a committee of community members. The 2021 Heroes are: • S helly Sc hwedhelm is the executive director of Emergency Preparedness and Infectious D i s e a s e a t U n i ve r s i t y o f Nebraska Medical Center and holds leadership roles with the Bio Preparedness Team. She has led many of UNMC’s efforts in responding to the pandemic and is a strategic advisor on the allocation of resources.

• Dennis Svoboda, who jumped into action when a member of his exercise group collapsed.

Svoboda, a lieutenant with the Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, started CPR, while others called 911. He continued compressions for about seven minutes until first responders arrived, helping ensure a full recovery for the individual.

• Dan Schreck, who stepped up to do everything he could to help when blood collection faced challenges during COVID-19.

From hosting blood drives through Church of Jesus Christ LDS in Papillion to connecting the Red Cross with additional prospective hosts, he has helped to ensure additional drives were held and increased donations were collected.

• Scott Gray, the Omaha Police Deputy Chief who was inside a n O m a h a H y Ve e w h e n gunfire was heard. He ran toward the shots and, along with a bystander, tackled the individual who had fired shots outside the building before walking inside and firing again. Fortunately, no one was hurt by the gunfire and the suspect was apprehended.

Video stories on each of the four Heroes and their acts and services were produced and shared during the virtual event and are available on the Nebraska Red Cross YouTube channel.

Heroes in the Heartland is the signature celebration and the primary annual fundraiser for the American Red Cross of the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metro Area. Funds raised during the event support the Home Fire Campaign, through which the Red Cross helps to prepare for, prevent, and respond to disasters. Donations ensure that the Red Cross can offer help and hope to those in the community affected by emergencies.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. For more information, please visit redcross.org or follow them on Facebook (@NEIARedCross) or Twitter (@neiaredcross).

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“I came to CenterPointe after being hospitalized,” an individual participant said. “There was a lot of buzz going on in my head, and I was really struggling with day-to-day functioning. Coming home from the hospital, even with the partial programs provided, seemed daunting. Having a supportive network of peers and staff to meet with so often, when coming out of such a vulnerable place, was exactly what I needed in order to adjust back into my surroundings. The skills I learned during my time in the group continue to help me see things through a different lens and give me new options on how to approach my mental health.”

CenterPointe is a nonprofit organization that offers a broad continuum of nearly 40 care programs for the disadvantaged, individuals and families facing homelessness, and those with mental health challenges.

For more information, visit centerpointe.org. To make an appointment for youth and family services programs, call (402) 475-5161.

Clearwater Counseling Observing Stress Awareness Month with Stress Coping Tips Clearwater Counseling, PC is observing Stress Awareness Month throughout April to help inform people about the dangers of stress and harmful misconceptions about stress in society, as well as offering information about successful coping strategies. Clearwater encourages individuals to be aware of their mental health and stress by way of mindful exercises, including practicing meditation, maintaining self-care, and speaking to a professional mental health provider when needed.

Stress can be debilitating at times and, unfortunately, can affect anyone. In fact, nearly everyone feels occasional stress. It’s important to note that people who are stressed—especially those prone to chronic stress—are more susceptible to a variety of ailments, from headaches and insomnia to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, relationship issues, stress, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, codependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, and more.

Clearwater Counseling, PC is a private practice offering mental health services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Omaha and Grand Island areas. They work to treat mental health diagnoses through personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance quality of life. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@ clearwatercounselingne.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Protection and Surveillance Technology to Safeguard Your Business Round-the-Clock

Your Business. Automated. Protected.

Any business owner will tell you that running your own business is a handson endeavor with a focus on protecting valuable assets – everything from employees to inventory and equipment.

Keeping the business safe and secure is always a top priority, but sometimes when you are the one in charge; it feels like there are just not enough hours in the day to do it well. That’s where Cox Business Security Solutions can help by putting the most advanced security, automation and surveillance technology in good hands – yours.

Cox Business Security Solutions uses the most advanced protection and surveillance technology to safeguard your business enabling you to monitor, protect and control your business anywhere at any time.

Security • Arm or disarm your security system from anywhere.

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

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

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

Automation • Turn On/Off electronic devices remotely such as an Open Sign or put them on an automated schedule.

• Control your thermostat from anywhere or lock it to make sure no one else can adjust it.

• Set contingency “rules” and create “scenes” to act for you in times you cannot.

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

• On-premise video storage.

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

Many businesses install surveillance cameras and motion detectors as safety measures. In fact on a recent visit to a local business, our Security Consultants found that one company had installed 32 security cameras. The problem was that only eight of them were still working. What differentiates Cox from other security system providers is the management of those security solutions. In a word, it’s the service. After all, what good is a security system that is not routinely monitored to ensure that it is in good working order?

Cox not only provides smartphone and tablet applications that allow you to monitor your business activities at all times, we also teach you how to effectively use all of that technology. It’s not just about monitoring for internal and external theft, businesses today use the system in a variety of ways including to monitor workflow, determine staffing requirements and check to ensure vendor accountability.

Cox utilizes automation tools to ensure your business is running the way you like it. Furthermore, they are using it to put money back into their customers’ pocket. One local business can attest that if it weren’t for Cox’s Temperature sensors, they would be out thousands of dollars in inventory in their walk-in cooler. Many other businesses across our markets find that there is an incredible amount of savings in managing your thermostat remotely.

A customer favorite feature, is the ability to set a temperature change to automatically occur upon arming and disarming their system. No need to pay for cooling during the hot summer months during closing hours!

At Cox Business Security Solutions, it is our job to protect your business, even when you’re not there.

We encourage you to join the smart business revolution and put advanced security and surveillance technology to work for you. For more information, visit www.cox.com or contact Sahar.David@cox.com or (479) 283-1338.

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#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Vibrant, creative, and big-picture driven, Rachel Bythwood Ayers has built Bythwood Creative, formerly Bow Kite Design, into a marketing, branding, and events agency for nearly six years. With a background in graphic design and a strong community connection through small local business, Rachel has established a high standard of excellence while keeping fun and excitement in the client process. Curating brand projects and designing high-level marketing assets have been the passion and driving force behind the growth of both Rachel’s work and the expansion of her company.

“I love finding beauty in the details, and building a vision from the ground up," Rachel said. "The chance to create memorable and inspiring branding and marketing is what keeps me on my toes, and keeps me engaged in this industry every single day!”

Whether a client’s needs involve capitalizing on their social media platforms, website and marketing materials, an overhaul of a brand, or help throwing a dynamic and exciting event, Bythwood Creative can help with it all!

To learn more about Bythwood Creative, visit bythwoodcreative.com, or email rachel@ bythwoodcreative.com.

Hanah Rasmussen is the owner and visionary of Trillion Health & Hormone Clinic. Hanah has dedicated her life and career to women’s health, challenging the status quo, and diving deeper into issues that impact women of all ages. Trillion Health is designed and built to make women and their health a priority. Trillion Health was founded in 2019 with the mission of giving women an extraordinary health care experience—listening, exploring cutting edge treatments and therapies, and making real, meaningful change in the life of each patient they have the opportunity to serve.

“Most women have had a healthcare experience where they felt brushed off,” said Rasmussen. “Here, women are listened to and treated with respect. They can be as involved in their personal care as they want to be.”

Trillion Health & Hormone focuses on personalizing every patient’s experience and educating along the way. Regardless of if you’re being seen for an annual women’s exam or hormone therapy, patients should play an active role in their healthcare.

Rasmussen adds, “This is serious healthcare for women. Our team is comprised of brilliant people who are exceptional and passionate about what we do; without losing site of compassionate interactions with our patients.”

Trillion Health & Hormone, currently based in Omaha at 11819 Miracle Hills Dr., offering a satellite, soon to be full time, office in Lincoln, specializes in women’s health, hormone therapy, and medical aesthetics. To learn more, visit www. trillionhh.com or call (402) 201-2373. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Dulce Sherman is the owner and chief executive advisor of Sherman Executive Consulting.

Running Sherman Executive Consulting full-time means that Dulce is making her dream come true while helping others in the process! She understands how easy it is to get sidetracked with things like human resources when leaders wear multiple hats. Dulce is ready to work with small business and nonprofit leaders to provide HR and operations resources they need to achieve their long-term objectives.

Dulce graduated from Bellevue University with a Master of Arts degree in management and completed the Organization Development Graduate Certificate program at the Fielding Graduate Institute. In addition to her consulting work, Dulce is president of the Latino Center of the Midlands Board and serves on several other nonprofit boards like Girls, Inc. of Omaha, Millard Public Schools Foundation, Heartland Workers Center, and the Nebraska Aids Project. Last year, she completed the inaugural LeadDIVERSITY program through Inclusive Communities and the Nonprofit Executive Institute program through the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands.

Wouldn’t you love to be able to call a trusted human resources leader when you have questions about employee relations, policies, or hiring practices? Let’s work together so you can focus on growing your business instead. To learn more about Sherman Executive Consulting, visit www.ShermanExecutiveConsulting. com or connect with Dulce by calling (402) 305-2236 or emailing Dulce@ ShermanExecutiveConsulting.com.

"The Lord has given me a gift, and my prayer is I use it for His glory," said Theresa Bradley, owner of Lady Bradley’s Salon. After 27 years in the industry, Theresa finds the most joy in helping cancer patients feel beautiful and confident while going through their journey. She has women and girls ranging from ages 12–82 who have hair-loss needs, from alopecia hair loss to medication-related hair loss and chemotherapy-induced hair loss. In addition, some women have hereditary thinning. Theresa consults with them and customizes a style, partial hairpiece, or a full wig. A lot of women want to cut off and save their hair prior to starting chemotherapy. Theresa helps them through this process. At times, family members will donate their hair. Theresa's mother has been a licensed cosmetologist for 40 years and helps her with the wigs, and Theresa's daughter Kaniyah just finished beauty school and is joining the business. They are honored to have three generations.

Theresa also loves to conduct classes for multiracial children and parents on hair care. She produced a DVD called Speaking the Curly Hair Language. This video resource has benefitted adoptive and foster care parents of multiracial children and has been utilized by various agencies in Nebraska.

"Women who juggle a family and a business have to apply the oxygen mask rule to our lives—we have to make sure we are secured before we can secure others," said Theresa.

"For me, spending alone time with the Lord and getting on the treadmill in the morning is how I fill my bucket so I can, in turn, pour myself out to others."

Lady Bradley’s Salon is located at 13819 T Plaza—it's a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

They specialize in hair extensions and custom wigs. To book an appointment, call (402) 391-7979 or visit the Facebook page (@ tbradloveshair).

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Teresa Elliott leads up NextHome Signa tur e Real Estate, a progressive real estate franchise with consumer focused technology, a thriving culture, and worldclass marketing.

Teresa works to be an award-winning real estate professional with a purpose for providing a luxury client experience. If asked why she chose this industry, she always answers that she loves helping people.

For over 29 years, Teresa has counseled, contracted, and collaborated with a diverse client base in Omaha and surrounding cities. The amount of activity swirling in her community has provided great networking opportunities and, more importantly, a fulfilling and ever-growing philanthropic impact. Teresa’s dedication to encouraging and mentoring others extends beyond her professional responsibility, personally investing in the growth and success of her team members into impeccable producers. Real Estate is more than a job to her, it is her calling.

NextHome Signature Real Estate is an innovative and connected boutique of real estate professionals empowered to deliver an exceptional real estate experience throughout the community. To learn more, visit nexthomesre.com or contact Teresa at (402) 445-4899 / Teresa@ElliottOmaha.com.

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

– Mark Antony

Pa p p a s M a r k e t i n g Communications, formerly Albers Communications

Group, was established in 2021 by longtime Albers employee Gina Pappas. Founded by Tom Albers in 2000, the firm has built a history of providing trusted marketing counsel to hundreds of clients throughout the Midwest. When Tom passed away in 2015, Gina continued serving clients in the areas of public relations, digital marketing, and video production as president.

Now, as sole owner, she looks forward to putting her own mark on the firm while honoring what Tom worked so hard to build.

The future of the firm is built on a simple idea: planning + strategy = results. Successful marketing strategies are built on a strong foundation of planning. Careful consideration of the best channels for sharing your message is what drives results. By creating the right mix of earned, owned, shared, and paid media solutions, Pappas Marketing Communications approaches each client relationship as a marketing partnership. To learn more, visit www. pappasmarketing.com or contact Gina at (402) 292-5553, ext. 1 / gina@ pappasmarketing.com.

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Gina and her husband Brandon are parents to Grant (14), Colin (12), and Kendall (10). In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and cheering on her kids in hockey, baseball, and dance.

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Shandra Pettit, interior designer and principal of Apropos Design, launched her business in April of 2014 to fulfill her entrepreneurial drive, creative spirit, and passion for design.

apropos D E S I G N

Apropos Design is a comprehensive interior design studio with experience in a multitude of styles. From floor plans to finishes, Shandra’s work encompasses every detail of design for new construction, additions, remodels, and redesigns. Her knowledge of cabinet design and work within multiple rendering programs offers clients a visual resource to view their dream space in an exciting and realistic manner.

Known for her natural ability to connect and communicate, she provides clients with an enjoyable experience while creating beautiful, functional spaces. Recognizing the value of working with authenticity and integrity, she earns clients’ trust and respect. She strives to exceed homeowners’ expectations and build lasting relationships. Shandra prides herself on being an advocate for her clients. She educates homeowners about products and the design process to ensure they are comfortable throughout their project.

“Creativity feeds my soul! I am grateful every day for the opportunity to do what I love and affect my clients’ homes and lives in positive ways,” said Shandra.

Shandra is Allied ASID and a member of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). To learn more about Apropos Design, visit www.aproposdesign.co or call (402) 203-6824.

In 2011, at the age of 26, J enny Christopherson founded Cat Grooming by Jenny, INC. out of her laundry room. After six years, the space became too small for the demand and she began getting requests for cat boarding/sitting as her clients were having a hard time finding anywhere they felt comfortable leaving their fur babies. Jenny soon learned that there was not a good option for cat boarding in the area and decided to open up her first store front location in 2017. Here, she was able to hire her first couple employees and offer eight luxury boarding suites. After just three years, they outgrew the space with another groomer on the team and one in training. In August of 2020, Jenny decided it was best for the growing business to start doing business as The Grand Feline Hotel & Salon.

They moved to a 3,700-square-foot facility, and it is now one of the largest cat-exclusive luxury boarding facilities in the United States!

Jenny now has five awesome employees; 22 adorable boarding suites that offer webcams and plenty of room for the kitties to run, climb, and play; two grooming areas; and plenty of room to grow. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys shopping, reading, watching Netflix, and spending time with her husband and three kids out hiking or traveling.

The Grand Feline Hotel & Salon is located at 2611 S 159 Plaza. It is the purr-fect place to take your cat(s) for boarding and grooming needs. They offer nail caps applications, specializing in lion cuts, full groomings including bath, brushout, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and shaving. The quiet, clean, colorful decor will put you at ease and help your cat stay stress free. For more information, go to Grandfeline.com, visit the Instagram and Facebook page, or call (402) 708-7341. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

“I am proud of the woman I am today, because I went through one hell of a time becoming her.”

F o u n d e d by K i m b e r l y Remmer eid i n 2 0 1 5 , Contour Construction, a commercial rough and finish carpentry company, has overseen intricate and d e t a i l e d wo o dwo r k i n g projects come to life in commercial establishments around the Omaha metro. Under Kimberly’s leadership, the company has grown from a core team of professional craftsmen and women to employing over 30 talented carpentry experts. Women working in construction numbered 1.5% of the entire U.S. workforce in 2018, according to the National Association of Women in Construction.

“For years, the construction industry was dominantly lead by men. I’m so proud to be in the construction industry as a female and make a difference on how women are viewed in construction,” said Kimberly.

Kimberly’s passion for excellence in construction is evident in her company’s success and contributions to the Omaha Metro community. Kimberly can be reached at (402) 238-2362 / kimberly@contourconstruct.com. Learn more about Contour Construction online at contour-construct.com.

In 2009, Monica Sempek picked up a camera to take pictures of flowers for her sister’s memorial garden.

Twelve years later, it would appear she never put it down.

“From flowers to faces” is Monica’s saying. She began shooting events in the community, trading her services in exchange for a ticket in the door. She loved how taking photos could take her so many places, and how it allowed her to tell people’s stories. Though she didn’t know it at the time, Monica was building her portfolio and a strong career as a photographer. Since then, she has grown Monica Sempek Photography into a household name in Omaha—everyone knows and loves her! This is because she channels all her energy towards making people feel empowered, beautiful, and comfortable.

The Monica Sempek Photography studio is located at 5514 N 103rd St., and it doubled as an event space before COVID. Monica had to pivot and converted her studio to a content creative space, and she leases it out to other photographers and online creatives. With the decline in events, Monica’s bread and butter has become commercial photography and her “Mugshot Mondays”— but as she will tell you, everything in life is an event! So Monica looks forward to remaining Omaha’s Premier Event Photographer. In her free time, you can find Monica fishing, camping, and enjoying time outdoors at the lake. To schedule a photography session for yourself, company, family, or upcoming event, call (402) 203-7908 or visit www. monicasempekphotography.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

After a life-long career in the medical field as a surgeon, bioinformatics scientist, and healthcare quality professional, Valeriya Kettelhut decided to share her experience and expertise in another way—helping others achieve a healthy and youthful appearance with bringing advanced skin rejuvenation treatments, unique body contouring technologies, paramedical aesthetics tattoo with permanent makeup, and top professional skincare products and nutraceuticals. She assembled a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who share the same passion for helping men and women of all ages improve their health and look their best. With the opening of Valeriya Life, the Valeriya Life team has already helped many people to not only improve their look but transform their lifestyle to a healthier and happier one. To learn more about all the services offered, visit www.valeriya.life or call (531) 777-2752 to make an appointment.

Get your initial consultation free and 20% off for your first treatment.

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

As a 17-year recovering drug addict who got pregnant as a teenager, Brittney knows firsthand how life-changing daily exercise and balanced nutrition can be when the world feels like it’s caving in.

She’ll help you kick your excuses to the curb! To get in touch with Brittney, email brittney@rexiusnutrition.com or visit www. brittneyrexius.com to view training plans.

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spring lawn care Your Home for John Deere Lawn and Turf Equipment

As the hot and steamy Nebraska temperatures loom on the horizon, it’s time to dig out your gardening tools and turn your attention to the landscape at your home or business so you can enjoy lush green grass, bold, vibrant colors, fragrant aromas, and functional outdoor spaces this summer. The options abound for creating a healthy, beautiful landscape for you, guests, and passers-by to enjoy, but careful preparation and maintenance of your lawn is the first crucial step in creating a masterpiece that’s the envy of the entire neighborhood. If you start with creating a strong foundation at the base of your landscaping, you are better equipped to fill it out with all the bells and whistles that make it stand out from the crowd. Making sure your soil, grass, and fertilizer are working together is crucial to the process—as is the right lawn-care equipment!

Nothing Runs Like a Deere!

The very heart of a live landscape is establishment of a healthy lawn. No matter how much you invest in fancy plants and trees, they always look their best when they are adjacent to green, lush grounds. Regardless of the size of your yard or your landscaping project, AKRS Equipment Solutions can provide an extensive array of John Deere equipment you need to get the job done right.

AKRS offers John Deere turf, compact utility tractors, and compact construction equipment, plus a host of attachments, to accomplish any yard or acreage project. Preparing the ground in the spring is critical to bringing it all to fruition, though.

Crete

Elkhorn

2185 County Rd H 402-826-4347

11550 N 204th St 402-238-2211

Gretna

Seward

15151 S Hwy 31 402-332-4967

977 280th Rd 402-643-3616

Syracuse

257 N 30th Rd 402-269-2241

AKRS.com

“Be sure to apply the first treatment of fertilizer and pre-emergent to your yard in the spring to stop early-season weeds and get the grass growing,” said AKRS Turf and Commercial Product Manager Travis Harrison. “Rake and remove any large clumps of dead grass or leaves to give the yard access to sunlight and room to grow. Start your sprinkler system and adjust to cover your entire yard with water. Get all your mower blades sharpened, fresh oil, and air filter, and all Travis Harrison tires aired up, so you’ll be ready to cut AKRS Equipment Solutions the grass as it begins to grow.”

When it comes to choosing a mower or keeping up with lawn maintenance, AKRS is in your corner. The John Deere equipment they sell offers the lowest cost of ownership in the industry, and their mowers have, over the years, proven to operate longer with fewer repairs, and maintain their value better than any other product on the market. AKRS even has a service available to keep your equipment in top working order.

“AKRS Equipment offers a Ready to Mow Service in the Omaha and Lincoln communities, where we will come to your home or business

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and perform routine maintenance on-site and ensure that your equipment always performs well,” Travis said. “For larger repairs, we offer pickup and delivery to one of our AKRS locations.”

For commercial mowing, one of the hottest trends in mowers is the John Deere QuikTrak Stand-on Mower, which AKRS offers.

These stand-behind movers serve up advanced maneuverability and speed to allow you to mow more and feel less fatigued at the end of the day. On the residential side, the John Deere line of Lawn Tractors provides mowing with a variety of attachments to make landscaping chores simple and easy.

AKRS Equipment Solutions is a Nebraska-owned John Deere dealership serving Omaha and the surrounding community with two locations—one in Elkhorn and another in Gretna near the Nebraska Crossing shopping center. As you start planning your landscaping maintenance, call on one of these AKRS stores and get equipped to create the envy of the neighborhood.

“Customers can stop in at their convenience and learn what equipment best fits their needs,” Travis said. “The earlier they pay us a visit, the sooner we can get them up and running with the guidance and equipment they need to maintain the best lawn in the neighborhood. Come see us and take a test drive on any John Deere product. After all, Nothing Runs Like a Deere!”

A To-Do List The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) provides a checklist for getting started on building a healthy lawn for the summer of 2021. Begin by inspecting your trees and shrubs, remove broken branches, and prune them or have a professional do it. You should also test your soil every few years to maintain a proper pH balance and nutrient mix, which you can get done through a local testing lab like Midwest Laboratories in Omaha. This testing can help you determine the nutrient needs of your soil so that you can choose a fertilizer that matches your lawn’s specific needs.

Spring is the optimal time to fertilize in a warm climate like Nebraska delivers. The NALP recommends using a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer to reduce possible losses to the environment and maximize nutrient absorption. Most plants, trees, and shrubs will benefit from proper fertilizing, as well. In some situations, organic materials can also help improve the health of your soil. When you choose the right fertilizer for your needs, be sure to read the label and know the exact size of your lawn: Using too much can harm your lawn and increase your costs, and using too little won’t deliver the results you’re hoping for.

Weed control is always a challenge, but spring is the right time to apply pre-emergent weed control for things like crabgrass, NALP reports. You’ll also want to rake out the old leaves and debris in planting beds and create neat edges with an edging tool. Placing an inch-thick layer of fresh mulch in the beds and around your trees will maintain a neat look and help retain moisture in the soil and keep roots cool in the summer and insulated in winter. The final item on the to-do list is to inspect your irrigation system to see if it is working properly—or better yet, have a professional in Omaha do it for you.

NALP reports that healthy lawns also absorb unhealthy runoff that might otherwise filter into bodies of water, absorb carbon dioxide and break down into oxygen and carbon, and dramatically reduce noise pollution by 20% - 30% over hard surfaces. A recent study by the U.S. Forest Service also found that neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and larger, healthy yards enjoy reduced crime rates, and another study found that green spaces lead to lower incidences of stress, lower healthcare costs, and an overall improvement in quality of life. Picture yourself driving down a neighborhood street lined with lush lawns and orderly greenery.

It’s calming just to think about it, isn’t it?

A View from the Deck After all the hard work you put into your lawn and landscaping, you want a comfortable, attractive place to relax with a beverage and enjoy the fruits of your labor—or invite friends and family over to show it off! Whether you’re in the market for a new deck or yours just needs some TLC, we recommend Gitt Construction for the job. They create wood, composite, and even stone decking and pergolas that complement your home and provide the perfect space for entertaining, relaxing, and dining with family and friends.

Gitt Construction is licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection, and their deck work even comes with a warranty, so you can feel good about having them complete your project. They take every step to do it the right way—the first time—treating every project with care, going above and beyond by sealing the tops of the joists before decking to further prevent any future issues. You’ll be amazed how well they can match a new deck to your existing property—it’s a perfect fit every time!

Getting started on your 2021 landscaping plans begins with creating and maintaining a healthy lawn. Get the right equipment and the right Omaha experts on the job today!

Gitt Construction Omaha’s First Choice The attention to detail, quality and professionalism are unmatched.

Omaha’s Premiere Deck Remodeler

Benefits of a Healthy Lawn Many people don’t realize that the benefits of maintaining a healthy lawn go far beyond pleasing aesthetics. It’s a fact, though.

For example, grass is much cooler than other surface coverings and acts as an air conditioner of sorts for the area. According to the NALP, lawns can be 31 degrees cooler than asphalt and 20 degrees cooler than bare soil, and trees shading your home can reduce the temperature in your attic by as much as 40 degrees!

Grass also plays a crucial role in capturing dust, smoke particles, and other pollutants, and it produces oxygen. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Gittdbr.com

402.740.9551

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STARTING A BUSINESS Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? Do you have an idea that could add to the commerce and personality of the Omaha community? Do you feel empowered to take things into your own hands and seek out new opportunities? If so, you’ve probably dreamed of owning your own business and putting your spirit to the test. Is it a little intimidating?

Sure it is, but if you have the dream and the spirit to follow through, why not test your ideas and give it a try? Just be certain that you are truly dedicated before taking the plunge, because starting a business can be a bit of an arduous and highly detailed process, but the rewards can cover the price of entry.

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a 10-step plan for starting a business, which includes: conducting market research; writing a business plan; funding your business; selecting your business location; choosing a legal structure for your business; choosing your business name; registering your business; getting federal and state tax IDs; applying for licenses and permits; and opening a business bank account. As part of this entire process, we suggest working with a business coach who is a good match for you, hammer out some details, and test your grit. We talked to some savvy business coaches, an accountant, and a commercial built-construction expert in the Omaha area to get some tips for walking the path to business ownership and outfitting your business and employees for success.

Dream Bigger Dreams When entrepreneurs are planning a new business, the big things are more obvious, but they often miss the little things, according to Teams.Coach Owner, Executive Coach, and Business and Creative Strategist Michael King, who can help you dig into all the details so you feel empowered throughout the process.

“New business owners tend to miss the small things,” Michael said. “When you manage the small things, big things happen! For example, let's talk about ‘growth engines,’ Michael King which are the things within your organization Teams.Coach that multiply themselves. Whatever you make visible is what you attract. A new customer can lead to more new customers. A new business relationship can spawn mutually beneficial environments. As a new business owner launches their business, it can be really helpful to strategically plan to build your growth engines into your business plan.”

Teams.Coach offers business coaching to executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. His process consists of weekly coaching calls, resources, team development, and dream sessions in which he and the client take a look at systems, strategies, marketing, branding, personal leadership development, goals, and how to make a bigger impact faster. He also has digital platforms available to suit each entrepreneur’s schedule.

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“Entrepreneurs tend to be the busiest people on the planet,” he said, “so I have set up my platforms for easy access, geared towards the startup and entrepreneur. I love helping startups and entrepreneurs dream bigger dreams and build the constructs that support those dreams.”

Michael describes the need for entrepreneurs to hire business experts to help them achieve their dreams, noting that doing so is the “difference maker between good and great.” As an executive coach, it all comes down to personal relationships and a personalized process. Teams.Coach uses proven strategies for business success, but it’s the personalization that makes them work because there is no such thing as “one size fits all” when it comes to business coaching.

“Your business is a living organism with its own unique challenges and opportunities,” Michael said. “You need an extra set of eyes, ears, and heart to help you navigate and conquer. Our clients will be the first to tell you that we have helped them be that center of conversation in their perspective field. As your executive coach, I will help you define what you do better than everyone else and your story will be heard. Whoever tells the best story wins the culture.”

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WITH LIFE AND HEALTH COACH KARISSA ADKINS

10 WEEK TRANSFORMATION

• Shred Body Fat • Increase Lean Muscle • Double Your Energy • Awaken the Queen Inside of You 365dailyhustle.com/group-coaching

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

Outsourcing Specialties Starting and growing a business comes with extensive responsibilities.

With this in mind, it’s important that you focus on your strengths and hire the right experts to handle portions of your business that are otherwise specialized—workforce management and compliance, for example. Heartland Payroll Solutions helps save you time and improve your accuracy in these areas by automating and streamlining activities. That means you can spend more time growing your business instead of running it!

“As you start your new business, and as your business grows, so do your responsibilities,” said Senior Product Advisor Joan Kurtenbach. “This makes it increasingly difficult to keep up with workforce management and compliance, so it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make incidental mistakes. What platform should I use to hire? How do I know if my employees and I are filling out the I-9 correctly? Wait, we have a federal and a state W4 in Nebraska now? How do I pay overtime to Joan Kurtenbach my non-exempt employees? These questions Heartland Payroll and similar ones are common in our industry, Solutions and that compliance is what Heartland Payroll helps with. We are a secure online platform that integrates your workforce management activities, including hiring, onboarding, payroll, time-tracking, HR, and integration.”

The benefits of partnering with Heartland Payroll include maintaining a management system that is scalable, or unified and flexible to meet your business requirements out of the gate and as you grow. They also provide integration, connecting payroll, hiring, time tracking, and HR Solutions to streamline back-office operations and exchanges data with accounting services, Worker’s Comp, 401K, timeclocks, point of sale, and more.

Heartland also removes an elephant from your shoulders by ensuring that your business remains compliant with all rules and regulations.

They provide a personal service representative who understands your business, serving as an extension of your team and your single point of contact for all your service needs. Crucial in technology times, Heartland also protects your data, employing industry-leading security technology, controls, and compliance to protect your business and data from security breaches.

“The final result of your partnership with Heartland Payroll is improved efficiency and productivity, while also reducing back office expenses,” Joan said. “Outsourcing a non-revenue-generating activity is imperative when you are starting your new business.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

Everyone Matters.

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

Taking Care of Yourself Business owners generally are among the busiest people out there, so if you’re starting a business, be prepared for the long hours and tremendous responsibilities. Be sure that you don’t lose yourself or let yourself go in the process of creating and establishing your dream business, though. It’s virtually impossible to achieve ongoing business success without ongoing care for your mental and physical health. That’s where 365DailyHustle comes in—especially for professional businesswomen.

“Most entrepreneurs and women starting a business don’t take care of themselves,” said CEO and Founder Karissa Adkins.

“Everything personal tends to go to the back burner when you’re starting or running a business. Working with a coach helps keep you top-of-mind while building your business, without feeling burnt out, stressed out, and overwhelmed. I can help you BOSS UP in the business world and take care of yourself at the same time by guiding you through my 10-week Reclaim Your Best Life Karissa Adkins program. My niche is helping busy Bossbabe 365DailyHustle entrepreneurs who have that hustle going on, who are driven and focused. You have to make yourself a priority if you want your business to thrive, and I’m really good at holding women accountable, I’m not afraid to be honest, and I’m not afraid to call BS. In the end, your balance with family and business are going to be far better than ‘just alright.’”

Marketing is a crucial element to the success of any business, and many new business owners don’t believe they have the funding to hire a professional marketing person or team. In those situations, Karissa can help build an in-depth guide—far more detailed that the average business plan you need to get business loans—so you APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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have a specific plan for maintaining active marketing efforts because without marketing, you can’t plan on growing.

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“Many entrepreneurs don’t have the budget to hire someone for marketing, so we create a more in-depth road map that allows them to contribute to marketing,” Karissa said. “After you have your business plan, now what? How do you implement those tasks so that you hit the milestones needed to grow your business?”

Delegating tasks is key. Without it, the evolving equation goes something like this: A. I’m the only one who can do it + B. I don’t have the funds to pay someone else + plus C. Nobody else can do it right, so I have to do it all = D. burnout.

“As a small-business owner, many tend to get so busy with tedious tasks—or what I like to call busy work—and they are not operating at a genius level,” Karissa said. “You can’t be everything to everyone and still have a thriving business and healthy life. I help be realistic with your expectations, including possibly hiring an assistant now and again to take pieces off of your plate, so you can level up to Genius!”

Karissa’s success with clients of 365DailyHustle stems from having made the mistakes and developed strategies and solutions accordingly in her own entrepreneurial career.

“Don’t spend a bunch of money learning the hard way,” Karissa said.

“You need to learn to let go and hire a professional. Trust me, I’ve been there and done that. I drink the Kool-Aid I preach. This is my second business. I sold the first one for profit after two years. I came to recognize that I cannot do it all and still offer my best to clients.

I recognized that I absolutely have to delegate or outsource some tasks to stay focused on my end goal.”

Your Built Environment So you’ve made it through all the brainstorming, paperwork, strategizing, funding, and minutia to start your business. Now it’s time to make it a place that people want to work safely and happily and customers or clients want to frequent. We know the next step: Contact AOI Corporation to ace the built environment! They offer comprehensive services for new construction, renovations, and expansion, provide furniture options that leverage environments to create greater value for businesses, and offer an entire line of sustainable prefabricated modular interior construction.

“AOI focuses on the built environment, whether that be in your home office, a small business, or a corporate tower,” said AOI Omaha Vice President of Furniture Becky Costello. “We have everything from Herman Miller highly ergonomic task chairs to DIRTT (Doing It Right This Time) modularly constructed walls, and everything in between.”

Integrating technology needs for growth is crucial to starting a business. You’ll save a lot Becky Costello of time and effort down the road if you plan AOI Corporation for long-term technology needs in spaces like huddle rooms or meeting spaces. AOI can help you strategize your built environment for now—and when you grow, considering your specific needs.

“Every buyer’s situation is so different, which is why our furniture consultants are trained on things like ergonomics and warranty, to help you make the best product decisions,” Becky said. “Our design professionals are trained on local codes and life-safety issues within the built environment, as well. To that end, we also have online shopping available through our various manufacturers, so if you do not need personal help just yet, we have other avenues for you. We help you make the most informed decision possible, whatever your situation.”

Among AOI’s newest products are Framery Pods, which are soundproof pods that make a perfect place to have meetings, #PrintProudDigitalSmart

brainstorming sessions, and important one-on-one conversations in private without disturbing the entire office—or the office disturbing them. This is just one example of what they deliver as Nebraska’s authorized dealer for Framery, a globally recognized brand known for offering innovative workplace solutions to many of the world’s leading companies, including Microsoft, Puma, LinkedIn, and Tesla. AOI is also a certified dealer for Herman Miller furniture, which transforms ordinary spaces into collaborative, innovative environments for the 21st century.

for you. Find where your target audience is and put your name out there, be that through print, social media, TV, radio, etc. Marketing is an important tool that every business should take advantage of in both the early days of business and beyond. Savvy business owners understand that marketing creates brand awareness and gets the business name out to the public. People may not even remember when or where they’ve seen your name, but if you use effective marketing and advertising, they’ll simply know they’ve heard of you, which puts your business in a good position.

“AOI is the only full-service Herman Miller dealer in the state of Nebraska,” Becky said. “As a company, AOI can build your building, add the offices and meeting spaces, then outfit all of it with amazing furniture that will grow and change with your business!”

We, of course, believe in the marketing power of Strictly Business.

People often ask how running an ad in our magazine works or how to get an article published. There are so many different parts that make up Strictly Business. We run ads of all sizes as well and each client gets a free press release to make important announcements, specials, company events, partnerships, personnel changes, and whatever they have going. The pieces are then published in print and online, reaching a large local audience. We recently started offering a social media add-on for our clients for the small fee of $35 a month, for which we share their content on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to extend the reach of their messages.

Planning for the Future Running a business is no small task, and keeping it positioned for growth is even more difficult. As you go, you’ll need strategies to make more time, build better teams, and increase money to your bottom line. It can be daunting, but ActionCOACH can help. They have grown to be the No. 1 business coaching firm in the world, with hundreds of proven systems and strategies that are guaranteed to get results. They even offer FREE business tools, like webinars, videos, whitepapers, and seminars, to help make any business in need more successful. They can help you develop a clear basis for what you want to accomplish with your business overall, as planning without a purpose is not planning at all.

“If you follow the definition of planning as your guide, you will see why the process is so critical to any company’s success,” said ActionCOACH Certified Business Coach Jim Barger. “In organizations, planning can become a management process, concerned with defining goals for a future direction and determining the missions and resources to achieve those targets. To meet the goals, business owners may develop plans, such as a business or marketing plan. Planning always has a purpose and means you have Jim Barger a sense in mind. While tactics and strategies ActionCOACH to achieve the goals set forth might change, the PLAN—the very foundation of what you want to accomplish—shouldn’t.”

Our goal is to present our clients as the expert in their field. We get to know our clients and their needs so we can take a personal approach to spreading awareness of their businesses and the products and/or services they offer in a way that resonates with their potential clientele.

Starting a business is an exciting venture for dedicated entrepreneurs, and the options are endless. It’s no simple task, though, and we recommend working with some of these experts to get it right the first time—and to help you achieve ongoing growth!

Once you have your team in place, ActionCOACH can guide you through establishing a good team atmosphere and ensure that your employees have access to necessary training and resources. They provide excellent resources for a variety of needs related to training and strengthening your team, as well as other tools specifically designed for new business owners. Jim started ActionCOACH in Omaha about 12 years ago and has built and coached large businesses in Singapore, New Zealand, and all across the U.S. He has built a team of coaches and partners who will help any business achieve their dreams and strengthen their teams. He shared some advice to consider when starting a new business: “When you start a business, answer the question, ‘When will it be finished?’” he said. “The question makes you think about the ultimate aim or purpose of the business. When will it deliver its promise to you, the investor and creator? ActionCOACH defines a finished business as one that conducts its daily work, like sales, production, and accounting, without the owner’s time. This is impossible in a startup but is a worthy goal, and the design of your new business can address these issues. A business that works without the owner is a cash-flow asset that creates income and wealth. That’s why you start a business!”

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing!

While networking and making personal connections can’t be replaced, it’s impossible to get out and shake all the hands you want to shake while also running other major functions of your business.

This is why it is important to invest in a marketing strategy that works #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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UNPLANNED LIFE CHANGES

As Heraclitus put it so wisely, the only constant in life is change, and while change is inevitable, that doesn’t mean it’s always a pleasure.

Unplanned life changes can give rise to emotions of every ilk— from shock to anger, fear, helplessness, or disorientation. That said, if you have the right people in your corner to guide you through unplanned life changes—including injury, rehabilitation, and the arrival of the day you are faced with making senior-care or seniorliving decisions—change can translate to growth and a journey to a thriving new life chapter.

Maybe no group of people has faced more change than seniors and people hospitalized or at home dealing with illness or injury.

Senior communities and services in Omaha did an amazing job of keeping life as comfortable as possible for residents, including those faced with sudden changes and moving to senior living amid the

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pandemic. Seniors in the region are uber-blessed to have access to such an incredible senior-care system that can guide seniors and their families through unplanned change and make sure they never feel alone in their journey.

A Big Decision If you or a loved one is not ready to move into a senior-living community but needs a little help to stay safely at home, CCA Home Care is there for you. They are the area’s most affordable homecare solution and screen and refer certified nurse assistant (CAN) level caregivers who work privately for clients in their own homes.

CCA caregivers are available to help with things like morning and evening routines, companionship throughout the day, medication reminders and administration, and transportation to and from personal appointments. Throughout the pandemic, CCA Home Care has helped seniors adapt to change and thrive.

“The pandemic has changed everything we were once used to,” said CCA Home Care Owner Kyle Johnson. “This industry has stayed true to serving our elderly population and has made the appropriate adjustments required to reduce the stresses of change. Many caregivers are receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, which should reduce the concerns of transmitting the virus as we begin to return to normal. CCA Home Care is recording all caregivers who have received their vaccinations and can provide that information to any client prior to allowing a visitor in your home.”

Kyle Johnson CCA Home Care and Oasis Senior Advisors

CCA also publishes an annual ElderCare Resource Handbook, which is available online at ccahomecare.com and provides an all-inclusive listing of business services for elderly clients. The Handbook includes information about government, financial and legal services, medical support, home health services, living options, and more. CCA Home care can help walk you through the process for home care that allows your loved one to stay in their home—and do so at the most affordable prices going.

When you’re ready to explore moving you or your loved one into a senior living community, the options can be overwhelming. Fortunately, Oasis Senior Advisors Omaha—also owned by Kyle Johnson—is there to walk you through it and help you find the community or living option that is exactly right for your needs, likes, and budget.

“We currently partner with over 65 retirement communities to help find a perfect forever home,” Kyle said. “Each community offers different services and amenities, so it’s best to work with an advisor to navigate that process rather than take hours and do all of the homework on your own. We will only recommend communities that fit #PrintProudDigitalSmart

your financial, medical, and geographical preferences in the Omaha Metro area. An Oasis Senior Advisor will stay with you from the start to finish, even joining you on tours of communities to ensure your questions are being answered and concerns are being addressed.”

Oasis Senior Advisors is part of a national franchise and is an equal opportunity partner in searching for your forever home. They have referral agreements with nearly every community in the Omaha Metro area. Whether you are 100% independent and just want to downsize your home or your loved one needs high level memory care, they are able to find the perfect fit right here in Omaha.

Highly Trained When your loved one moves into a senior-care community, you want to be sure that the staff not only cares about the residents but is well-trained to serve their needs. You don’t have to worry about that with the assisted-living and memory-care support teams at Ovation

by Avamere Heartwood Preserve, Ovation’s newest community opening this fall in Omaha. With the additional stress that the COVID pandemic has added to the sometimes-difficult decision to move into an assisted-care community, it’s crucial that you find a place staffed by senior-living professionals who make you feel comfortable. Ovation

by Avamere promotes open dialogue and effective communications with each potential resident and their families because there are many nuances to each situation.

Stephanie Grade Ovation by Avamere Heartwood Preserve

“We are here to listen to the specific needs of each resident and their family and create a care plan that puts the family at ease about their loved one’s care,” said General Manager Stephanie Grade. “Ovation not only has the latest technology to support each individual’s independence, but we also have one of the most extensive training programs for our team members. Our team spends two weeks learning our values and 30 days of job shadowing before they are allowed to be in their perspective role alone.”

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Ovation by Avamere Heartwood Preserve also provides fabulous opportunities for people 55 and older who are looking for an active, independent, luxury retirement community.

Regardless of what your priorities are—fitness, wellness, culinary options, transportation, or other interests—Ovation has it covered.

“Ovation boasts incredible culinary venue options with restaurantstyle menus, multiple menu items, and a micro market bistro that is open 24/7,” Stephanie said. “We also have a pool and fitness programs with certified exercise physiologists, plus a theater, art classes, cooking demonstrations, and vibrant activity programming.

Those living at Ovation are part of a larger community, surrounded by an urban development full of family homes, vibrant shopping, history, and engaging culture. A lifetime of hard work and service is worth a standing ovation and the chance to engage at your own pace. Life happens here.”

A Return to Normalcy One of the tremendous options you’ll find as you search for quality senior living in the Omaha area is Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Care Center. The staff there has gone above and beyond to make life as “normal” as possible for their residents throughout the pandemic, and they’re thrilled to be seeing restrictions eased with the delivery of COVID vaccinations to their community.

“Prairie Meadows is open to family visits,

Don Woods programming, and dining,” said Community Prairie Meadows Resource Director Don Woods. “We have Alzheimer’s Care Center

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an electronic sign-in feature that offers safe social distancing for families during their visits, and we’re also allowing in-person tours to see our community. You can book a tour anytime by calling (402) 391-2790 or emailing marketing@prairiemeadowsseniorliving.com.”

more than a community, we are a family

Prairie Meadows operates a fabulous Meaningful Memories program for their residents who have Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia challenges. Through this program, they get to know residents by learning their life stories and finding out their preferences, including likes, dislikes, family, hobbies, careers, achievements, and cherished memories. People living with memory loss face greater challenges than most of us, but that certainly doesn’t mean that they’ve lost the capacity to experience joy and the ability to continue leading meaningful lives. If they have a favorite restaurant where they always went to have their favorite pie, for example, Prairie Meadows will make sure they still get to enjoy that.

“Our residents have access to a whole host of amenities and programming options to help keep them active and engaged in daily life,” Don said. “Plus, we have a nurse here 24/7, which is way above and beyond the minimal regulations of eight hours a day, and we partner with home health, hospice services, and everything we need to provide all of the services they need so their families can rest assured that they are safe and cared for, even if they might not always remember who they are. They still cherish their time together, enjoying the same things they always have.”

Smiles for Miles

www.Omahaseniorcare.org 402.827.6000

“Seniors who are isolated have higher rates of depression and loneliness, and increasing socialization leads to a decrease in falls, and we are seeing them happy and joking more,” said Julie Mburu, life coach for Midwest’s Florence Home. “We have been safely allowing visitors and going above and beyond to make sure our residents are safe to visit. We help them apply for Medicaid and additional community resources, and when they leave Florence Home, supply them with future references Julie Mburu they might need. We build relationships with community partners on behalf of residents Midwest Geriatrics Inc. and really reach out to support residents who may not have family and friends.”

• Refers interviewed, screened and qualified in-home caregivers • Provides quality care at affordable rates • Places caregivers between 1 to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week • Flexible hours that can change as your needs change • No up front deposit or fees to begin services Office@CCAHomeCare.com 11640 Arbor St., Suite 103 Omaha, NE 68144 402-398-1848

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The increase in socialization that easing of COVID restrictions has brought has translated to seniors smiling more. In Midwest Geriatrics Inc.’s senior living communities, the staff takes residents’ needs seriously and is looking forward with excitement to the end of the pandemic. Housed in Florence Home, Midwest is an Omahabased nonprofit organization and provides the management team for Florence Home Healthcare Center, Royale Oaks Assisted Living, House of Hope Alzheimer’s Care, House of Hope Assisted Living, Senior Health Foundation, and Gerimed and Unimed pharmacies.

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The folks at Midwest Geriatrics understand that making the transition from family care to a care community is difficult for everyone involved, so they also have a “Transitions Day Program,” which is designed to ease the stress and worry of those caring for a loved one at home. Day services are available day or nights, and activities are similar to the ones offered in neighborhoods.

Midwest Geriatrics’ living communities are designed to resemble living spaces and entertainment options for residents. At their House of Hope Alzheimer’s Care, for example, the residents live in apartment-style housing with neighborhood dining areas, and they are encouraged to swing by the 50s-themed diner and embrace the sunshine on the deck.

A Save Haven As you consider senior-living options in the Omaha area, don’t miss checking out the brand new CountryHouse Residences for Memory Care at Elkhorn. The world-class community is one of four #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CountryHouse communities in the Greater Omaha area and total of 25 nationwide. They are focused on helping families whose lives have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

The new community is a 30,000-square-foot purpose-built residence, where those with memory loss can live comfortably in truly homelike surroundings, and it’s a community that local families can count on to provide their loved ones with a loving, caring, and safe home. CountryHouse is committed to treating all who live and work in their community like family.

“Our view of those who have memory loss is that, if it comes with physical or cognitive challenges, they’re just challenges,” said COO Marty Hug. “We don’t see age. We don’t see challenges. We just see people.

And all the people want the same thing—to live a purposeful, well-lived life. So we focus on them individually and use our resources to give them a voice that’s heard. We help Marty Hug CountryHouse Residences them to grow, to have fun, and to live the life for Memory Care they always wanted before their diagnosis.”

Contact us today!

402-669-9490

Let’s work TOGETHER. Oasis Senior Advisors Omaha is a senior living service that’s free for seniors and families. Your clients may need help finding the right senior living solution, and my clients are looking for services just like yours. Call me today and let’s work together!

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care and more!

OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Omaha

Designed for Comfort, Care, and Quality of Life.

Right at Home If your loved one wants to remain at home but needs some level of assistance to stay there, consider Right at Home In Home Care & Assistance. They offer top-shelf caregiving services for almost any family and situation in southeast Omaha and southwest Iowa. Their in-home care lets loved ones enjoy healthy lives in the comfort of a familiar environment. They tailor their care to your unique situation through a Custom Care Plan that includes whatever your loved one needs from any of their care categories, including companion care, personal care, and specialty services like Alzheimer’s or other dementia care, skilled nursing, couples care, and transitions from hospitals, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or surgery centers.

“We believe in the mission, principles, and values that Right at Home was built on and try to live up to those standards in all we do,” said Right at Home Franchise Owner Kristi Benning. “We try every day to be of service to both groups. We take seriously our responsibility to those who are in need by either providing the Right Care with our wonderful care-team members, or by being a resource for them while they figure out what’s best for their future. We are excited to offer consistent, high-quality standards Kristi Benning Right at Home In Home and care across Omaha, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas!”

Care & Assistance

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13208 Meredith Ave Omaha, NE 68164

The Right Care, Right at Home® “I have worked with Right At Home for 9 years. They provide services for my residents. We find their employees to be friendly, courteous and very helpful to our residents and their families. They provide home care that makes our residents feel Right at Home." - Amy

Aging in Place Another terrific option for seniors who want to continue to live at home is CareBuilders at Home Omaha. They provide in-home, non-medical services—not just for seniors but for people of all ages. They are dedicated to helping clients lead dignified, independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes. They provide experience and options that support aging in place and maintaining independence, including safetyalert devices, medication management, electronic dispensers, and other assistance.

“You are not alone,” said Executive Director and Owner Brenda Oullette. “We are here to help care for your loved one at home and give your family the support you need to manage the challenges of the changes you are faced with. CareBuilders at Home understands the struggles families face, and it is our mission to provide as much love and Brenda Oullette support to not only the clients we serve but CareBuilders at also to their families.”

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In Home Care Services For Everyone.

A Care Plan Just For You.

402-697-7536 rightathome.net/omaha-metro APRIL 2021 Strictly Business

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Catastrophic Events, Injuries Life changes are often unpredictable, but injuries caused by an accident or someone else’s negligence can be especially devastating.

When those incidents result in the need for increased care services, you’ll want to be sure to engage a dependable, trustworthy law firm right away—and Berry Law is there for you. They provide legal advice and support, handling the day to day details of your claim so that you can focus on your recovery.

“Berry Law is one of Nebraska’s premier providers of legal services for people who have experienced a catastrophic event,” said Berry Law Attorney Susan Napolitano. “We pride ourselves on going beyond the average law firm to handle every aspect of our clients’ recovery so our clients can focus exclusively on regaining the life they knew prior to their accident. There is a lot of detail work and negotiation with insurance companies following an accident, and Berry Law can help ease that burden. Let us deal with insurance Susan Napolitano companies, hospital bills, and debt collectors Berry Law for you. We recognize that you’re injured, not broken. We stand ready to help you rebuild. We fight for our clients to recuperate and thrive in every sense of the word.”

Berry Law Firm will advise clients of their rights, obligations, and options with respect to managing mounting medical bills for treatment of catastrophic injuries. The important thing is to get the treatment you need and let Berry Law handle the rest.

“Many people may not even know that they have med-pay coverage on their auto policies, for example,” Susan said. “Or they may not understand what they are entitled to with respect to uninsured or underinsured parties. When you have been in a serious accident, you will want to be certain to get the most from your policies to cover expenses.”

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Handling bills that feel urgent can add a significant amount of unnecessary stress to your recovery. Most treatment providers should offer at least 90 days from the date of service before threatening collection actions. During this time, injured people can try coordinate a sustainable payment plan with their providers if necessary, and Berry Law will negotiate for a reduced settlement of outstanding bills.

Accidents can divert your plans at any time, but with the right legal team, you can get back on track and be compensated for your loss.

Preparing for the Unexpected A crucial step to preparing for the unexpected is to ensure that you have adequate life insurance in place to help your family after you are gone—and possibly also provide benefits while you are living. King Insurance in Omaha can guide you through the process to obtain the right life-insurance policy for your specific needs so you can provide death benefits for your beneficiaries. That’s only one of the benefits of life insurance, though. It can provide income replacement for years of lost salary, provide funds for your children’s college education, pay off your home and other debts, and more.

Life-insurance also comes with tax advantages, as death benefits generally are tax-free and some other policies can transfer money to family members with lower tax liabilities than others. Many policies also have riders that can provide benefits while you’re still living.

Call on King Insurance when you’re ready to put together the right life-insurance policy for you and your family!

The pandemic has taught us over and again that change can be difficult, but it’s always better when you have someone on the journey with you. Fortunately, when it comes to senior living and other unplanned life changes, Omaha is home to so many amazing providers to support you and get you the services to fit your particular situation to a tee.

Look to these folks for help when you need it most!

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Employing Omaha Deadline April 14

Let people know why your company is a great place to work!

In the May 2021 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our biannual “Employing Omaha” feature to highlight the best places to work in Omaha.

Companies who want to be featured need to submit a logo and a 150-word write-up about their team culture, employment opportunities, general company overview, contact information, etc. to editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Omaha Readership: Direct mailed to over 15,000 businesses every month with a pass along readership of over 100,000.

Our online presence: Number of client posts that have appeared in Google search: 554,538 Accumulated page views: 233,693 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

APRIL 2021 Strictly 51 Call 402-466-3330 withBusiness questions!

EXPLORE.

ENGAGE.

THRIVE.

Discover Omaha’s urban, upscale, senior lifestyle community.

Ovation Heartwood Preserve invites you to experience this vibrant new community. Moving to an apartment home at Ovation Heartwood Preserve places you at the center of some of Omaha’s newest urban neighborhoods. The 500-acre Heartwood Preserve, a modern and walkable community, will soon become a top Omaha landmark.

Enjoy your independence in a maintenance-free community and have time to explore dining options, the Infinity Wellness Center and Call 402-999-7900 poolside activities while to schedule a visit to the Ovation making new friends and Reservation Showroom. pursuing new passions. It’s all just outside your door!

Ovation Reservation Showroom 573 North 155th Plaza, Suite 573 Omaha, NE 68154 Future Community 471 Maxwell Plaza | Omaha, NE 68164

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OPENING FALL 2021

Independent • Assisted • Memory Care

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402-999-7900 | OvationHeartwoodPreserve.com