Strictly Business Omaha - July 2021

OMAHA • JULY 2021 TM

• Planned Life Changes • Residential Remodeling • Supporting Nonprofits

CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS

• Seldin Company • The Office Cleaners • B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy • Continental Polymer Siding Manufacturing

AGO

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MELIA MARTIN CHRIS REDING Innovative Sani Solutions Cars R Us Auto Body & Krown Rust Control in Omaha

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

LET SELDIN MANAGE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY Seldin Company offers a variety of property management and leasing services form luxury apartments to HUD-assisted and Housing Tax Credit Communities. They are committed to providing quality and affordable senior living. Specializing in multifamily property management, Seldin boasts a diverse portfolio, including: new construction lease-ups, acquisitions involving value-add renovations, and experience repositioning troubled or challenging assets.

Seldin provides a diverse range of services that both owners and residents can trust and rely on.

• Staffing and Training – Seldin is an equal opportunity employer with all hiring done in full compliance with all applicable State and Federal laws.

• Compliance Services – The Seldin Compliance team is able to quickly and efficiently address all facets of the regulatory sphere. Seldin’s staff carries COS(A), HCM-H(F), SHCM, HCCP, and are skilled in HUD, Section 42 Tax Credit and Home requirements.

“Followed through with what I was promised and provided professional customer service throughout the process.”

– Rachel O.

• Application, Leasing, and Occupancy – Seldin thoroughly screens potential residents for credit, rental, and criminal history, as well as oversees execution of lease paperwork in order to achieve a safe community and highest level of occupancy possible.

• Timely Rent Collection and Compliant Evictions – Seldin is efficient in collecting rent every month, and quickly initiates necessary legal steps if a tenant were to be evicted.

• Accounting and Financial Reporting – Seldin will maintain an accounting system to record financial transactions related to operation of the property and provide timely financial reporting.

• Property and Unit Maintenance – Their skilled maintenance team provides timely repairs and ongoing preventative maintenance of the property.

Seldin also has after hours, on call staff to handle maintenance emergencies.

• Contracts and Major Repairs – Seldin negotiates contracts with vendors using company relationships and vendor compliance programs that are already in place to obtain top of the line value and service.

• Marketing – A marketing plan will be created for each property, aimed at maximizing occupancy.

“Seldin goes the extra mile to accommodate for tenants.”

– Elizabeth B.

(402) 333-7373 | WWW.SELDIN.COM #PrintProudDigitalSmart

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Check Out Our New Website!

It’s been a long time coming, but we have finally launched our new website! Same address, different look. While our previous site got the job done, we saw a lot of areas that could use improvement. The two biggest goals for the new website were to offer a better mobile view and a more user-friendly navigation set up. As you’ve probably noticed, our magazine is jam-packed with awesome news and stories. This gives us the challenge of presenting it in a clean and readable way, both in print and online. We’re pretty proud of our print layout, but with people also accessing our content on their desktops, tablets, and mobile phones, we knew it was time for a facelift.

One of the most significant and necessary changes was organizing our navigation into two menus—a general menu and an editorial menu. In our general menu, you’ll be linked to our About Us page to get to know the team, you’ll find information about advertising in the magazine, you’ll be able to check out upcoming community events on our event calendar, and you’ll also find links for submitting your news, subscribing to our free business mailing list, viewing past issues, and checking out testimonials from our amazing clients! Our editorial menu is where users can access content from the magazine. The new website offers more subcategories to get users where they want to go faster. For example, we run a lot of special features throughout the year such as Supporting Nonprofits, Joining Organizations, Employing Omaha, and WomenOwned Businesses. Now, you can find these all as sub-heads within our editorial navigation. It’s also easy to get to different press sections and find restaurant exposes among all the client spotlights we run! The new website also links to all our social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We’re really excited to give our readers a better online experience when they visit our website. We are committed to being #PrintProudDigitalSmart!

I want to extend a big thank you to Maly Marketing for their execution on our new websites (Omaha and Lincoln). Steve Maly and his team, especially Christine and Dan, were great to work with. They remained patient with us throughout the process as our small-but-mighty team had to shift our attention back and forth from busy deadline schedules, but we got it done! In the coming months, we will continue to work on refining the copy on all our web pages and keeping our

event calendar up to date. Our goal is to be a hub for the major business and organization happenings in Omaha!

Speaking of events—I was overjoyed to see big turnouts for the College World Series and Omaha Swim Trials. I just think about all the businesses that benefitted for those events. We took a big hit last year not being able to host them and local businesses really felt it, especially in the hospitality, restaurant, and retail industries. I’m so happy we are out of the woods and people are out and about!

As our businesses are starting to flourish again, so are our nonprofits.

In this issue, we have our Supporting Nonprofits feature where you’ll find pages full of the wonderful organizations in Omaha. If you’re looking for ways to give back or get more involved in something greater than yourself, I guarantee you’ll find one that grabs your attention. Nebraska’s nonprofit sector provides about 10% of private sector jobs in our state. When we pitch in to help nonprofits, we’re helping our communities and neighbors and keeping a culture of humanity, art, and philanthropy alive. Thank you to the nonprofits in this month’s feature that chose to partner with Strictly Business to allow us to share their mission with all our readers!

StrictlyBusinessomaha.com

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

CONTENTS NEWS

4 Business 22 Personnel

26 Nonprofit 30 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 1 15 31 48

Seldin Company The Office Cleaners B&K ExSeptional Ones Academy Continental Polymer Siding Manufacturing

FEATURE STORIES

32 Planned Life Changes 34 Residential Remodeling 40 Supporting Nonprofits 4 Strictly Business JULY 2021

Hannah

Dillon

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

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ABOUT THE COVER

30 Years of Working for People Who Work!

Cruise & Associates was founded by Robert F. Cruise in 1991 to help small to mid-size owners grow their business and take it to the next level. Rob still leads the team, alongside Michelle Cruise who carries the title of vice president of operations. Their goal is to meet your accounting needs and ensure your finances are streamlined and efficient. They specialize in income taxes, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business controls, and wealth management. Cruise & Associates wants to increase your income and reduce your tax liability.

They listen to your needs and work one-on-one with you to develop the right plan for you and your business. Each client is assigned to a dedicated accountant that works with them year in and year out, allowing them to know you and your business personally.

Cruise & Associates believes in educating their clients and giving them the best service to provide them with the tools they need to be successful. With offices across eastern Nebraska, they are close by if you need a consultation.

Services include: • Individual Tax Services • Business Tax Services • Trust Income Tax Services • Estate Income Tax Services • Financial Services • IRS & State Representation • Advisory Services

Cruise & Associates also offers business services such as accounting, bookkeeping, payroll services, remote controller, rent-a-controller, bank / loan financing, quickbooks consulting, new business formation, cash flow management, strategic business analysis, internal controls, buying/selling a business, and succession planning.

Businesses throughout Nebraska count on Cruise & Associates' tax professionals to expertly prepare federal, state, and local tax returns.

The process starts by having a personalized one-on-one interview, asking the right questions, and taking time to understand each client’s unique business situation. The Cruise & Associates team then gathers information to prepare tax returns and identify valuable tax planning opportunities.

They always stand behind their work, so clients can depend on them to represent them in any federal, state, and local tax examinations.

You can count on Cruise & Associates to work relentlessly to find tax reduction opportunities such as tax credits and incentives. They identify tax reduction strategies through cost segregation, LIFO implementations, and tax deferral strategies.

"They have helped us save lots of tax money! Thank you Rob and staff for all you do to help us!" - Diane Ross

OMAHA OFFICE 4715 S 80th St., Suite A Omaha, NE 68127 402.558.6922

"I have used Cruise & Associates for many years, and they do a great job for my small business! The people are fantastic, knowledgeable, and friendly. I highly recommend their services." - Betsy Z.

COLUMBUS OFFICE 3023 13th St. Columbus, NE 68602 402.564.5827

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BUSINESS NEWS • Landscape & Hardscape Installation • Landscape maintenance • Creative design solutions

Bring Joy to Your Outdoors!

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

AOI Corporation Offers Small Businesses the Ease of Online Ordering Nebraska small businesses will benefit from the ease of ordering office furnishings online. AOI has partnered with Herman Miller Professional to make getting furniture for your business a whole lot easier. This new partnership a l l ow s c u s t o m e r s t o r e c e i ve personalized discounts when buying for businesses, planning projects, requesting quotes, and ordering and re-ordering in a quick, efficient manner. AOI is excited about this new shopping opportunity for their customers that will make sourcing, planning, and ordering Herman Miller products streamlined and simple. This will aid small businesses that prefer online shopping.

AOI Corporation works with clients, from small startups to Fortune 500 corporations to offer solutions for the built environment through their construction, furniture, and pre-manufactured construction groups.

AOI strives to provide an excellent customer service experience.

Their holistic approach allows products and services to be available individually or combined. For more information about AOI or their new online ordering option, visit their website at www.aoicorp.com or scan the QR code with your phone!

New Downtown All-Day Brunch Spot, Lula B’s Opened in Time for Swim Trials and CWS

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

Lula B’s, a new all-day brunch spot, opened in O m a h a ’s T h e C a p i t o l District just in time for the thousands of guests who visited downtown Omaha during the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials and the College World Series (CWS). Lula B’s is an upbeat, fun spot focused on brunc h but offering delicious, creative food and fun events from early morning to late evening. A grand opening ceremony was held on June 1 to officially welcome the new restaurant to The Capitol District with live music, menu samples, and a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Greater Omaha Chamber and other city officials.

The restaurant’s head chef, Joe Becerra, hails from Mexico City and brings a flavorful twist to longtime menu favorites. Add in local craft beers, cocktails on tap, and a partnership with Stories Coffee and this locally owned restaurant is bound to be a favorite of both Omahans and out-of-town guests.

“Lula B’s is different from anything else offered downtown,” said General Manager Alex Dunn. “With a warm and welcoming patio, delicious all-day menu, and a full bar of creative cocktails, we expect a lot of customers will end up spending all day with us and making Lula B’s their go-to spot downtown."

Lula B’s also offers a large party room that can host up to 75 people and free parking in the adjacent parking lot. The restaurant’s location, at 10th and Dodge Streets, is ideal—Lula B’s and The Capitol District sit at the crossroads between the Old Market, the events district, the Riverfront, and the downtown business district. To learn more and check out the menu, go to www.lulabsomaha.com or call the restaurant at (402) 393-5493. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS RD Industries Partners with Meridian Business to Implement NetSuite ERP System Meridian Business recently teamed up with RD Industries to help them implement NetSuite ERP (enterprise resource planning) so they can improve crossorganizational business processes and better serve their customers. NetSuite Applications is a unified business management suite, encompassing ERP/ Financials, Inventory Management, CRM, and ecommerce. Meridian Business is a proud NetSuite solution provider that helps small, medium, and large companies move to the next level through a process design, implementation, and ongoing support. They have deployed ERP solutions and ERP implementations across all industries.

RD Industries has been at the forefront of innovation in the fluid containment and dispensing industry. Rod Laible, Founder and CEO, has over 60 patents to his name for both product design and process.

The company has been the proven leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of fluid containment and dispensing systems, serving customers throughout North, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. RD Industries will leverage NetSuite within its world class team of product designers, engineers, and professionals.

Meridian Business moves companies into the future with end-to-end ERP solutions (NetSuite and NetSuite extended solutions). Their passion is helping clients adopt new technology and enable more effective business processes. To learn more, visit www.meridianbusiness.com.

Business Ethics Alliance Announces Upcoming EthicSpace Conference November 9 The Business Ethics Alliance is excited to host their annual EthicSpace Conference on Tuesday, November 9 starting at 11 a.m., in-person at CHI Health Center. The theme of this year's conference is “Your Company. Our Community. All of Our Responsibility.” The keynote speaker for this year will be Kenyon Salo, who is one of the top keynote speakers and trainers for businesses and schools in the fields of motivation, inspiration, and adventure. Join the Business Ethics Alliance and hundreds of business executives and professionals for a compelling keynote address, lunch, networking, a post-event happy hour, and the opportunity to choose your own breakout sessions. The Alliance is now offering Early Bird pricing at $125 per ticket, which will be reserved to the first 100 tickets sold. Be sure to reserve your seat today at EthicSpace.org!

The Business Ethics Alliance has a mission to build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business education. Legally established in 2008 as a standalone, not-for-profit entity, The Alliance is made up of Trustees around Omaha who act as a guild of business leaders who are ambassadors, supporters, and advisors of the Alliance’s mission. For more information about the Business Ethics Alliance or the upcoming conference, visit their website at BusinessEthicsAlliance.org. Questions about the event can be directed to Marketing & Communications Manager Charli Hathcox by phone or email at (402) 280-2232 / chathcox@ businessethicsalliance.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Liberty First Credit Union Opens First Omaha Branch Location Liberty First Credit Union proudly opened their first Omaha branch location and hosted their ribbon cutting with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce on May 12. The new, full-ser vice branc h is located at 5011 S 108th St. The new location brings Liberty First Credit Union’s total to 6 branches across Lincoln, Seward, and Omaha Nebraska.

“We know members want greater access and more convenience when it comes to their fi nances, and that’s what we’re giving them with the opening of our Omaha branc h,” said Liberty First Credit Union President and CEO Frank Wilber. “Joining the Omaha community helps us offer our financial knowledge and tools to the people of the area, as well as giving us a very accessible location for our current members in the Omaha area to visit when they need a vehicle loan, a mortgage, want to open a new account or simply conduct a transaction in person. That’s why we’re excited to be here. We want to help take the stress out of money management.”

The branch lobby will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. The drive-through will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

The drive-up ATM has 24/7 access.

Liberty First was originally chartered as the Burlington Employees Cooperative Credit Association in 1935 and served the employees of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. In 1943, their request for conversion from a credit association to a credit union was approved. Over the years, Liberty First’s field of membership has grown to include family members, retirees, select groups of occupation and association, those living or working in Lancaster or Seward County, and those related to a member or someone within their field of membership. As their membership has grown, they have continually expanded their range of financial products and services to provide members with the services they desire. For more information, please visit www.libertyfirstcu.com.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS Serving the Future of Work with Avant Spaces, New West Omaha Coworking

WORK HARD PLAY HARD

Co-founder Hunter Radenslaben has announced the opening of Avant Spaces, a new coworking space in West Omaha/Elkhorn. It was built with the goal of empowering local startups, small businesses, and remote workers who need a place to work away from home. Avant Spaces offers a range of private office suites to meet the needs of members. All private office suites will be fully furnished with building amenities that cater to the needs of individuals and small teams.

The West Omaha Coworking Space brings a wide range of perks to members who choose to adapt to the new working environment. At Avant Spaces, the facility offers 24-hour access, allowing members to take advantage of other amenities like free printing, networking events, fiber optic internet, conference room facilities, complimentary coffee, a bar area for relaxation, as well as private suites for those that are interested in a private work environment.

Get started by contacting Avant Spaces via phone at (308) 8808281 or visit avantspaces.com. To physically see the available spaces, visit 3403 N 191st Ave. in Elkhorn.

Immanuel Communities Takes Ownership of Lifespace's Deerfield and Grand Lodge

COMPANY-BASED EVENT ENABLING TEAMWORK, COMPANY PRIDE AND CORPORATE WELLNESS THROUGH HEALTHY COMPETITION.

Adventure Walk | Bowling | Cornhole | Cycling | Disc Golf | Fitness Class | Fun Run | Meals From The Heartland | Pickleball | Trivia | Top Golf | Volleyball

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

Immanuel Communities and L i f e s p a c e C o m m u n i t i e s, both not-for-profit owners and operators of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), reached a mutual agreement to transfer ownership and management of Lifespace’s Des Moines- and Lincoln-based campuses— Deerfield and Grand Lodge— into Immanuel’s family of retirement living communities.

Lifespace and Immanuel are committed to providing transparency, exceptional service and support to their residents, team members, and communities as part of a smooth transition.

Lifespace’s Deerfield and Grand Lodge at the Preser ve communities will offi cially join the Immanuel family in Q3 of 2021. The Deerfield and the Grand Lodge campuses will add a combined 349 apartments with a care level mix of independent living, assisted living, memory care, residential care, and skillednursing and long-term care to Immanuel’s portfolio of continuing care retirement communities.

Deerfield and Grand Lodge at the Preserve are strong fits for Immanuel as it continues to strengthen its Midwest presence in Iowa and Nebraska. The opportunity to welcome Deerfield and Grand Lodge into its family augments Immanuel’s regional focus in Nebraska and Iowa while extending more opportunities to serve team members and residents in these regions.

Immanuel owns and operates 16, 55+ active living, independent living, assisted living, and long-term care retirement communities on nine campuses; three Immanuel Pathways PACE® Centers in Iowa and Neb.; the Immanuel Community Foundation which supports residents, participants and employees; and the Immanuel Vision Foundation that extends financial support to nonprofit, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that share purposes in alignment with Immanuel's service centered mission. Learn more at Immanuel.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Kirkham Michael Celebrates 75 Years Kirkham Michael is celebrating its 75th anniversary as a company t h i s ye a r. S i n c e 1 9 4 6 , Kirkham Michael has been a quality provider of engineering, planning, design, and construction services.

With offices throughout Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas, Kirkham Michael employs results-oriented professionals that are determined to providing exceptional service for their customers. They provide engineering and construction services to various public and private clients, as well as related services in planning, environmental, land surveying, and other construction services. Kirkham Michael's motto is “Your Success is Our Passion” which stems from their mission and commitment to client success through their engineering expertise and clear communication with clients. All employees at Kirkham Michael share in the ownership of the company and the benefits of mutual successes. The unique atmosphere of the company incorporates a work hard, play hard environment.

From their proven success with clients throughout the region in their 75 years of service, Kirkham Michael looks forward to working closely with clients to ensure successful projects in the years to come. For more information about the company, located at 12700 W Dodge Rd., or upcoming projects and news, visit www.kirkham.com.

Seldin Company Conversion to Seldin, LLC The Board of Directors of Seldin Company is pleased to announce the recent conversion of Seldin Company to Seldin, LLC and merger of New World Group LLC d/b/a OMNE Partners, New Universal Service Group LLC d/b/a Universal Service Group and USG Construction LLC into Seldin, LLC resulting in a dynamic and industry-leading, allencompassing full services residential and commercial property management, leasing, construction, sales, and brokerage firm.

The combined firm will employ almost 600 employees throughout the Midwest, manage more than 20,000 apartment units and just under 5 million square feet of commercial real estate.

The Board of Directors has appointed the following as Seldin, LLC Officers: Alicia Stoermer Clark as Chief executive officer, Thomas J. Twit Jr. (T.J.) as president, Jessica Ward as chief financial officer and Cindy Powers as chief administrative officer.

Seldin, LLC will operate with divisions. The individual brands of Seldin Company, OMNE Partners, Universal Service Group, USG Construction, and STAR Compliance Consulting will continue to operate, specializing in their unique service/product offerings, but will consolidate corporate structures to streamline back-office business functions.

The headquarters for the combined company will be located in a newly renovated space at 2840 S 123rd Ct. in Omaha, with first phase expected to open in late July. The new 42,000 square-foot office space will improve accessibility for employees and provide a location within walking distance of retail, restaurants, coffee, and other convenient services.

Seldin Company is a leading property management firm with deep roots throughout the Central United States. With decades of expertise managing affordable and conventional multifamily communities, Seldin Company is proud to be an employer of choice and manager of properties that are the best places for residents to call home. To learn more, visit www.seldin.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Makes Major Renovations to Omaha Office Lincoln Federal Savings Bank’s Omaha location recently underwent a major facelift in the building’s interior space. The Bank, at 673 N 132nd St., had a number of upgrades done throughout the entire office.

Some of these upgrades included new furniture, carpet, workspace fixtures, and updates to the conference rooms.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank says that all of these upgrades help contribute to an inviting atmosphere.

The Bank’s team—which includes Dave Ar kfeld, mortgage loan officer; Mary Byrnes, mortgage loan officer; Doug Lebbert, b ra n c h m a n a ge r; a n d Susan Sc heef, customer service representative— invites those interested in seeing the new space to stop by and check out the upgrades anytime Pictured (L-R): Dave Arkfeld, mortgage loan during banking hours. The officer; Mary Byrnes, mortgage loan officer; Bank is proud to offer Doug Lebbert, branch manager; Susan a comfortable banking Scheef, customer service representative. experience for all new and existing customers, especially in their newly renovated office space.

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned, local financial institution that specializes in exceptional personal checking and savings options, mortgage loans, home-equity products, and commercial real estate loans. The Bank offers online banking, debit cards compatible with your mobile wallet, competitive rates, and Personal Banking Like You Remember. To learn more, visit in-person, online at www.lincolnfed.com, or follow the Bank on Facebook (@lincolnfederal). Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business 9

BUSINESS NEWS Redbox+ of Omaha Growth Results in New Positions and Equipment

Angel Guardians, Inc. Announces Expansion of TeamWorks Program

r e d b ox + o f O m a h a h a s already grown tremendously since its inception into the Omaha market earlier this year. As a result, the company is forming a new full-time position and adding new equipment to its arsenal. Right now, redbox+ of Omaha is looking for a new Class B CDL driver with an airbrake endorsement. This will be a full-time position, and the candidate will be responsible for driving the brand new equipment. This will help redbox+ of Omaha continue to do what they do best— service their customers in a timely and efficient manner.

Angel Guardians, Inc. is happy to announce the expansion of their TeamWorks Program.

Launc hed in June 2021, TeamWorks now includes a wor k-based lear ning program for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Angel Guardians has partnered with local businesses to provide a program focused on gaining work skills for students with disabilities who are transitioning from high school into adulthood. The goal of this program is to provide individuals with quality workforce training while supporting them in expanding their career interests. Overall, TeamWorks is designed to help create an inclusive community where individuals with and without disabilities can thrive in the work environment.

Angel Guardians, Inc. is a service provider for adults experiencing intellectual or developmental disabilities. They take pride in providing community-based habilitative services that are person centered. The expansion of TeamWorks gives potential for hundreds of students with disabilities to gain workforce skills. If you are an employer looking to host TeamWorks, or if you’d like more information, please reach out to Executive Director Sam Comfort at (402) 614-8202, Ext. 2 / sam@angelguardians.org or go online to www.angelguardians.org.

redbox+ of Omaha is a premier roll-off container company with the only combination portable toilet and dumpster roll-off boxes available. The franchise is locally owned by Mark Fredrickson. His team serves the Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs area at both commercial and residential construction sites. redbox+ of Omaha offers Standard containers along with patent Elite containers that come equipped with two porta potties. The bright red powder-coated containers are manufactured in the U.S. and are meticulously designed for durability. To learn more, visit www.redboxplus.com/omaha or contact Mark at (402) 490-4407 / mfredrickson@redboxplus.com if you're interest in applying for the new position.

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BUSINESS NEWS Heartland International Announces Upcoming Roofing System Trainings Heartland International, Inc. invites current and aspiring roofing contractors to learn more about the Conklin Roofing Systems at the upcoming Metal Roofing System Training and Advanced Roofing Systems Training seminars taking place in Kansas City, MO. The one-day Metal Roofing System Training on August 19 will not only cover the application process of a Conklin MR® System, but also provides an overview on how to get started as a Conklin contractor and strategies for making sales calls, quoting a roof, presenting proposals, and working with building owners. In addition, a three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training, September 15-17, will provide a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and give contractors a chance to participate in a handson construction of the systems, utilizing industry-standard tools and materials. Attendees of this training must have completed the oneday Metal Roofing System Training program as a pre qualification for this advanced three-day program.

For more information about Heartland International, Inc. and upcoming trainings, please visit thesecureroof.com. Contact President Dennis Nun at (402) 430-7727 / DennisLNun@gmail. com with any questions.

Best Care EAP’s July Training to Cover The Power of Appreciation in the Workplace Join Best Care EAP’s Training Consultant Kim Hurst on Wednesday, July 14 from 9 to 10 a.m. for this month's virtual training on The Power of Appreciation in the Workplace. This conversation will uncover appreciation preferences of others and learn creative and meaningful ways to cater to those preferences.

Whether you’re new to the workforce or a tenured leader, walk away with ways to apply different appreciation methods which will make others feel truly valued and appreciated, resulting in better relationships and outcomes—not just professionally, but in your personal lives too!

A little appreciation goes a long way. When people feel appreciated in the workplace, they are 13% more productive, contribute to a more positive workplace culture, and exhibit enhanced motivation and engagement to their roles, teams and organizations. However, a recent USC study shows that in today’s environment many workers feel underappreciated, especially by their managers. People express and receive appreciation in different ways, so if you try to express appreciation in ways that aren’t meaningful to the other person, they may not feel valued at all. Also, thanks to the pandemic, you might have to get creative in the ways you show it, especially in a virtual environment!

Best Care EAP is dedicated to helping employees and staff members focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get overwhelming. From on-site training to individual counseling, Best Care EAP provides a wide variety of wellness and online services that will boost productivity and morale. Best Care EAP can be reached by phone at (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182 or by email at eap@bestcareeap.org, or visit their website for more information at www.bestcareeap.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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blurparties.com 402-882-2448 Stay Sharp Custom Moves into New Location with Larger Showroom Earlier this year, Stay Sharp Custom Apparel moved their operations to 334 N 115th St. The new location offers more square footage for a showroom, featuring the best selling products for their customers to see and feel. To celebrate the expansion, the Greater Omaha Chamber joined Stay Sharp Custom Apparel on May 4 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Dexter Renter was joined by his amazing staff, family, and friends as he cut the ribbon.

With his parents owning a promotional product business while he grew up, Dexter learned a lot about the industry. He took over his mom's embroidery department at age 16 and continued to work for other embroidery businesses through college. He has been learning and mastering the art of custom apparel for over eight years now.

Dexter is beyond passionate for what he does.

Stay Sharp Custom Apparel was founded in April 2017. The company was built on the vision to provide exceptional quality embroidery services without the hefty price tag. Stay Sharp has quickly grown into a full-service custom apparel company, offering much more than just embroidery. Other services include screen printing and promotional products. When you work with Stay Sharp Custom Apparel, you can expect inclusive customer service, topnotch quality, and speedy delivery. For a free quote or to learn more, visit www.staysharpembroidery.com or call (402) 281-3216.

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BUSINESS NEWS Lutz to Host Webinar on Effectively Working Remotely July 28

American Marketing Association Omaha Honors 2020 Pinnacle Award Recipients

On July 28, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Lutz will host a free online webinar on how to effectively work remotely. Presenters include Stephanie Hand and Chris Bouchard. The pandemic taught the world how to work from home, and many businesses have learned to adapt and enjoy this new working style. Hand and Bouchard will offer tips for businesses that are looking to adopt remote work policies to ensure employees, employers, and the organization continue to operate effectively going forward as the pandemic continues to weaken. Some of the key takeaways from the webinar will be considerations for adopting an effective remote work policy, tools for efficient off-site communication, and tips to keep employees engaged and focused at home. Business owners, human resources, and key decision makers should consider attending the webinar if they wish to continue successful remote work practices for their business.

The 2020 American M a r k e t i n g Association (AMA) Omaha Pinnacle Awards took place on June 15, recognizing top results-oriented marketing work from agencies and in-house teams across the Omaha Metro area. In total, more than 70 awards were given out of 132 submissions. Congratulations to all winners, including the competition’s top honors of the night: • Best in Show: KidGlov • Agency of the Year: KidGlov • In-House of the Year: Seldin Company • Marketer of the Year: Cinda Orr, SCORR Marketing Founded in 1959, the AMA Omaha is the local Chapter of the American Marketing Association, the world’s largest nonprofit marketing association with more than 30,000 members. For almost 60 years, AMA Omaha has been the leading network for local marketing professionals and continues to serve the Omaha community to advance the practice of marketing by providing a forum for discussion and on key issues impacting marketing professionals. To learn more, visit www.amaomaha.org.

Lutz is the business solutions firm for those seeking a partner to help energize and heighten financial and organizational success.

Their team was born and raised in Nebraska and are experienced in simplifying complexities and providing accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. They embrace each individual business to find the best solutions that will help them thrive. Find more information about Lutz or the upcoming webinar on their website at www.lutz.us.

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BUSINESS NEWS Goodwill Omaha Offers Hiring Bonuses of Up to $1.5K Through July

Berry Law Teamed Up with 88 Tactical to Host Memorial Day Celebration

Goodwill Industries, Inc., Serving Eastern Nebraska a n d S o u t h we s t I owa (Goodwill Omaha), has unveiled a campaign to encourage job seekers to apply, and new employees hired during the campaign time frame could earn hiring bonuses of up to $1,500.

Goodwill Omaha straddles two industries encountering labor shortages—retail and human services—causing an inordinate number of open positions right now, although the organization’s retail sales are strong. The hiring bonuses will range from $250 for part-time cashier and custodian positions to $750 for full-time retail production associates to $1,500 for full-time project managers in the AbilityOne program.

Bonuses will likely be available for qualifying employees hired through July and potentially longer.

“Economists are saying there could be several reasons for the labor shortage, including lingering worries about COVID-19 and child care needs,” said Erin Blackledge, director of human resources at Goodwill Omaha. “We want people in the community to know that Goodwill is a great place to work, and we’re willing to offer incentives to encourage them to apply and experience Goodwill’s culture for themselves.We also want job seekers to know that Goodwill has great benefits packages for both full-time and part-time employees, and we’ve waived the 60-day insurance waiting period, so employees will be able to get coverage starting the first of the month following their start date.”

For more information about Goodwill Omaha’s hiring bonuses and events, benefits, and qualifying positions, please visit GoodwillOmaha.org/hiring.

On May 29, Berry Law and 88 Tactical teamed up to host a Memorial Day event for the public. The event featured live music with the Dillon Gaige Band, food vendors, a keg truck, a silent auction, and a remembrance ceremony. The ceremony included the Roughriders, a color guard, a Missing Man table, and a special guest from TAPs (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), a nonprofit that provides an array of programs, comfort, and resources to the families of all fallen heroes. A portion of all event proceeds were donated to TAPs at the end of the evening.

“We are starting a new tradition in Nebraska to honor our fallen service members with an annual event featuring a unique tribute to their lives and service. While we support Veterans every day at our law practice, we wanted to host a dedicated ceremony for those who can’t be here with us,” said Berry Law CEO, John Berry, Jr. Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With over 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. Originally focused on criminal defense work, the firm has expanded to offer a full suite of legal services. If you would like more information, please contact Emily Schweitzer at (402) 466-8444 / marketing@ jsberrylaw.com or go online to jsberrylaw.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Discounted Tickets to Global Leadership Summit Available for Center Sphere Members

Outlook Enrichment Available for Business and Event Presentations

Among the many perks Center Sphere members are able to enjoy, The Network is offering their membership discounted tickets to the 4th Annual Global Leadership Summit (GLS), which will be held virtually August 5–6. This world-class learning opportunity is chock-full of takeaway value to improve business, personal life, and family and community impact. Center Sphere members can purchase a discounted ticket before July 13 for $119, which is a discount of nearly $100 from the face rate. For more information about the 2021 GLS agenda, faculty, site locations, and registration, visit globalleadership.org/ global-leadership-summit.

At Center Sphere, relationships are at the heart of everything they do. They are an established group of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. Take advantage of joining The Network where they provide local support for businesses through trusted, proven, and profitable relationship building. There’s no better time to start planting those seeds and watch your business grow. For further information about Center Sphere, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Omaha Market President Martina Niemeyer at Martina@ CenterSphere.com or (402) 536-0289.

Outlook Enric hment, a nonprofit providing resources and support to those with vision loss so they can remain independent, is currently accepting presentation requests. The nonprofit specializes in a variety of vision-related topics, including employee accommodations, optimizing communications for deaf-blind individuals, and adaptive technology training. Whether you are looking to learn more about volunteer opportunities for your employees or have questions about screen readers or other assistive technology, Outlook can tailor a presentation to fit your needs.

Approximately 70% of blind Americans are unemployed. Outlook Enrichment, a nonprofit with four out of the five staff members having legal blindness, believes education and collaboration are two key components of changing this staggering statistic. The organization can also offer guidance and assistance to employees starting to deal with some vision loss.

The nonprofit also offers virtual webinars on topics relevant to employees with disabilities, such as advocacy techniques, transportation options, and independent living skills.

Outlook Enrichment can present to your business or organization in-person or via videoconferencing platforms. Learn more at outlooken.org or call (531) 365-5051 to chat with their team about a presentation that would be beneficial to your group.

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BUSINESS NEWS Monica Sempek Photography Partners with Ralston Chamber for Golf Tournament

Empowerment Network and Partners Present Native Omaha Days Festival July 26–August 2

The Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Drive Fore Success golf tournament on May 17 and Monica Sempek Photography was selected as the event photographer.

This is one of many events Monica has been honored to photograph. Other events would include Miss Nebraska Pageant, various fundraising galas and auctions, and most memorable events featuring Mayor Jean Stothert, Governor Pete Ricketts, Congressmen Don Bacon and then Vice President Joe Biden.

The Empowerment Network, Native Omahans Club, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, and other community partners are excited to present the 23rd Biennial Celebration of the Native Omaha Days Festival, which will be held July 26–August 2 to celebrate 46 years of memories, culture, and community spirit in North Omaha. Event organizers are preparing for the best celebration to date. The Festival will feature a number of traditional events, such as Gospel Fest at Morning Star Baptist Church; Movie Night at Film Streams; Stroll Down Memory Lane in the Village at 24th and Lake; Native Omaha Days Homecoming Parade along N 30th St.; Saturday Night Blues Concert featuring Pokey Bear and Big Robb; Homecoming dance; Sunday Worship Services; Blue Monday, and more!

Founded in 1976, Native Omaha Days has become a one-of-a-kind homecoming celebration that attracts thousands back to the North Omaha area. The mission of the Native Omaha Days Organizing Committee is to honor African-American culture, history, people, and serve as a catalyst for the ongoing revitalization of a thriving North Omaha! This year's festival is sponsored by North Turnback Tax Historical Grant, Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund, and Creighton University. To see full event details about the Native Omaha Days festival, readers can visit www.nativeomahadays.org. Vendor and volunteer opportunities are available for the Festival; those interested can download necessary forms at www.nativeomahadays.org. Deadline to submit a vendor application is July 9. Further questions can be forwarded to Empowerment Network's Vicki Quaites-Ferris at info@nativeomahadays.org.

Monica Sempek is a commercial and event photographer, with an eye for capturing raw emotion and treasured moments to be cherished for generations. She specializes in photography for corporate events, nonprofit events, and business associations, which means she can create a unique viewpoint for corporate occasions. Monica brings a collaborative spirit to every client to ensure the capture of stunning photographs that not only commemorate each event, but also provide them with lively, professional images for marketing campaigns, websites, and social media, resulting in positive business exposure. For booking details, visit www.monicasempekphotography.com or email info@monicasempekphotography.com.

Ribbon Cutting Held for Brand New Home2 Suites by Hilton in Omaha The Greater Omaha chamber held a ribbon cutting on April 29 to celebrate the opening of the Home2 Suites UNMC by Hilton owned and managed by MH Hospitality. The 15.6 million dollar hotel is within walking distance of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and has 102 rooms and sits on the corner of Douglas, Dodge and Saddle Creek.

All rooms furnished with kitchenettes, two indoor parking garages. There are a range of amenities including free breakfast, indoor pool, outdoor patio and fitness center, guest laundry, and pet friendly. Home2 Suites UNMC is located at 4440 Douglas St. in Midtown and a short 10 minute drive from Old Market shops, restaurants and a few blocks from the new Blackstone district. The hotel was open for business in August of 2021, but due to the pandemic, it was difficult to organize and plan for a grand opening.

The city’s second hotel also owned by MH Hospitality, The Home2 and Tru is 138-room property uniquely comprised of two separate wings, one of which houses extended stay suite style rooms on the Home2 side and the other holding Tru by Hilton with rooms targeted to younger aged minimalists. While the structure does contain two separate hotels, they share a common lobby, fitness area, and swimming area. This newest property is located at 7011 Hascall Street, behind the Coco Keys Waterpark. A ribbon cutting and open house is planned for later this summer. For more information about the new Home2 Suites locations, contact Josee Beier, Director of sales at Josee.beier2@ hilton.com or visit www.home2suites3.hilton.com or Kim Ogden at www.

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BUSINESS NEWS Date Announced for National Association of Women in Construction’s Annual Golf Outing The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) are partnering again this year for their annual golf outing on Tuesday, August 24 at Indian Creek Golf Course, with registration starting at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a dinner recognizing scholarship recipients. Proceeds raised from this event will benefit trade related college scholarships, apprenticeship training, and industry activities supported by NAWIC. This event is open to the construction public, and has sold out the past four years, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this construction industry golf event!

August 26-28, 2021

National Association of Women in Construction is an international organization of women working in and around the construction industry. Its core purpose is to enhance the success of women in the industry through education, networking, and leadership opportunities.

The Midwest Region has over 530 members. Learn more about NAWIC at www.nawicomaha.com or contact Nanci Borg at (402) 802-3031 / nborg@ur.com. To register or get sponsorship information for the golf outing, go to birdease.com/nawiccfma2021 or contact Jody DuRee at (402) 616-5472 / jodyd@standardac.com.

LingoDocs Marketing Celebrates 15 Years of Offering Bilingual Marketing Services Armando Salgado launc hed LingoDocs Mar keting 15 years ago to provide a variety of traditional marketing services, such as publishing the only bilingual (English/Spanish) magazine in Omaha (bilingualnebraska.com), printing, signage, apparel, web development, graphic design, translation services, virtual services, and more. Armando's life as an entrepreneur and community service advocate began with the recognition of the point where the Spanish-speaking and English-speaking communities intersected and the need for Latino leadership was missing. He founded LingoDocs Marketing in 2006 to bridge both business communities, giving them the opportunity to double their markets.

Armando was born in Mexico, together with his mother and father, migrated to the U.S. at the age of 6, and, as many Latino families, they worked and contributed to the U.S. society to earn their piece of the American dream. Through LingoDocs Marketing, Armando lends a unique twist of specializations to helping clients grow their business by overcoming the language, cultural, and business barriers, both in English and in Spanish. Armando is also the founder of USMEX Express (usmexexpress.com), which provides domestic and international shipping services, money transfers, communications/ mobile services, and more. He has over 20 years of experience in the real estate business, owning and managing properties, as well as in the construction field, owning MultiLevel Contractors, while teaching business and construction at Metropolitan Community College. Armando's diverse experience in a range of industries is why over 150 Latino-owned companies have formed with his help in the past five years.

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To learn more about LingoDocs Marketing's products and services, advertising options, virtual assistants, real estate marketing, and more, visit www.lingodocs.com or call (402) 504-3363. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

CUSTOMIZED SERVICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS’ NEEDS The Office Cleaners offer personalized cleaning services to businesses of various sizes and industries throughout the Lincoln and Omaha areas. They strive to offer these services while upholding core values to ensure the best customer service possible: integrity, accountability, empathy, and professionalism. The Office Cleaners care about each individual customer and create a positive relationship in order to provide customized cleaning services to fit each business’ cleaning specifications and needs. It is their on-going goal to provide the best commercial cleaning services and customer service in the industry.

Being a locally owned and run cleaning company for the Lincoln and Omaha areas, it’s no surprise that The Office Cleaners value their local customers’ businesses. They are a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, and the Building Service Contractors Association International. The Office Cleaners team is trained and experienced, abiding by applicable laws and holding a higher bond to ensure that that will be ready to serve your business.

The Office Cleaners provide a wide range of services, whether that be a one-time commercial cleaning service to prepare for an event or just daily office cleaning, The Office Cleaners has your business covered.

OFFICE CLEANING + EVENT CLEANING + CONSTRUCTION CLEANING + GLASS CLEANING + FLOOR CLEANING + GOVERNMENT CLEANING + FLOOR REFINISHING The pandemic opened everyone’s eyes to the importance of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces frequently, and The Office Cleaners continually strive to maintain protection from COVID-19 in local offices and workplaces. They offer a unique, professionalgrade misting service to disinfect every square inch of your workplace, including walls, floors, structures, and equipment. Vital Oxide is the chemical used for their misting services, which the EPA has proven to be 99.9% effective against SARS-CoV-2 and is safe to use on all surfaces. It is approved by the CDC and kills most pathogens within seconds. The mist is dispersed in fine particles that settle on surfaces and includes ingredients that naturally degrade with the environment.

If it’s not clean, we’ll eat our hat!

At The Office Cleaners, being professional and getting the job done right for each customer is what matters most. Their efficient staff and exceptional service is what sets The Office Cleaners apart from their competition. Each team member must complete a background check and thorough training to ensure that they are ready to rightfully serve local businesses.

Since The Office Cleaners value strong customer relationships, they take measures that will guide team members to stay with the company for the long-term.

This will aid in customer relationships and allow clients to continually see familiar faces that they know they can trust. Each business requires different needs and service, therefore each team member with The Office Cleaners will be trained to follow each individual client’s customized plan in order to provide a detail-oriented and high quality cleaning service each and every time.

“From top to bottom the management team and staff of The Office Cleaners is top notch! I’ve used this team to clean my office facility and warehouse for years. They are reliable, do what they say, and finish projects on schedule.” – Brian N.

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Chris Reding

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INNOVATIVE SANI SOLUTIONS IN OMAHA Meet Chris Reding, a business partner of Innovative Sani Solutions in Omaha.

Tell us a little about your business. - Innovative Sani Solutions cleans/sanitizes trash cans/bins with high heat and high pressure.

We are economically friendly. The trucks spray water at 210 degrees at 3,000 psi to sanitize and deodorize trash can while getting them looking and smelling clean. We also do pressure washer services and driveway sealings. We work with residential homes, small businesses, homeowners associations, and property management companies. Innovative Sani Solutions serves the Greater Omaha Area, including Elkhorn, Bennington, Gretna, Papillion, Bellevue, and Council Bluffs.

How did you get started in the business? - A couple of us were standing around a dirty, stinky trashcan and thought, what a great idea it would be if we started to clean trash cans. No one wants to do it, so we’ll do it for them.

Tell us a little about your family. - I’m married with two children.

My wife Beverly is a nurse at CHI Bergan. My oldest son Ace just turned two and loves cars and ATVs. My youngest son is seven months old and loves to laugh and race around in his walker. My wife and I have been together for 12 years and married for four.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to relax and hang out with the family. I also enjoy going to do adventurous stuff and anything outdoors. I also like to play golf. Golfing on nice day with a group of buddies is relaxing and a great time.

Who inspires you? - My dad is my biggest inspiration. He is always there for me and gives me encouragement to make things happen. He is always helping others and making sure they have what they need. He is the most unselfish person I know.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world, those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” This is a great quote and gives me motivation to keep going and prove to myself that I can do it. I dont need to prove to others that I can make it, just myself.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Integrity. I believe most things in life come with integrity. This plays a huge part in everyday life, you have to be honest with yourself and honest with others. If you do not have integrity your word means nothing.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would like to be a firefighter. My dad is a firefighter, so I grew up around the fire station and learning different things. I would love to help people in need and make a difference in the world. Firemen are heroes in my book, putting your life on the line to save others.

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What is your favorite movie? - Any of the Iron Man movies.

The best Iron Man movie is the first one. Iron Man is my favorite marvel character.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - J. Coco. Their roasted duck is phenomenal. Service is quick and friendly as well.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 999-9707; info@innovativesanisolutions.com; innovativesanisolutions.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

MELIA

Melia Martin

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Meet Melia Martin, the office manager at Cars R Us Auto Body and Krown Rust Control.

Tell us a little about your business. - We specialize in rust repairs and prevention, which is an unfortunate reality here in the Midwest.

We're a small business that truly benefits this community. The owner Chris Hunke genuinely cares about his employees and customers, and I am proud to be a member of this team.

How did you get started in the business? - I have worked in several industries and with many companies. I met Chris about three years ago as a part-time parts driver for a local dealership. I was looking for a career and Chris was looking for someone to run the office. I have been here for two years and hope to be here for many more.

The people I have met and worked with in this position have helped me to become more of an asset in my role.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Not being considered knowledgeable as a woman in the auto body industry.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Being able to connect with people, and learn new aspects of the automotive industry.

Tell us a little about your family. - I come from a very large family.

I'm the oldest of eightt and we are local to Nebraska. I have been married almost three years now in October. I have two children, ages nine and five. They definitely keep me on my toes.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my family, fishing, hiking, watching movies, painting, and playing with my kids.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I am a Cub Scout leader for my kids local Cub Scout pack. I help organize the fundraisers for the kids' activities.

Who inspires you? - Heather Duhachek-Chase. She is a domestic violence advocate and survivor who overcame her trauma and started her own counseling service to help kids and survivors of abuse.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I was raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO.” - Tom Hardy.

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

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

I'd be able to get more done in the day.

Which talent would you most like to have? - The ability to draw.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Stephen Center and Heartland Family Services. My eldest child and I briefly stayed there, and they helped me get back on my feet and prepare me for the life I have now.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Privilege of Youth by Dave Pelzer.

What is your favorite movie? - Mitch Albom's The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Robin Williams. He always tried to see the good in life even when struggling with his own demons.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 558-6393; Carsrus@cox.net; Carsrusautobody.com / Krownofomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Thank you Omaha!

Thank you for making our second shoe collection for One Day Without Shoes a success!

Cornhusker Bank and our partners pulled together to collect over 1,200 pairs of shoes for the benefit of the Stephen Center. Together we are investing in our Omaha community and changing lives!

11102 Blondo Street | 402-671-0200 | CornhuskerBank.com | Member FDIC

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Tom Fuller

NORTH RISK PARTNERS Meet Tom Fuller, an employee benefits risk advisor at North Risk Partners.

Tell us a little about your business. - I am in the insurance business with a focus on developing predictable and cost-effective employee benefit programs for the mid-market employer. North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance solutions for businesses and individuals. We are committed to helping clients face risk head-on with right-fit insurance coverage and attention to opportunities for preventing avoidable losses. For businesses, we offer programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness, and more.

How did you get started in the business? - I left the corporate world to create my own enterprise and started a financial planning practice for individuals and business owners.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Launching a successful business that attracts clients and becomes profitable is the upmost entrepreneur challenge. It is very rewarding to have succeeded and have beaten the odds of business survival.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Meeting a business owner who desires to grow their business, they allow me to partner with them, and together, and we can generate a return on their investment.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married. Debbie and I have three children, all married with families. We have eight grandchildren.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Becoming an entrepreneur and learning to think like a business owner. With this skill, I can better appreciate and grasp my client’s business goals and consequently, helping them flourish in their marketplace.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - At a young age, I was struck with the beauty of our park system. So when convenient, I love to go RVing in a new local, state, or National Park.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I enjoy barbecuing, especially the art of smoking meats.

Who inspires you? - Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tiger Woods, and Mike Krzyzewski. Watching athletes/coaches develop excellence and become champions.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts." – Winston S. Churchill If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Forgiving.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “God Bless the USA”

by Lee Greenwood.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? Blue Ocean Strategy, Expanded Edition: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make the Competition Irrelevant by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne.

What is your favorite movie? - The Hunt for Red October.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lo Sole Mio Ristorante.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Rick Lanoha, current chief executive officer of Kiewit Corporation.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 905-9067; tom.fuller@northriskpartners.com; northriskpartners.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Meg Crawford

STRICTLY BUSINESS Meet Meg Crawford, social media guru for Strictly Business.

Tell us a little about your business. - Strictly Business is a monthly news and marketing publication that represents local businesses and connects readers with different industry experts. The magazine goes to over 15,000 businesses in Omaha every month, plus we are strong online and on social media! I am also the co-owner/director of Elements Dance Concept in Milford, NE. How did you get started in the business? - I have a graphic design degree from Southeast Community College. I've worked for other companies in similar positions—I love the opportunity to be creative and establish fun, cohesive branding. My husband Dillon Crawford is the art director for Strictly Business. Around the time this issue actually hits desks, Dillon and I will be on our way back from finally getting married in Colorado! As for the studio, I’ve been dancing since I was four years old and have a bachelor’s degree in dance from UNL. You could say it's in my blood.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Elements was awarded the ADCC Studio Award in 2020 which is given to dance studios that show excellence in training. That was huge for us.

Tell us a little about your family. - My family consists of Dillon and our one-and-a-half-year-old Saint Bernard named Goose!

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Deciding to major in dance was huge for me. Many people around me including family members questioned me on my choice, but I’m so happy now that I made that decision.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hanging outside or at the dog park. I love nature so going on walks is a must!

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I have a big passion for art!

Who inspires you? - My mom who raised my sister and I as a single mother (still don’t know how she did it) and Dillon who is always showing me how to relax but also get the job done.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Plan A is always the best plan. Don’t settle for Plan B. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Loyal.

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall and Oats What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’d like to think I’m a pretty good cook!

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I would love to one day be a mentor for Big Brother’s Big Sisters. I think what they do for families and kids is amazing.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is an all-time favorite, but the last good book I read was Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn.

What is your favorite movie? - Mean Girls or The Devil Wears Prada.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Office.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - California Taco.

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

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

- (402) 466-3330; meg.stice@gmail.com / elementsdanceconcept@ gmail.com; strictlybusinessomaha.com / elementsdanceconcept.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

MICHAEL

Michael McKee

ACTIONCOACH Meet Michael McKee, certified business coach for ActionCOACH and independent associate for LegalShield.

Tell us about your business. - ActionCOACH is the No. 1 business coaching program in the world. Omaha has two certified ActionCOACH Coaches, Jim Barger and myself. ActionCOACH offers a guarantee to “find our fee” in 17 weeks, or we work for free, until profits are improved. The ActionCOACH System is time and success proven.

LegalShield, a 49-year-old company, covers the idea of “When bad things happen to good people." We offer legal memberships providing access to legal services for a flat monthly rate. Members are families, employees, business owners, over-the-road truck drivers, delivery drivers, gun owners, and foster parents. IDShield provides identity theft protection plans for a flat monthly rate. We cover five areas of identity theft, providing full restoration to pre-theft status through licensed investigators. We offer a cyber identity theft plan for businesses allowing the business to recover from a cyber attack instead of going under. My newest endeavor is to revitalize the Omaha Empowerment Breakfast (OEB). The breakfast is an in-person event the first Friday of each month. As a non-membership networking event, any business person is invited to attend. We have great speakers, great food, and endless business connections. In addition, I have been a Center Sphere member for six years and recently became a chapter president. My Chapter, the “Sunrisers”, meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 a.m.

How did you get started in your businesses? - I completed the ActionCOACH curriculum in 2016, receiving coaching from Jim Barger.

My LegalShield business grew and flourished. This made me a “raving fan” of ActionCOACH, so I pursued and received my certification in 2019 through ActionCOACH. I have been an independent associate with LegalShield since 2006. In 2011, I became a benefits broker. We market all products offered by LegalShield.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Marketing. The trick is to become “Top of Mind”—to be the person they think of when a need arises.

What has been your most important professional achievement? Owning and operating a successful business in South Dakota with 43 employees and successfully selling the business.

Tell us about your family. - My wife and I have three adult children, seven grandsons, and one granddaughter. We are blessed!

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

- Retiring after 25 years with the U.S. Department of the Air Force in 2017. I now pursue my passions. It's been said: “If you love what you do and do what you love, you will never work a day in your life!”

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with friends and family. Relationships are important to me.

What is your favorite quote? - “You can have everything you want in life, if you help enough people get what they want.” – Jim Rohn What is one descriptive word to be remembered by? - Tenacity.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about, and for what reasons? - The Omaha Breakfast Optimist Club. I lead a committee of volunteers to provide youth from the Hope Center for Kids with opportunities to experience field trips and adventures in the Omaha metro area. I am passionate about investing into tomorrow’s leaders.

What favorite book do you recommend? - The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande.

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

- (402) 201-3518; michaelmckee@actioncoach.com / mmmm@ legalshieldassociate.com; jimbarger.actioncoach.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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One of my favorite parts of my positions is that I get to meet members at chapter meetings and events. I also enjoy sitting down to strategize ways to help begin those connections that lead to proven, profitable, and trusting relationships, as well as working with new and prospective members as they get their first look at what Center Sphere offers and how it can support them.

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Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Todd and I are at a very busy stage of life with four children as we navigate middle and high school with them. We spend much of our time at dance, swim, church, and sporting events and enjoy watching them do the things they love.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Joining Center Sphere as a strengths coach two years ago illuminated a whole world of relationships that I didn’t know I was missing and helped me grow my business as well as led me to this position which has been incredibly fulfilling.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Any time that I get to spend with my family is cherished. We enjoy time at the lake or simply fixing supper together and relaxing on our deck.

Who inspires you? - I have had so many people to look up to throughout my life, but the one that takes the cake is my mom.

She is one of the most selfless people I know and her example of how to be a strong faith-filled woman who leads with both boldness and grace is second to none. She is dedicated to caring for those around her and is a genuine example of how to love others daily. I am grateful for the lessons in I have learned and continue to learn from her.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein If you could have a super power, what would it be? Teleportation would be amazing! I am often wanting to be active in many things, but the time to travel from one to another feels limiting. I would love to be able to pop from one thing to another with ease.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Trying different restaurants is a favorite pastime I share with my husband. We love finding new restaurants to try and fortunately, in this city, there are plenty to choose from!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - If you are interested in Center Sphere, have questions, or would like to experience The Network I can be reached at (402) 536-0289 / Martina@CenterSphere.com or go online to www. centersphere.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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PERSONNEL NEWS True North Technologies Brings on Emma Bauerle as Executive Assistant

BBB Names Josh Planos the Director of Public Relations and Communications

True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Emma Bauerle onto the team as executive assistant.

Due to her bac kground in m ultiple industries, Emma sometimes refers to herself as a “Jill of all trades.” She grew up on a farm in Imperial, NE, where she gained core values like grit and honesty, and developed the confidence to be a self-starter. Emma then attended Nebraska Wesleyan University and received a music degree with a focus in business communications, and her goal is to create a lifestyle of continuous learning. Outside of her work life, Emma is enthusiastic about traveling and spending time outdoors. She invests her free time in family and fitness and loves using music and cooking as creative outlets.

Emma has a unique combination of strengths and passions to help True North Technologies grow as a company. She demonstrates a high level of work intensity, resourcefulness, and communication skill, which helps her adapt to fill the needs of her clients. It’s important to Emma that clients feel valued and confident that the True North team will create positive experiences with a long-lasting impact on the success of their business.

True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more online at www. go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

Josh Planos was recently named the director of public relations and communications for the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Josh received his Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where he won multiple Big Ten championships in public speaking. Following college, Josh worked at KETV NewsWatch 7, Omaha’s ABC affiliate, for a number of years, before transitioning to roles as the digital media manager and assistant director of communications at the University of Nebraska Foundation and the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing at Grand Island Public Schools. His professional experiences have been wideranging, but nearly all of them were centered around storytelling and relationship building. Josh is looking forward to elevating the Better Business Bureau in any way he can!

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

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. To contact Josh directly, call (402) 206-8276 or email jplanos@bbbinc.org.

JDRF Welcomes New Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, announced the appointment of new Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board members and said farewell to those retiring.

“We are excited to welcome our new Board members to the JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board of Directors,” said Laci Naber, Executive Director. “Our Board members provide volunteer guidance to the Chapter and play a vital role in executing fundraising, leadership, and advocacy activities.”

“We also thank our outgoing Board members, because of their passion and dedication our Chapter has been able to support our T1D community through outreach and funding life-changing research.

They have made a lasting impact on our mission,” said Naber.

New JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members: Jennifer Allred; Jeremy Gipe, Hy-Vee; Jim Lehman, Hy-Vee; Shanda Ross, Nebraska Medicine; Jill Rotella, Source Medical Staffing; Mac Rundle, Bruce Furniture; Brian Schenk, Dormie Network; Amy Sharpe, Advisors Excel.

Outgoing JDRF Nebraska-Southwest Iowa Board Members: Brandon Bender, Rod Burns, Leigh Cheloha, Tim Fleming, Mike Fischer, John Jerkovich, Tally Mertes, Lee Terry, Steve Shirmang.

JDRF's mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since their inception. They are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. They collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa, follow on Twitter (@JDRFNEIA), or call (402) 397-2873. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Darin Cielocha Joins Farris Engineering as New Business Development Executive Farris Engineering welcomes Darin Cielocha as new business development executive.

With over 27 years of construction industry experience that spans across the U.S. and Canada, Cielocha brings a proven track record to the Farris Engineering team.

Cielocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Marketing from University of Nebraska – Lincoln. His professional experience includes working for global and Midwest-based companies and has managed accounts/clients that have generated over $25 million in annual revenues.

Farris Engineering was founded in Omaha in 1967, and has been an industry leader in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineering ever since. Farris Engineering has added value expertise with LEED AP+ staff, Fire Protection Engineers, Certified Geothermal Designers, Lighting Designers, and Commissioning Agents on staff. Experience, expertise, and willingness to exceed expectations continue to be the firm’s main motivation for their clients. Farris Engineering has offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sidney, NE, as well as in Colorado Springs, CO and Kansas City, MO. To learn more, visit www.farris-usa.com. Darin Cielocha can be contacted at (402) 547-8574 / dcielocha@farris-usa.com.

CEO of Child Saving Institute Peg Harriott Announces Retirement for Fall 2021 Child Saving Institute (CSI) announces the planned retirement of president and CEO Peg Harriott, effective October 2021.

While Ms. Harriott’s departure is slated for October, the exact timing will become more specific as a new president and CEO is identified and available. The CSI board of directors has created a transition team and the process of identifying a new leader is underway.

Ms. Harriott states, “My commitment to the board of directors, the agency’s dedicated staff, the Omaha community, and the children and families who rely on CSI’s serve is my foremost priority.”

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OPPD Board of Directors Selects Javier Fernandez to Lead the Utility Omaha Public Power District (OPPD)’s Javier Fernandez will lead the utility as the new president and chief executive officer starting on July 1. He will be taking over the role of Timothy J. Burke, who will be retiring at the beginning of July.

For 13 years, Ms. Harriott positively influenced the lives of children, families, and staff through robust programmatic skills and exemplary business acumen. A true advocate of children and families, CSI is deeply proud of the advancements made during Ms. Harriott’s stalwart leadership. Ms. Harriott carried forth the agency’s focus to prevent, intervene on and heal child abuse, neglect, and trauma.

Fernandez, who is currently vice president and chief financial officer for OPPD, brings with him extensive experience from within the utility and previous positions. Fernandez began at OPPD in 2017, where he came from his previous position as executive vice president and chief financial officer at the Bonneville Power Administration U.S. Department of Energy in Portland, Oregon.

While at OPPD, Fernandez has been a major component in financial guidance and navigating times of crisis. He helped lead the utility’s response to the historic flooding that occurred in 2019 and with the current response throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Fernandez holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, a master’s degree in business administration from Yale University, a Utility Management Certificate from Willamette University, and a Utility Executive Certificate from the University of Idaho.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect and trauma. For 129 years, CSI has been “Responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro area children. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving.org or follow CSI on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Omaha Public Power District provides affordable, reliable, and environmentally sensitive energy services to their customers. OPPD is governed by a senior management team and elected board of directors. Employees work to achieve strategic directives that benefit all customers, ensuring quality customer service that you can trust. For more information about OPPD, visit www.oppd.com.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business 25

Since May of 2008, when Ms. Harriott assumed the role of president and CEO, the number of children and families served has increased from 1,500 to 2,500 annually, the number of staff has nearly doubled, and the annual budget grew from $5.8 to $10.2 million.

During the same period, the number of children and youth who receive mental services has more than tripled.

PERSONNEL NEWS FAMILY, Inc. Welcomes Amy Waggoner as New Board President

Maria Elena Castro Named Inaugural Director of MLCDC’s Women Entrepreneurs Project

FAMILY, Inc. is honored to welcome Amy Waggoner as the new Board president.

Amy is a retail manager at Great Western Bank, overseeing retail banking in the Omaha Metro. She has been in banking since 2007, holding various roles from teller to branch manager. Amy has served in her current role since 2018. She is a graduate of Leadership Council Bluffs and Leadership Sarpy. A native of Council Bluffs, IA, Amy believes in the importance of giving back to the community. She does so through various volunteer opportunities, including Heart Ministry Center’s food pantry.

Amy enjoys her involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and is passionate about building relationships with her customers, coworkers, and the community. Amy has served on the FAMILY, Inc. board since 2015 in a variety of roles. She has previously fulfilled the role of treasurer and vice president. She has enjoyed utilizing her banking/ financial experience to support the organization and loves spreading the word about FAMILY, Inc.’s impact on the community.

The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) named Maria Elena Castro as the inaugural director of the Women Entrepreneurs (MUJERES EMPRENDEDORAS) Project.

Maria Elena developed MLCDC’s Childcare Program in 2008 and eventually she became an entrepreneur when she started her own daycare center in South Omaha. Maria Elena is originally from Peru. She has received a comprehensive education in early childhood education. Her connections with the Latino community and her passion as an entrepreneur are a perfect combination to understand the Latino market and its needs. She supports each client that walks through the doors of MLCDC and provides them with the assistance they need.

The Women Entrepreneurs Project focuses on developing women’s potential to achieve a sustainable financial future through entrepreneurship. Women in the community gain knowledge about managing finances at home, creating a business, and growing economically. The Project consists of four unique trainings that will help the women in the community gain knowledge about managing finances at home, creating a business, and growing economically.

The Women Entrepreneurs Project consists of four unique trainings that helped 146 minority women in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs in 2020. About 70 of those women attended all Financial Education and Business Plan trainings and received a certificate of attendance and an “I got a Plan” T-shirt. In 2020, the Women Entrepreneurs Project also provided technical assistance to 20 in-home daycares in Omaha and helped 12 participants to open their own business.

Participants are of low to moderate income and every week they connect virtually from Lincoln, Omaha, and Council Bluffs. The virtual trainings allow them to attend classes while taking care of their children, doing chores at home, or listening to the classes on their way to work. The project is part of the Financial Stability and Entrepreneurship programs, and it is supported by organizations such as United Way of the Midlands, First National Bank of Omaha, and U.S. Bank.

The Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation is known as a place where individuals receive training to open childcares, but the mission at the heart of the organization is to provide training opportunities to low-and-moderate-income individuals to achieve financial stability and economic growth through entrepreneurship. The MLCDC is proud of the accomplishments of the many women who have furthered their goals and entrepreneurial aspirations this last year. For more information, visit midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.

FAMILY Inc. provides public-health education, support, and connection to resources for women, children, and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. To learn more about how to support FAMILY Inc.’s mission, visit familyia.org. For more information, contact Kimberly at kkolakowski@familyia.org or (712) 256-9566, ext. 240.

Gitt Construction Welcomes Michaela Mencke as Senior Designer and Cabinet Manager Gitt Construction welcomed Michaela Mencke in January of this year as the senior designer and cabinet manager.

Michaela has an interior design degree from Wayne State College and has been in the industry for over seven years. She works with incoming clients to create designs and layouts that are not only beautiful but functional. She starts with either an in-home consult or a showroom meeting to get to know the client’s needs and wants. Moving forward, she creates 3D digital renderings and floor plans to help bring to life her vision for each space. She will create several plans if needed to adjust for budgeting and space planning. Once a plan is in place, she collaborates with clients on selections for the job, making sure each detail picked is perfect for the client.

Michaela has accumulated great design experience through her previous design positions working for both remodeling companies and cabinet sales. Having to wear many hats through out her positions helped sculpt her into the designer she is today. Handling many responsibilities has given her the ability to become a quick thinker and adapt to the everchanging design and remodeling world. Michaela has lived in Ashland for seven years with her husband Patrick, and their two kids Ruari and Monroe with one on the way.

Gitt Construction is recognized as one of Omaha’s premier remodeling companies, specializing in whole-house remodeling, kitchen and bath remodels, additions, and more. Founded on small-town principles, Gitt Construction treats every client with the respect and care they would give their own friends and family.

Learn more online at gittdbr.com or call (402) 740-9551.

26 Strictly Business JULY 2021

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, ac hievements, and/or effor ts in par tnership with other organizations and the Omaha community. If you know of someone who meets these criteria and wish to include their news in our publication, please call (402) 466-3330, email editor@ strictlybusinessomaha.com, or submit your news online via strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS West Gate Bank® Welcomes Kristie Morrison The West Gate Bank Board of Directors is pleased to welcome Kristie Morrison as a mortgage loan officer. Located in Omaha, Morrison graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a bachelor’s degree in education. She brings extensive mortgage origination experience to her new role with West Gate Bank. As a mortgage loan officer, she will work directly with clients to recommend the best mortgage products for their needs, build customized solutions for brokers and clients purchasing or refinancing a home, and assist clients with the mortgage origination process from start to finish. ®

Morrison volunteers with several community organizations, including Open Door Mission and Habitat for Humanity. She is located at the 9775 Q St. West Gate Bank location and can be reached at (402) 970-0136 or via email at kmorrison@westgate.bank.

West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. The newest West Gate Bank branch is under construction at 177th and West Maple Rd. in Omaha and is expected to open in mid-2022. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.

NESC Announces the Promotions of Four Key Employees The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) recently acknowledged the promotions of four key employees in the organization.

Valerie Haschke has been promoted to director of operations. She has been with NESC since 2015 and served in various capacities. Karen Rehm joined NESC in 2020 and recently went from road safety project coordinator to wellness services manager. She has more than 18 years of experience in developing engaging programs and looks forward to this new role. Saige Walker (not pictured) took on the role of traffic manager at the beginning of this year after previously holding the positions of office support assistant and later as the traffic coordinator. She has been with NESC since 2019. Syd Horken (not pictured) has officially transitioned into the role of safety coordinator. She joined NESC in 2020 and previously served as an office support assistant.

Clearwater Counseling's Jessica Frenzen Celebrates Two-Year Work Anniversary Jessica Frenzen, PLMHP, PCMSW, a therapist at Clearwater Counseling, PC, is celebrating a two-year work anniversary this month. Since joining the Omaha practice in July 2019, Frenzen has used her clinical experience working with children with past trauma/behavior issues, as well as teens and adults diagnosed with chronic mental health and substance use disorders, to guide and help clients recognize their potential, while identifying strategies that work best for them to breakdown barriers that may be holding them back.

Frenzen is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and uses evidence-based techniques to guide her practice. She enjoys getting to know clients and helping them achieve success. Frenzen continually seeks opportunities to gain additional knowledge and expertise. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please don't be afraid to talk about it or reach out for professional help.

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

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESSES!

August 2021

Valerie Haschke

"Without the dedication of our employees, we would not have been able to survive and Karen Rehm thrive this last year. The year 2020 offered new opportunities of growth for our team and for that, I am very thankful,” said Lisa Henning, executive director of NESC. The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy.

They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, visit nesafetycouncil.org, call (402) 483-2511, or email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Employing Omaha Let people know why your company is a great place to work.

Strictly Business will be featuring a host of local businesses in the August 2021 publication to highlight great places to work in Omaha. This quarterly feature is a special opportunity for companies to get their name and branding in front of all our readers by sharing their mission statement, talking about their team culture, and highlighting employment opportunities.

FEATURE INCLUDES...

150-word write-up about your business and your company logo.

Deadline to submit materials:

FRIDAY, JULY 16

Email to Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com JULY 2021 Strictly Business

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NONPROFIT NEWS Project Harmony Declares July 21 as National Be Someone Day

Cross Electronic Recycling Partners with Offices, Churches, and Schools for Host Sites

Project Har mony has declared Wednesday, July 21 as National Be Someone Day to challenge people to take 10 seconds to make a difference in the life of a child. National Be Someone Day can be observed in multiple ways: drop off a donation at Project Harmony on July 21 between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., take the pledge online (www.ProjectBeSomeone.org), and use #BeSomeoneDay to share on social media.

“At Project Harmony, we believe that all children are someone,” says Project Harmony Senior Director of Communications Angela Roeber.

“And, all adults can be someone to a child. All it takes it the commitment to stop the cycle of child abuse. On National Be Someone Day, take the pledge to be the person to make a difference in a child’s life. Most importantly, be someone prepared to report when a child trusts you enough to tell you they’ve been hurt.”

Project Harmony founded National Be Someone Day to help end child abuse and bring communities together through education and awareness.

Project Harmony’s nationally recognized, collaborative, child-focused approach works to ensure children are not further victimized by the systems intended to protect them. They've brought multiple agencies working in these systems together into one place where they can coordinate and communicate most effectively and tackle child abuse as a team. To learn more, go online to www.ProjectHarmony.com.

Cross Electronic Recycling is offering the community a chance to make a meaningful impact by partnering with workplaces, churches, and schools to host an electronic collection event. The trusted e-waste company ensures easy and safe disposal of electronics for individuals and through hosted community collection events. These events can be scheduled year-round, and Cross Electronic Recycling is currently booking for summer and fall! Proper disposal of electronics protects the environment by diverting toxic materials from reaching landfills.

Cross Electronic Recycling is owned and operated by the Cross Training Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and equip undereducated and unemployed adults through character development, vocational training, and work experience. Students enrolled in the program learn skills they need to become employed on a career path and financially independent in the community. To schedule a collection event or learn more about the program, visit www.crossrecycling.com / crosstc.com or contact Dan Lang at (402) 590-2100 / danlang@crosstc.com.

Open Door Mission and SummitMedia Partner for Hunger Heroes Virtual Food Drive Open Door Mission is partnering with SummitMedia for its Hunger Heroes Virtual Food Drive, which takes place May 31 through September 6. With a 50% increase in food insecurity in the community, Open Door Mission knows more people than ever before will need help. In Nebraska and Western Iowa, one in four kids under 18 is at risk for hunger.

Anyone can be a Hunger Hero during this Summer of Hope by buying food items on the Wish List (www.opendoormission.org/urgent-needs/hungerhero-virtual-food-drive) and registries online (Amazon, Target, and Walmart) of some of the most needed items this summer: canned meat, canned fruit, pasta/noodles, Mac & cheese, cereal, and boxed meals.

“This last year has been challenging for so many people, but we have also seen our community come together to take care of each other in a generous way,” says President/CEO Candace Gregory of Open Door Mission. “We are excited about our Hunger Heroes Virtual Food Drive because it literally just takes a few minutes for people to buy food Online, but it will make a big impact for our neediest neighbors.”

Open Door Mission would like to extend a special thanks to Corwin Toyota of Bellevue for doubling the impact of the food donations by matching the value of the food purchased up to $25,000!

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission that meets the needs of individuals and families while inspiring HOPE for lasting change.

Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides preventative measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty. For more information, visit www. opendoormission.org or contact Kristen Dineen at (402) 829-1538 / kdineen@opendoormission.org.

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Nineteen Students Return to Greater Nebraska for NCF Hometown Internships Nineteen college students arrived in their Greater Nebraska hometowns in May to both further the communitybuilding work of local Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) affiliated funds and strengthen their connections to the places that raised them—perhaps inspiring them to one day return and make their own future in Greater Nebraska.

NCF expanded its Hometown Interns program for 2021 following the success of 2020’s group of 13 interns. The expansion offers more opportunities for ambitious young Nebraskans to return to their hometowns and further the mission of their local NCF affiliated fund. This program helps young people feel more connected to their hometowns, hone job relevant skills and network with adults and job creators in the area. Importantly, it’s allowing them to envision a bright future right in the comfort of their own hometown.

Hometown Interns will be working with local volunteer leaders on a variety of projects customized to the community they live in and the interests and skill sets of the interns. NCF will provide numerous opportunities for interns to connect with one another throughout the summer to give them space to learn from each other, share ideas and foster appreciation for their hometowns while contributing to community development efforts at the local and statewide level.

The 2021 NCF Hometown Interns are: Amber Cherney, Cuba, KS; Dakota Cherney, Chester; Megan Collins, Hebron; Hayley Denner, Diller; Emily Erickson, Albion; Katie Hawk, Ewing; Cheyanna Jacobe, Deshler; Cheyenne Knehans, Red Cloud; Luke Kramer, Rosalie; Paige Kniep, Deshler; James Mockry, McCook; Emily Morrow, O’Neill; Rachel Orth, Ogallala; Luke Partsch, Nebraska City; Connor Rosfeld, Callaway; Kelli Schoch, Columbus; Jocelyn Shipman, Guide Rock; Miranda Shreves, Johnson; and Austin Truex, Norfolk.

Nebraska Community Foundation's Hometown Intern program partners include University of Nebraska Extension; Nebraska Honors; the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication program; and the Center for Civic Engagement. To learn more, visit www.nebcommfound.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Nebraska Animal Loving Advocates to Participate in Two-Day Adoption Event in July

Big Brothers Big Sisters Launches Latest MentorU Program, Recruits New Mentors

Nebraska Animal Loving Advocates (NALA) is excited to be a part of a two-day adoption event, hosted by Pets of Omaha, at Baxter Arena in late July. The event will take place on Saturday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Sunday, July 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are invited to come out and meet adoptable cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies at the event in hopes to find a new furry friend. Through this event, NALA will continue to work their mission and educate the public about animal rescue opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM) is looking for new mentors who want to positively impact the lives of youth in their community through their newly launched MentorU program. MentorU is a high school mentoring program focused on career and college preparation. It is the perfect program for the working professional who wants to give back to their community and support the next generation of leaders. The program provides screened and trained volunteer mentors for students facing academic and personal challenges and is intended to keep students on track for graduation and success.

The objective is to help high school students develop personal, academic, and career skills. All mentoring relationships and events are supervised by Big Brothers Big Sisters staff.

For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As a donor- and volunteersupported organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages 7 through 21, throughout the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area. BBBS develops positive friendships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. Register to become a mentor at www.bbbsomaha.org or call (402) 3302449 for more information.

NALA’s mission is to revolutionize the way people think about animals and animal rescue, educating them about the dangers of puppy mills and the realities of backyard breeders. They work to provide loving homes to all dogs and cats that they encounter, including the feral, unwanted, damaged, and the lost. NALA believes that every living creature deserves love and has so much love to offer. They approach this mission through their core values of love for all living things and faith that our culture can change, creating a world where rescues are no longer needed. Those interested in adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, or learning more about the upcoming event, visit www.nalarescue.org.

NAM's Nebraska Nonprofit Conference to Energize After Challenging Year The Nonprofi t Association of the Midlands (NAM), a state association that has more than 700 nonprofit members in Nebraska and southwest Iowa, will host its fourth annual Nebraska Nonprofit Conference virtually this year on Wednesday, August 4. The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference, normally held in central Nebraska, will offer webinars and networking sessions to energize nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers following a challenging year. The conference will explore trends, best practices, and issues affecting the nonprofit sector and provide actionable takeaways to support the missions of nonprofits.

Stephen Center Seeks Bottled Water Donations, Brings Hope Through Hydration Summer is here and temperatures are on the rise, so the Stephen Center is requesting bottled water donations to serve the many experiencing homelessness in the community.

Hydration is important for everyone, but even more so for individuals that may spend extended periods of time outdoors, like those experiencing homelessness. The complications that dehydration can bring, like headaches, dizziness, and falls, and even organ failure, could result in hospital visits and unexpected medical bills.

“It has been a difficult year for all nonprofits. The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference will bring together their collective strength, leadership, and resilience, so the nonprofit sector can emerge stronger than ever,” said NAM CEO Anne Hindery.

“When someone is in crisis, we want to do all we can to help them gain control of their situation. Staying healthy is part of that plan, but there’s more,” Executive Director Michael Wehling said. “Just a small gesture—providing a cold bottle of water—can bring a smile to someone’s face, start a conversation, and plant the seeds of hope.”

The Nebraska Nonprofit Conference is hosted by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands in partnership with the Hamilton Community Foundation, Greater Grand Island Community Foundation, Kearney Area Community Foundation, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and DA Davidson.

Donations of bottled water are being accepted at Stephen Center, located at 2723 Q St. in Omaha. Individuals can also purchase water and ship directly to Stephen Center on the organization’s Amazon Smile Wishlist.

Nonprofit Association of the Midlands strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits to enrich the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and Western Iowa. NAM is recognized as the State Association for Nebraska by the National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits. To learn more about the organization or register for the event, go to www.nonprofitam.org/events. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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 over 200,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Learn more at stephencenter.org.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business 29

NONPROFIT NEWS The Fair Deal Open Golf Tournament to Benefit Youth at Omaha Home for Boys

YES Announces $10K Gift from American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation

The Fair Deal Open, a charity golf tournament in honor of Edward Young, is slated for Monday, July 19 at Oak Hills Country Club. Proceeds from the four-person scramble tournament will benefit the youth, young adults, and families served

by Omaha Home for Boys. This is an annual event for Gregg Young Automotive Group, in memory of Edward Young. Mr. Young’s association with Omaha Home for Boys dates back to the 1950s when he and his two brothers lived at OHB. Mr. Young was actively involved with the organization for many years and his legacy lives on through The Fair Deal Open where proceeds are donated to Omaha Home for Boys. Golf lessons will also be provided to current OHB youth on the day of the tournament.

Registration for The Fair Deal Open includes golf, lunch, raffle and an awards reception with a filet dinner following the tournament. Those interested in golfing can register online at TheFairDealOpen.com or contact Carrie Dayton at (402) 278-2703 / fairdeal@carriedayton. com. A number of business and individual sponsorship opportunities are also available as well.

Through programs focusing on education, housing, employment, basic life skills, and mental and behavioral health, Omaha Home for Boys helps youth, young adults and families transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. Learn more online at OHB.org.

Youth Emergency Services (YES) is excited to announce it has received a $10,000 gift from the American Family Dreams Foundation to support YES’ Emergency Shelter.

The Salvation Army Kicks Off Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen Summer Feeding Program

Jennie Edmundson Foundation to Honor 4 at the Spirit of Courage Gala August 7

Once kids are out of school for summer break, access to dependable sources of nutritious food plummets, which is why The Salvation Army's Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen—a program which provides free, hot lunc hes to c hildren 18 years and younger at seven locations around the metro through August 6—is such an important program in the community.

“On the days when I can’t provide a meal for my son, it’s nice to have this,” said Michelle Stewart, who picked up lunch for her son on a recent Thursday at Chandler Pointe Apartments in Bellevue.

Last summer, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was temporarily paused while The Salvation Army and Food Bank for the Heartland focused resources on launching a drive-thru food distribution program at area schools. This year, Kids Cruisin’ Kitchen has resumed, with The Salvation Army temporarily overseeing the program while Food Bank for the Heartland continues to focus on ongoing programs that address emergency community needs related to the pandemic.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to serve as mobile food truck drivers and to help distribute the meals. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, call (402) 898-6000 or email wstvolunteers@usc.salvationarmy.org. Learn more online at centralusa.salvationarmy.org/omaha.

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“We are so grateful to once again receive this grant from American Family Insurance Dream’s Foundation, which does so much to give back to the community,” said Director of Development Barb Farho. “As life continues to be challenging due to the pandemic, it is encouraging to know that people are still focused on how they can help.”

To learn more about the American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation, visit www.amfam.com/about/givingback/community-investment.

Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness.

Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 1,000 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently. YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes a Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living program, Maternity Group Home and Rapid Rehousing program. Learn more about YES at www.yesomaha.org.

Marking the 19th year, the 2021 Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend is set for August 7.

Each year, the Jennie Edmundson Foundation celebrates and honors four individuals who join them and share their stories of courage during their battles with cancer. This year, Jennie Edmundson Foundation is excited to announce the four amazing individuals who will be recognized are Donna Elliff, Deb Potter, Jake Powers, and Kevin Rutland. The entire weekend is focused on these individuals honoring them for their courage and fight against this deadly disease. Each one will share their incredible stories during the Spirit of Courage Gala on Saturday, August 7, at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.

There will be social distancing provided with the table arrangements.

The day will kick off with a golf tournament at Dodge Riverside Golf Club, followed by the gala that evening starting at 6 p.m. with cocktails and the beginning of the silent auction. Dinner and opening remarks will begin at 7 p.m. followed by Spirit of Courage Recipient presentations.

The net proceeds from the weekend will go to the Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital Spirit of Courage Cancer Charitable Patient Care Fund through the Jennie Edmundson Foundation. These funds go towards helping cancer patients who face financial challenges in meeting their needs as they progress through their treatment.

For more information about the Jennie Edmundson Foundation or to register for any of the events during the Spirit of Courage Celebrity Weekend, go to www.jehfoundation.org or call (712) 396-6040. Ask about the virtual component for those who cannot attend in person. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission Helps Children Who Face Food Insecurity with Food this Summer

Christian Record Services Celebrates the First Anniversary of PhoneFaith

Heartland Hope Mission sees an increase of clients in the summer with kids being home and many aren’t receiving the free or reduced priced breakfast and lunch they rely on during the school year.

Many in the community are not able to afford enough groceries for the family while they are struggling to make ends meet. You can help to make sure that no child goes hungry this summer by donating kid-friendly foods like macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, ramen noodles, and snacks. Shop our Amazon Smile Wishlist and have items delivered directly to our door. You can also make monetary donations on the nonprofit's website.

Christian Record Services, Inc. announces the first anniversary of the addition of PhoneFaith as part of its outreach ministry to the blind community. Daily PhoneFaith dial-in presentations offer opportunities to inform and encourage, through mental health and wellness sessions, social meet-and-greet interactions, Bible games, and prayer.

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

Assistance League of Omaha® Goes Into Next Fiscal Year with New Board, Same Programs Assistance League of Omaha® (ALO) is excited to be beginning its new fiscal year with a new Board of Directors and the continuation of their great community programs.

The new 2021-2022 Board consists of Betsy McDaniel, president; Carolyn McCormick, presidentelect; Linda Perkins, first vice president philanthropic programs; Terri Gangestad, second vice president resource development; Nancy R. Johnson Third, vice president membership; Carrie Clur, fourth vice president marketing; Linda Primm, fifth vice president support services; Paula Peal, sixth vice president education; Lynn Perry, seventh vice president strategic planning; Kathy David, eighth vice president information technology; Susan Fleetwood, Treasurer; Barb Wilson, assistant treasurer; Jeannene Mason, secretary; and Robbie Mang, parliamentarian.

Coming up in October will be ALO’s Operation School Bell which, in partnership with JCPenneys, provides clothing and shoes to thousands of Omaha area school children in need. In November, the nonprofit is thrilled to once again present the Christmas Caravan Tour of Homes that was cancelled last year due to COVID. In addition, ALO’s wonderful new thrift shop at 8502 Center St. has now opened to a full schedule.

The shop is now opened on Wednesday—Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and on Saturday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Donations can also be dropped off on Monday, 9 a.m. – noon.

Assistance League of Omaha is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of local children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. To learn more, visit www.alomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Last summer, as businesses, schools, and churches remained closed due to the spread of COVID-19, Christian Record welcomed PhoneFaith to combat loneliness and isolation—common among some blind individuals—which has been exacerbated because of closures and cancelations across the country.

“It is heart-warming to observe the value of PhoneFaith to participants as they engage with others who experience a similar journey. We are grateful, with God’s guidance, to offer a way for the people we serve to connect, engage, and grow,” says Diane Thurber, President of Christian Record Services, Inc. Each year, Christian Record Services, Inc. (aka Christian Record Services for the Blind) impacts thousands of lives through services provided to them without cost. For more information, including a sample PhoneFaith program, please visit www.PhoneFaith.org.

Angels Among Us to Host 2nd Annual YP Event: Birds & Beer Angels Among Us is hosting their 2nd Annual Birds & Beer fundraiser on July 15, and this year it will be warehouse style! The young professionals craft beer and chicken tasting event will take place at Patriot Services at 505 Crown Point Av. from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beer vendors include Infusion, Kros Strain, Jukes Ale Works, Site-1 Brewing, Johnnie Byrd Brewing, Brickway Brewery & Distillery, and Upstream Brewing. Food vendors include Skyybox, Clancy’s, Caddyshack, Geno’s, Best Bison, Hilton Downtown, and more!

This low-ticket priced event of only $40 includes all-you-cansample beer and food, a pint glass to take home, and an event t-shirt designed by Soul & Swag. The event will include fun games, a warehouse style party, and networking among other young professionals in the Omaha community. Angels Among Us is grateful to current event sponsors: Patriot Services, Fusion Medical Staffing, Faith Technologies, Interstates, Buildertrend, and NFM. Safe rides home are provided by Hauptman O’Brien.

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. Learn more about ways to make an impact and get involved in Angels Among Us’ mission please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org. Tickets and additional information are available at www.myangelsamongus.org.

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HEALTH NEWS American Red Cross Celebrates 140 Years

BioLife Plasma Services Moves into Omaha

In May, the American Red Cross marked 140 years of preventing and alleviating human suffering. It all began on May 21, 1881, when founder Clara Barton established the organization in Washington, D.C. Her leadership laid the groundwork for future generations to transform the Red Cross into a leading relief organization. Today, people continue to come together in innovative ways to serve and give hope during life’s emergencies. This commitment has always been at the heart of the Red Cross.

The Red Cross mission is made possible by the generosity of donors and volunteers, who comprise more than 90% of the organization’s workforce. Volunteers, donors and partners unite from all backgrounds to help everyone in need, whether they’re coping with disasters, medical emergencies or the sacrifices of military life.

Throughout its history, Red Cross volunteers have stepped up to adapt in the face of change—with a shared goal of delivering aid quickly and helping families become more resilient. Did you know:

BioLife Plasma Services recently welcomed the community to their new Omaha location in the Tower Plaza shopping center on 78th and Dodge, right next door to Goodwill and Brazenhead Pub. On April 28, they partnered with the Greater Omaha Chamber to host an open house and ribbon cutting.

Guests were given tours of the donation center from the friendly staff.

• • •

The Red Cross has responded to 3 million U.S. disasters since 1881.

The Red Cross supplies nearly 40% of the nation’s blood.

The Red Cross has supported service members in every U.S. conflict since the Spanish-American War. • In the early 1900s, Red Cross First Aid trains traveled nationwide teaching lifesaving skills.

Visit redcross.org/RedCross140 to learn more.

CareBuilders at Home Launches Wellness Program with On-Demand Video Calls CareBuilders at Home is excited to announce the launch of its Wellness Program, a subscription-based program designed to take a more proactive approach to client care through the use of a voice activated, cutting-edge technology that can turn a client's TV into an on-demand video call with family, friends, and their care team at CareBuilders at Home. The program offers task-orientated solutions that address the most common needs for someone considering home care services including personal care visits, housekeeping visits, and transportation services that include attending physician appointments, running errands, or shopping.

The foundation of the Wellness Program is the daily “Check-in and Chat” calls. These calls provide a window into the daily lives of our clients and allow us to monitor for changes in condition, patterns, or behavior that could impact the client’s overall health and wellbeing, notify appropriate parties, and coordinate additional services if needed.

At affordable rates, the Wellness Program offers flexibility for clients to mix-and-match services to build the package that works best for them. For some, the “Check-in and Chat” service may be adequate, but clients in need of a higher level of care can add task-oriented visits such as a 90-minute personal care visit to assist with bathing and dressing, or a two-hour housekeeping visit to assist with light housekeeping and laundry.

CareBuilders at Home's new Wellness Program offers those who may not be ready for, or are resistant to, traditional hourly home care services a viable alternative while also allowing them to be more connected with family, friends, and the care team at CareBuilders with just the touch of a button. To learn more, contact CEO Brenda C, Ouellette at (402) 506-9368 / bouellette@carebuildersathome. com or visit www.carebuildersathomeomaha.com.

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The new BioLife Plasma Center is actively seeking healthy donors, who have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the community through plasma donation. Each donation makes a difference in the lives of people with hemophelia and other immunocompromised diseases. While they do accept walk-ins, it’s best to contact them for an appointment.

Plasma donations received at BioLife centers are used to make established therapies that treat a range of rare and complex conditions for which there is often no alternative treatment. They operate numerous state of the art plasma collection facilities throughout the United States and Europe. BioLife Plasma Services is part of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a patient-focused, values-based, R&D-driven global biopharmaceutical company committed to bringing Better Health and a Brighter Future to people worldwide by translating science into highly innovative medicines. To learn more or set up an appointment, go to www.biolifeplasma.com or call (513) 233-6637.

See The Trainer Partners with Nebraska Cancer Specialists, Utilizes Juzo USA Over the past few months, See The Trainer Midwest has partnered up with Nebraska Cancer Specialists’ Occupational Therapy (OT) program in Legacy. See The Trainer has become their new “go-to” for sending patients to get medical compression garments. Upon joining forces, See The Trainer was introduced to Juzo USA, a medical compression garment manufacturer.

Juzo USA has been helping patients in America since 1980; however, the company Juzo has been manufacturing compression garments for over 100 years. Juzo compression garments are of the highest quality and are different than “regular” compression garments in many ways. First, all Juzo products are latex-free. Not only does this reduce the risk of allergic reaction to the products, but products made without latex also have a longer shelf life. Instead, they are made from Lycra®, a synthetic compression fiber that resists wear and tear. Juzo products are also meant to be washed and dried by machine. As opposed to latex garments and garments made of other materials, the Lycra benefits from the tumbling of a machine wash. The laundry cycle allows the material fibers to open up and to be cleaned more in depth. The heat from the cycle also helps to returns the garment to its original form, instead of it being stretched out from the most recent period of usage.

See The Trainer Midwest is proud to now be a supplier of these products, not only to Nebraska Cancer Specialist’s patients, but to all. Juzo offers a wide variety of colors, off-the-shelf sizes, as well as custom-made garments for virtually anyone. Juzo carries compression stockings, gloves, gauntlets, arm sleeves, wraps, and more. You can call the Nebraska Cancer Specialists at (402) 334-4773 to set up an appointment. Learn more about See The Trainer online at seethetrainer.com/location/omaha-ne or call (402) 493-4747. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

An Exceptional Children's Learning Academy with "ExSeptional" Care At B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy—a family-owned childhood education center founded by Brian and Keana SeptMatthews—cares for children in a safe, loving environment, just as if the children were their own.

They provide an environment with engaging and stimulating early childhood learning using Early Learning Guidelines and a Creative Curriculum, all while instilling the love of Christ in the heart of each individual child. Your child will be learning and creating everyday at ExSeptional Ones Academy, while growing and developing with loving care. Children are exposed to practical life works, social and emotional development, and more. They value the careful development and growth of each child that walks through their doors, bringing about a love for learning that parents can rely on and trust.

The academy’s curriculum covers a wide range of developmental domains that will actively engage young children to learn.

• Language and literacy • Cognitive development • Physical development • Social development • Emotional development • Creative arts Children aged 6-13 can partake in these engaging learning opportunities and learn important social skills.

Brian and Keana have been married for over 20 years and have two adult children, Mario and Mykiah, and one granddaughter, Naomi. The academy’s name derives f rom the founders’ last name, giving it a personalized touch that promotes local and family-run businesses. Their center was born out of wanting to make a difference for families and children that are of lower social economic statuses, all while in the midst of a global pandemic. The academy’s dedication not only to the children within their care but also to the children’s families and their own staff is what sets them apart f rom other child care centers in the area. They strive to create a loving atmosphere that gives children a safe home-away-f rom-home that they will look forward to coming to every day. Their unique, co-teaching style environment allows teachers to collectively share ideas in the classroom, maximizing the benefit of having a variety of personalities in the room.

With B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy continuing to grow within the community and after receiving their Better Business Bureau certification, it’s no doubt that they have become a trusted child care center that consumers can trust with their children to learn and grow. Once more, they have also recently become a partner of the military and will now be listed as a good childcare option for military families. The academy offers discounts to first responders, police officers, teachers, and members of the military.

"My family has been with B & K’s ExSeptional Ones for over five years. They treat my family and me like family. Kay and Mr. B are wonderful people to talk to, and they can understand what is going on in a person's life. The most important thing is the way they care for my children, making them feel like they are at home. I give them many thumbs up—I would recommend them to everyone!" - Yolanda A.

(531) 365-6806 @ExSeptionalOnes B & K’s ExSeptional Ones Academy is located at 12717 S 28th Ave., STE D, in Bellevue with operating hours Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Their weekly care allows families to rest assured that their children are receiving loving, beneficial care in a safe learning environment. Those interested in learning more about the academy or have questions about enrolling their children can reach Brian and Keana directly at (531) 365-6806.

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JULY 2021 Strictly Business

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Changes Life is full of decisions—some come at us at a moment's notice while others take time and require a lot of careful thought and consideration. The latter is what we want to spend some time talking about here. Events like getting married, having a baby, buying a house or vehicle, planning for retirement, changing career paths—these big purchases and big moves call for big support systems. Maybe that outlet of support comes from a friend or family member in your life, but it's also smart to involve a professional. Managing finances, being insured, and knowing how to deal with the stress of it all are too important to overlook.

This is why you should have a financial advisor, a trusted insurance representative, and a coach in your corner.

If you're looking for a company to partner with that offers top-notch property, casualty, liability, life and health insurance delivered by individuals who really care about your future success and freedom, turn to UNICO Group. Their Personal Insurance division offers the unparalleled experience of working with a team of professionals who are dedicated to understanding your unique situation.

“One of the many things we can all count on in life is change," said Craig Marmie, RICP, LUTCF, director of personal insurance at UNICO Group. "We welcome the positive changes and sometimes struggle with the difficult ones. As you and/or your family grow

Insurance solutions for your business, your employees, and your family.

Visit us online at unicogroup.com to get started.

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

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along with an increase in your assets, it is important to protect them. Assets can be physical things like home, health, life, cars, etc. They also include your savings, investments, and future income. A review and investment in the right kinds of insurance can protect you from losses of both aggravation and devastation. Get together with your insurance professional to assess the risks and determine the right products for today and those that can continue to grow with you in the future.”

Craig Marmie Perhaps one of the biggest changes in life UNICO Group that we plan for is getting married and starting a family. It's not about just moving in with someone and starting to share your income and expense. Marriage technically isn't required for that to happen—any two people can choose to pool their money together and make those decisions as a pair.

It's the legal nature of a marriage that changes things like your tax structure. You and your partner should be on the same page about assets, liabilities, credit scores, savings, debt, etc. This might involve financial responsibilities you have from a previous marriage or immediate/extended family. Marriage can also have financial benefits, which is why it's important to understand how to file your taxes as a couple. If you don't feel confident in this arena, partner with a trusted accountant. If there is a significant income discrepancy between you and your partner, it's probably smart to work with a lawyer on a prenuptial agreement. These tasks may be difficult or uncomfortable, but they exist to offer protection and security in the long run.

An important step to take when getting married and starting your family is getting life insurance, which is something you can even proactively do before marriage is on the table. A great company in Omaha to work with for your insurance needs is Universal Group, Ltd. According to Dan Headlee, the president of Universal Group, individual life insurance is arguably the biggest investment you can make in your loved ones’ security.

"Life insurance is a complicated field, but Dan Headlee don’t let that put you off," said Dan. "If Universal Group, Ltd. you work with us, we'd be happy to talk you through the options. First, you’ll need to determine the type of life insurance you want to buy, with the most common types being term life insurance, whole life insurance, and universal life insurance. Each has its own way of paying out, and the plan you choose can be best determined by your individual needs."

Dan laid out these three common types of life insurance for us: "With term life insurance, you pay regular premiums for a set period and the policy only pays out if you die during this period.

With whole life insurance, there’s no set period. You usually pay regular premiums until you die, at which point the policy pays out.

Sometimes you have the option to take a lump sum back while you are still alive, but this will reduce the amount paid out when you die. And finally, universal life insurance works in a similar way to whole life insurance, but you have more flexibility about taking money early. You can even borrow money and repay it later; although, if there’s any loan outstanding when you die, the policy’s payout can be significantly affected."

According to Dan, many people mistakenly think that they don't need life insurance if they don't have children or if their children are grown. However, your financial responsibilities fall to your family when you are gone. Life insurance can replace the income you would usually bring in and help support your spouse or adult children. Keeping your loved ones living in the way they are accustomed to is an important thing to think about. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Locally owned independent insurance agency servicing all of your risk management needs.

• Business Insurance • Workers Compensation Insurance • Personal Insurance • Employee Benefits Universal has added services to help customers manage and grow their own businesses, among those a suite of benefits that include compliance tools—OSHA regulations, a Family and Medical Leave Act advisor; human-resources hotline and resources, including customized handbooks.

Employee Wellness plan delivered online!

Located on the corner of 140th & Center Universalinsgroup.com | 402-399-8721

If you are planning on having children in your lifetime, life insurance is so crucial to have. Just think about how expensive it is to raise a child. In its Expenditures on Children by Families report, the USDA puts the cost of raising a child from birth to age 18 at $233,610 for a middle-income family (married with two kids)—around $12,980 per year.

"We have to plan for the unplanned," said Dan. "If you were to die tomorrow, would your spouse be able to provide food, clothes, daycare, and eventually college tuition for your child? Having life insurance could secure the future of your children if you have an untimely death."

In addition to life insurance, there are a handful of other personal insurance avenues to consider when you plan to make big purchases. The two biggest common purchases of all are a house and a car. The sad truth is, life is unfair and can take your most valuable possessions away in the blink of an eye. You don't want to be faced with that kind of loss without insurance. If you're looking for home or auto insurance, reach out to North Risk Partners for a quote. Their large network of carrier partners allows them to match you with the optimal coverage for your situation. They also have experience insuring boats, off-road vehicles, motor homes, and more. Beyond your home and auto insurance, let North Risk help make sure your recreational vehicles are also protected.

Finally, as touched on before, with big decisions can come big waves of stress.

How we deal with our stress and all of life's many obstacles affects our personal and professional lives. We recommend having an experienced life or business coach in your corner. The pros for working with a business coach, even if some of your struggles feel more personal, is because it's all connected and our jobs take up a huge chunk of our time. Our jobs are where we make our income and gain the Michael King finances that fuel these decisions. Michael Teams.Coach King is the executive coach and owner of Teams.Coach in Omaha.

“I helps business professionals break barriers by operating with the highest levels of clarity, health, and innovation,” said Michael. “My sweet spot is leadership, and I’ve helped many people become a better leader in their businesses and in their own lives.”

If you are seeing gaps within your organization, bring in Michael to evaluate overall engagement and help you (and your team) get unstuck.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Don't jump into big decisions and purchases without properly planning for them and all they involve. Protect yourself and the people you love.

JULY 2021 Strictly Business

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residential remodeling 55th Anniversary Sale!

The housing market is pretty wild for sellers and buyers right now.

According to Redfin, in May 2021, Omaha home prices were up 14.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $240K. On average, homes in Omaha sell after five days on the market compared to 10 days last year. There were 821 homes sold in May this year, up from 767 last year.

Save $550 on James Hardie or FITS Vinyl YOUR Siding* schedule

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Many families are choosing to sell because there is an opportunity to turn a major profit from what they originally purchased their home at. Others are holding on to their homes and continuing to watch the home values increase. This extra equity is why home remodeling projects are extra popular right now. With such a competitive market, the nice houses are going to be fought over and people With our unique tub over t are going to pay more than maybe they are actually worth.

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going to accrue over a period of time."

Savings Bank

According to Ben, a Lincoln Federal 2021-05-21 construction loan is probably the better option for more signifi cant projects. This is an interest-only loan, and the loan proceeds are #PrintProudDigitalSmart

10:10

advanced through draws. After completion, the construction loan is usually paid from an equity loan or from a refinance of the mortgage. These options enable the customer to utilize the equity in their home to increase its value.

In terms of current market trends, Ben noted that purchase prices have been increasing with houses being listed and sold very quickly, so some homeowners are realizing that their best option is to stay in their current home and make home improvements. With rising home values, homeowners have the potential to use this new equity to update the interior or exterior of their current property.

"For people wanting buy a home, with so many offers being made, sellers are expecting to see offers that are not contingent upon the sale of the buyer’s house and that buyers are 'prequalified' for a mortgage loan," said Ben. "Lincoln Federal does have products for these situations. A Bridge loan utilizes the equity in the buyer’s current home to be used for the down payment on the new home.

The Bridge loan is paid from the sale of the buyer’s current home.

Lincoln Federal provides a free prequalification. Just contact any of our mortgage lenders."

Ultimately, Ben confirmed that now is a great time to make these updates and to utilize the additional home equity.

"Many homeowners have refinanced their first mortgage with historically low mortgage rates in the last year or so," said Ben. "A second mortgage is one way to take advantage of this situation without affecting the interest rate on their first mortgage."

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In addition, Ben shared that Kitchen remodels and basement finishes are typically the types of improvements that add the most value to a home, and adding livable square footage.

"Deck additions and flooring updates can also help with the appeal and value of the home," said Ben. New exterior siding and window replacement can help with the upkeep and also add and renew the value to the home. Remodeling your home adds enjoyment to your current residence while boosting the home's value without the hassle of moving into a new home.

When homeowners are considering a refinance in the future, an appraiser will take these renovations into account when estimating their home's new value."

When asked what his one last piece of advice to customers considering a remodel would that be, Ben said: "A higher home value means you'll have more equity and a lower loan-to-value ratio for your next refinance or when you sell your house, not to mention the satisfaction that comes from the renovations. My last advice would be, while some projects may be done as DIY (do it yourself), most projects should be done by a professional."

We couldn't agree more! It can be tempting to try to do something yourself to save money, but what often happens is the project doesn't get done right and time and money ends up getting wasted. So, it's time to meet the professionals who can do the job right the first time!

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Doing it Right the First Time F o r t h o s e c o n s i d e r i n g i m p ro v i n g, redesigning, adding on, etc. to their home but have never done projects like these before, United Services Design & Build's Owner Mark Passer says to hire a local company with a brick and mortar presence in Omaha that stands behind their work.

Mark Passer United Services Design & Build

"If something goes wrong during the installation or after you want to be assured that you can easily reach the company to address the issues," said Mark. "Understand that when remodeling

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402-973-1800 | sidingmfg.com 10409 I St. | Omaha, NE 68127 JULY 2021 Strictly Business

37

Why Replace When You Can Restore

Serving Omaha since 2008

BEFORE

LIFETIME stone restoration

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

an existing structure, it is not uncommon for unexpected issues to arise. How the company you hire handles and addresses these issues is key to receiving quality workmanship."

BEFORE

United Services Design & Build specializes in exterior makeovers.

According to Mark, they’ve recently been doing a lot of James Hardie siding replacement and painting complimented by designer accents such as shake shingles, board and batten, custom-made wood shutters, modern house numbers, and soffit lights.

AFTER

“Our professionally trained designers help our customers design a new paint color palette for their homes to add architectural interest and improve curb appeal,” said Mark.

Marble and other stone refinishing • Grout cleaning and sealing • Tiled shower cleaning and caulking • Granite sealing and repair

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United Ser vices Design & Build offers full-ser vice home improvements from roofing, siding, painting, and windows to kitchen and bath remodeling, making them a one-stop shop for homeowners wanting to keep their homes beautiful and well-maintained.

From Start to Finish Another contractor in Omaha that offers superior remodeling services is Gitt Construction. What makes them unique is that they assign a design and project manager to every client they bring in, and they stay actively engaged with the project from start to finish. This way their clients can feel confident throughout the process and they end up with a customized finished product that lines up with their vision.

We have in-house and independent Interior Designers for all remodel projects we do,” said Tim Silknitter, owner of Gitt Construction. “We do whole home remodels and additions, kitchen, bathrooms, basements, and decks. No two projects look the same as they are all customized, creating even more value. Our designers specialize in timeless designs that will make your money back if and when you decide to sell your home. We usually avoid recommending what might be ‘trendy’ at certain time since trends are always changing. We’d rather play off of our clients’ unique taste.”

THE ANSWER TO YOUR NEEDS 531-999-3358 tsrconstructs.com

Tim Silknitter Gitt Construction

If you’re a first-time homeowner and you’re thinking about taking on a big project like a kitchen remodel or addition, Tim advises being prepared with a set budget, a list of your wants and needs, and a design vision for the finish product.

“Be aware of time frame and restrictions of space,” said Tim. “You should also be prepared to be a little flexible and, maybe most importantly, choose a remodeler who protects your home from dust, damage, and debris. We call this protecting the construction work and path zone. The last thing you want is the project to get done and you’re left with a big mess or even small damages to other parts of your home. At Gitt, we understand that remodeling is a messy and disruptive experience by its very nature. That is why we do everything we can to make your time during construction as easy to live through as possible. Majority of our customers live in their homes while the remodeling work is being completed, and while most people are somewhat prepared for the dust, noise, and disruption of the renovation, it can still be something that requires some adjusting. Gitt Construction’s commitment to livable remodeling helps to make some of the daily challenges of living in a construction site, a bit easier for you and your family. “

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Strictly Business JULY 2021

f in

You can expect great communication when you work with Gitt Construction. All of their remodeling projects are assigned to Builder Trend software, their dedicated project management tool.

A project superintendent will be assigned to manage your home’s remodel. In addition to working with your designer, who remains #PrintProudDigitalSmart

in consistent contact with you throughout the renovation, you will be working closely with your personal project superintendent.

The superintendent plays a huge role in keeping you updated, keeping the project flowing smoothly, and answering the inevitable questions that arise during construction. As far as timing goes, to help give you a sense of what to expect, Gitt Construction provides their clients with an estimated schedule of how the work will progress, which includes the target completion date. What is so great about working with Gitt construction is the way they selfperform, which allows them to control the project completion date.

a lot of black accents and smart touch technology. Also, bidet toilets! We've done many installations of toilets with built-in bidets lately (and let me tell you...they are amazing to have!)."

“We do the framing, carpentry, tile, you name it,” said Tim. “We’re involved every step of the way, from the design, construction, to completion. We know that you are anxious to make it through construction and enjoy the new space, so we do everything we can to help you get there as efficiently and quickly as possible.”

"As cliche as it may sound, we care," said Lallenia Birge Lallenia. "It's not a marketing slogan many Big Birge Plumbing companies use to get people to use their services. We truly care. Our team cares about the work they do, and they care about our customers. If we have a misstep, we do our best to try to make it right. We don't want to be known as the plumbers who only care about making a profit or commission. This is why we don't pay commission to our plumbers and why we do our best to keep our price fair and aligned with the benefits we are able to provide to our team members and their families. We know there are many plumbers to chose from out there, so we always trying to do the right thing and teaching our team the same. It goes a long ways."

Bathroom Remodels As mentioned before, bathrooms are a sweet spot of the home— they are where we spend a lot of our time! So we want those spaces to be functional and beautiful. Among the bathroom remodel trends we're seeing 2021, big bathtubs and open showers are probably the most popular. If this is something you're looking into for your bathroom at home, you don’t have to remodel the entire room to make tremendous upgrades to your bathroom’s visual and functional characteristics. Bath Fitter has more than 35 years of experience installing the bathtub you’ve always wanted to upgrade the look of your bathroom.

Brandon Delaney Bath Fitter

“We specialize in tub solutions and tub-toshower conversions that can be completed in as little as a day in most cases,” said Brandon Delaney, branc h manager of Bath Fitter in Omaha. “We offer a better way to replace your bathtub and cover encompassing walls, plus add new bathroom fixtures. Clients are constantly amazed at how quickly we can make their entire bathrooms look completely new and modern.”

Bath Fitter’s acrylic bathtub liners go over your existing tub, eliminating the need for tub removal, so there is no demolition required. They can also convert your tub to a shower area, per your preference or if you need to achieve easier access. You can also choose from their collection of faucets, shower rods, soap dishes, ceilings, wainscoting, and more to achieve the look you’re going for.

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to bring a home solution to people in Omaha that doesn’t require disturbing their lives or draining their pocketbooks,” Brandon said. “The customers we serve are always impressed with the quickness of our process, the look of the final product, and how we make sure to clean up when the job is done. In addition, all Bath Fitter products come with a lifetime warranty!"

In addition to meeting a range of clients' unique wants and needs, there are many reasons why people choose to work with Big Birge Plumbing.

Lallenia's candid advice to first-time remodelers is to expect delays. So if you're planning on hosting a big holiday party or family reunion at your home, you want to make sure your starting your projects with plenty of buffer time in between any big events.

"As much as we want to say it will get done in the time frame you want it done in, delays tend to unavoidable," said Lallenia.

"If you have a hard set date you want it done by, try to get the project started at least 2-3 months prior depending on how big of a project it is. We do our best to keep on schedule or even ahead of schedule but when dealing with multiple contractors and

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If you're looking for some bathroom inspiration, the Bath Fitter website has an awesome design gallery to get those wheels turning. Check it out!

Another Omaha company that works with a variety of residential remodeling contractors as their "go-to" plumbing contractor is Big Birge Plumbing, and recently they've been doing a lot of bathroom remodels with customers opting to forgo their jacuzzi tubs for deep-seated beautiful clawfoot tubs.

"There have also been many customers that forgo a bathtub altogether and opt to put in a large walk-in steam shower," said Owner Lallenia Birge. "Either way, the most important thing for people is that they feel comfortable in their bathrooms. It's one of the more intimate rooms in the homes! Other trends I see include #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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human error, the timeline can get affected."

"Also, keep in mind that the budget may change when something in the plan changes," Lallenia said. "Sometimes, homeowners m change their mind halfway through the project, which is okay (usually), and we do our best to always tell them upfront and in writing of any change orders so there is no confusion when they get the final bill."

Licensed, Bonded, and Fully Insured When you select a general contractor for your residential remodeling project, make sure you are working with a company that is licensed, bonded, and fully insured. It really matters!

You can feel at ease when you work with a company like TSR Construction. They are a Class A general contractor with a tradition of excellence in remodeling and construction.

"Our range of services include roofing, carpentry, electrical, painting, concrete, and flooring," said TSR Owner Tony Reynolds. "We can handle all of your residential construction, design-build, and project management needs. Our in-house specialties include framing and finish carpentry, concrete, drywall, stucco, tile, and electrical."

Times may change but values don’t.

Turn to the Plumbing Pros you can trust!

402-575-0102 | bigbirgeplumbing.com

If you're looking for a reliable contractor with extensive experience for your next Tony Reynolds project, turn to TSR Construction. Their TSR Construction team provides clients with personalized attention based on their specific needs. Get in touch for your consultation.

Siding Matters You don't just want to feel good in your home, you want to be able to drive up and be proud of the exterior of your home as well. This means keeping up with the siding and roofing. Modern homes today are all about clean lines, striking accents, and the use of eco-friendly materials. According to Forbes' contributors Geraldine Orentas and Samantha Allen, "using eco-friendly siding options is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint and embrace green constructions. The good news is that most siding materials are eco-friendly, reusable, and recyclable. A steady trend in recent years is prioritizing durable building materials that require minor repairs or replacements. Homeowners are looking for quality features in exterior home design that are built to last and perform without failing."

A trusted siding manufacturer operating right here in Omaha is Continental Manufacturing, and they specialize in polymer siding which has more environmental benefits.

"If you’re shopping for new house siding, you may find yourself deciding between polymer and vinyl siding," Continental Founder Jerry O’Neal. "Wood siding is costly and requires tiresome maintenance requirements, metal siding oftentimes offers poor insulation (from both heat transfer and noise infiltration), and certain types of fiber cement siding can absorb moisture, making it a no-go as well. At Continental, we recommend polymer siding. It is a relatively new addition to the marketplace, so many people don’t know exactly what it is and how it compares to vinyl siding."

stonebrookexterior.com

OMAHA | 402.934.5559 LINCOLN | 402.438.5559 40 Strictly Business JULY 2021

Jerry O’Neal Continental Manufacturing

"Both polymer siding and vinyl siding are made using resin," said Jerry. "However, polymer siding is made from polypropylene resin, which contains only two elements (hydrogen and carbon), #PrintProudDigitalSmart

while vinyl siding is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin that also contains chlorine. As such, between these two types of resin, polypropylene resin is better for the environment. Polymer siding is manufactured using an injection molding process, which allows for a wide variety of styles and textures (including shake and shingle designs). Vinyl siding, on the other hand, is often produced in standard horizontal and vertical panels."

Whether you end up going with polymer or vinyl siding, you can find exactly what you need at Continental Manufacturing.

They're a mom-and-pop company that’s been in business since 1982, and they’re proud to hold a number of industry patents, including a patent for our state-of-the-art attaching system. They manufacture polymer and vinyl siding, both of which come with form-fitted insulation that’s specially engineered to deter termites and rodents. Continental Manufacturing is so confident in the quality of their siding that they provide a lifetime limited warranty.

Along with siding, roofing also matters. A new roof can be powerful marketing tool when selling your home. As a real estate agent will likely tell you, buyers appreciate a new roof because they know it will save them the hassle. For your roofing and exterior needs, you can count on Stonebrook Exterior because everyone on their team is required to go through training to become Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors. This means they have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately inspect your roof for damage and correctly evaluate that damage. Their team will work with you through the entire process, from discovering your needs, to assisting you in the selection of a quality product.

In Stonebrook’s residential construction operation, they offer a diverse range of services including roofing, siding, windows, gutters and more. This allows them to customize their delivery to individually match the unique needs of each residential client. One of their top priorities is client satisfaction. When it comes to roofing, they want to take the guesswork out of choosing the right contractor. Reach out to Stonebrook Exteriors for a free quote evaluation and estimate.

Keeping it Clean & Classy Any kind of home construction/remodel project can be a messy process and having strangers using your restrooms might feel a bit invasive, but redbox+ of Omaha addresses these concerns with their combination portable toilet and dumpster roll-off. The first of their kind available in the Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Lincoln area, these roll-offs are specifically designed for use on commercial and residential construction sites, and they are truly a unique product.

The bright red, powder-coated containers, which are manufactured in the U.S., are meticulously designed for durability.

"We provide our Standard and Elite (with two porta potties) containers for residential and commercial clean up and remodeling," said redbox+ of Omaha President Mark Fredrickson. "Our Elite containers are patent and redbox+ is the only place you will be able to find this unique solution to both of your job site needs. The job site image can be a selling point. Our bright red, powder coated containers exemplify professionalism, and our Elite container can double as an Mark Fredrickson advertising billboard. Ask us about our redbox+ of Omaha repeat customer advertising/branding opportunity! Don't go with the cheapest. Get referrals and go with trusted professionals."

Hopefully, after hearing from the experts, you feel a lot better heading in to your next remodeling project! We all want our house to feel like a home, and this happens through great construction and design efforts—and they don't have to break the bank. You can work with local companies to turn your existing space into something off of your Pinterest board. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Get featured in our Upcoming Building Omaha feature story & increase your visibility & profits Engineers, Project Managers, Architects, Interior Designers, General Contractors Don’t miss this opportunity to lock in your status as an expert in your field, in print & online

email us or call today editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com 402-466-3330 Strictlybusinessomaha.com JULY 2021 Strictly Business

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NONPROFITS Founded in 1989, BLUEBARN Theatre is dedicated to theatre’s most important tradition: to provoke thought, emotion, action, and change. BLUEBARN has established itself as Omaha’s only professional regional contemporary theatre company. Each year BLUEBARN produces five plays in a season that runs from September through June. Come join BLUEBARN Theatre for Season 33, featuring bold new creations and theatrical events as diverse and surprising as the world we live in. BLUEBARN remains committed, now more than ever, to cheerily subversive experiences that connect us all to our shared humanity. Learn more at bluebarn.org.

The American Heart Association (www. heart.org/Omaha) is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives— devoted to saving people from two of the nation’s top killers: heart disease (No. 1) and stroke (No. 5).

There are over 38,000 people in Nebraska experiencing infertility. Conceive Nebraska (conceivenebraska.org) is an Omahabased non-profit whose mission is to come alongside and support individuals and couples facing fertility challenges by increasing and improving educational resources. Our goal is to raise awareness in our community by changing the conversation surrounding infertility through support groups and events. Infertility affects women and men equally. Chances are you know someone who has had difficulty conceiving. Please have them visit our website at conceivenebraska.org and read our blog or follow us on Instagram and Facebook (@ConceiveNebraska)!

Cross Training Center exemplifies the message “If you feed a man a fish, you feed him for a day.

If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Their program equips unemployed and undereducated adults through vocational training and work experience. Students learn to overcome barriers to employment caused by challenging backgrounds and circumstances, such as homelessness, incarceration, emotional trauma, and generational poverty.

The Rose Theater is committed to enriching the lives of children and families through live theater and arts education. With live performances of plays and musicals specifically for children and a wide range of classes designed to inspire budding performing artists, a lifelong love of theater starts at The Rose.

The Rose is one of the largest and most accomplished children’s theaters in the nation. American Theatre magazine named The Rose one of the top 20 children’s theaters in the country. The theater presents a variety of family-friendly productions on its main stage each year. The Rose’s First Stage series features plays specifically for very young children in a smaller, shush-free, sensoryfriendly environment. In addition, students from age two to 18 can participate in performing arts classes such as creative drama, dance, musical theater, acting, voice, and more. For more information, visit www.rosetheater.org or call (402) 345-4849.

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Powered by millions of volunteers, global and local collaborators, their goal is equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.

Through events right here in Omaha like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women, and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit www.heart.org/Omaha.

Cross Training Center believes each person, no matter their past or current circumstances, can be set up for success. Through its four owned businesses––Cross Electronic Recycling, Redeemed Computers, Cross Automotive, and Cross Social Hall––students gain industry-specific skills and soft skills to prepare them for a career path. To learn more, visit www.crosstc.com or call (402) 590-2100.

Kids Can Community Center’s (KidsCan.org) mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood care and out-of-school experiences. Kids Can serves children ages 18 months to 13 years old. They offer a variety of programs including early childhood education, before- and afterschool programs, summer and non-school day programs, tutoring, and mentoring. Kids Can utilizes the Creative Curriculum for their youngest students with the goal of ensuring all students are prepared to enter Kindergarten.

School-age children participate in the STEMsmart Academy which focuses on science, technology, engineering, math, strength, music, art, reading, and tutoring supporting well-rounded children.

For more information about Kids Can Community Center, visit KidsCan. org, call (402) 731-6988, or email jgillman@kidscan.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Nebraska Children’s Home Society (NCHS) is a private, nonprofit agency with eight locations across the state. NCHS has been putting children first for 127 years. The founding of NCHS was part of a national movement that resulted in the founding of Children’s Home Societies in 36 states between 1883 and 1916. Although the challenges have changed over the years, children still come into the world vulnerable and facing risks. NCHS continually evaluates and adjusts services to address children’s needs. As a mature organization, NCHS is ready to make bold strides to serve children and families like never before.

From education for young children, adolescents, parents and caregivers, to adoption, foster care, and ongoing support, Nebraska Children’s Home Society offers a comprehensive range of quality services. Each resource is offered by highly trained, compassionate professionals, and together they represent an entire continuum of care—an ever-evolving network of services designed to meet the needs of children and families at every stage of life. To learn more, visit nchs.org or call (402) 451-0787.

People living with vision loss get the skills and resources they need to lead independent, fully engaged lives from the Outlook Enrichment programs you fund. Using computers and smartphones without vision becomes easy with technology training from Outlook. Recreational, cultural, and social activities become possible again with a few adaptations. Those new to vision loss—whether their own or a loved one’s—find practical and emotional support from Outlook during their transition.

Outlook Enrichment’s mission is to create opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth in an inclusive community. We help our neighbors living with vision loss and blindness live life independently, confidently engage in their communities, and continue to do the things they love.

Your gifts help us change the outcomes for our neighbors living with vision loss and blindness. Help us celebrate that there is vision beyond sight for each of them. Easily make a donation at outlooken.org/donate.

Incorporated in 2002, the Nonprofi t Association of the Midlands (NAM) started with the goal of helping nonprofits help their communities. CEO Anne Hindery has led the organization since 2008.

“We serve and strengthen more than 700 nonprofit members of all sizes and missions in Nebraska and western Iowa. By connecting organizations with information, education, advocacy, and collaboration, we help our members representing health and human services, the arts, education and other areas make an impact in the communities they serve,” Hindery said.

NAM’s signature Guidelines and Principles Program (nonprofitam. org/GuidelinesandPrinciples) provides legal compliance and best practices information in 12 major areas of nonprofit management: communication, evaluation, financial management, fundraising, governance, human resources, information technology, planning, public policy and advocacy, strategic alliances, transparency and accountability, and volunteer management. The National Council of Nonprofits, the nation’s largest network of nonprofits, recognizes NAM as the state association for Nebraska. Learn more about NAM at www.nonprofitam.org or call (402) 557-5800. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Many Omaha children and families are struggling with the devastating effects of multiple crises and trauma. Thus, the mission of Release is to affect these youth and their families with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, helping them to become…Safe, Together, Healthy, and Free. They do so by providing an array of services in four areas of focus.

• Mentoring: Connecting caring adults with youth seeking positive influences.

• Foster Care: Providing loving homes for the most vulnerable in our community.

• Social Work: Helping families navigate the system to find restoration.

• Mental Health: Bringing healing and wholeness to individuals and families.

Release is a member of the National Family Preservation Network, and all their workers are trained specifically in cultural competency and crisis intervention management.

Opportunities for helping Release transform lives in our community include volunteering as a mentor, becoming a foster parent, joining Friends of Release for monthly projects helping families, and becoming a monthly financial supporter. For more information, call (402) 455-0808, email info@releaseinc.org, or visit www.releaseinc.org.

NALA (nalarescue.org) is a 100% volunteer-based organization steadfast in its commitment to changing the way society thinks about animals, animal rescues, and the impact animals have on humans.

They strive to match homeless animals with people who can provide loving homes where both will enjoy the benefits of this companionship.

NALA provides all vaccinations, heartworm testing, spays/neuters, and microchipping. From rehoming healthy felines and canines to caring for the sickest of the sick, NALA is there! Besides routine care, they do so much more such as bottle-feeding newborns, treating illnesses like parvo, distemper, heartworm, ringworm, surgeries, and behavior training/support.

In addition to monetary donations, NALA needs foster homes, event volunteers, transporters, etc. They need it all! They hope that someday there will not be a need for their animal services for the sick, neglected, abused, and unwanted, but until that day, NALA will be there with open homes, hearts, and arms. To learn more, visit nalarescue.org.

Wear Yellow Nebraska provides service, support, and community for Nebraska’s cancer survivors. Their purpose, from the very beginning, is to bring together people passionate about cycling, celebrating life, and being an advocate in the fight against cancer. Since the organization’s beginning days, Wear Yellow Nebraska has continued to grow and cultivate their mission and vision. In 2012, they launched a free transportation program, which has directed more than $220,000 dollars in providing more than 13,800 cab rides to cancer patients in need.

The Wear Yellow Cab Ride program, Powered by Lyft, is the primary initiative of the organization and is funded by their signature event, the Wear Yellow Ride, Fun Run & Walk. Transportation to and from treatment is essential because patients are often unable to drive themselves, which also leaves them vulnerable to additional medical challenges. Even when patients have family and friends who can help, they are not always available and sometimes they just don’t want to ask for one more thing.

Wear Yellow Nebraska touches lives in Lincoln, Omaha, and Fremont— help them keep growing! Learn more online at WearYellowNebraska.org.

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The General Crook House Museum, managed and maintained by the Douglas County Historical Society, is a restored Italianate style mansion, built in 1879. The house was built for Gen. George Crook, commander of the Army's Dept. of the Platte and served as officers’ quarters. Today, the house has been restored as a period museum, giving visitors the chance to step back into Omaha's frontier past and see how the house might have looked in the Victorian age. Guests in the Museum will learn about the house's architectural features, Fort Omaha's unique military history, and the story of Chief Standing Bear, who was held at the Fort before his historic trial.

Visit the Museum, amble the house and garden, or sit in the parlor or reception rooms. The Crook House is a Museum, but it's also a home and the Douglas County Historical Society takes great pride in welcoming guests personally and making them feel they are a part of the House's story. To learn more about tours or renting the Museum for your next event, visit www.douglascohistory.org or call (402) 455-9990.

Located in South Omaha, Stephen Center (stephencenter.org) partners with the community, families, and individuals to overcome homelessness, addiction, and poverty. Approximately 250 people call Stephen Center home each day through three programs on a sober campus. The Pettigrew Emergency Shelter serves men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. The HERO Program (Health, Empowerment, Responsibility, and Opportunity) is a nationallyaccredited, state-licensed substance abuse treatment, and mental health services program providing substance abuse evaluations, in patient services, and intensive outpatient treatment. The third program is Permanent Supportive Housing apartments. These apartments provide affordable housing for those that meet income and disability qualifications. All Stephen Center clients have the support of case managers who assist them with the identification of barriers impeding self-sufficiency. Volunteers play a huge role in Stephen Center’s mission, impacting client lives every day! For more information, visit stephencenter.org or follow on Facebook (@stephencenteromaha).

Youth Emergency Services (YES) is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in the community.

Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 1,000 youth in the Omaha metro. YES also provided 4,338 meals to youth through their Street Outreach Center and Mobile Pantry during the pandemic.

Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. Without YES, these vulnerable young people cannot succeed independently.

YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. This includes the Street Outreach Center, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living Program, Maternity Group Home and Rapid Rehousing. Through these programs, YES offers case management, job readiness classes, group activities, support for the LGBTQ+ community and specialized services for trafficked survivors. To ensure youth are successful once they leave their care, YES requires the youth to set short- and long-term goals; be enrolled in school; have a job, or both; and do community service. For more information about YES’ programs, please visit www. yesomaha.org or call (402) 345-5187. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

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Angels Among Us is celebrating 15 years of impact in 2021! Angels Among Us provides financial assistance to families whose children are battling pediatric cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families are provided with $500 a month for the length of their entire treatment plan, up to three years, to help them stay financially stable during treatment. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, which ensures that funds are used for their intended purpose. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, a family’s life as they know it comes to an abrupt halt. Unfortunately, their monthly expenses do not. Since 2006, Angels Among Us has assisted over 510 families with nearly $3 million in support.

There are angels among us. Will you be one? Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. There is strength in numbers. There is also hope, help, and monetary relief. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit the website at www. myangelsamongus.org.

The Aksarben Foundation is a unified network of business and community leaders committed to preserving and expanding prosperity in our heartland communities through advancements in education, workforce development, and civic projects born from effective private, public, and philanthropic partnerships. Since 1895, Aksarben has been bringing Nebraska’s civic-minded families together to celebrate and recognize the spirit of giving in our state with the Aksarben Ball. While the event raises money for the mission and initiatives of Aksarben, the purpose of the event is to convene and honor families committed to the wellbeing of Nebraska. It is no secret that the past, present, and future success of Nebraska depends on the civic engagement of its citizens. Each year, the highest honor recognized

by Aksarben is that of Nebraska’s “Most Honored Citizen(s)”, in which a man, woman, or couple is celebrated for their contributions to the betterment and continued prosperity of Nebraska for all citizens. To learn more about the Aksarben Foundation, contact info@aksarben.org / (402) 554-9600 or go online to www.aksarben.org.

Did you know…Midlands Community Foundation (MCF) helps donors achieve their philanthropic goals and “Invest in the Power of Community.”

MCF plays an integral part in the community by serving Sarpy and Cass counties in the areas of health, arts, community, economic development, education, and human services.

For example, MCF: • Helps provide shelter for the homeless and stocks shelves at local food banks; • Underwrites scholarships for college-bound students; • Maintains and supports local libraries; • Updates parks and recreational areas; • Provides new technology for schools and nonprofit organizations; • Treats school children to educational field trips • Support STEM initiatives; and • Assists in emergency disaster relief for affected victims.

In addition, MCF manages 150 charitable funds that serve an array of needs. This past year, more than $1.3 million has been distributed into the community through these charitable funds, MCF grants, and discretionary gifts. Learn more at www.midlandscommunity.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Together, we can end child abuse. Project Harmony is boldly focused on ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect in our community. We have reimagined how communities can come together by leveraging resources to respond to, treat and ultimately prevent child abuse.

Project Harmony restores courage, facilitates healing and empowers each of us to be someone in the life of a child. Take the pledge to be someone in the life of a child today at ProjectBeSomeone.org.

To find out more about Project Harmony, visit www.projectharmony. com or call (402) 595-1326.

Established in 1972, Santa Monica House (www.santamonicahouse.org) has been providing long-term residential services to thousands of chemicallydependent women, partnering with them on their journey to recovery.

The program relies on the disciplines of the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous® while incorporating mental health and trauma treatment along with life skills. Santa Monica provides food, shelter, rehabilitative counseling, job acquisition guidance, and re-socialization training.

Santa Monica provides a halfway house program, followed by a three-quarters way house program and transitional apartment living.

This approach to step-down levels of care for the women provides a more holistic continuum of care. These services will give the women more support as they transition back into the community. Donations are always valued at Santa Monica and the women benefit from toiletries, clothing, and paper products.

Visit Santa Monica’s new website at www.santamonicahouse.org for more information about the agency, what the future holds, and how to help.

Child Saving Institute (CSI) is dedicated to the prevention, intervention and healing of childhood abuse, neglect and trauma.

Since its beginning more than 129 years ago, CSI’s primary focus has always been children’s safety and well-being. As an innovative leader in children’s services, CSI’s programs include an Emergency Shelter for youth in crisis, quality Early Childhood Education, consultation services for low-income childcare centers, Foster Care services, foster parent training, Mental Health Services including Pediatric & Adolescent Therapy and Medication Management Services, In-Home Services for struggling families, Pediatric Social Work services in local low-income medical clinics, Independent Living Skills (ILS)education for youth aging out of the foster care system, free parenting workshops, and adoption services. The agency also operates the Triage Center at Project Harmony, providing a comfortable environment, food, and new clothing to children who have been abruptly removed from their homes in crisis.

CSI’s programs are diverse and continue to adjust to the current needs of children and families in the Omaha community. With your support, CSI serves more than 2,800 kids and families each year and touches thousands more, improving children’s lives—helping them discover the joy of childhood that every child should experience.

For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000.

Stay connected with CSI by following the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

At the Heartland Hope Mission (heartlandhopemission.org) South Omaha and Millard food pantries, working poor families choose a week’s supply of nutritious groceries including milk, frozen meat, and fresh produce to prepare wellbalanced meals at home. However, Heartland Hope Mission is more than a pantry. Clients also receive clothing, hygiene items, diapers, and access to a Client Service Specialist who assists with SNAP (food stamp) applications and navigational services. The Mission’s Jobs Paths Program provides access to current job postings and on-site interviews with employers. The goal is to provide programming and wraparound services to prevent families from becoming homeless and to help people achieve or rebuild self-sufficiency. Due to COVID-19, Heartland Hope Mission is now serving almost double the amount of families compared to last year. Learn more at heartlandhopemission. org or call (402) 733-1904.

Vision Maker Media (VMM) is the premier source of public media by and about Native Americans since 1976. Our mission is empowering and engaging Native people to share stories. We envision a world changed and healed by understanding Native stories and the public conversations they generate.

We work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce and distribute programs for all public media. VMM supports training to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. A key strategy for this work is in partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations and Native communities. Reaching the national public and a global market is the ultimate goal for the dissemination of Native public media that shares Native perspectives with the world.

Vision Maker Media is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) funded in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), For more information visit visionmakermedia.org.

With Best Care EAP (www. bestcareeap.org) as a business partner, you can provide support to help employees focus on their jobs when problems in their personal lives get overwhelming. Best Care EAP provides a wide variety of wellness and online services that will boost your employees’ productivity and morale. All of their services can be tailored to meet the individual needs of your company.

Professional development opportunities—Best Care EAP offers over 100 training programs in areas of management/leadership, physical/mental well-being, team development and professional/ personal growth – all offering the flexibility to be offered at your worksite, virtually or pre-recorded. Customized training options available to you based on your organization’s needs.

Counseling for a wide variety of issues, concerns, and stressors—Their licensed counselors provide one-on-one, couple, and family counseling close to your work or home, plus telehealth options.

Professional help coping with a critical situation—For over 40 years, Best Care EAP has provided immediate support for members during times of crisis. Whether caused by an unexpected injury or death, crime, or environmental/societal impact, Best Care EAP is available to you and your employees with immediate support following a critical incident.

If you are interested in learning more about Best Care EAP or have questions about their services, visit www.bestcareeap.org , call (402) 354-8000 / (800) 801-4182, or email at EAP@BestCareEAP.org.

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OHB (Omaha Home for Boys) has been transforming lives and strengthening communities for more than 100 years! What began as a home for wayward and neglected boys has grown to an organization serving more than 1,100 youth, young adults, children, and families annually.

OHB’s continuum of care is aimed at empowering individuals and families with the skills and confidence needed to transition from a state of crisis to one of safety and growth. OHB’s programs focus on helping clients achieve self-sufficiency and offer support in the areas of basic life skills, education, employment, housing, transportation, and behavioral and mental health.

The Salvation Army of Omaha is a faith-based nonprofit organization with a mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Its three community centers – Omaha Citadel Corps, Omaha North Corps and the Omaha Kroc Center – as well as the Burrows Center and Renaissance Village, are uniquely situated to meet the diverse needs of our metro-area neighborhoods. From after-school programs and summer camps to food pantries and behavioral health programs that support those struggling with mental illness, The Salvation Army of Omaha sustains the bodies, minds and spirits of our most vulnerable neighbors, helping those in need more than 200,000 times each year.

As OHB enters its next century, the organization’s commitment to adapt and grow to meet the ever-changing needs of the community continues, thanks to supporters like you. “Together, we can transform a life and strengthen our community!” Learn more at OHB.org or call (402) 457-7000.

Monetary donations help to fund The Salvation Army’s social services programs – including food, housing, material assistance, youth development, older adult services, behavioral health, anti-human trafficking and disaster services. For more information or to make a donation, please visit salarmyomaha.org.

Open Door Mission is a Gospel Rescue Mission founded in 1954 committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe shelter beds to homeless men, women, and children; serves over 4,747 nutritious meals; and provides homeless preventive measures to more than 1,000 people living in poverty.

Through a growing grassroots network of volunteers who hail from every cor ner or the state, Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF, NebraskaHometown.org) unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Visit www.opendoormission.org or call (402) 422-1111 to see how you can make a difference in the community.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease where a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to get energy from food. T1D strikes children and adults suddenly and is unrelated to diet or exercise; at present, there is no cure. JDRF works every day to change this reality. As the largest global funder of T1D research, our mission is to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising.

Events: • JDRF One Walk – October 10, 2021 • JDRF Gala – April 2, 2022 Programs: • Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research and policies for affordable and accessible therapies.

• Support/Networking Groups (virtual until further notice) - JDRF T1D Talk – Connecting the T1D community – individuals and families, 2nd Tuesday of every month - Empower1 – Connecting the adolescent T1D community, 2nd Thursday of every month • Give Back at School – School education and fundraising opportunities.

• Outreach – Resources and events for individuals and families.

• Ride – Fundraise through cycling for all fitness levels.

• YLC – Young professionals raising awareness and funds for T1D. Learn more at jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa or (402) 397-2873.

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Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns all across the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 270 Nebraska communities. In the last five years, 45,313 contributions were made to NCF and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $393.1 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

The mission of the Jennie Edmundson (JE) Foundation (www. jehfoundation.org) is to improve the quality of life by caring for the body and mind. Jennie Edmundson Foundation is the fundraising arm of Methodist Jennie Edmundson (MJE) Hospital. By engaging philanthropic leaders, they are able to help make certain that the equipment, facilities, programs, services, and educational initiatives at JE continue to meet community needs.

The JE Foundation relies on donations and grants from the community.

These funds help their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Cancer Center, Cardiac Center, Women’s Services, Charitable Patient Care Fund, Medi-Bus Transportation, and Scholarship Funds, to name a few.

Generous contributions provide care, education and services to many who may not otherwise have access to healthcare services. Individual or planned gifts, memorials, or becoming an event, corporate sponsor or year-end donor are also a few ways to help.

Becoming a JE Adult Volunteer gives you the opportunity to be involved in many facets of volunteerism. It is a wonderful way to meet new people, develop new skills and interests, and be rewarded through the experiences of helping patients, family members, and hospital staff.

To find out more about the Jennie Edmundson Foundation and how you can get involved, call (712) 396-6040 or visit www.jehfoundation.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Christian Record Services, Inc., located in Lincoln, is a ministry of compassion of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to children and adults who are blind, with nearly 18,000 members throughout the United States and in countries around the world. Our mission is to empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.

Christian Record Services offers an array of services and programs, including Bible study lessons, books, magazines, and Bibles in audio, braille, and large print from a library of more than 2,000 titles.

Members also have the opportunity to deepen social, educational, and spiritual connections through PhoneFaith, scholarships for higher education, and National Camps for Blind Children.

These services and programs are free of charge to people who are legally blind, regardless of denomination or church affiliation.

For more information, visit www.christianrecord.org, call (402) 4880981, or email info@christianrecord.org. You can also request a card to share with someone who is legally blind at bitly/CRSBshare.

Help the Omaha Police Foundation (OPF) Support Our Local Officers!

We work to promote and strengthen the Omaha Police Department (OPD) by providing financial support and creating community partnerships to ensure it has highly qualified officers who have the training, equipment and technology needed to prevent crime, save lives and make Omaha a safer community. Since 1999, the OPF has sponsored and hosted the annual Officer of the Year Awards Luncheon to recognize exceptional effort and to honor acts of heroism. The OPF is currently raising funds to support the purchase of a new K9 as well as protective gear for the horses of the Mounted Patrol. One hundred percent (100%) of all donations go directly to the project of your choice.

If you would like to learn more or to support the work of the Omaha Police Foundation, please visit www.OmahaPoliceFoundation.org or contact OPF Administrator Elizabeth Balazs at (402) 345-5401, ext. 102.

Autism Action Partnership serves Nebraska’s autism comm unity through targeted programs that promote support, inclusion, and prosperity.

SUPPORT: We are committed to connecting individuals and families to needed resources over their lifespan, offering services (like Project Lifesaver) to enhance the safety of those with autism, and helping to cultivate a strong social network through Making Memories events and the AAP Guild.

INCLUSION: Our inclusion efforts aim to create more understanding and increased opportunities for the autism community to live enriched lived. AAP provides comprehensive trainings to businesses and partners on how to support and welcome individuals with autism and their loved ones.

PROSPERITY: We help to answer the question of “what’s next” as autistic individuals enter adulthood. Through our Prosper Workforce Services program, we meet the needs of employers and participants by matching individuals to positions that meet their interests and address employers’ needs, while providing necessary support and training.

To learn more about Autism Action Partnership, visit autismaction.org or call (402) 763-8830. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Do Space is a free, one-of-akind technology space, digital workshop, and experimental playground, designed to tackle the digital divide in Omaha.

We help boost digital skills and drive innovation, creativity, and invention in the region. It’s more than just a building—it’s a community technology movement. At Do Space, Omahans have access to powerful fiber internet, Wi-Fi, high-end computers and devices, 3D printers, and technology-focused learning opportunities.

Are you looking for free, tech-related, hands-on activities for youth this summer? If so, the Do Space Summer Passport Program is right for you. Come pick up your free summer passport for ages 3-13, and create fireworks in a jar, LED key chains, light up magic wands, and more. The Summer Passport Program is in full swing so come and join us! Learn more at dospace.org/summer or call (402) 819-4022. Do Space is located at 7205 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68114.

Assistance League® of Omaha (ALO) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of local children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. ALO has purchased and is remodeling a new building to use as offices, meeting areas, and a new thrift shop. Plans are to open in late summer and then donations will be welcomed and ALO invites shoppers to visit the best thrift shop in Omaha. Please keep watch for the opening announcements. The Thrift Shop helps to support ALO’s signature programs, which are Operation School Bell®, Assault Survivor Kits®, Operation Recovery, Operation Bear Hug, Operation Teen Parent, Operation Literacy, and ACT/PSAT Review Sessions.

Donations and grants are appreciated.

Assistance League® of Omaha’s new address is 8502 West Center Rd., and their team can be contacted by calling (402) 342-4288. Learn more online at Alomaha.org or go to the Facebook page (@assistomaha).

The mission of Midlands Latino C o m m u n i t y D e ve l o p m e n t Corporation (MLCDC, www. midlandslatinocdc.org) is to provide low- and moderateincome individuals and families with opportunities and tools to achieve financial stability through entrepreneurship.

MLCDC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on teaching Latinos and refugees leadership skills to create diverse and inclusive businesses. MLCDC focuses on enhancing the life of individuals in the Midlands while reducing poverty and increasing economic growth in local communities.

MLCDC’s programs and services are provided in Spanish, English, and Arabic and cover areas of financial stability, industry training, entrepreneurship and leadership, and lending. The lending program provides business loans to entrepreneurs that are unable to secure capital from financial institutions to start or expand their businesses.

During 2020, MLCDC has benefited more than 200 families and impacted more than 500 individuals in Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs through financial education and business planning, enabling successful entrepreneurship. To learn more, visit www. midlandslatinocdc.org or call (402) 933-4466.

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The Rose House exists to encourage, empower and prepare single mothers for life self-sustainability through mentorship and teaching. At the onset of COVID, The Rose House opened its diaper pantry to the public and provide FREE diapers, diaper wipes and formula to single mothers in the community. The Rose House is currently located inside The Westroads Mall, 10000 California St., Omaha, NE 68114, on the main level in the Southwest Corner of the mall. If you know a single mother who can benefit from their services, please have them register online at www.TheRoseHouseInc.org/diaper-registration.

NAMI Omaha is a nonprofit corporation composed of peers, family members, professionals, and friends who have come together to share and take comfort in the commonality of their experiences and to educate members of their communities about serious mental illness. NAMI Omaha actively advocates at the local, state, and national levels to improve the services and the lives of those affected by mental illness and their families.

NAMI Omaha offers periodic classes of one of NAMI’s signature programs, including their Family to Family 12-week evidence-based educational course for family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions.

NAMI Omaha also offers support groups for both peers, family, significant others, and friends of people with mental health conditions.

The Connections support groups is another NAMI signature program and offers support for peers with mental health conditions.

NAMI Omaha also hosts monthly affiliate meetings where speakers are invited to speak about current mental health issues in the community, including active state legislature bills, mental health services, alternative forms of mental health treatment, etc.

What began as a mother’s wish to offer a playful respite for her daughter fighting brain cancer has now become a movement to reclaim the innocence and playfulness of childhood for those threatened by the realities of their medical conditions. Bags of Fun (bagsoffun.org) are an essential tool that brings the power of play and distraction from pain into the lives of children fighting a life-threatening illness. Each bag of happiness is individually crafted to provide joy, laughter, and relief to children in the fight of their lives—inspiring pediatric patients to be kids and play while they struggle through tough treatments.

It was Gabby Krause’s wish that every child at the hospital could have their own Bag of Fun, and it is an honor to carry out her wish!

Bringing a sense of normalcy, especially during these times, is something everyone could benefit from.

Since beginning in Omaha in September 2019, Bags of Fun has delivered over 130 Bags of Fun to kids! The nonprofit is excited for what the future has to hold, especially with the immense support they have already experienced in the community. “The body cannot heal without PLAY, the mind cannot heal without LAUGHTER, the heart cannot heal without COMMUNITY.” Visit bagsoffun.org to learn more about the Bags of Fun mission.

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E m b ra c i n g G o d ’s c a l l , Mosaic in Omaha relentlessly pursues opportunities to empower people. Even in this pandemic, they’ve not only worked to keep people safe and healthy, they’ve found creative ways to keep people engaged and active.

As a whole-person healthcare organization, Mosaic knows the importance of looking at all areas of a person’s life to help them experience optimal health. Thanks to their dedicated employees and contractors, the nearly 250 people we serve have continued to learn new skills, engage in safe outdoor activities and virtual visits with family and friends, and participate in virtual worship if they chose to.

You’re invited to learn more about Mosaic by attending one of their virtual Discover the Possibilities events. There, you’ll hear personal stories of those we serve told by the people closest to them. Contact Executive Director Nicholas Batterton at nic.batterton@mosaicinfo. org or visit www.mosaicinfo.org/locations/nebraska/omaha.

Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership (ENCAP, www.encapnebraska.org) is a nonprofit community based organization that has been providing social and human services to people facing poverty since 1965.

Last year, ENCAP provided more than 32,000 services to 14,407 people living in Douglas and Sarpy Counties. ENCAP is a member of a national network of over 1,000 Community Action Agencies dedicated to providing programming that meets community needs, that responds to the voices of the low-income community, and that demonstrates continuous quality improvement. ENCAP’s service areas include: Emergency rent and utility assistance, family well-being via community response, senior well-being, hunger relief (via Omaha and Bellevue Food Pantries) transportation For more information, please visit www.encapnebraska.org.

The mission of t h e N eb r a s k a Safety Council (nesafetycouncil. org) is simple: For more than 60 years, they have provided education and leadership to empower people to live safe and healthy. The Nebraska Safety Council’s comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and off the job. Their unique Worker 360° approach provides integrated risk management to improve overall worker quality of life and positively impact an organization’s bottom line.

Members of the Nebraska Safety Council include organizations throughout Nebraska and surrounding areas, across a variety of industries. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Each company’s safety and well-being program is customized for their needs and size.

Demonstrate your commitment to employee safety and health by becoming a member of the Nebraska Safety Council. You will receive access to training, guidance, and resources to establish or enhance your safety and wellness programs and policies.

The Nebraska Safety Council provides leadership and resources for a safe and healthy workplace and community. To reach their team, call (402) 483-2511 or visit nesafetycouncil.org to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The mission of the American Red Cross (redcross.org) is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. The Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters from home fires to major events such as hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes. About 40% of the nation’s blood needed by patients is supplied by the Red Cross.

The organization teaches skills such as CPR and First Aid that save lives.

Additionally, the Red Cross provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members, veterans, and their families.

Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.

The Malone Community Center (MaloneCenter.org) was founded in 1955 through a reorganization of the Lincoln Urban league. Initially founded during a time in history when civil rights for African Americans were extremely limited, the league founders, both black and white, were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races.

They believed that enhanced understanding between all groups of people would create a better community.

For decades, the Malone Center has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community through programs and initiatives that extend well beyond the community center to uphold their mission to end multigenerational poverty. Their holistic community programming reflects their commitment to advancing equality through education, health initiatives, community outreach, advocacy, and leadership development.

For more information about the Malone Community Center, please visit MaloneCenter.org or call (402) 474-1110.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM) is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionallysupported one-toone relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Big Brothers Big Sisters strives for all youth in the program to reach their full potential. A Big Brother, Big Sister, or Big Couple provides youth with a sense of safety and security, emotional support, and social skill promotion.

Bigs and Littles are matched based on common interests so they can have the benefit of doing activities together that they both enjoy.

With a Big by their side, more Littles are discovering who they are and what they can achieve in life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is working to clear the path for youth’s biggest possible futures.

This summer we are launching our newest mentoring program: Mentor U. MentorU is a school-based mentoring program that provides screened and trained volunteer mentors to high school youth enrolled in an academic enrichment class to keep students on track for graduation and success. The objective is to help high school students develop personal, academic, and career skills. MentorU gives those who may not have time for community-based mentoring a meaningful volunteer opportunity to positively impact the life of a youth in their community. Head to bbbsomaha.org to learn more! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Hope Center for Kids (hopecenterforkids.com) started with a vision in the heart of a father who saw the need for hope in the lives of kids who could not see beyond their circumstances.

Today, 22 years after the late Pastor Ty Schenzel opened the doors, The Hope is home to multiple learning spaces, a commercial kitchen and cafeteria, basketball gym, the Hope Skate roller rink, COX STEM Lab and more.

Youth ages 5–19 are offered identity-based programming and a safe place to play and grow. High school students also have the opportunity to apply and interview for The Hope Employment & Learning Academy, a program that prepares youth for successful employment.

Join The Hope vision to help give kids in North Omaha the support to graduate from high school and develop a plan for the future, while experiencing the love of Jesus. Go to hopecenterforkids.com or call (402) 341-4673.

FAMILY, Inc. (www.familyia.org) is an early childhood and public health organization with a mission for empowering families to build a strong foundation and healthy future through education, advocacy, support, and community connection. When parents are empowered and children have the nurturing and support they need, their chances of positively contributing to society as an adult increase.

FAMILY, Inc. provides the right supports and services for each child at the earliest stages of development, prenatally through age five, preparing children to enter school ready to learn. Through early developmental assessment, oral health education, and screening, support to pregnant moms, parenting home visits, care coordination, connections to hawki health insurance, fostering informal support networks, and more, FAMILY, Inc. partners with each family leading to more successful outcomes decades later. What better investment for the future can a community make?

To learn more, visit www.familyia.org or call (712) 256-9566. FAMILY, Inc. can also be found on Facebook (@familyincia), Twitter (@ FAMILYIowa), LinkedIn (@familyinc), and YouTube (FAMILYonYouTube).

Many people know G o o dw i l l I n d u s t r i e s, I n c .

(GoodwillOmaha.org), Serving Eastern Nebraska and Southwest Iowa, as a place to donate used clothing and household items or find great bargains, but you might not know the mission at the heart of our organization: Goodwill provides job training and placement services to people with disabilities and other disadvantages.

The sale of donated items sold in Goodwill retail stores supports mission programs. Here’s how: People in the community donate gently used items to Goodwill. Goodwill sells those donated items in our retail stores. The proceeds from those sales subsidize mission programs, giving thousands of individuals in the Omaha area the chance to earn a living, discover independence, and succeed in life.

Goodwill provides opportunities through a variety of employment programs, including YouthBuild AmeriCorps, Employment Solutions, and Work Experience. Goodwill is also affiliated with the federal AbilityOne program, which provides jobs at federal facilities to people with severe disabilities.

Goodwill is a private, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit agency governed by a local board of trustees. It is a member agency of Goodwill Industries International of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Setting the Tone with Continental Siding Manufacturing When it comes to attracting positive attention to your business, the siding you choose for your building remodel is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Not only does the exterior of your building extend the first impression of your business, but it also provides a protective barrier from Nebraska’s elements, can help improve your building’s energy efficiency, helps define the personality of your company, and may even set the tone and character for the commercial area where it stands. With this in mind, it is critical that you choose a siding manufacturer with a solid reputation of quality and dependability to get the job done right. We recommend contacting Continental Polymer Siding Manufacturing.

Jerry O’Neal Founder

“What’s most important to you when you’re choosing a siding company?” asks Continental Founder Jerry O’Neal. “Is it the experience of the company, the friendliness of the staff, or the durability of the product? For many, it’s all three, and that’s why there’s Continental Manufacturing. We are a longstanding siding manufacturer that has emerged as a leader in the industry because of our premium seamless siding that offers extraordinary durability, energy efficiency, and longevity. Plus, we only work with established contractors who are financially solid and have excellent reputations.

In business since 1982, we operate on the belief that delivering a positive remodeling experience to our customers is a priority. We offer individualized customer service and a streamlined installation process that takes care of you from beginning to end.”

Throughout the pandemic, most manufacturers have dealt with six-, seven-, even eight-week delays for basic materials. Not Continental, though. They have had no delays in providing materials to their clients in a timely fashion, be it siding materials, soffit materials, trim coil, or the like. Continental keeps all of their products in stock at their warehouse right here in Omaha, so you don’t have to wait. They are ready to deliver the products when you need them, and they are always up-to-date on the latest trends.

“In the current environment, more people are doing larger projects that offer a good return on their investments,” Jerry said. “There’s a number of newer trends that are popular right now, for instance black soffit and facia and black windows on the exterior—and the new patented polymer wall systems are very, very popular right now.”

Continental manufactures their own seamless polymer cladding and created the Perma-Strate Wall System®, which is a patented method of installation that makes the product completely seamless, and it fixes common problems seen throughout the industry.

What’s more, they sell only wholesale, and you can save thousands buying directly from the manufacturer!

“There are a few things that set us apart from anybody else in the industry,” Jerry said. “That includes our patented polymer wall systems, manufactured in Missouri and Nebraska. We are also able to satisfy contractor and builder needs for products without delay. When it comes to major projects such as hotels and apartment buildings, we can not only provide the products but can actually manufacture the polymer in any color desired and cut to the length needed to accomplish the job and limit labor expenses in doing so. I guess you’d say the key to Continental Siding Manufacturing is that we are the manufacturing company that operates the way the business community deserves!”

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www.sidingmfg.com | 402-973-1800

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2021 HIRE Conference Virtual Event Friday, August 6, 2021 8:30 am – 1:30 pm

Register at OmahaChamber.org/hire-conference

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Omaha’s Premiere Remodeler

Gitt Construction takes care of everything from design through construction with attention to detail and quality craftmanship.

On time. On budget.

Guaranteed.

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402.740.9551

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