Strictly Business Omaha - September 2021

OMAHA • SEPTEMBER 2021 TM

STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM

TOM FULLER

RISK ADVISOR

DAN MARBURG

RISK ADVISOR

CANDACE CHAPMAN ACCOUNT ADVISOR

LISA DANIELS

• Senior Living • Fall Landscaping • Joining Organizations

Client Spotlights

• Fleet Feet • Key Home Care • Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too • McGill Restoration

AGO

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

RIVER CITY SIX

In This Issue

RISK ADVISOR/PARTNER

CAROL WAIT KATE WHITECOTTON McGuigan Arts Academy Ovation Heartwood Preserve

KRISTIE EGAN CORWIN KELLER SEE THEStrictly TRAINER Ideal Heating and Air 2021 SEPTEMBER Conditioning, LLC.

CASEY A. MCNARE Huber Cadillac

SHONTELL PRINCE

HALLINS Corporation1 Business

Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505

Connect your business to your customer’s journey Good business is fueled by strong Internet and voice solutions.

That’s why you can count on Cox Business for the 99.9% network reliability and 24/7 support you need to connect your business to your customers.

50 MBPS INTERNET AND IP CENTREX SELECT

$

74

/MO

with a 1-year term agreement

Get a $300 Cox Business Visa® Prepaid Card After online redemption.† Mention “reward promo” to qualify.

Call (402) 934-3891 or visit coxbusiness.com to switch today *Offer ends 12/31/21. Available to new commercial data and voice subscribers (excluding gov’t agencies and schools) in Cox service areas. $74/mo includes Cox Business InternetSM 50 and IPC Select. Price based on 1 yr. term agreement. Early term. fees may apply. Standard rates apply thereafter. Price excludes equipment, professional installation, construction, inside wiring, taxes, surcharges and other fees, unless indicated. Offer is nontransferable to a new service address. All Cox services are provided subject to Cox Business General Terms (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies, which may be found at https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/businessgeneral-terms.html. CB Internet: Uninterrupted or error-free Internet service, or the speed of your service, is not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary. Rates and bandwidth options vary and are subject to change. DOCSIS 3.0 or higher modem may be required, unless indicated. See www.cox.com/internetdisclosures for complete Cox Internet Disclosures. IPC Select: 15-seat maximum. IPC Select is limited to direct-dialed domestic calls and is not available for use with non-switched-circuit calling. Desktop app included; physical handsets may be purchased separately from Cox. Access to E911 may not be available during equipment or extended power outage. Telephone services are provided by an affiliated Cox entity. Services are not available in all areas. Discounts can’t be combined or added with other promotions nor applied to any other Cox account. †Visa prepaid card available with qualifying new services ordered and activated between 9/1/21 and 12/31/21 with min 1 yr. term agreement for Cox Business InternetSM and IPC Select. Must mention “reward promo" when placing order. Account must remain active, be in good standing, and retain all services for a min of 30 days after install. Online redemption req’d by 1/31/22 and must follow instructions rec’d after service activation. Limit one card per customer, total not to exceed $300. Allow 15 days after redemption for delivery. Card is issued by MetaBank®, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions 2 OtherStrictly Business SEPTEMBER #PrintProudDigitalSmart apply. restrictions apply. © 2021 Cox Communications Inc.2021 All rights reserved.

PAD108029-0001

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

FINDING THE BEST FIT FOR YOUR FEET Fleet Feet is a local, family owned and operated store that is part of a network of specialty running, walking, and fitness stores across the country. The Fleet Feet network shares new and innovative ideas to better serve you and your unique needs while continuing to build a culture that puts health and fitness to the forefront of your life. Lori Borer, owner, started Fleet Feet in 2014 and has been committed to serving the Lincoln community for the majority of her life. It wasn’t until 2017 when she decided to expand, and now she is serving the Omaha metro area! The Fleet Feet team is composed of the most passionate individuals in specialty running gear. Their focus is centered around giving their guests the best possible experience and ensuring that each guest achieves their needs in lifestyle, fit, customer service, training, and product.

Did you know that nearly 80% of people have a noticeable discrepancy between their left foot and their right foot? Depending on how your body naturally moves while you walk or run, Fleet Feet can determine the amount of support each person needs from their shoes. The type of foam, arch support, and upper construction can all affect how comfortable each person feels in their shoes. While there is no correct way for your body to move, you can make sure you feel (and look) your best while you run or walk by getting shoes that are designed to support your foot at all points.

Fleet Feet is known for its extensive outfitting process which provides clients with running shoes that fit properly. Their specialized fit process combines the best in customer service with insightful technology to deliver unbeatable comfort mile after mile. Fleet Feet uses state-of-the-art technology that scans and uses a set of specialized cameras to capture 12 precise data points to construct a 3D image of your foot! With those measurements, Fleet Feet is able to help you find the best fit for your feet. Not only do they have 3D imaging technology, but they also use a specialized pressure plate to analyze your individual gait pattern and determine which pressure points are frequently used on the foot. Understanding where each body places pressure on their feet while they walk lets Fleet Feet gauge a neutral gait or if one tends to pronate or supinate.

FLEET FEET’S TOP FIVE TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST RUNNING SHOES 1 2 3 4 5

Plan Ahead—Looking to get into a consistent running routine? Or maybe take on your first race? No matter your goals, create a plan around the surface you want to train on and how you want your shoes to feel while you’re running.

Get Started By Walking—Running shoes are great to walk in, and walking is often a segue for beginning runners as you feel out the way your body moves for prolonged periods of time.

Learn How You Move—The natural alignment of your joints and the degree to which you pronate can make a big difference in how you search for shoes to support your body. Using Fleet Feet’s in-store fit process or at-home wear analysis can help you determine how much you pronate and what kind of running shoe to buy.

Find Your Fit—A good rule of thumb to determine that you’re wearing the right size is to keep a thumb’s width of space between the end of your toes and the tip of the shoe.

Your foot should feel secure from heel to toe, without any squeezing or pinching. Pay attention to the way your foot aligns over the midsole to determine if you need a wide size shoe.

Put On Some Miles—Once you find shoes with the support you need and a comfortable fit, hit the road! The average running shoe lasts about 300 miles for regular runners.

Legacy Village at 17660 Wright St. (402) 884-8800 | www.fleetfeet.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

3

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Keep Marketing When the Market is Hot I recently had the opportunity to speak at a At Strictly Business, we tell our clients all the time, consistency is key. workshop for SCORE Lincoln, and I covered You can't expect to run one ad and get a bunch of calls the next some main points of "traditional" marketing. day. That's not how it works. Overtime, though, more people are One of these points was consistency—which going to think of your company first and visit your website when means continuing to advertise even when the they're looking for a product or service you provide. Or they'll think market is hot and demand is high. So often, to recommend your company!

I hear of companies pulling their advertising According to Harvard professor Gerald Zaltman, 95% of purchasing efforts or reallocating their marketing dollars decisions are subconscious, showing that purchasing is more of an because they are getting "too much business"— emotional decision than a practical one. If you ask a new client how construction companies, pool/spa companies, they heard about your business, they might not cite Strictly Business real estate firms, etc.—the market will slow directly, but if they've been reading your story, seeing your face, and down again and you don't want to wind up being out of sight, out of noticing your brand for the past couple of years in mind. Consistent marketing keeps your name and the magazine, where do you think it came from? They your brand top-of-mind for clients, employees, and If you’re going to stop marketing more than likely went to Google when the need for potenital employees. According to an online blog your service popped up, but how did they think to titled 5 Reasons Brand Consistency Matters (localiq. yourself just because the market search for you? Or even if they just did a generic com), "Brand consistency is at the root of your is hot in your industry at the time, search, why did they select your company over the 10 business’s identity. It encompasses all aspects of you’re creating inconsistency and others that showed up on the results? (We see a many your marketing—from messaging to design, how you leaving the door wide open for of our clients’ content rank on page one of Google communicate, and everything in between!" because Google tracks our content.) It's because So why does it matter? The "Rule of Seven" another company to enter and catch brand consistency builds trust. I'm proud to say that the attention of your audience. Strictly Business excels in helping local businesses build comes to mind: people need to see, hear, or read something at least seven times before recalling this kind of trust with their audience, and we've been it. So, repetition and consistency make your company memorable. doing this for a long time. In fact, our Strictly Business Omaha edition If you're going to stop marketing yourself just because the market is celebrating 16 years this month! So now that we can legally drive a is hot in your industry at the time, you're creating inconsistency and car...let us drive your credibility up in the marketplace by providing a leaving the door wide open for another company to enter and catch platform for you to tell your story, in print, online, and on social media! the attention of your audience, which can have long-term negative Really though, I am very humbled to be hitting the 16-year mark. Every effects on the growth of your business. new year brings new highs, new clients, new events, new opportunities— I believe some businesses make the mistake of viewing marketing and I'm grateful for it all. I'm the most appreciative of my staff for the sales as the same thing. If your company is thriving and you don't want hard work they put in each month to craft together two professional to take on more work because you'd hate to over-commit and underpublications and keep all of our amazing clients happy. It's hard work, deliver, that's respectable. You can and should make that decision if you but our clients and readers make it all worth it. If I had to pinpoint my are faced with it, but don't stop your messaging—raise your prices and biggest goal for our Omaha publication, it would be establishing more increase your margins, just don’t stop advertising. Phil Robinson, Founder of a physical presence by hosting events in partnership with our clients. of Back9 Creative, said that "We need to stop seeing advertising and We do a very good job of this in Lincoln, and I'd love to see us mirror sales, which is about getting more work through the door, as the most those efforts in Omaha. We've already started this and there will be important part of the business. Marketing, which is about bringing a more Omaha events to come, so stay tuned! brands story to life and educating customers about their options, is just Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as as important if not more important these days."

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

27 Nonprofit 35 Health

SPOTLIGHTS 1 26 34 37

Fleet Feet Key Home Care Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too McGill Restoration

FEATURE STORIES

38 Senior Living 44 Fall Landscaping 46 Joining Organizations 4 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Hannah

Dillon

Devyn

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

Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2021 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

3 RISK MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OMAHA EMPLOYERS

ABOUT THE COVER

INSURANCE SOLUTIONS FOR PEOPLE & BUSINESSES Brought to you by North Risk Partners As the business and insurance landscape continues to evolve and change, employers must continuously reevaluate their risk management plan and insurance coverage. The following are three risk mitigation opportunities for Omaha employers.

1. Cyber Security

As large companies are beginning to get serious about data security, small businesses without the big-company security infrastructure are becoming increasingly attractive targets—and the results are growing as more and more businesses fall prey to cyber attacks and cyber criminals are becoming more aggressive.

Cyber insurance is a crucial coverage for any modern-day business to mitigate this risk and reduce the potential detrimental impacts a cyber attack can have. Additionally, cyber insurance should be paired with a cyber security program.

2. Association Health Plans

Association health plans can be a valuable option for employers, allowing them the ability to offer affordable health insurance coverage on terms similar to those currently available only to large employers. By pooling together, employers are better positioned to obtain more affordable health insurance coverage due to economies of scale, managing savings, and distributing risk.

About North Risk Partners

North Risk Partners can provide solutions in all three of these areas.

North Risk Partners is one of the largest, privately held independent insurance brokerage firms in the Midwest with over 400 employees working in 31 locations spread across Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

North Risk Partners specializes in strategic insurance and risk management solutions for businesses, including commercial property and casualty, employee benefits, and a wide range of programming and compliance support in the areas of human resources, safety, worksite wellness, enrollment platforms, and more. The firm also has a significant surety bonds practice. For more information, visit northriskpartners.com

8204 S 109th St. | LaVista, NE (402) 592-7777 | NORTHRISKPARTNERS.COM

3. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance

The ACA is here to stay, and along with it comes the evolving complexity and costly compliance risk with not reporting or reporting inaccurately. Employers are responsible for filing with the IRS, offering health care coverage that meets the affordability standard, and providing health care coverage that meets minimum essential coverage requirements.

The process is complicated but with the right compliance support partner and solutions, employers are able to easily track, report, and help elimninate the risk of noncompliance.

(402) 592-7777 | NORTHRISKPARTNERS.COM

STAY CONNECTED /StrictlyBusinessMagazineOmaha

To Get Your FREE Subscription:

24/7 @SBMAGOMAHA

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com/subscribe-strictly-business #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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

www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

5

BUSINESS NEWS Rocket Carwash and 88 Tactical Named to 2021 Inc. 5000 List

Modus Coworking Launches in April, Introduces New Service for Businesses

In their first appearances, Rocket Carwash and 88 Tactical, both in City+Ventures’ family of companies, were named to the annual Inc. 5000 list for 2021.

Rocket claimed the No. 1,465 spot with a three-year revenue growth of 323%, while 88 Tactical ranked No. 1,675 with a 273% growth rate. These successes place both on the elite list of the fastestgrowing privately-held companies in the nation.

Inc. magazine’s distinguished list ranks companies by percentage growth of their annual revenue over a three-year period.

Through strategic growth based on acquisition and new builds, Rocket Carwash locked in a growth rate of 273% from 2017 to 2020. With nine locations in three states open as of August 2021, Rocket is projected to open a total of 200 locations across nine states by 2023.

Rocket Carwash (rocketcarwash.com) balances speed with an incredible clean, whether customers are seeking a simple wash or the works. The company provides the highest level of service to current and future customers, through multiple monthly membership options, the best car wash offerings and top-of-the-line equipment and technology.

In the last two years, 88 Tactical has more than doubled its number of members and tripled its monthly membership revenue. Like Rocket Carwash, 88 Tactical’s growth shows no signs of slowing. The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony for 88 Tactical’s expansion project on September 16, 2021. The expansion will increase the facility’s square footage from 27,000 to approximately 60,000, adding 20 more shooting lanes, a memberonly sports bar and outdoor recreation area. The outdoor area will include a year-round synthetic skating rink and a greenspace for live music and other entertainment.

88 Tactical (www.88tactical.com) is headquartered at the Range & Readiness Center, located at 15350 Shepard St. The Range & Readiness Center is a state-of-the-art complex with private shooting lanes, classrooms, event and meeting spaces, a pro shop, café, 24/7 fitness center, exclusive member lounge with a full bar and patio, rappelling tower, and more.

City+Ventures has enjoyed several appearances on the Inc. 5000 list.

In 2020, City+Ventures broke into the top 100 companies, staking claim at No. 71 and earning the title as fastest-growing private company in Nebraska.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000/2021. Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are listed online at Inc.com, with the top 500 companies featured in the September issue of Inc. City+Ventures is a premier investment and development company focused on building companies and communities. With Omaha roots but a national footprint, City+Ventures owns and operates a wide array of businesses, including automotive dealerships; carwashes; a restaurant collection; a private aviation consulting, sales and management venture; community safety and firearm training facilities; a pageant production company; construction-related businesses; and a real estate management entity. The company also holds a significant real estate portfolio. Learn more at city-ventures.com.

6 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

M o d u s C ow o r k i n g , a n e w coworking space in downtown Omaha that launched in midApril, offers unique office space services for small businesses to grow their companies. Modus has introduced a new supportive and inclusive business ecosystem full of professionals from diverse industries. Their services offer fully furnished offices, flexible coworking options, and private conference room rentals. All members will have access to premium amenities such as speedy Wi-Fi, free local coffee and tea, snacks, on-site notary, printing, and soundproof phone booths. These highend spaces are an ideal solution for professionals looking for a collaborative and turnkey space to build their businesses.

Modus Coworking, located at 1901 Howard St., STE 300, values the strong sense of community that Omaha has to offer. They were founded on the belief that professionals should focus on building their business, and let Modus take care of the rest. Modus is looking forward to creating highly collaborative and accessible professional space in Omaha. For more information, visit moduscoworking.com or contact Laura Schoening at (402) 502-6862 / info@moduscoworking.com.

Centris Holds Ribbon Cutting for Opening of New Headquarters at Sterling Ridge Centris Federal Credit Union recently partnered with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce to hold a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of its new headquarters and 15th branch at Sterling Ridge (13120 Pierce St.). There were over 100 people in attendance, including many of Centris's 150 employees. Guests were able to take tours of the new four-story building. Remarks were given by Steve Swanstrom, Centris President and CEO, Bob Drake, Director of Membership Development, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and Denise Hill, Centris Board of Directors Chair. A community event complete with a free picnic was hosted by Centris on July 31. Guests enjoyed free hot dogs, burgers, games, and prizes.

The new building is a full-service branch with two drive-thru lanes and a publically available community room. There are 24 conference and training rooms, in addition to three outdoor patio spaces for employees, complete with a green roof- friendly mix of succulent plants. For parents with school-aged children, Centris installed a kids area with Touch 2 Play and Playstation screens and equipment. Holland Basham Architects designed the structure and MCL Construction managed the project implementation. Centris occupies three of the four floors with a tenant and lease space available on the second floor.

Centris Federal Credit Union, founded in 1934, is one of Nebraska’s largest federally c hartered community credit unions. Centris serves Douglas, Sarpy, Lincoln, McPherson, and Pottawattamie counties and has 15 offices located in Omaha, Grand Island, North Platte, and Tryon, NE and Council Bluffs, IA. To learn more, visit centrisfcu.org or call (402) 334-7000. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

We will provide each child with a safe, loving environment with engaging and stimulating learning.

Carlson & Burnett Changes Name to Burnett Wilson Law, LLP Carlson & Burnett of Omaha recently underwent a name change to Burnett Wilson Law, LLP. The new name reflects some changes in personnel, however Burnett Wilson Law wants to inform their clients that they will continue to offer the same high level service they have provided since the firm was founded in 2008. As before, the firm will be focused on estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration, family law, business planning, and personal injury. They currently have a team of 12 attorneys with expertise in each of these areas. Let the professionals at Burnett Wilson Law put their 200+ years of combined experience to work to give you the attention you deserve.

Burnett Wilson Law, LLP serves clients in a breadth of legal issues and are passionate about providing guidance, representation, and closure to some of the most complicated and difficult legal circumstances that their clients face. The firm is made up of highly-accomplished attorneys and a friendly support staff who are united in their mission to assist people in overcoming legal challenges with integrity and passion. Burnett Wilson Law is conveniently located at their existing office at 17525 Arbor St. For more information, visit burnettwilsonlaw.com or call (402) 810-8611.

LOVAM Jazz Festival to Feature Grammy Nominated Saxophonist Richard Elliot The 9th Annual LOVAM Jazz Festival, produced by the HALLINS Corporation and FREE sponsored by Douglas County, welcomes Grammy nominated Richard Elliot jazz saxophonist Ric hard Elliot to Omaha over Labor Day weekend on Saturday, September 4, from 4 to 10 p.m. at Turner Park at Midtown Crossing. Also performing is DAY WEEKEND amazing saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa withLABOR vocalist flutist SaturdaySelina - SeptemberAlbright, 4, 2021 4 pm - 10 pm jazz festival Kim Scott, and local saxophonist Chad Stoner.

This free Turner Park - Midtown Crossing NE 68131 is sure to be a wonderful experience for all.3110 FarnamJeffOmaha, Kashiwa with Selina Albright Also Performing: Flutist Kim Scott Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Food Angeles at Born in Scotland and transplanted to Drinks Los the age of three, & Contact Info: 402-968-0984 Allowed Richard Elliot was captivated by R&B and smitten with the Motown No Glass www.HALLINSCorp.com Bottles sound. A young Richard Elliot polished his chops serving as a sideman for legends, including The Yellowjackets, Natalie Cole, and Motown hitmakers Smokey Robinson and The Temptations. Many first heard the saxophone virtuosity of Richard Elliot in the 1980s as a touring musician with the Bay Area soul-funk outfit, Tower of Power. In that time, he released his debut solo album, “Trolltown”, and the ensuing success encouraged him to make a name for himself as a solo artist. By the late ’80s, Elliot was signed to Blue Note Records, where he worked with the legendary record executive, Bruce Lundvall, an early champion of Elliot’s work. Since then, Richard Elliot has released more than 20 albums. His list of #1 albums include “On the Town”, “Soul Embrace”, “After Dark”, and “Jumpin’ Off”, and Elliot holds a consistent presence at the top of the billboard charts. He has also enjoyed the distinction of having two releases chart simultaneously; “Chill Factor” remained on Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart for over 94 weeks, with the “The Best of Richard Elliot” 26 weeks simultaneously.

From art events and festivals to mentoring, HALLINS Corporation seeks to bring people together. For more information, visit hallinscorp.com. For further details about the 9th Annual LOVAM Jazz Festival, call (402) 968-0984. #PrintProudDigitalSmart ATTENDANCE

www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp

SPONSORS

Accepting Title XX

(531) 365-6805 @ExSeptionalOnes

WATER • FIRE STORM • MOLD RESTORATION SERVICES (402) 891-1300

belforusa.com

RETRO REWIND 80’S NIGHTCLUB WE LOVE THE 80’S THURSDAYS: 1/2 PRICE DRINKS FRIDAYS: LIVE DJ (80’S MUSIC VIDEOS) SATURDAYS: LIVE DJ (80’S MOVIES) RETROREWINDDANCEPARTY.COM 15475 RUGGLES ST, STE. 108 (JUST NORTH OF MAPLE ST.)

The Omaha Bakery Expands and Relocates Flagship Bakery to Bellevue The Omaha Bakery has announced plans to expand operations by relocating their original flagship bakery at 608 S 72nd St. to Wolf Creek Plaza at 15th and Cornhusker in Bellevue. Owner Michelle Kaiser, who recently opened a second location in Elkhorn, is excited to better serve her customers in this new space, which is double the square footage and has a beautiful outdoor patio with seating. With their KETO bakery line gaining in popularity, this move is much needed. Dave Barry, manager of operations, is looking forward to having more production space, more staff, more room for guests to sit and relax, more product to enjoy, and now with two locations, more opportunities to cover the needs of the greater Omaha Metro. Construction of the new space, which was previously a Panera Bread, is underway and The Omaha Bakery plans to finish construction in September.

Wolf Creek Plaza is one of the best performing retail centers in Bellevue, conveniently located off of Highway 75 and Cornhusker Road. Many other national retailers like Five Below, Ross, Dollar Tree, and Buffalo Wild Wings create that consistent traffic that any retailer wants. The Omaha Bakery will fill a void bringing in locally made baked goods drawing customers from Bellevue, Offutt Airforce Base, as well as the greater Omaha MSA. The new location in Bellevue will also serve as the point of dispatch for Omaha Bakery deliveries to its successful drop-off site in Lincoln’s Haymarket that began last summer.

The Omaha Bakery is a full-service bakery and tasting experience for every day and every occasion. To view the menu or inquire about other future expansions for the bakery, visit theomahabakery.com.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS redbox+ Sponsors a Hole at Charity Golf Outing to Support Cross Training Center

Spin Introduces Spin Safe and Spin Access Programs in Omaha and Lincoln

redbox+ of Omaha has recently sponsored a hole at the Center Sphere Annual Charity Golf Outing, held on July 28 at the Tiburon Golf Course, to help raise money for the Cross Training Center. The Cross Training Center is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower and equip undereducated and unemployed adults through character development, vocational training, and work experience. Even in their infant stages, redbox+ of Omaha is passionate about giving back and creating opportunities for those that may not be so fortunate. As they keep growing, they will continue to look for more opportunities to give back to the community. 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.

Spin, a mobility solutions provider for cities, campuses, and businesses around the globe, has launched in both the Omaha and Lincoln markets and introduced exciting programs for riders.

Spin is reimagining the way people and cities flow. With Spin Safe Digital, riders learn how to start and end a trip properly, parking techniques to ensure walkways are free of scooter clutter, and new, updated safe riding practices surrounding COVID-19. Spin Safe Digital is comprised of four lessons available on the Spin website, followed by a safety quiz to ensure riders have gained the knowledge needed to ride safely in their communities. Spin Access provides access to scooters for those without smartphones, mobile location services, or credit cards. This program also provides discounted fares for those who qualify.

Spin is one of the leading micromobility companies and a unit of Ford Mobility. They currently operate dockless electric scooters on campuses and in cities across North America and Europe. Spin has been recognized for launching the first stationless mobility program in the U.S. and crafted the world’s first mobility permit system. With a mission to create a world full of 15-minute cities, Spin strives to bring these cities to life by moving people freely through their streets.

For more information, visit www.spin.app.

A collaborative approach to insurance Commercial, Personal and Employee Benefits

Visit us online at unicogroup.com 8

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Retro Rewind Introduces Half-Priced Drinks on Thursdays Retro Rewind 80’s Nightclub is rolling out a great new deal where all drinks are half-priced, available exclusively on Thursday nights. That’s right—you call the beverage, and it will be half off! In addition to this special deal, Thursdays are an opportunity to dance to all your favorite 80s music videos played by DJ D.O.T. Upgrade your Retro Rewind experience by renting one of their two VIP areas—one area can hold up to eight and the other can be filled up with 20 friends. Bottle service is also available at an additional cost.

Retro Rewind 80’s Nightclub is an upscale 1980s inspired nightclub with drinks, throwback music, and dancing. Open Thursday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Retro Rewind satisfies your nostalgia for the 80s. A live DJ is featured each night and plays music from all of your favorite artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, Milli Vanilli, MC Hammer, and more. Retro Rewind is located at 15475 Ruggles St. For more information, visit their website retrorewinddanceparty.com, like them on Facebook (@ retrorewind80smusic), or contact them at (402) 315-1406.

Why Replace When You Can Restore

Serving Omaha since 2008

LIFETIME stone restoration

BEFORE

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

AFTER

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

402.916.1700 • LifetimeStone.com

KEEP YOUR HOME THE IDEAL TEMPERATURE.

ALL YEAR LONG.

HEATING

Millard Business Association Presents 18th Annual Golf Scramble on September 20

COOLING

REPAIR

The Millard Business Association (MBA) and the Millard Business Community Foundation are excited to present the 18th Annual Golf Scramble on Monday, September 20, at Oak Hills Country Club.

Starting at 11 a.m., the golf tournament will raise money to support Millard-area students with college expenses. Proceeds are donated to the Millard Business Community Foundation Scholarship Fund, which provides six $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors each year. MBA and the Foundation award their scholarships to a deserving senior from each of the following Millard High Schools: Millard North, Millard South, Skutt Catholic, and Millard West. The fifth and sixth scholarships, labeled "We are All Patriots" in remembrance of the Millard South Tragedy, are awarded to Millard-area high school seniors who have shown success in overcoming adversity.

You’ll want to be part of this fun and rewarding networking opportunity! Become a sponsor, get a foursome rounded up, or sign up on your own but don’t miss one of the most enjoyable days of the business year. MBA is always looking for pin prizes and raffle prizes too, so get your company or organization the publicity it deserves during this exciting event. A big thank you goes to the main tournament sponsor—Centris Federal Credit Union—along with corporate sponsors Avior Wealth Management, Creative Press & Design, and Papillion Sanitation.

For additional information about the Millard Business Association, the Millard Business Community, or the 18th Annual Golf Scramble, contact Scholarship Scramble Committee Co-Chairs Tony Pofahl at tpofal@ workfitomaha.com and Ashley Siewert at info@ashleysiewert.com or go online to www.millardbcf.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

GIVE US A CALL! 402-932-0649 HEATINGAIROMAHA.COM SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

9

BUSINESS NEWS Sullivan Financial Expands Through New Business Acquisition, Social Media Hire

NP Dodge Celebrates New Office with Ribbon Cutting, Joined by Mayor Stothert

Sullivan Financial has been enjoying their summer by continuing to grow their business! In May, the agency expanded through the acquisition of a new business, online clothing retailer YoyoMac Omaha. The company sells clothing options for adults, children, and infants, as well as accessories. In June, shortly after this new acquisition, Sullivan Financial hired a social media associate to help them broadcast their voice online through social platforms. They are excited to be growing their business in Omaha and continue to look for talented people to join them in their journey, including community partners in distribution, logistics, or other retailers. The team at Sullivan Financial is looking to keep developing their strong network of support, and want to help you in that process, too!

The Greater Omaha Chamber recently held a ribbon cutting to unveil NP Dodge Real Estate’s newest multi-level residential sales office, located at 8601 W Dodge Rd., STE 120. Over 150 people joined in to celebrate, including Mayor Jean Stothert, President of NP Dodge Company Nate Dodge, and NP Dodge Real Estate President Jill Anderson. The celebration concluded with a champagne toast, cupcakes, and tours of the office space. The new office is home to over 90 professional and experienced realtors, and some of the city’s top real estate producers.

Sullivan Financial was started by Thomas Sullivan to bring all the expertise and skills that he has acquired over the years into one company to better assist not only his clients, but the clients of his partners and companies that he sees a promise in. They are a financial business consulting firm geared to assist their client and customer base in the Omaha and surrounding areas with their insurance, financial, and business needs. The agency is located at 2111 S 67th St., STE 300. To learn more information about Sullivan Financial, contact Owner and Operator Thomas Sullivan at (402) 408-5408 / info@sullivanagency.info, or visit their website, www. sullivanagencyomaha.com.

In 1855, a dozen years before Nebraska officially became a state, the NP Dodge family was serving the real estate needs of the Omaha/Council Bluffs community. Five generations later, that same dedication has built NP Dodge. NP Dodge is passionate about real estate, their communities, and helping clients make the best property investments. The NP Dodge family is 450+ agents strong and spans across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. As the longest-running independent brokerage in America, NP Dodge is dedicated to making the home buying and selling process the best it can be. Visit www. npdodge.com or contact Jodee Drake-Soto at jdsoto@npdodge.com / (402) 938-5060 for more information.

10

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Commercial Interior Solutions Celebrates Five-Year Anniversary

Heartland International, Inc. Invites Roofing Contractors to Attend Training Seminars

This year marks the five-year anniversary since Chandra Miller and her husband Matt started Commercial Interior Solutions (CIS). Chandra started her business in 2016 with just herself in the corner of her bedroom, with Matt officially joining her in 2017. They have now grown the business into a fabulous team of five and host its own showroom in the heart of Benson, located at 6108 Maple St., STE 100. Chandra and her team are extremely proud of making it through the pandemic as such a young company—they definitely came out stronger!

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 will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on September 23 at the Hilton Kansas City Airport. It will not only cover the application process of a Conklin MR® System, but also provide 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.

The three-day Advanced Roofing Systems Training will provide a more in-depth coverage of Conklin Roofing Systems and give contractors a chance to participate in a hands-on construction of the systems, utilizing industry-standard tools and materials. Attendees of this training must have completed the one-day Metal Roofing System Training program as a prequalification for this advanced three-day program. Check out the next Advanced Roofing Systems Training programs September 15-17 and October 20-22, both from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conklin Kansas City Headquarters.

For more information about Heartland International, Inc. and upcoming trainings, please visit thesecureroof.com.

Commercial Interior Solutions is a commercial furniture and flooring dealership with roots in Omaha and extending to Dallas, TX. They service their clients on a national level for both product and installation needs. CIS partners with the A&D + General Contractors + Real Estate Communities to execute projects as well as work directly with clients to help them create their dream offices through furniture and flooring selections. CIS is a valued partner in all avenues of the process, direct with end users, interior design/architectural firms or construction teams. CIS specializes in “blended design”, a design style with a mix of new, refurbished, or pre-owned furniture solutions and all flooring products. View their list of products and services at www.commercialinteriorsolutions.net or contact Chandra at (402) 590-4624 / chandra@commercialinteriorsolutions. net and Matt at (402) 321-7997/ matt@commercialinteriorsolutions.net.

Risk Exchange (REX) Expands Commercial Insurance Services in Omaha Originally part of a major U.S. based workers compensation carrier, Risk Exchange Insurance Services, Inc. (REX) spun off in 2015 and is now a privately held company based in Omaha. REX has grown into a formidable industry force as a managing general underwriter and wholesale broker licensed in all 50 states and is currently expanding their presence locally within the Omaha community.

“REX has an unwavering commitment to service,” President Chris Daley says. “We are capable of delivering the complete array of services necessary for program administration, including underwriting, audit, billing, and stat reporting. We are proud to call Omaha our home base and be a part of the Omaha business scene.”

While the team has doubled over the last year, REX has plans to continue hiring to meet its development needs. As a MGU focusing on workers compensation programs and other supporting lines of business, REX works with thousands of agents and partnering with a dozen different workers compensation carriers. They can provide unique coverage solutions across all industry groups, class codes, geography, size of account, and loss histories. REX also offers in-house underwriting authority and full-service programs that allow most submissions to be turned around in 24 hours.

Risk Exchange Insurance Services, Inc. works hard to support the commercial insurance industry by providing high level customer care and industry expertise. Whether you are seeking different options for a tough to place account or working on a tight deadline and need coverage quickly, the REX team stands alone in their willingness to go the extra mile and keep working with you until the job is done. Visit REX online at www.riskexchange.com or contact (877) 322-7399 / requests@riskexchange.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Tickets on Sale Now for The Omaha Series Season by Rave On Productions Tickets are now on sale for The Rocky Horror Show and Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, shows that are a part of The Omaha Series created by Rave On Productions. The series was created just this year after Rave On Productions welcomed their first artistic/education director, Kimberly Faith Hickman. The series is a season of shows produced in traditional and non-traditional venues around the Omaha-Metro.

The Omaha Series season included Hedwig and the Angry Inch at The Waiting Room in Benson and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story performed in three different amphitheaters in Nebraska and Iowa.

Coming up next is The Rocky Horror Show from October 29-31, and Omaha’s favorite holiday tradition, Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, offered November 26-28, December 2-4, 9-12, 22-23, and 30-31. Both shows will be presented at The Slowdown. To buy tickets or learn more about the shows, visit www. theomahaseries.com.

Since Rave On Productions’ inception, the company has been operating as an agency to house Billy McGuigan’s touring productions. Rave On Productions has grown to be recognized as one of the top agencies for mid-level touring in the United States and has expanded its roster to include artists that perform throughout North America in performing arts venues with symphonies and as headliners on top cruise ship lines. Learn more at www. theomahaseries.com / www.linktr.ee/raveonproductions or check out their Instagram page (@rave.on.productions).

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 11

BUSINESS NEWS Best Care EAP’s September Virtual Training Session Announced, “Attitude Check”

Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center to Hold Small Business Clinic September 9

Join Best Care EAP’s Training Consultant Dave Dechant o n We d n e s d a y, September 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. for this month’s virtual training session titled Attitude Check.

Winston Churchill said, “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” More than talent, hard work, or even luck, it is attitude that drives true success. With that said, now is a great time to reflect on your current attitude in order to turn your dreams into reality. This program will assist in this self-reflection and take away the myths surrounding attitude. You’ll also see how attitude can shape your life and proven strategies for building and sustaining a positive outlook, even when faced with the most unpredictable or undesirable of circumstances.

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. Contact Best Care EAP to learn more about the services offered. 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.

Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) and the Nebraska Enterprise Fund are looking forward to holding their biannual Small Business Clinic on Thursday, September 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., at The Venue at Highlander, 2112 N 30th St. Most business owners and entrepreneurs have never had most of the resources they need in one place. This free clinic will be a one-stop-shop to do a business check-up. It's an opportunity for coaching, Q&A, discussing concerns, and developing relationships with needed resources and agencies. There will be break-out sessions that will focus on legal, funding, insurance, mental health, and so much more.

Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center, officed at 5190 Sprague Plaza, endeavors to accelerate the success of women in all aspects and at all business and professional levels. By helping to create economic opportunities through signature MOWBC programs and entrepreneurship. MOWBC will support this entrepreneurial development by providing educational based seminars, workshops, legal, and other resources. To learn more, visit www.mowbcf.org or go to the Facebook page (@MOWBC).

Experts in Building Control Technology POWERED BY

As a leading Building Control contractor, Engineered Controls’ goal is to provide customers with products and services to create efficient, safe and comfortable building environments.

Engineered Controls offers complete turn-key control solutions including construction, retrofit, service and maintenance for facilities of all types and sizes.

Offices in Omaha and Lincoln, NE.

866.395.0186 | engineeredcontrols.com Building Automation and Controls I Security I Lighting I Gas Detection I Parking Management

12 A

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS

Need An Electrician?

Berry Law Makes the Inc. 5000 List for Fifth Consecutive Year Berry Law is proud to announce that they have been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the top 5000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States for the fifth consecutive year. The list ranks companies by overall revenue growth for a three-year period. Berry Law is the only Nebraska law firm to make this year’s list. Of the 5000 fastest-growing businesses honored, Berry Law ranked 1,903rd.

The team at Berry Law works in three areas of the law: Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, and Veterans Disability Benefits. Berry Law represents seriously injured Nebraskans throughout the state and represents thousands of military veterans nation-wide.

Berry Law was founded in 1965 by John Stevens Berry, Sr. with the same principles he championed in Vietnam: to fearlessly represent his fellow Veterans and uphold justice and liberty for every American.

With over 250 years of combined legal experience and 300 years of combined military service, the Berry Law team of almost 100 people is well equipped to handle the most serious cases. If you would like more information, please contact Chad Collins at (402) 466-8444 / marketing@jsberrylaw.com or go online to jsberrylaw.com.

Nebraska Native Launches NaviSavi, First Video-Only Travel App The Greater Omaha Chamber recently teamed up with Nebraskanative Sally Bunnell to host a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the launch of her new travel platform, NaviSavi, the first video-only travel app. The event took place on June 24 at the corner of 13th and Howard, near the Old Market Emporium.

NaviSavi is a short-form video travel app where users can explore, plan, and share their experiences all in one place. The mobile app, also known as The Real Travel Reel, allows users and businesses to post and share unedited travel clips shot directly from a smartphone. All content is usergenerated to provide authentic, honest travel experience worldwide.

Sally, founder and CEO, is from Oxford, NE, and she honored her small town values of being honest and genuine with the creation of NaviSavi. As Sally traveled the world, she found that her actual experiences were different from what she saw advertised, and with 95 countries stamped on her passport and YouTube videos reaching over 1 billion views, she wanted to combine travel and short form video into one global platform that helped others with an urge to travel to explore the world with confidence.

NaviSavi launched the app’s first “Featured City” right at home in Omaha during the College World Series, when over 300,000+ fans from across the country arrived for the 12-day event. Each featured city showcases 250+ videos of the most recommended places to eat, sleep, play, explore, and party, by tour companies, influencers, and even locals. Users are able to search, filter, save, and even book from the videos directly with businesses, from a dinner in their hometown or a bucket list experience on the other side of the world.

Check out what the app is all about on YouTube, youtu. be/9U5b0E7hgSE. NaviSavi is available for download in the app store and is Apple and Android compatible, and be sure to use referral code “Omaha”. For other inquiries, visit www.navisaviapp. com or contact Sally at contact@navi-savi.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Commercial • Residential Call today! (402) 215-1914

1623 Farnam Prepares for Grand Opening of Newly Remodeled Data Center 1623 Farnam is excited to announce its grand opening of its data center on September 23, at 4:30 p.m., in STE 860. The grand opening event will include tours of the facility, a cocktail reception, and opening Q&A panel with some of the engineering partners. Opportunity for guests to speak to the 1623 Farnam Executive Team will be available as well. The team is proud to show off its $40 million data center expansion project, which makes 1623 Farnam not only one of the most interconnected, edge data centers, but also reinforces it as a massive interconnection point for cloud, service, content providers, and carriers.

For over 20 years, 1623 Farnam has served as a network-rich, carrier neutral data facility. They are the leading network edge interconnection point for fiber and wireless network providers, major cloud and CDN companies, content providers, and Fortune 500 enterprises. For more information, visit www.1623farnam.com.

Equitable Bank Celebrates Opening of New Branch in Elkhorn Equitable Bank is excited to announce the successful opening of their new branch located in Elkhorn. The Greater Omaha Chamber officially welcomed Equitable Bank to the area with a ribbon cutting on July 20. To celebrate the opening, Equitable Bank also held a parking lot tailgate July 31 with free food and a number of activities for attendees to enjoy. The tailgate also featured food catered

by Omaha’s 402 BBQ food truck, live music performed by The Fishheads, inflatables, and giveaways! The Cheer Teams from Elkhorn South, Elkhorn North, and Elkhorn High were on hand assisting with activities and passing out goodies. Equitable Bank is Pictured (L-R): Becky Phipps, optimistic about becoming a member of the Elkhorn community and the Omaha Chamber; Tom Gdowski, Equitable CEO; Douglas opening of their new branch!

Nodgaard, Market President; Ben Wassinger, Chairman of Since 1882, Equitable Bank has evolved with technology by providing the Board for Equitable; Todd Johnson, Omaha Chamber. new and improved ser vices to customers while always offering superior customer service and satisfaction. They have been recognized as one of the strongest financial institutions in the country, proudly serving communities across Nebraska with locations in Omaha, North Platte, and Grand Island. For more information about Equitable Bank and their financial services, visit equitableonline.com or contact the Elkhorn branch manager, Brandi Peatrowsky, at (402) 827-8100.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 13

BUSINESS NEWS Omaha Empowerment Breakfast Announces Speaker for October Monthly Meeting

Voegele Anson Law Celebrates One-Year Anniversary with Ribbon Cutting

The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast, an organized way for small business owners and operators to network with each other and connect with larger businesses and agencies in the community, meets on the first Friday of every month at 7 a.m. at Beacon Hills in Aksarben Village. Cost is only $20 ahead of time to attend and eat ($25 for walk-ins). For the next breakfast on October 1, Amie Konwinski has been announced as the special guest speaker.

Amie is the founder and CEO of Smart Gen Society Inc. Her life journey led her from a tumultuous childhood and teenage displacement to joining the U.S. Navy at just 17-years-old. Serving as a data processor for five years on active duty, Amie was stationed in Pearl Harbor and on the U.S.S. Shenandoah (AD-44), docked out of Norfolk, VA. After an honorable discharge from active duty, Amie joined the reserves to complete another nine years of service and became a Company Commander and highly decorated Chief Petty Officer (ITC) by the age of 29. In the civilian world, Amie began her Computer Engineering career at Sterling Software (now Northrop Grumman), where she met her husband, Roger, and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha to earn her bachelor’s degree in communications.

Attendees at the Omaha Empowerment Breakfast in October are in for a treat with Amie's story, in addition to the great opportunity to make new connections with each other. Your business can benefit even more by becoming a sponsor of the breakfast. To learn about benefits and other upcoming speakers, visit omahaempowermentbreakfast.org.

This past June, Voegele Anson Law held a ribbon cutting to celebrate their one-year anniversary with clients, friends, family, and representatives from the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The pandemic caused many businesses t o s h u t d ow n , h owe ve r founding member Heather Voegele Anson of Voegele Anson Law saw it as an opportunity to open her own law firm. She holds extensive experience in all aspects of the dispute resolution and litigation process after spending 12 years at one of Nebraska’s largest law firms and five years heading the litigation department at one of Omaha’s fastest growing firms. With her experience, Heather successfully started a brand new law firm in the midst of the pandemic, which is something to celebrate!

Voegele Anson Law is a civil litigation firm that takes on a variety of cases and offers legal portfolio management. Through Heather’s experience working collaboratively with professionals in all aspects of law, she is able to analyze a client’s needs from a variety of different angles and formulate recommendations and solutions that meet all their business and individual needs.

For more information, visit v-alaw.com or go to the Facebook page (@VoegeleAnsonLaw). For further questions, contact Toni Smith at (531) 999-1857 / tsmith@v-alaw.com.

N NATIO

LY RECO

AR

G

MASONRY

I

N

INDUSTRIAL

ED

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

AL

N IZ

14

GAR AGE & STADIUMS

G

— ERIN PETERS, SR ANALYST, FACILIT Y PROJEC T MANAGEMENT

DOT & INFR ASTRUC TURE

AW

I’ve worked with McGill Restoration on two award-winning parking garage projects from the International Parking & Mobility Institute. McGill Restoration def initely knows how to get the job done.

D WINN

mcgillrestoration.com OMAHA

LINCOLN

402.558.7989

402.438.4110

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS Lueder Construction Sets the Stage for Future Class A Office and Retail Space Lueder Construction has partnered with McGill Brothers, Inc. and Terry McGill Inc. to give a future office and retail space a much-needed facelift. They have currently set up three 30-foot-long swing stages on the West side of Blackstone Plaza, and will be giving the building a brand new paint job that will also include the replacement of the existing exterior caulking. In addition, the team is currently in the process of replacing all of the exterior windows and will perform an extensive building remodel to the common spaces. The building owner, Lund Company, is excited for the future of the upcoming space.

Lueder Construction is dedicated to bringing their customers’ visions of creative, functioning, and fulfilling spaces to life. They strive to be a company with world-class employee engagement, hiring great people who embrace their vision, fit their culture, and live their core values. For more information about Lueder Construction and their current projects within the community, visit Lueder.com.

Brighter days are ahead!

Make Your Mental Health A Priority Today!

Fashion, Health, and Wellness Shop

308-210-8487

You’ll feel good and look right!

info@clearwatercouselingne.org clearwatercouselingpc.org 7701 Pacific St, Ste 100A Omaha

402-686-3559 10154 Maple St. | Omaha, NE

AIM Heartland Developers Conference Returns for 2021 The Heartland Developers Conference, organized by the AIM Institute, is the area’s premier software development conference. For over 15 years, HDC has brought together the region’s technology experts for keynotes, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops. This year, HDC takes place at the CHI Health Center starting September 27 and running through September 29. Each day will be tailored to a different skill set within the technology audience—from novice, to pro, to expert. Tickets are $299 and available now at www.heartlanddc.com.

Each day’s content will be focused on five tracks, covering Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, Dev/Sec Ops, Enterprise Technologies, Microservices, and Innovation. The tracks will be tailored to that day’s audience, and the content will build upon itself as the conference progresses.

One of the many lessons of 2020 was the importance of technology in keeping communities connected, students learning, and people secure. Ensuring that our region’s technologists have an opportunity to learn new skills, share best practices, and be inspired is a key part of the AIM Institute’s mission to contribute to economic development while addressing the needs of the tech community.

The AIM Institute grows a strong and diverse tech community through education, career development, and outreach. Formed in 1992 by a group of leaders from business, government, and education to lead the charge in building the tech talent pipeline, the AIM Institute promotes diversity and inclusion in the tech sector by providing educational opportunities, career training, and community events to the Western Iowa and Nebraska region. The AIM Institute operates the AIM Code School, Emerging and Advanced Leadership Academies, custom corporate training, and events such as Infotec and the Heartland Developers Conference. To learn more, visit aiminstitute.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Local Loans for Your Greatest Goals

With local decision-making, local processing and quality servicing, you can rest assured that your mortgage lending needs will be addressed right here in Omaha, NE by experts who know the area.

Contact a Mortgage Lender Today!

Lenders (L-R)

Steve Kucirek

U.S. Navy Veteran 402.292.1948 skucirek@westgate.bank

Kristie Morrison

402.970.0136 kmorrison@westgate.bank NMLS# 543742

NMLS#1734948

Tyler Peterson

402.758.8716 tpeterson@westgate.bank NMLS# 406012

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

NMLS# 292134

westgate.bank | 402.323.8987

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

15

BUSINESS NEWS Annual Pinnacle Bank Championship Gives Back to the Community

CLH Architects Rebrands to Alesia Architecture Under New Ownership

T h i s ye a r ’s P i n n a c l e B a n k Championship presented by Aetna was played August 12 through 15 at The Club at Indian Creek in Elkhorn. The Championship is a part of the Korn Ferry Tour, a developmental tour for the PGA TOUR that features professional Championship winner David golfers who have either not yet Skinns and tournament staff reached the PGA TOUR, or who have done so but could not maintain enough points to stay at that level.

The event was the Tour’s Regular-Season Finale and featured a purse of $750,000. It was also where the top 25 players in the Tour receive their PGA TOUR cards.

The Championship is a nonprofit event that supports Nebraska businesses and nonprofits. This year, all money raised went to Children’s Hospital & Medical Center Foundation in Omaha. This could not be possible without the many volunteers that offer their time and effort to help put on the event! In addition to the volunteers, 160 community partners have also contributed to the Championship, from cash sponsorships to trade partnerships. Since the event’s start in 2017, it has raised over $357,000 for local organizations.

Founded in 1938 in Palmer, Nebraska, Pinnacle Bancorp is a familyowned, Nebraska-based $15.7 billion financial holding company operating 159 community banks in eight states, including 67 across Nebraska. For more information, visit pinnbank.com.

As of July, the 50+ year-old architecture firm known as CLH Architects is now Alesia Architecture. Richard Onken is taking on new ownership responsibilities and is carrying on the SDVOSB (service-disabled veteran-owned small business) status.

The name “Alesia” [a-le-sia] comes from the Battle of Alesia. This was one of Julius Caesar’s greatest military achievements due to innovative architecture design. The blue color represents government and community service while the green represents quality and sustainability. The arrow is for the team's pro-active and forward-thinking approach.

Alesia Architecture offers a client-based approach within their services of planning, architecture, and interior design. This approach allows them to fully meet the unique vision of each of their clients.

They take the time to listen to needs, use their key areas of expertise to enhance the design, and ultimately create an exceptional space.

With virtual reality capabilities, Alesia's clients get the opportunity to walk through their finished space before construction ever starts. This allows clients to really see if the space will fit their needs. They are able to see how interior design finishes will look together, walk their daily routes, and see how the foot traffic of visitors within their facility will flow.

Based in Elkhorn, Alesia Architecture geographic reach spans across the nation. The team has a wide array of project experience, but focus on the industries of healthcare, government, financial, commercial, and senior living facilities. To learn more, visit www.AlesiaArchitecture.com or contact Lindsey Pfeffer at (402) 291-6941 / lpfeffer@alesiaarchitecture.com.

McGuigan Arts Academy Offers Classes Year-Round in Countryside Village The McGuigan Arts Academy is offering artistic fun and education through their yearround classes that take place in their studio in Countryside Village. After a summer full of events such as Rock ‘n’ Roll Roots Music Camp, UkeStock, ARTapalooza, and more, the team at McGuigan Arts Academy is excited to continue bringing art, music, and theater education to our children in the fall.

Super talent Billy McGuigan, known for bringing Buddy Holly and The Beatles to life on stage, opened the McGuigan Arts Academy in January 2021. The Academy’s mission is devoted to teaching life skills through hands-on studies in the arts. Acknowledging that not every student in the arts wants to be a performer, McGuigan Arts Academy nurtures and showcases talent in every artistic realm.

“We’re passionate about providing real life experiences to students of all ages in the arts,” said CEO Kate Whitecotton. “We provide opportunities to showcase their talents in a professional setting. We are here to show our students that this can be a very real career path, if they choose, and we’ll give them the tools they need to thrive out there.”

McGuigan Arts Academy classes are taught by full-time professionals, and led by Artistic & Education Director Kimberly Faith Hickman. A rare Broadway-accredited director, she honed her talent working on numerous Tony Award winning and nominated Broadway shows.

McGuigan Arts Academy implements their programming in theatres and school districts across the United States. For more information, visit www.mcguiganartsacademy.com, follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@mcguiganartsacademy), or contact Kate Whitecotton at (402) 682-2868 / kate@billymcguigan.com.

16 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Sarpy County Economic Growth Leads to Name Change On July 28, Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation announced a new name and identity to better reflect their success and mission. Now known as Grow Sarpy, the member of the Greater Omaha Chamber Economic Development Partnership has been an integral player in recent growth and expansion of Sarpy County’s business community.

In an economic impact analysis released in conjunction with the name change, analysts at the Greater Omaha Chamber cited 32 landed projects dating back to 2013. Those projects add about $1.1 billion to the local economy each year. Those 32 projects are also directly responsible for 3,075 jobs, and support an additional 2,152 workers in the community through increased economic activity.

Along with the ongoing impact of landed projects, the impact analysis shows construction activity surrounding these projects generated $5.7 billion in construction activity, and more than 50,000 jobs in the construction industry.

The impact of Grow Sarpy’s partnerships extends beyond economic and job growth. Other relationships in the community have wideranging impact on schools, tourism and recreation as well.

Grow Sarpy brings industry and government together for the greater good of the local economy. With the common goal of promoting the county and inspiring companies of all sizes to move here and stay here, Grow Sarpy serves the state’s fastest growing county. Learn more at www.GrowSarpy.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

If you know of a local, woman-owned business, tell Strictly Business about them!

OCTOBER 2021 ISSUE

Calling all Women-Owned Businesses!

In the October 2021 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our biannual “Women-Owned Businesses” feature to highlight the businesses in Omaha that are proudly owned and run by women.

“The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved. Women who live bravely, both tender and fierce. Women of indomitable will.” – Amy Tenney

FEATURE INCLUDES: Strictly Business is direct mailed to over 15,000 businesses in Omaha every month! With a 2–4 month shelf life and a pass-along readership, it’s estimated that 1 copy of the magazine could reach up to 5 people. Editorial features are published on our website as well. We are proud to have a strong online presence.

Photo of owner(s), business logo & 150-word write-up/quote

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

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

17

KATE

Kate Whitecotton

MCGUIGAN ARTS ACADEMY

WORK HARD PLAY HARD

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

REGISTER TODAY!

OmahaCorporateGames.com 18

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Kate Whitecotton is the CEO and artistic/ education director of Rave On Productions, home of the McGuigan Arts Academy.

Tell us a little about your business. - The McGuigan Arts Academy was founded in 2021 by myself and Billy McGuigan, owner. We have a studio in Countryside Village where we operate year-round theatre, art, and music classes and lessons for students of all ages. We also work with community partners to bring our programs into their venues. The part that I’m most passionate about is being able to offer our programs as an outreach or residency program to compliment Billy McGuigan’s internationally touring productions. McGuigan Arts Academy is a place for students to not only discover and pursue their creative passions, but we have the unique ability to provide real life opportunities to work and experience the arts in a professional setting.

How did you get started in the business? - I really fell into the position I’m in. I am originally from Canada and graduated from the Technical Theater program at Red Deer College with the goal of pursuing a career in stage management. One of my first jobs out of college was as the production assistant for a theatre in Connecticut. I was there for 10 months and the last show we produced was Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story. The actor we had hired to play the role of Buddy dropped out a few days before rehearsals were to begin and we scrambled to find someone else who could take on the role. We found a video clip of Billy McGuigan performing as Buddy. He was hired and in Connecticut within the week.

We hit it off. I thought he was incredibly talented and knew I wanted to be a part of what he was building here in Omaha with Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience. When Buddy closed, I moved to Omaha to start working with Billy, first as his guitar tech and assistant, then his tour manager, then booking agent, and now CEO of Rave On Productions and one of the founders of the McGuigan Arts Academy.

Tell us a little about your family. - My mom worked for the local newspaper for almost 30 years and retired early to build her dream farm. My dad may be the smartest and most hard-working person I know.

He owns Erle’s Auto Repair in Red Deer, Alberta, is super handy, and loves his farm life. I’m the middle child with an older sister and younger brother. The Whitecotton’s are an exciting bunch that throws one heck of a Whitecotton summer BBQ. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

- Last year everything came to a screeching halt. It forced us to take a moment to figure out how to move forward. That’s when the Academy was born. We always had ideas on adding an educational element to our touring business but never had the time to really work out what that could look like. The Academy has changed my focus in my career and has ignited a new passion that wasn’t there before.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I bought my dream house in 2019—little Tudor tucked away in Country Club. With it came an incredible garden in the backyard. In my free time, that’s where I am.

Who inspires you? - Our young students! I have never really worked this closely with kids before, and I find myself in awe of their curiosity, bravery, and boldness.

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

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Yoshitomo.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 682-2868; kate@billymcguigan.com; mcguiganartsacademy.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CAROL

The Ultimate Rust Protection.

Carol Wait

OVATION HEARTWOOD PRESERVE Meet Carol Wait, registered nurse, certified dementia practitioner, and executive director of memory care at Ovation Heartwood Preserve.

Tell us a little about your business - Ovation is a premier upscale senior living community in Omaha that has a full continuum of care— independent living, assisted living, and memory support. It is an amazing and dynamic community; unlike anything Omaha has ever seen.

How did you get started in the business? - I wanted to be a nurse from an early age. I loved exploring the world through the lens of science. I graduated in 1996 from nursing school in Colorado. My first job was working in home health as a nurse. I cared for all age groups with a range of different diagnosis. I quickly learned that I loved working with orthopedic clients. In 2008, I moved to Omaha and got a job at Nebraska Medicine on the orthopedic floor. I transferred to Bellevue Medical to assist with opening the new hospital. In 2014, I accepted a position at an assisted living/memory care community as the director of nursing. I have continued in this field ever since.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? COVID changed how we do business and how we interact and care for others. Watching our seniors face this pandemic and not seeing their loved ones has been the most difficult to overcome.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am married to my fabulous husband James, and we have four children and two grandchildren who are the loves of my life. I have a son living in Colorado and a son that is joining the Marines in October. We are very proud of his patriotism. I also can’t forget our fur children, Leia and Chewy.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I love to spend time with my dogs, and the splash pad with my grandchildren is a summer staple for me! I also enjoy to bake and decorate cakes for family and friends.

Who inspires you? - Much of my inspiration comes from John Maxwell.

I have read many of his books and listened to his podcasts. Being the best leader and person I can for my team is something I strive for.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “I didn’t get everything done in one day either.” – God If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Caring or compassionate.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - I would love to speak and understand all languages.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Singing. I am terrible.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Travel blogger. I am a foodie, so I'd love to travel the world and try new foods.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? Alzheimer’s Association. I work with dementia residents daily. I see the struggles that both the person and their families experience. The Association’s education and assistance to all caregivers is exceptional.

What is your favorite movie? - The Holiday.

What is your favorite TV show? - Any type of cooking show!

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Wilson & Washburn. You must try their fish and chips!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 999-7900; carol.wait@ovationbyavamere.com; www. ovationbyavamere.com/omaha-nebraska. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

An annual Krown treatment is one of the best investments you can make.

of Omaha

Book your appointment today!

5020 William Street | Omaha, NE 68106 402-558-6393 | www.carsrusautobody.com

“Personal Banking Like You Remember” is putting you and your family first.

Checking | Savings | Mortgage | Home Equity

Follow us on social or visit lincolnfed.com!

Call us at 402-474-1400.

f in

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

19

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

• Business Insurance • Workers Compensation Insurance • Personal Insurance • Employee Benefits

CASEY

Casey A. McNare HUBER CADILLAC

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.

Meet Casey A. McNare, the general sales manager at Huber Cadillac.

Tell us a little about your business. - Huber Cadillac is truly a family ran and operated local luxury dealer. The culture here is Employee Wellness plan delivered online! amazing, from both the perspective of an employee and a client. We strive to provide an enjoyable, educational, and transparent luxury Located on the corner of 140th & Center experience. We are deeply involved in the community and sponsor Universalinsgroup.com | 402-399-8721 several local and national organizations.

How did you get started in the business? - My family has always been my most valued asset and I was looking for a better opportunity for my family and myself. Eight years ago, I decided to try something new! I combined my communication skills, marketing background, and my love for working with people into the automotive world. The rest is history and I never looked back.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Learning the power of slowing down and organizing my thoughts.

Faster is not always better.

Tell us a little about your family. - My better half Kelsey and Learn about I make a fantastic team. We are very busy to put it lightly. Our two daughters, Lilly (Boo-boo) and Evelyn (Butter), are our world. our camps, Lilly is seven years old and plays soccer, participates in cheer and classes and lessons at: gymnastics, and loves the outdoors. Evelyn is my little genius—too smart for her own good and I love it. She is involved in competitive dance and is in the High Ability Learners program in school.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - The passing of my mother due to breast cancer when I was 21 McGuiganArtsAcademy_3.68x2.41.indd 1 7/16/21 11:11 PM years old. Sometimes, you have to lose yourself to figure out what kind of person you want to be.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Hunting, fishing, and spending time with family while we work on our new home together.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I swam competitively for 15 years.

I went to the national championships my freshman year in college.

I missed the Olympic qualifying trials time by less than one second.

Who inspires you? - My mother and father.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The only thing in life that we can control is our actions and reactions, a decision made in anger will never be prosperous.

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

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

by Dispatch.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Flying an airplane.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about Special moments today become or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - The cherished memories tomorrow.

Ronald McDonald House. Children are our future, and investing in them will ensure a better world for generations to come. I also give to Nebraska Game & Parks.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Great Gatsby.

What is your favorite movie? - Comedy: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Drama: Saving Private Ryan. Action: The Marvel series.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Dolce.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (855) 762-0053; cmcnare@hubercadillac.com; www.hubercadillac.com.

McGuiganArtsAcademy.com

20

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

21_POG29_JULY_STRICTLYBUSINESS_PADDLEBOAT_AD.indd 1

#PrintProudDigitalSmart 6/7/21 4:18 PM

Richard Richard Elliot Elliot Richard Elliot CORWIN Corwin Keller

IDEAL HEATNG AND AIR CONDITIONING

Meet Corwin Keller, owner/operator of Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC. Tell us a little about your business. - Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning offers residential and commercial services in Omaha. We have an experienced team that can fix your furnace and air conditioning unit, in addition to carrying out regular HVAC maintenance.

How did you get started in the business? - I've had various jobs in the past but was really trying to figure out something I was passionate about and could make a career out of. One day, I saw an ad in the paper for a job at an HVAC company and went for it. I found that I really enjoyed the work. I was in the industry for about seven years before starting my own company with a few partners. I ended up selling my share and then started Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - There is a lack of trained tradesmen out there, so hiring enough people to get the job done has been tough.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? Making God front and center in our business.

Tell us a little about your family. - My wife Allison and I have been married for 23 years. We have three kids: Zoey, CJ, and Layla. I was born and raised in Scottsbluff/Gering, NE. My parents still own a catering business there. They definitely gave me my entrepreneurial spirit.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Having to accept that my first business was not succeeding. It opened my eyes to the way I was handling myself and my life. I was pretty selfish back then. I learned to live for others, not just for myself.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Anything outdoors. I enjoy golfing, biking, and hiking. Making time to relax is also important.

Who inspires you? - A prominent mentor in my life right now is Dan Hazuka. He holds a leadership position with CBMC (Christian Business Men's Connection) of the Heartland. He's helped me grow as a spiritual leader and as a man in general.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5.

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - Public speaking.

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

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Definitely Also Performing: Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Also Performing: Jeff Kashiwa with Albright CBMC. They are all about bringing men together toSelina do life, supporting each other through authentic relationships and spiritual truth.

Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott What is your favorite Local book or Saxophonist the last good bookChad you read?

- 21 Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Stoner Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell.

What is your favorite movie? - I don't watch a lot of movies or TV, but my daughter has a neurological disorder so we watch a lot of Disney together.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Martin Luther King Jr. I would love to hear first-hand how he overcame all of the challenges he faced.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 932-0649; corwin@heatingairomaha.com; heatingairomaha.com.

FREE FREE FREE FREE F

ATTENDANC ATTENDANCE ATTENDAN ATTENDANC ATTENDANC ATTENDANC

Richard Richard Elliot RichardElliot Elliot Richard Elliot Elliot Richard

A

Also performing: Jeff Kashiwa with selina albright flutist kim scott local saxophonist chad stoner

LABOR DAY WEEKEND LABOR DAY WEEKEND Saturday -- September 4,4,festival 2021 Saturday September 2021 lovamDAY jazz LABOR WEE FREE th 44 pm 10 pm pm 10 pm Saturday - Annual September 4, 20

9 Turner Park Midtown Crossing Turner Park --DAY Midtown 4WEEKEND pmDAY -Crossing 10 pm LABOR WEEKEND LABOR DAY LABOR DAY WEEKEND LABOR Saturday September 2021 Saturday ----September 4, Saturday September 2021 Saturday September 4,4,4,4,2021 2021 Saturday -Omaha, September 2021 Farnam NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 LABOR DAY WEEKEN LABOR DAY WEEKEN WEEKEND d Elliot 3110 FREE FREE Turner Park Midtown Cr pm 10 pm 4444pm 10 pm pm 10 pm pm 10 pm 4Jeff pm 10 pm Saturday September 4, 2021 Saturday September 4, 2021 JeffKashiwa Kashiwawith withSelina SelinaAlbright Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright ATTENDANCE Free admission

sATURDAY

Farnam Omaha, NE 6813 Turner Park Midtown Crossing Turner ----Midtown Crossing TurnerPark Park3110 Midtown Crossing Turner Park Midtown Crossing Also AlsoPerforming: Performing: Richard Elliot Richard Elliot Se Turner Park Midtown Crossing Turner Park Midtown Crossing Food Food Food Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Albright Also Performing: Flutist Kim Scott turner park 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 Also Performing: Also Performing: Also Performing: Also Performing: Also Performing: Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott Flutist Kim Scott Drinks DrinksLABOR DAY WEEKEND Drinks 402-968-0984 Jeff Kashiwa with SelinaAlbright Albrigh Jeff Kashiwa with Selina Contact Info: Info: 402-968-0984 Local Saxophonist Ch Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner midtown crossing 33 and dodge Food Food FoodContact Food Food Food Food Also Performing: Also Performing: FlutistKim KimScott Scott Flutist Allowed Allowed Drinks Drinks Drinks Drinks Drinks Drinks & & & Contact Info: 402-968-0984 Contact Info: Contact Info: 402-968-0984 Contact Info: 402-968-0984 Contact Info:402-968-0984 402-968-0984 SATURDAY - SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2021 4-10PM LocalSaxophonist SaxophonistChad ChadStoner Stoner Local contact info: 402-968-0984 LABOR DAY WEEKEND LABOR DAY WEEKEND Drinks Food Food Contact Info: 402-968-09 Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed Allowed rd SATURDAYCROSSING SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2021 4-10PM SATURDAY - -SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2021 4-10PM Drinks& Drinks & Contact Info:402-968-0984 402-968-0984 Contact Info: ER PARK - MIDTOWN 33 and dodge No NoGlass Glass No Glass www.HALLINSCorp.com www.Facebook.com/HALL www.HALLINSCorp.com www.Facebook.com/HA www.HALLINSCorp.com www.Facebook.com/HAL Allowed tURNERPARK PARK MIDTOWN CROSSING 33 and dodge www.hallinscorp.com tURNER MIDTOWN CROSSING 33 and dodge No Glass No NoGlass Glass Allowed Glass NoNo Glass www.HALLINSCorp.com www.HALLINSCorp.com www.HALLINSCorp.com www.HALLINSCorp.com www.HALLINSCorp.com Allowed www.HALLINSCorp.com

ATTENDANCE ATTENDANCE ff Kashiwa with Selina Albright TH sEPTEMBER 4 , 2021 4 pm pm 4 pm 10 pm Flutist FlutistKim KimScott Scott 10 Flutist Kim Scott utist Kim Scott 4-10PM 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 3110 Farnam Omaha, NE 68131 JeffChad Kashiwa with Local Saxophonist Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner Local Saxophonist Chad Stoner cal Saxophonist Chad Stoner

&&

&

rd

rdrd

www.hallinscorp.com www.hallinscorp.com www.hallinscorp.com Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles Bottles NoGlass Glass No SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS No Glass Contact info: 402-968-0984 Contact info: 402-968-0984 Contact info: 402-968-0984 Bottles Bottles Bottles

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS

www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp www.Facebook.com/HALLINSCorp

www.HALLINSCorp.comwww.Facebook.com/H www.Facebook.com www.HALLINSCorp.com www.HALLINSCorp.com ww

SPONSORS SPONSORS SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

SPONSORS

21

WE ARE the Solution to Your Collection Needs.

KRISTIE

Kristie Egan

SEE THE TRAINER

Do what you do best and let us take care of the rest.

Call today for a FREE consultation!

402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM

22

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Meet Kristie Egan, president and owner of SEE THE TRAINER® in Omaha.

Tell us a little about your business. - SEE THE TRAINER is an orthopedic, sports medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning through a variety of bracing and support products. We offer a full line of in-stock bracing, home health, and rehabilitation products. We are dedicated to improving your quality of life, and our knowledgeable staff will do its best assisting you in selecting the appropriate product to best fit your individual needs.

How did you get started in the business? - After I graduated college, I took a year off with plans to go to med school. I was looking for a job to have in the interim, which is how I found SEE THE TRAINER. My aunt was a client and connected me with Maurie Maher, the owner at the time. What was meant to be a temporary means of making money turned into a life-long career that I am very passionate about. I have now been with SEE THE TRAINER for 14 years, and in October 2020 I decided to buy the company.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Taking the leap and buying a business as a woman all on my own.

Tell us a little about your family. - My dad passed away when I was in eighth grade. After that; my mom went back to school to become a nurse. I have two younger brothers, one of them is also a business owner and the other holds a management position at Scheels.

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

- Losing my father at a young age. As the oldest sibling, I became a parent-like figure to my brothers. I got a job at age 14 to help my mom and have been working ever since.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I like to hang out with my friends, boyfriend, and my family.

Who inspires you? - I have been very inspired by my former boss and long-time franchisor of SEE THE TRAINER, Maurie Maher. He was a great leader.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney.

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

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Decorating spaces.

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

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I’ve always wanted to be a doctor.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - When I took over ownership of SEE THE TRAINER, we did a little spring cleaning and donated thousands of dollars’ worth of products to local charities. This is something I plan to continue doing.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis.

What is your favorite movie? - Pretty Woman.

What is your favorite TV show? - Shark Tank.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Blue Sushi Sake Grill.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 493-4747; kristie@sttmidwest.com; seethetrainer.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

SHONTELL

Shontell Prince

HALLINS CORPORATION

MORE WORKOUT, LESS TIME with 3d Training

Meet Shontell Prince, president of HALLINS Corporation.

1 heat 2 infrared energy 3 exercise Tell us a little about your business. - The HALLINS Corporation is a nonprofit with the mission to inspire constructive change in underserved communities through art and music. The corporation fulfills their mission by SCAN implementing the annual Love of Art and Music (LOVAM) Jazz Festival.

FOR A FREE The ninth annual festival is scheduled for September 4, 2021 at Turner WORKOUT! 3610 N. 165th St. | (402) 315-3368 Park. This year, the Grammy nominated saxophonist Richard Elliot will be the main featured artist, along with saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa with vocalist Selina Albright, flutist Kim Scott, and local favorite, Chad Stoner.

It’s a free concert that starts at 4 p.m. Additionally, the corporation hosts annual fundraisers and gives scholarships to thriving students.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - The Rent a water softener or “Improve the quality of your life by letting us improve the biggest challenge with working in a nonprofit is securing funding. Most reverse osmosis system for quality of your water. Our low-pressure sales experience nonprofits are funded by grants, donations and in-kind services. So, YOU SAVE is why 9 out of 10 people who talk to us...work with us.” the challenge is to continually build partnerships within the community, * Jeff White, Aqua Systems corporate sponsors and foundations that believe in your vision of supporting charitable organizations and underserved communities. month First 3 months @ $4.95/mo.

Tell us a little about your family. - I am happily married with two with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. children and two grandbabies.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? Shop and compare at ilovemywater.com When I realized how art and music can educate, motivate and inspire iLoveMyWater.com people. I love that fact that music can instantly transform the lives and TEMS WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS spirits of people. This recognition gave birth to the LOVAM Jazz Festival, TE which is an annual festival held during Labor Day weekend at Turner Park.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I enjoy running and have completed over 15 half marathons across the country. Running 1 3/19/20 10:58 AM truly sets the tone for my day and allows me to clear my mind and 2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd be at peace each morning.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

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? - "Sara Smile" by Daryl Hall and John Oates, recorded June of 1975. The song makes me smile every single time I hear it.

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

I would like to move obstacles and distractions from my day-to-day routine, with the snap of my finger.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I truly believe in the mission of the Union of Contemporary Arts. The Union uses the arts as a vehicle to inspire positive social change, which allows them to be a strong force in strengthen the landscape of the community.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg What is your favorite TV show? - The series Ozark with Marty and Wendy Byrde. There is nothing like a good drama and crime series that can take you away from your daily trials.

What is your favorite local restaurant? - Nicolas Italian Wine & Fare.

I recommend the Spaghetti alla Bolognese with bacon.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Michael Symon from the Food Network. I would love to pick his brain on food recipes and grilling tips.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? info@HALLINSCorp.com; www.HALLINSCorp.com.

Water Shouldn’t Be Hard

4

$ 95

* *FIRST 3 MONTHS @ $4.95/MO. WITH INSTALLATION COST OF $149; AFTER INTRODUCTORY PERIOD, RENTALS START AT $25/MO.

402-235-5867

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

23

PERSONNEL NEWS Sierra Eastridge Completes Internship with Universal Group, LTD This past summer, Sierra Eastridge completed her internship with Universal Group, LTD, as well as working together with Resolutions & Beyond. She was able to learn about workers compensation and health benefits, and got a general feel for the insurance industry and how it relates to businesses in the health and wellness industries.

Having graduated in August, Sierra has just finished her senior year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she completed her bachelor’s in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science and a minor in psychology.

At the start of her internship, Sierra came into the business focused on learning and growing in every aspect possible. She was eager to learn as much as she could in the internship opportunity to guide her into her future career. Her positive thinking, along with her willingness to put others first and serve others, helped her grow in the work environment.

By remembering their roots in Omaha, Universal Group, LTD brings the combination of tradition and highly technical insurance skills to their clients and remains dedicated to professionalism, regular client contact, and ongoing education about the many changes in the insurance field. Universal Group can protect your most precious assets, as they offer personal and business insurance, in addition to employee benefits and industry specialties including contractor, dealership, garage repair shop, manufacturing, and trucking insurance. For more information, visit uninversalinsgroup.com or call (402) 399-8721.

NCF Announces Retirement of Jim Gustafson, Director of Advancement and Gift Planning Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) is announcing Director of Advancement and Gift Planning Jim Gustafson’s plan to retire at the end of 2021. Gustafson will continue to help NCF fulfill its communitybuilding mission on a part-time basis for the next few years.

Gustafson joined NCF on a full-time basis in 2005. Prior to that, he worked with NCF as a consultant beginning in 1998.

Gustafson’s work continues to have an incredible impact on the future of many Nebraska hometowns. Ogallala, McCook, Ord, Norfolk, Albion, Kimball, Ainsworth, Stuart, Bertrand, Byron, Imperial, Deshler, Seward, Pender, Burwell, Shickley, Nebraska City, Spencer, Diller, Lewiston, Columbus, Laurel, Ralston, Wallace, and Hebron are just some of the dozens of communities where he has helped donors fulfill their dreams of building and sustaining stronger, more prosperous Nebraska hometowns. He has connected countless generous Nebraskans with the causes that matter to them most – from children’s dental health to community facilities, youth engagement, capitalizing community unrestricted endowments, and much more.

Nebraska Community Foundation benefits 272 Nebraska hometowns through its affiliated funds. In the past 10 years, NCF assets have tripled and now total $247 million. Additionally, 330 Nebraskans have made provisions in their estate plans to benefit their hometowns. These estate gifts are estimated to total $60 million. Since 1994, the NCF network has reinvested $423 million in Nebraska hometowns. For more information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330.

24 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

UNICO Announces Sean Krueger as Newest Risk Consultant UNICO is excited to announce that Sean Krueger, CPCU, CLU, CHFC, AIC, CWCA is officially a commercial risk consultant. Sean works with their commercial and UNITEL divisions, serving clients across that nation.

“Being able to provide the best service possible is extremely important to me,” said Sean. “Having a consultant’s license allows me to provide more solutions when it comes to assessing risk and developing risk management strategies. Insurance is always changing and evolving and it is important to stay educated to provide the best advice possible to our customers.”

Sean is originally from Chappel and earned a degree in accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He began his insurance career in 2007 working for State Farm. Sean is committed to achieving excellence in business; he values strong relationships with clients and works to provide quality insurance solutions.

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

McFarlin & Brokke, PC Promotes Douglas D. Morris to Partner, Shareholder The CPA firm of McFarlin & Brokke, PC, has promoted Douglas D. Morris to partner / shareholder. Morris joined McFarlin & Brokke in 2014 as a staff accountant.

In 2019, he was promoted to manager.

In his new role as partner, Douglas will have expanded leadership responsibilities and continue to pursue all areas of client satisfaction and staff mentoring.

“We are thrilled to have Doug join as a partner in the firm,” said Michael Smith, president. “His character, integrity, and hard work reflect our firm’s commitment to excellence. Doug has exceeded our expectations at every step of the way. We have watched him grow these last few years and are confident he is ready for the next step.”

Morris, an Omaha native, is a graduate of Ralston High School and the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in accounting in 2015, and his Master of Professional Accountancy and CPA certification in 2016. Doug is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Nebraska Society of CPAs. McFarlin & Brokke, PC, has been providing a full range of accounting, tax, and consulting services to clients in the Midwest for more than 60 years. The firm is a member of the Senior Partner Network, an affiliation of CPA firms with offices in nine states.

McFarlin & Brokke is also a member of the American Institute of CPAs, and the Private Companies Practice Section of the American Institute of CPAs. Learn more online at www.mcbrok.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Welcomes Holli Johnson as IT Engineer

Outlook Enrichment Welcomes Kim Balkovec as Fund Development Director

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank has hired Holli Johnson as IT engineer. As a recent graduate of Southeast Community College, Johnson comes to the bank with a fresh perspective in the IT industry. Her degree is in applied science with a focus in cybersecurity. As the IT engineer, she will provide direct support to company users, support all client and server-based operating systems, coordinate and implement network hardware changes, and communicate effectively with managed service providers and business systems providers. Johnson quickly got to know her peers and has joined the LincolnFED Kids committee, an employee-based committee that works to give back to local families during the holiday season.

“I am excited to join the Lincoln Federal Family,” says Johnson. “I have learned so much already during my time here. I have truly enjoyed meeting so many of my coworkers and getting to know them.

I appreciate all the kindness everyone has shown me."

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in residential home loans, construction loans, home equity loan products, commercial real estate loans, and deposit services.

The corporate office is at 8400 Maddox Dr. (84th & Van Dorn) and can be reached by phone at (402) 474-1400.

Outlook Enrichment recently hired Kim Balkovec as director of fund development. In her new role, she will foster relationships with corporations, foundations, individuals, and key personnel. Balkovec will also cultivate support for Outlook’s programs addressing the need of technology training and cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities for the people in our region who are blind or have vision loss.

Balkovec brings with her more than 15 years of fundraising and marketing experience.

She previously held positions at Missionary Society of St. Columban, University of Nebraska-Omaha, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Balkovec received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and media studies from the University of Omaha, where she later earned her master’s degree in communication. She also holds Toastmaster certifications and became a certified fundraising executive in 2017.

Her communication, fundraising, content development, and strategic thinking will garner support to help the nonprofit’s consumers’ journeys beyond their vision loss.

Outlook Enrichment is a nonprofit providing resources and support to those with vision loss so they can remain independent. Their mission is to create opportunities for people living with vision loss to achieve personal and professional growth and experience a more inclusive community. For more information about Outlook Enrichment’s programs and resources, visit www.outlooken.org or call (531) 365-5051.

Cox Gains Denise Natali-Paine as Vice President of Cox Business Sales Denise Natali-Paine joined Cox Communications in July as the vice president of Cox Business Sales. Denise will have strategic oversight of market-led initiatives while working closely with market and region leaders to enhance the customer experience. She has over 25 years of experience in the commercial technology, digital strategy, and cable industries. Denise has specific experience in technology, organizational leadership, strategy, and telecommunications/cable sales.

She has exceptional experience leading companies through transformation with a clear understanding of business drivers and organizational imperatives.

Before joining Cox, Denise led enterprise sales teams for Lumen Technologies (formerly Centurylink/Level3). She also held vice president roles at media technology company FastPay and consulting firm XPLANE. She was previously the vice president and general manager for commercial sales at Atlantic Broadband and a high achiever for Time Warner Business (now Spectrum). She began her career as a military intelligence officer with the U.S. Army specializing in communications and cyber intelligence.

Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from Lafayette College as well as graduate studies with the University of Edinburgh (Heriot-Watt) and advance studies with the Department of Defense. She is a national award-winning cartoonist and active volunteer for several veteran, hospice, equine, and mentoring organizations.

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through broadband applications and services. The largest private telecom company in America, they proudly serve six million homes and businesses across 18 states. Learn more at cox.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NLoceal,efamdily-aownedPlpluumbmingbbuseinerss!?

Pool Plumbing Installation Plumbing Maintenance Plumbing Contractor Garbage Disposals Piping & Repiping Backflow Testing Water Heaters Drain Services Sump Pumps Hose Spigots

402-575-0102 Bigbirgeplumbing.com SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

25

PERSONNEL NEWS West Gate Bank® Promotes Shane Reardon The West Gate Bank Board of Directors has elected Shane Reardon to assistant vice president, commercial lending. Reardon joined West Gate Bank in January 2019 as a loan analyst and loan officer. A native of Columbus, Reardon graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in financial markets and commercial banking. As a commercial loan officer, Reardon assists customers with their business financing needs, including real estate lending. He counsels customers on different credit options and utilizes West Gate Bank’s resources to help them meet many other business needs. He also helped to lead the bank’s team for the Paycheck Protection Program. ®

Reardon is a past member of the Risk Management Association and participates in various bank-supported community and volunteer activities. He is located at the West Gate Bank 180th and Pacific branch at 1020 S 179th Ct. and can be reached at (402) 758-8721 or sreardon@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 W Maple Rd. in Omaha and is expected to open in mid-2022. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit www.westgate.bank for more information.

The Hope Center for Kids Announces New Executive Director DeJuan Reddick The Hope Center for Kids is pleased to announce DeJuan Reddick as their new executive director. Only the fourth executive director in the nonprofit’s 23 years of history, he comes to the The Hope Center with years of background in youth programming.

Their founder, the late Pastor Ty Schenzel, always said his dream was that a child who attended The Hope Center would one day return to lead the organization, which is exactly what DeJuan Reddick did. Reddick was a youth member at the Boys Club which later became The Hope Center in the late 90s, making it a true full circle story.

“I’m honored to have been selected for this important role in our community, however the work that is to come - that we’re going to be doing together - is what excites me most right now,” said Reddick.

The Hope Center for Kids is a faith-based after-school and summer program for K-12 students in North Omaha, where an average of 250 members are offered academic support in a fun and safe learning environment. Since 1998, children and youth have received a nutritious meal every weeknight, as well as life-transforming opportunities such as tutoring, college visits and field trips, employment training, sports programs, family events, and more. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.hopecenterforkids. org or call (402) 341-4673.

Strictly Business Welcomes Devyn Sanderson to Production Team as Copywriter Strictly Business is excited to announce the recent addition of Devyn Sanderson as the team’s copywriter. Devyn will work with clients each month to create press releases and feature stories for both the Lincoln and Omaha editions of Strictly Business.

FITS YOUR

schedule

With our unique tub over tub installation in as little as one day, Bath Fitter doesn’t just fit your bath, it fits your busy schedule. Why have over two million people brought Bath Fitter into their homes? It Just Fits.

Book your FREE design CONSULTATION today!

888-670-7560

Please help Strictly Business welcome Devyn Sanderson! She can be reached at the office at (402) 466-3330 or by email at office@ strictlybusinessomaha.com. To view monthly articles and stories on Omaha businesses and other local professionals, go online to strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

8905 F STREET, OMAHA, NE 68127

B AT H F I T T E R . C O M

26

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

655452314-BFU252-MagazineAd-3_68x4_94-NoPromo.indd 1

Devyn is originally from the little town of Harrison where she grew up with her parents, siblings Michael and Zoey, and a fondness for writing. She decided to pursue this passion and attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she earned her Bachelor’s of Arts in English while working part-time as a waitress.

At the University, she concentrated on creative writing, completed an independent study with the George Eliot Archive, and discovered her love for copywriting and editing. After deciding she wanted to continue to call Lincoln home, Devyn looked for ways to become more involved within the community and found herself at Strictly Business, where she is helping local businesses and nonprofits amplify their voices through writing. When she’s not writing about local organizations, Devyn can be found snuggling with her dog, Riggs, enjoying some brews at McKinney’s Irish Pub with friends, or rewatching The Office for the millionth time.

3/11/21 1:58 PM

PERSONNEL NEWS True North Technologies Welcomes Brady Achtemeier to Team as New Graphic Designer

Monica Northey Celebrates 15 Years of Service with Cruise & Associates

True North Technologies, a Lincoln-based business launched by Renee Sobotka, recently brought Brady Achtemeier onto the team as the graphic designer.

Cruise & Associates is proud to recognize Finance Manager Monica Northey for 15 years of service with the company on August 16. Northey joined the Cruise & Associates team in 2006, bringing with her six years of prior banking experience. Her main responsibilities at Cruise & Associates include overseeing the day-to-day operation of the firm and assisting taxpayers and small businesses with taxes. She graduated from Cerritos Community College in 1999. In her free time, Northey enjoys going to her grandchildren’s activities, weaving, and cross-stitching.

Cruise & Associates was founded by Robert F. Cruise in 1991 to help small to mid-size owners grow their business to the next level. They specialize in income taxes, tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business controls, and wealth management. Learn more at cruise-associates.com.

Brady is ready to bring clean design and creativity to the True North Technologies team. She is a recent graduate of Hastings College, where she earned a degree with a double major in both studio digital art and digital design and development. In the pursuit of her endless curiosity, she also minored in general science. Brady has previously worked for both the Beatrice Country Club and Hastings Family YMCA as an intern. Through these experiences and her broad education, Brady gained confidence, artistic skill, an adaptable style, and a high level of professionalism. She is excited to relay these skills to True North Technologies and their clientele.

Originally from Beatrice, Brady enjoys cooking, creating multimedia art (especially digital), and spending quality time with friends and family. The world we live in is becoming increasingly digital, and she hopes to help businesses successfully navigate this environment through effective design.

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.

Mark Waldron of Edward Jones to Cut the Ribbon on New Office Mark Waldron of Edward Jones will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on September 30, 4–6 p.m., in conjunction with the Greater Omaha Chamber, at his new office in Village Pointe, 16909 Burke St., STE 127.

This new setting offers a more accessible location among a vibrant community of business professionals. Come help Mark celebrate this milestone!

Mark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and he has served as a financial advisor for over six years. He previously served as a financial consultant for TD Ameritrade, and joined Edward Jones in 2020. As a financial advisor, Mark understands what his clients are looking for when it comes to investing their money. He understands the necessary risks that come with investing in order to reach each client's long-term goals.

Edward Jones is a nearly 100-year-old-firm built for now. They specialize in helping individual investors rather than institutions, and as a privately-owned company, they are able to focus on relationships rather than shareholder returns. Whether you're planning for retirement, saving for college for children or grandchildren, or just trying to protect the financial future of the ones you care for the most, Edward Jones works to develop specific strategies to help clients achieve their goals. For more information, visit www.edwardjones. com/us-en/financial-advisor/mark-waldron or contact Mark at (402) 289-0889 / mark.waldron@edwardjones.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Cornhusker Bank Promotes Michelle Zlomke, Welcomes Brian Bates and Andrew Hilger Cornhusker Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Michelle Zlomke to business services officer. In addition, the Bank has brought on Brian Bates as vice president/audit manager and Andrew Hilger as credit analysis officer.

Zlomke has served in several roles at Cornhusker Bank since 2015. She has an 11-year history in banking services. As the business services officer, she will lead the bank’s Depository Services Program and provide customer service support for those Michelle Zlomke customers. Zlomke is proud to represent Cornhusker Bank’s values as she builds relationships to meet customer needs.

Bates is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors and holds a Certified Financial Services Auditor designation.

He serves as a treasurer for Ceresco’s Sons of American Legion Post 244 and is an active press box volunteer for American Legion summer baseball.

Hilger has 10 years of experience in banking. He is an annual volunteer for the Brian Bates Paint-A-Thon. He reported his team in credit administration has been eager to hear his suggestions and different ideas he brings to the table based on his past experiences.

Barry Lockard, Cornhusker Bank president/ CEO, reports both Brian and Andrew bring a wealth of banking experience with them.

Brian’s 30+ years in banking has qualified him to assure the bank’s internal audit program functions competently and within all regulatory requirements. Andrew’s expertise in analysis of credit documentation Andrew Hilger is proving as an invaluable asset to the bank.

Cornhusker Bank has served the local community for 118 years displaying Nebraska values, stability, soundness, and a commitment to its customers, associates, and community. For more information, visit www.CornhuskerBank.com.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 27

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT 28

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Heartland Hope Mission to Host Food Drive in October, Volunteers Needed

FAMILY, Inc. Introduces New Mission Statement

Heartland Hope Mission will be hosting its largest annual food drive, Stuff a Truck, at all Omaha area Hy-Vee stores during the third week of October. Volunteers are needed to serve 2.5 hour shifts between Thursday, October 18 and Sunday, October 24 to help fight hunger in our community. The goal of this event is to feed families for the holiday season. Volunteers will greet shoppers as they enter HyVee and encourage them to purchase $5 or $10 food bags for families in need. This is a family-friendly volunteer event. Parents with children of all ages are invited to serve together to build awareness about food insecurity in our own communities. All food items and funds raised during this at Stuff a Truck will go towards providing Thanksgiving and Christmas food items that families in need can cook at home. You can sign up to volunteer by emailing Amanda@ HeartlandHopeMission.org.

FAMILY, Inc. is excited to announce the debut of their new mission statement! FAMILY, Inc. engaged in a week-long strategic planning effort in early May 2021. Garnering community feedback, insights from employees, and guidance from the Board of Directors, FAMILY, Inc. has set forth goals and initiatives for the next three years. This includes a revision of the organization’s mission statement to better reflect its commitment to the Southwest Iowa community. FAMILY, Inc.’s mission is to engage and educate our community, inspiring a healthy future through literacy, family, and public health services. The organization will accomplish this through an array of services and support geared toward empowering parents and caregivers with the tools they need to raise healthy children. By connecting children and their families to the resources they need at the earliest stages of development, FAMILY, Inc. seeks to ensure that all children are given the very best chances at success.

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

Project Harmony Presents Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Event on September 17 Project Harmony is celebrating the halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day on Friday, September 17, with their Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day event fundraiser. From 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Champions Run, you can partake in Irish food, libations, games, live music by The Fishheads, chances to win prizes, and more. Join your friends and other Project Harmony supporters as you journey across the counties of Ireland. You could even win a pot of gold with a raffle ticket purchase!

This fun and lighthearted event supports something much heavier – the mission to end child abuse and neglect. All proceeds from the event will help fund critical services for the vulnerable children and their families served by Project Harmony. Event tickets are $100 and must be purchased online by Friday, September 10. Capacity will be limited at the event. You can also buy raffle tickets online for a chance to win a Pot of Gold ($5,000 cash prize)! Raffle tickets are $100 each or three for $250 and must be purchased by Thursday, September 16. For more information about the event, contact Lauren Peterson at lpeterson@projectharmony.com.

Project Harmony is boldly focused on ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect in our community. They 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. To find out more about Project Harmony, visit www. projectharmony.com or call (402) 595-1326. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

FAMILY Inc. is an early childhood and public health organization that provides public-health education, support, and connection to resources for women, children, and families in Pottawattamie and Mills counties. When parents are empowered and children have the nurturing and support they need, their chances of positively contributing to society as an adult increase. To learn more about how to support FAMILY Inc.’s mission, visit familyia.org.

Lincoln Financial Foundation Awards $15K to CSI to Support At-Risk Youth Child Saving Institute (CSI) recently received a grant totaling $15,000 from the Lincoln Financial Foundation. The foundation focuses on building stronger communities through nonprofit partnerships in financial wellness, education, and human services, with the long-term goal of helping people build secure financial futures for themselves and their families. Thanks to the foundation’s generosity, CSI can continue offering services to young adults participating in its Independent Living Skills (ILS) program and youth temporarily staying in CSI’s Emergency Shelter.

Each year, CSI’s ILS program supports approximately 70 vulnerable youth who are transitioning from foster care to unsupported adulthood. With assistance from community partners like Lincoln Financial Foundation, the ILS program continues to help teens and young adults develop successful life skills by supporting and connecting them with community programs and services during their crucial transition into adulthood.

CSI’s Emergency Shelter provides a safe environment for youth to temporarily call home when crisis erupts. Each year, approximately 60 Omaha-area youth stay within the Emergency Shelter. The Emergency Shelter at CSI operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and houses up to 12 youth ages 0 to 18 at any given time.

Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and trauma. To learn more about CSI and the programs and services offered, please visit www.childsaving. org or follow CSI on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 29

NONPROFIT NEWS Cross Electronic Recycling Offers Commercial E-Waste Disposal and Data Destruction

Jennie Edmundson’s Spirit of Courage Charitable Patient Events Rescheduled

With technology constantly evolving, Cross Electronic Recycling with the Cross Tra i n i n g C e n t e r wa n t s businesses to be aware of their electronic recycling processes. Cross Electronic Recycling complies with Department of Defense guidelines to destroy sensitive and intellectual property. Improper e-waste disposal is not only harmful to our health and the environment, but also puts sensitive company data at risk.

From the moment business e-waste enters their custody, hard drives and other data storage devices are handled with the utmost care to ensure data security. Clients are issued Certificates of Data Sanitation and Recycling to provide a defensible third-party audit trail.

Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Jennie Edmundson Foundation have set new dates for the Spirit of Courage celebration that was originally scheduled for August 7. The Spirit of Courage golf outing will now take place on Monday, October 4 at Dodge Riverside Golf Club followed by the Spirit of Courage gala on Saturday, November 6 at the MidAmerica Center. The foundation decided to reschedule the events due to the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 trends.

The Cross Training Center is a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training and work experience for those who are not able to attain a job due to challenging backgrounds and circumstances.

The Center empowers individuals to become gainfully employed and financially independent.

The annual gala will honor cancer survivors with the Spirit of Courage Award and raise money for the Spirit of Courage Cancer Center Charitable Patient Care Fund. This year’s Spirit of Courage Award honorees are Donna Elliff, Deb Potter, Jake Powers, and Kevin Rutland. Events in the past have included the celebration gala, auctions, and a golf tournament.

Cross Electronic Recycling is a service of the Cross Training Center and is located at 5030 N 72nd St. with business hours Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Commercial pick up services are also available through the online form or by calling (402) 590-2100 ext. 07. For more information about Cross Electronic Recycling and their services, visit www.crossrecycling.com or contact Frank Bartlett at (402) 590-2100 ext. 07 / frank@crosstc.com.

The mission of the Jennie Edmundson Foundation 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 Hospital. Since 2003, Spirit of Courage events have raised nearly $2 million, with all proceeds going to the patient care fund. The fund provides assistance to uninsured and underinsured patients who need help covering expenses associated with cancer diagnoses and treatment. This fund assists patients by paying for medications, treatments, and deductibles as well as everyday living expenses such as groceries, rent, and gas. For more information, visit www.jehfoundation.org.

Angels Among Us Celebrates 15 Years with Crystal Ball on October 15

Vision Maker Media to Executively Produce 14 Television Projects for PBS Broadcasting

Angels Among Us is celebrating 15 years of impacting families whose children are battling pediatric cancer in Nebraska with An Evening Among Angels Crystal Ball. The Crystal Ball will take place on Friday, October 15 at Embassy Suites in La Vista. The milestone event will feature various activities beginning at 5:30 p.m. including cocktail hour, a large silent auction, interactive cocktail games, a plated meal, a live auction, and a short program to impact the pediatric cancer families Angels Among Us serves.

Sponsorships and registration are now open to the public at www. myangelsamongus.org. A special thank you goes out to presenting sponsor Aflac and Honorary Chairs Shirley Young Armitage and Dr. James Armitage. Other key sponsors include The Brian Duensing Foundation, Feltz Wealthplan Partners, Firesprint, and Fusion Medical Staffing.

Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in Nebraska.

Through countless efforts of their board members, community volunteers, and donors, Angels Among Us has distributed more than $2.7 million to nearly 500 families in need. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved, contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org.

30 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Fourteen television projects were selected to be executively produced by Vision Maker Media for PBS television broadcasting. The filmmakers represent 23 different nations with a total of $841,522 in funding support.

Each year, Vision Maker Media funds media projects intended for PBS broadcasting that represent different cultures, experiences, and perspectives of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. This year, the topics are centered around social justice, climate and environment, health and wellness, democracy, and arts. The films are reviewed by a panel of public media programmers and Native American filmmakers and board approved based on Native involvement, relevance, guideline eligibility, and meeting standards of PBS broadcast quality.

“It is an honor for everyone at Vision Maker Media to be part of the creation of these important stories being told by and about Native Americans for public media,” said Executive Director Francene Blythe-Lewis.

Vision Maker Media (VMM) has been the premiere source of public media by and about Native Americans for 45 years. They work with VMM funded producers to develop, produce, and distribute programs for all public media and create partnerships with Tribal nations, Indian organizations, and Native communities in order to increase the number of American Indians and Alaska Natives producing public broadcasting programs. For more information about Vision Maker Media, visit visionmakermedia.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Do Space Volunteer Drive Set for September 11, Volunteer Opportunities Available Learn more about volunteer opportunities by attending the Do Space Volunteer Drive on Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be on the second floor of the Do Space building, located at 7205 Dodge St. The Volunteer Drive will consist of informational sessions, building tours, tech kit demonstrations, and on-the-spot volunteer interviews for those who are interested. Light refreshments will be provided.

Do Space would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers who actively share their passion for technology with members.

Volunteers at Do Space not only get the unique experience of helping people better use tech to achieve their goals, but they also have the opportunity to experiment with new technology before it is released to the public. They invite you to join them in leading the community tech movement at Do Space. They have opportunities for everyone, so you do not have to be a tech expert to get involved. To learn more about Do Space volunteering, visit www.dospace.org/volunteer or apply online at www.dospace.org/volunteer/volunteer-application.

Do Space is a unique concept that combines the notions of a community technology library, a digital workshop, and an innovation playground, producing new opportunities to learn, grow, explore, and create. For the full list of program offerings, descriptions, and registration details, or to learn more information, visit www.dospace.org, or contact them at (402) 819-4022 / hello@dospace.org.

MLCDC Receives $60K Grant from United Way of the Midlands Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC) is pleased to announce it was recently awarded a $60,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands. Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, MLCDC will continue to serve disadvantaged and underrepresented communities through its Financial Stability Program for immigrants.

Located in the heart of South Omaha on 24th St., MLCDC’s programs aim to provide specialized financial trainings in a culturally competent approach enhancing individuals' capacity to make informed decisions about household finances, and to reduce barriers for low-income individuals to achieve financial stability. With the help of this grant, MLCDC clients will receive financial education training in Spanish, English, Arabic, and Somali.

During 2020, MLCDC supported more than 250 women through its Financial Education program in Spanish. This year, the program is expanding to refugee communities and will include men and young individuals. MLCDC’s financial coaches assist clients to set up goals, plan, and execute steps to achieve financial success.

Many people know the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation as a place where individuals received training to open childcare businesses, but the mission at the heart of the organization is to provide training opportunities to low-income individuals to achieve financial stability and economic growth through entrepreneurship. For more information, contact Fernanda Nungaray at info@midlandslatinocdc.org, visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org, or call (402) 995-9623. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

402.991.9200 /TheOmahaBakery

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

Kids Can Community Center Hosts Groundbreaking at New Building Kids Can Community Center hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on August 10 for their new building on 48th and Q Streets. The ceremony included comments from Kids Can CEO Robert Patterson and Omaha Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Logan. Kids Can has served Omaha residents since 1908 and they have been in their current building at 49th and Q Streets since 1964.

The new building will be just one block away from the current location. The facility will double the square footage and will allow the organization to expand programming and capacity. For the first time in its history, Kids Can will begin providing infant care. Highlights of the new building include: • Double the current square footage to ≈27,000 square feet • Double the current capacity from 125 to 250 children • Six early childhood classrooms including two infant rooms • Three out-of-school classrooms including a STEM room • Expanded gymnasium for future events and tournaments • Community room for collaborative trainings and meetings • Nature-based outdoor play areas “We are breaking new ground literally and figuratively,” said Patterson. “With our new building, we will have new programs, like infant care, for the first time in our history. We are excited for this next chapter for Kids Can in our second century of service. We have been working towards this vision for many years and I’m thrilled this dream is becoming a reality. The best part is that we are staying in our neighborhood that we truly love.”

Kids Can's “Get In Gear” capital campaign will raise funds necessary to complete the project. More details about the campaign and the new building can be found at www.kidscan.org/capital.html.

At Kids Can Community Center, their mission is to educate, engage, and inspire children through early childhood education and out of school experiences. Founded in 1908 as Social Settlement Association, the organization has evolved over the past century to meet the continually changing needs of children and families in the community.

Learn more at www.KidsCan.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 31

NONPROFIT NEWS Release’s Bill Ellett Memorial Golf Classic September 20

JDRF Announces Team Walk Times for One Walk Event October 10

Registration is now open for Release’s Bill Ellett Memorial Golf Classic on Monday, September 20, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is held in honor of Bill Ellett, the founder of Release, and will benefit vulnerable youth and families in Omaha. Golf will be played at Iron Horse Golf Club – arguably one of the most beautiful and dramatic courses in eastern Nebraska – located at 900 Club House Dr. in Ashland.

JDRF has announced the team walk times for the One Walk event set for Sunday, October 10, at Mahoney State Park. Teams will be walking alphabetically, and the schedule is as follows: A-C teams start at 9:45 a.m., D teams start at 10:45 a.m., E-J teams start at 11:45 a.m., K-N teams start at 12:45 p.m., O-S teams start at 1:45 p.m., T teams start at 2:45 p.m., teams that begin with “team” start at 3:45 p.m., and U-Z teams and individual walkers start at 4:45 p.m. Teams can arrive up to 45 minutes prior to their walk time in order to participate in activities and photos.

Omaha and Lincoln’s JDRF One Walk events are being combined into one this year, though there are still separate fundraising pages for each location (walk.jdrf.org/lincoln and walk.jdrf.org/omaha). The walk aims to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to fundraise for accelerated research. Masks are required for everyone regardless of vaccination status while at the activity center/ event pavilion. JDRF also asks that you practice social distancing with others outside of your family to help keep their vulnerable population safe.

JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Their goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. For more information, visit jdrf. org/nebraskaiowa, or for information about the event, contact Chris Dunn at (402) 214-0638 or cdunn@jdrf.org.

Many children and youth in our community are living through constant crises and trauma and are only able to focus on survival. This event funds Release’s programs that make a difference in the lives of more than 2,000 youth and hundreds of families, helping them to escape negative cycles and learn to thrive.

Fees are $250 for individuals and $1,000 for foursomes. Business sponsorships are also available. For more information or to register, go to www.releaseinc.org/golf.

Release provides foster care, mentoring, mental health care, and in-home services for youth and families in Omaha. Founded in 1994, Release is a faith-based nonprofit organization committed to helping families become safe, together, healthy, and free. For more information, call (402) 455-0808 or visit www.releaseinc.org.

Stephen Center’s Fall Clothing Drive Provides Help, Hope, And Hoodies School, football, and falling leaves mean autumn is here, and Stephen Center is preparing for cooler temps!

The community is invited to participate in the Help Hope Hoodies Clothing Drive by gathering gently used sweatshirts, sweatpants, hoodies, and leggings in all sizes. Items will be distributed to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness.

“Families and individuals in crisis often don’t have the means to purchase appropriate clothing when the weather changes,” Executive Director Michael Wehling said. “Thanks to the generosity of the community, Stephen Center makes sure everyone is warm, comfortable, and safe no matter the season.”

Clothing can be dropped off at Stephen Center’s donation dock, located on the south side of the building at 2723 Q St. The dock is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Items for the Help Hope Hoodies Clothing Drive can also be purchased and shipped directly from Amazon by using Stephen Center’s AmazonSmile WishList.

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.

32 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation on Pace to Have Best Year Yet For the last seven years, Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation has made tremendous progress in helping over 2,500 families with their legal assistance needs, such as custody-related matters.

As of July, the organization has assisted at least 54 families just this year, and 32 of those families have chosen to move forward with their services. With 40% of those applicants being mothers, this goes to show that they truly are a shared parenting foundation. With about four months left of 2021, Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation is on track to have their most successful year to date. With their extensive list of services designed to fit almost any budget, these numbers and expectations are no surprise.

President/Founder Joe Trader is asking the community to please consider helping the Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation grow so they can help more parents who may not be able to afford great legal assistance at this time. As research statistics show, both parents are needed in raising children in order to better prepare them socially and educationally. The organization believes money should not be a factor in finding the right resources and legal counsel in custody disputes. Through their programs, positive solutions are attainable.

The Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing the highest quality resources needed to guide and educate clients through family law matters. The Foundation works under the rules of ethics for lawyer referral services in the State of Nebraska, and their attorney referrals are licensed and in good standing with the Nebraska Bar Association. They specialize in mediation, attorney referrals, limited scope, and UN-bundled services. For more information about Nebraska Shared Parenting Foundation, visit nesharedparenting. org or contact (402) 709-1914 / nepaservices@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Bright Futures, New BBBS Fundraiser with Celebration Event September 30

Conceive Nebraska’s Annual Hope Walk Set for April 24, 2022

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands’ (BBBS) largest annual fundraiser won’t return until next year, so in the meantime, they are inviting supporters to partake in their Bright Futures fundraiser.

As early as today, you can register online at www.secure.qgiv.com/event/bright2021 as an individual fundraiser or you can gather a team to reach a larger fundraising goal. Participants can fundraise through the end of the month before coming together on Thursday, September 30, at The Venue at Highlander, located at 2120 N 30th St., from 6 to 10 p.m.

So long as local health concerns allow, the BBBS family will celebrate and have a blast playing yard games, watching movies outdoors on a large screen, and enjoying food and drinks.

Conceive Nebraska is kic king off National Infertility Awareness Week in 2022 with their Annual Hope Walk, set for Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 2 p.m.

This walk is a chance to let people know it’s okay to talk about infertility, share stories and resources, and come together as a community to support those trying to grow their families. Lace up your walking shoes and join them in person at a TBD location or virtually on Facebook as they walk our neighborhoods, parks, or treadmills to raise awareness. The cost to attend is $15 for adults 13 and older and children 12 and under are free.

Casual attire is recommended. For more information about the event, visit www.conceivenebraska.org or contact president@ conceivenebraska.org / director@conceivenebraska.org.

At the celebration event, you will get to see BBBS staff, community members who have helped fundraise for the organization, and those involved in their mentoring process, such as Bigs, Littles, and parents/ guardians. Please check the BBBS website in the coming weeks for any updates to this event in regard to recent local health concerns.

There are over 38,000 people in Nebraska experiencing infertility.

Conceive Nebraska is an Omaha-based nonprofit whose mission is to come alongside and support individuals and couples facing fertility challenges by increasing and improving educational resources.

Their goal is to raise awareness in the 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. To learn more, visit their website at www.conceivenebraska.org and read their blog or follow them on Instagram and Facebook (@ConceiveNebraska).

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. Register to become a mentor at www. bbbsomaha.org or call (402) 330-2449 for more information.

The Salvation Army’s Burrows Center Helps Families in Need The Salvation Army’s Burrows Center is helping families in need bridge the gap as COVID-19 continues to have a financial impact on individuals and families in the metro area. The Burrows Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. The pantry offers canned goods, frozen foods, boxed nonperishable food items, and fresh produce to ensure that individuals and families get the nutrition they need to succeed in school and on the job.

The Burrows Center typically fills as many as 8,000 grocery orders annually. They also help those who are struggling to make ends meet by assisting with utility payments and providing seasonal assistance, including the distribution of free fans during the summer months and backpacks and school supplies at the start of the school year.

Donations of nonperishable food items can be dropped off at the Burrows Center, 6101 NW Radial Hwy. Monetary donations can be made at www.salarmyomaha.org.

The Salvation Army of Omaha serves the greater Omaha metropolitan area through its multiple worship centers and service locations. From feeding programs and homelessness prevention to mental health and older adult services, The Salvation Army meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all people without discrimination. For more information, visit www.salarmyomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Open Door Mission Invites Dinner Hosts to Virtual Gala October 9 Open Door Mission is inviting those that want to make a meaningful impact to be a dinner host for their Love Your Neighbor Virtual Gala on Saturday, October 9. Those interested can be a dinner host from the comfort of their home and will receive dinner for 10 guests that will be delivered the day before the gala. The dinners will include salad, bread, entrée, and dessert. By being a dinner host, your gift of $750 will provide 20 nights of safe shelter, nutritious meals, and quality care for the hungry and homeless at Open Door Mission.

The Love Your Neighbor gala starts at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Facebook and YouTube. The event will include inspiring stories of hope and how to “Show Some Love” to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness and poverty.

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 about Open Door Mission or the upcoming virtual gala, visit www.opendoormission.org or contact Deb Saraka at DSaraka@ opendoormission.org / (402) 829-1503.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 33

NONPROFIT NEWS Malone Community Center Announces Men of Standards Program

Santa Monica House Spring Luncheon Moves to April 30

The Malone Community Center has announced a new program called Men of Standards to provide support and encouragement to men and fathers in the Lincoln community. The Men of Standards program began in July of this year in order to conquer the challenges that men and fathers face in today’s society.

The program features fatherhood services, entrepreneurship options, education options and assistance, employment options, financial literacy and credit education, table talks with local leaders, round table therapy with an on-site therapist, and a community justice hub for fathers. The Men of Standards program meets on the first Monday of each month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The Santa Monica House is moving their spring luncheon from September 11 to Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Scott Conference Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join them for brunch, an inspirational testimonial, a silent auction, and their famous Piccadilly Auction!

Tables of eight or individual tickets are available for purchase through their website or PayPal. Donations of auction items are also welcome.

The Malone Center started in 1955 as a community center in the midst of the civil rights era as a platform for creating racial and socioeconomic equality. The league founders were determined to improve social and economic conditions and increase understanding between all races in order to create a better community. For decades, Malone has served neighboring families, youth, seniors, and the Lincoln community with inclusive, social, cultural, educational, employment, and welfare services. For more information about the Malone Center or the Men of Standards program, visit www.malonecenter.org or contact them directly at (402) 474-1110.

Christian Record Services Wraps Up Another Successful Summer for Blind Camps C h r i s t i a n Re c o r d S e r v i c e s recently completed another successful summer of sponsoring camp experiences for children and adults who are blind or experiencing vision loss. This summer, campers enjoyed a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities at summer camps in Indiana, Maine, Oklahoma, and Washington. Activities included horseback riding, archery, water skiing, crafts, cooking, and even a zip line over the lake. One camper commented that he was “amazed” at how the camp staff treated the people who were blind.

“They treated blind people like the rest of the people here. Like human beings,” the camper said.

Since beginning in 1967, over 50,000 campers have experienced camps through National Camps for Blind Children, a program of Christian Record Services. Each camp is scheduled at a well-equipped site, chosen especially for the standard of excellence and geographical location. Committed staff and counselors are trained to meet the needs of legally blind campers who are between the ages of 9 and 65.

Do you know a someone who is blind? Would they be interested in attending camp next summer? For more information on how to make this happen, please visit www.blindcamp.org.

Christian Record Services provides free confidence-building reading services, college scholarships, blind camp experiences, and more to people who are blind. To learn more, visit www.ChristianRecord.org or call (402) 488-0981.

34 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Founded in 1972, Santa Monica has partnered with over 3,000 women on their journey to recovery from addiction and alcoholism.

Reuniting families, reintegrating productive women to the community, and providing exceptional service has been the vision of Santa Monica and continues to be for the future. Santa Monica provides a Halfway House program with a step-down level of care to a ¾ way house and an 11 unit apartment building for women and children.

This year, Santa Monica seeks to expand again to complete their continuum of care for women. For more information, contact Heather Kirk at (402) 558-7088 / heather@santamonicahouse.org or visit their website, www.santamonicahouse.org.

Youth Emergency Services’ Dance for a Chance Fundraiser Set for October 7 Yo u t h E m e r g e n c y Services (YES) is proud to announce its 12th Annual Dance for a Chance fundraiser is set for Thursday, October 7, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Omaha Design Center.

This year’s event – The Roaring Twenty-Twenties – features a mix of community and business leaders who will raise money leading up to the night of the event and then compete against one another for two coveted Mirror Ball trophies – one for best dance performance (decided by judges) and one for most funds (votes) raised.

Similar to Dancing with the Stars, Dance for a Chance pairs up dancers with instructors, who then work together to create a dance, pick accompanying music, and practice over the summer before competing in October. At the same time, the dancers are working within their personal and professional networks – largely via social media – to raise awareness and money for YES. Sponsorships (including the virtual broadcast) remain available, and they are accepting donations for a silent auction. Please contact YES Director of Development Barb Farho at bfarho@yesomaha. org to learn more about being a sponsor or making a donation.

Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and nearhomelessness. YES offers a full continuum of care to ensure all youth receive the support they need, no matter their situation. Learn more about YES and the event on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, or their website, www.yesomaha.org, where you can also buy tickets for the event and vote for your favorite dancers. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS NAM’s Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands to Take Place Virtually November 3

Autism Action Partnership to Host A Vintage Affaire Fundraiser September 25

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) announced the date for its 15th annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands conference will be Wednesday, November 3. Being held virtually and hosted by NAM and DA Davidson, the Summit will connect nonprofits with all missions and sizes with ideas, best practices, and educational resources in the nonprofit sector. Attendees will include more than 300 nonprofit executives, employees, board members, and volunteers.

The conference theme is “Forward Together.” The upheaval of 2020 and 2021 has illustrated how important the nonprofit community is in making our communities stronger, healthier, and livable for all, but it has also made it clear that we can't do it alone. The event will feature breakout sessions and workshops on a variety of nonprofit topics that will help nonprofits continue to move Forward Together.

The keynote speaker of this year’s Summit is Dr. Atyia Martin, CEO and founder of All Aces, Inc., an alternative to traditional diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting firms. Dr. Martin will offer an engaging session on what a resilient and equitable organizational culture looks like. She will also provide knowledge and tools for participants to play an active role in transforming their organization. For more information and registration, please visit www.nonprofitam.org/events.

The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that has more than 650 nonprofit members in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. For more information, visit their website, www.nonprofitam.org.

If you are interested in learning more about the event, contact Abby Hughes at abby@nonprofitam.org.

Autism Action Partnership (AAP) is holding their annual fundraising and celebration event, A Vintage Affaire, throughout the evening of Saturday, September 25, at the Embassy Suites in LaVista.

This year’s theme is A Night in Paradise and will feature a silent auction, wine tasting, brief program, awards, and a live auction.

The evening is a time to reflect on the successes of the organization, acknowledge the tasks that lie ahead, and share their collective vision for the future.

The night will kick off at 5 p.m. with the silent auction, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and a social hour. At 6:45 p.m., the event will transition into dinner, the program, and the live auction.

AAP encourages semi-formal attire for the event. All proceeds are applied to operations and programs, and to the overall advancement of AAP’s mission. Event chairs are Dr. Ken and Annie Bird. To buy tickets or a sponsorship, or to make a donation, visit AAP.givesmart.com.

Autism Action Partnership has served the needs of the Nebraska autism community for over a decade. Over that time, the diagnosis and prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder has grown significantly, worldwide and locally. Learn more at www.autismaction.org or contact AAP at (402) 763-8830 / info@autismaction.org.

Midlands Community Foundation Raises More Than $53K at 2021 Golf Tournament Midlands Community Foundation raised more than $53,000 at its 2021 golf tournament at Oak Hills Country Club on August 9. The tournament was sold out with 144 golfers participating. Through the generous support of tournament sponsors and participants, including Double Eagle Sponsors Kuehl Pictured (L-R): Mark Johnson, Capital and TeamMates Gretna, John Fullenkamp, Larry Jobeun, proceeds will benefit Cass County and Bob Griffith of Fullenkamp, Historical Society Museum, Sarpy Jobeun, Johnson & Beller, LLP. County Museum, and the TeamMates Mentoring Program in Sarpy and Cass counties, including Bellevue, Conestoga, Elmwood-Murdock, Gretna, Louisville, Papillion-LaVista, and Plattsmouth.

“We are pleased to be able to support multiple nonprofit organizations in our two service areas of Sarpy and Cass counties.

We are happy to provide funding to help them fulfill their important missions,” said Tonee Gay, executive director.

The mission of Midlands Community Foundation is to benefit the diverse needs of the Sarpy and Cass county communities by providing financial support, involvement, and service. Over the last 35 years, the Foundation has served as a leader by helping to identify community needs and partnering with corporate and individual donors to make the most of their charitable dollars. The Foundation has a strong commitment toward prevention and education in the areas of health, art, culture, community, education, economic development, and human services. Learn more at midlandscommunity.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Goodwill Omaha Seeks Candidates for Facebook Certification Scholarships Goodwill Industries, Inc., Serving Eastern Nebraska and S o u t h we s t I owa (Goodwill Omaha), has been selected to participate in a grant-funded accelerated training program through Goodwill Industries International, Facebook Elevate, and Coursera that is intended to amplify diversity in the rapidly growing field of digital and social media marketing. The grant and certification program come at a time when organizations of all sizes and types are struggling to find talent.

Through the grant, Goodwill Omaha is seeking candidates for 10 scholarships covering the full cost of the Social Media Professional Certificate program offered by Facebook Elevate and Coursera before the end of 2021 in this exciting partnership.

The program is designed for people with no previous experience in marketing or social media. Goodwill Omaha will award the scholarships to qualifying participants from the Black and Latinx communities through the organization’s innovative training services, and will offer scholarship recipients Goodwill’s innovative employment services, including career change planning, résumé support, and career advice.

Members of the Omaha area’s Black, Latinx, and Hispanic communities who would like to apply for one of Goodwill Omaha’s Social Media Professional Certificate Program scholarships should contact Goodwill Omaha’s Employment Solutions program manager, Sarah Alba, at (402) 341-4609 or salba@ goodwillomaha.org. For more information about Goodwill’s programs and the 18 convenient locations in Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion, Fremont, Blair, Gretna, and Council Bluffs, please visit GoodwillOmaha.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 35

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Carpet Cleaning and So Much More!

Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too is a professional carpet cleaning and floor care company serving Lincoln, Omaha, and the surrounding areas in Nebraska. Working in both residential and commercial properties, they clean carpets, rugs, tile and grout, furniture, wood floors, stone exteriors, and more. One of the specialties of Top Spot is sealing wood floors, which is different that sanding and coating. Their wood floor sealer offers permanent protection for the wood. In addition, concrete is always a challenge for businesses and homeowners alike, but Top Spot can repair both interior and exterior concrete corrosion. In many cases, they finish by protecting the concrete with a coating. The coating keeps salt and water from penetrating your outdoor concrete from future deterioration.

After over 20 years in the business, you learn a thing or two, and one major thing Doug and his team have learned is that products matter! With Top Spot's experience, they will get you the clean you want by using only the best products available.

INTRODUCING A NEW SUPERIOR AIR FILTRATION SYSTEM Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too's air management division recently adopted a new solution for quality air management for hundreds of dollars instead of the thousands people spend to replace or install in-line electrostatic systems. The Sanders Electrostatic Filters are the next generation of room and air filtration. With efficiencies as high as 99.9998%, Sanders containment filters remove sub-micron particles the size of known viruses and bacteria from the air. For the first time, there is a solution that allows NIOSH N-99 Filtration without the need for HVAC system retrofit. Using a simple cut-to-fit pad, these filters can be applied to any current standard HVAC system or on a simple air mover for a quick and efficient “scrub” of the air.

The current filters that are used in almost all residential and commercial systems are exclusively used to protect the coil of the HVAC system, providing purely a mechanical function. These filters do little-to-nothing to protect from the sub-micron pathogens that can travel through the HVAC system, possibly infecting people who would never come into contact. Most commercial and residential air filters are rated as a MERV 8 maximum. Even air filters rated MERV 10 are not rated for submicron air filtration which is the size of COVID-19, influenza, colds, measles, viruses, etc. A MERV level 13 air filter which is being discussed as a new minimum standard has only a submicron filtration efficiency rating of less than 50%.

This is why Top Spot is excited to introduce Sanders Electrostatic Filters, HVAC air filters with capture rates far exceeding the EPA and ASHRAE indoor air quality guidelines (8-10 MERV). The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at trapping specific types of particles. Sanders Electrostatic Filters are rated at 16 MERV (minimum efficiency reporting value), which safely secures facilities and school systems. These high-efficiency particulate containment air filters remove 94% or greater of submicron particulates or more in a single pass, with filtration efficiencies at 0.3 microns (μm). This innovative material represents the simplest, most cost-effective method to achieve HEPA or near HEPA indoor air quality for the first time.

For more information, call Top Spot Cleaning & Solutions Too at (402) 570-4307 to schedule a test of your facility’s air quality.

topspotcleaning.com 36

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS Northpoint Launches Adult Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Center Northpoint Recovery, which specializes in treating addiction and mental health challenges that contribute to substance use, is opening a new 44bed, adult inpatient treatment center at 7215 Ontario St. in Omaha on September 9. On September 8, Northpoint will host a ribbon cutting event at 8:30 a.m. with the Greater Omaha Chamber. From 4 to 6 p.m., they will offer an open house and tours for members of the community.

The facility will provide integrated and individualized treatment to address co-occurring physical dependency and underlying mental health conditions. The facility, designed to treat and house male and female patients, will be staffed around-the-clock with medical and nursing personnel and include de-toxification care for acute patients.

The Northpoint Nebraska facility is the first of three care centers planned for Omaha. Later this year, Northpoint will open an adult outpatient treatment center, followed by a separate outpatient treatment facility designed to serve adolescents.

Northpoint utilizes an integrated approach to treatment, and its evidencebased inpatient programs are designed to provide patients with needed care in a safe, comfortable environment. As part of the treatment, patients learn how to identify triggers, avoid relapses, reintegrate into the community, and engage with Northpoint’s unique alumni programming— all with the goal in mind of maintaining long-term sobriety. The staff, led by a board-certified psychiatrist and medical director, is trained to treat a variety of substances, from prescription drugs and opioids to alcohol, meth, and heroin. All three treatment centers will be equipped to accept private, commercial insurance as well as Medicaid. To learn more, visit www.northpointnebraska.com.

Clearwater Counseling Speaks Out for National Recovery Month National Recovery Month is an observance held every September to educate Americans about substance use treatment and mental health services and how these resources can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. Clearwater Counseling urges individuals to promote Recovery Month and talk about mental health resources openly.

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders; celebrates people in recovery; lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers; and promotes the message that recovery in all forms is possible. Recovery Month sends a positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. The 2021 National Recovery Month theme is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminding those in recovery that they are not alone in their journey.

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 Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@clearwatercounselingne.org. You can also learn more online at clearwatercounselingpc.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NuSpine Chiropractic + Hydrotherapy Opens New Location, Announces Special Promos NuSpine Chiropractic + Hydrotherapy celebrated the grand opening of their new Legacy West branch at 17650 Wright St. #7 off of West Center Rd., whic h ser ves as NuSpine’s first Omaha location. A ribboncutting ceremony was conducted on May 6 by the Omaha Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the opening.

In addition, the clinic is offering special promotions for teachers and military personnel/veterans. To show appreciation all year long, active duty military personnel and veterans can come in on the 10th of every month to get a full exam, adjustment, and hydro-massage for only $10. Teachers can also come in any day of the year to receive all of these services for just $29.

If they purchase an ongoing package at that point, the initial $29 will be waived.

NuSpine Chiropractic + Hydrotherapy Legacy West is Omaha's only chiropractic clinic open seven days a week. They provide convenient, affordable treatments, and walk-in adjustments (no appointment required) that promote health and wellness for those who wish to live a pain-free, purposeful life. NuSpine also has four hydrotherapy massage tables. With each visit to NuSpine, you receive a complimentary hydrotherapy massage.

Consistent chiropractic adjustments improve overall health not only for the body but also the mind. Those experiencing pain, headaches, stress, are pregnant, or wanting to increase physical performance should call today.

Everyone deserves to live a fulfilling life without breaking the bank, and that’s what makes NuSpine Chiropractic + Hydrotherapy different. There are treatment plans and packages that fit any lifestyle and any budget. Visit www. nuspinec hiropractic.com/nebraska/legacy-west for more information or contact Dustin Sparks at (512) 296-4024 / dsparks@nuspinenow.com.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 37

HEALTH NEWS Omaha Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting for Opening of HOTWORX in Midtown

American Red Cross Calls for Donors to Attend Upcoming Blood Drives

HOTWORX was joined by Omaha Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand opening of its new location in Midtown at 7900 W Dodge Rd. on Wednesday, May 12. This is HOTWORX’s third location in the Omaha area.

The American Red Cross says the need for donated blood is dire, and urges those who are eligible to consider making an appointment at one of their upcoming blood drives in Lincoln or Omaha. By visiting www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive, you can search for upcoming blood drives near your location. This link will also allow you to sign up for a donation time and choose the type of donation you would like to give: blood, power red (in which you are able to give nearly twice the amount of red cells, therefore helping more patients), platelets, or AB plasma. Drives are held almost every day, starting as early as 7 a.m. and ending as late as 7 p.m. to ensure that there is an available time that fits your schedule.

The mission of the American Red Cross 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. Visit redcross.org or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially or giving blood.

HOTWORX created this infrared sauna workout program for people who want to flush toxins from their bodies, increase flexibility, balance, tone, and burn massive amounts of calories in the process. Whether guests want to polish off their gym workout, or they are strictly a spa-goer who wants to enhance their regime, this innovation could be a major component to wellness programs in the future.

HOTWORX is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute Isometric workout or 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. As the infrared heat penetrates your body causing you to sweat, the isometric postures further accelerate detoxification by physically removing the toxins from your organs through muscle contraction.

HOTWORX pairs every session with heat and infrared energy to minimize workout times and maximize results. Join now at www. hotworx.net/studio/omaha-midtown or call (531) 800-1131.

NESC Promotes Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month, Quarterly Sobriety Classes The Nebraska Safety Council (NESC) is raising awareness for National Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month. Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. The 2021 National Recovery Month theme is: Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community. If you would like to learn more about Drug and Alcohol Recovery month, visit www.rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.

To promote sobriety and healthy lifestyles, NESC offers a class once a quarter called ‘Alcohol and Drug Offender Course.’ Their course is conducted in part by members of the community who serve in a variety of professional capacities. The course, which is designed to meet the court requirements of numerous judicial entities, can be taken in 8, 12, and 15-hour levels. If you or someone you know may benefit from this course, you can learn more by visiting their website at www.nesafetycouncil.org and clicking on Traffic - Alcohol and Drug Offender Course.

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.

38 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

American Heart Association Offers Tips on Care After Pandemic-Related Delays Donald Lloyd-Jones, president of the American Heart Association, says it’s a good time to check in with your doctors to take stock of your overall health along with any chronic conditions you may have. Recently, only 19% of U.S. adults reported delaying or not getting medical care in the prior four weeks because of the pandemic, according to the CDC’s latest Household Pulse Survey. That’s a marked decline from 45% of respondents reporting pandemic-related delays in the same period last year. For those still hesitating to seek care, Lloyd-Jones assures them it’s safe to come back.

As people return to in-person medical visits, Lloyd-Jones offers the following tips: Leave the shame at home. Many people experienced a COVID backslide with their health status. Lloyd-Jones says that stress took a toll on all of us, and our lives and routines were turned upside down – there’s nothing to be ashamed of here.

Track your body metrics. Leading up to your appointment, start documenting your daily weight, blood pressure, blood sugar levels (for those with diabetes), etc. Recent measurements will help your doctor determine if there have been significant changes.

Bring a list of questions. Writing down in advance everything you may have a question about will help make the most of your time together with your health care professional.

Make an action plan with your doctor. Together, patients and their health care providers can discuss how to get to a healthier place and make a plan for how to get there.

Set realistic goals. Incorporating new healthy habits—or reinstating pre-pandemic ones—isn’t going to happen overnight. Start with small, consistent habits that can lead into big changes.

Pay close attention to any symptom changes. If you’ve experienced any new symptoms—physically or mentally—don’t wait to see your doctor.

For more tips on getting back to the doctor and reclaiming your health, visit www.heart.org/callyourdoctor. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Build Your Career at McGill Restoration McGill Restoration is an industry leader in concrete and masonry repair, restoration, and construction.

From highway surface treatment and parking garage repairs to industrial painting to masonry repair, McGill Restoration is ready to help you with just about any construction needs. The company began in 1985 as a family business, and opened its second location in 2014. McGill Restoration has added 3 more locations in 2021; central Nebraska, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City. The company was nationally recognized as one of the fastest growing privately held businesses in America for four consecutive years (Inc. 5000 selection 2015-2019). Today, McGill Restoration continues to grow annually at record pace.

With the growth of their client list comes the need for new team members. As one of Omaha’s leading growing companies in the Department of Transportation and infrastructure projects, McGill Restoration relies on their skilled, well-crafted team to create lasting community impact.

Atlas Building (Parking Garage + Apartment Rehab)

They offer competitive pay and benefits like health insurance and 401(k) enrollment. Even more, they pride themselves on their dedication to training and education. Even those with less experience still have equal opportunities for growth at McGill. Whether you are interested in industrial painting or concrete projects, McGill is invested in teaching their employees the skills they need to turn work into a lasting career. As long as you are dedicated and eager to learn, you can fast track from field man, to foreman, to superintendent in just a few short years!

McGill employees are passionate about what they do. Here’s what they are saying: “We’re always excited about the work we do and we’re always happy to welcome new team members. We do pretty much everything you can do in construction.” – Ben Russell, VP of Operations M.U.D. Chemical Building “Working at McGill brings a certain satisfaction I’ve never felt anywhere else. The ability to start a job, put your hands on it, see it come to life and be able to walk away satisfied knowing that we did a good job. That’s what I like the most.” –Jeff McGill, Director of Internal Operations “I like stepping back and looking at what I do and being proud to say, ‘this is mine.’ I’m proud to put a name on the work that I’ve accomplished here.”

– Nate Leinweber, Superintendent

Veteran’s Memorial Bridge #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Learn more about building a career at McGill Restoration by going online to mcgillrestoration.com/careers or call Omaha (402) 558-7989 for more information.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

39

senior living This time last year, many senior living communities were keeping their seniors kept away from visitors in an effort to protect the most susceptible of the population from the rising number of COVID cases that continued to climb through the end of the year. Now, with the new and extremely contagious Delta variant of COVID being spread, it is important to continue to keep our seniors safe. With the holidays coming up, it is also essential that if they are again isolated, they are not feeling the harsh effects that isolation can have on an individual.

According to the CDC, social isolation is associated with a 50% increased risk for dementia and other serious illnesses. The Health Resources and Services Administration says that the health damage of loneliness and isolation has been compared to smoking 15 cigarettes in a day. This comparison gives us an idea of the devastating results that come from senior isolation. While we want to keep our elders healthy, we also need to maintain our interaction with them in the safest way possible.

You will read in this story about how senior living services in Lincoln are maintaining safety while operating their business.

You will also learn about the wide array of senior living assistance that Omaha possesses for whatever you or your aging loved one needs. From senior living facilities specializing in one’s area of need to home products that can simplify a senior’s day-to-day routine, you can find it all in this Senior Living story.

Helpful Home Products As we get older, daily activities that we used to be able to do with ease begin to become more difficult. We are also more likely to undergo a surgery essential to our health and physical abilities, which requires rehabilitation to improve our quality of life. See The Trainer has a selection of products designed to help seniors navigate their day-to-day lifestyle and recover after major surgeries.

“Our products include canes, sock aids, bathroom accessories, and more,” said Owner Kristie Egan. “We have a variety of helpful products that can assist someone going through rehabilitation after a major surgery or injury so that they can safely get back to their normal routine as soon as possible!”

Don’t struggle with your activities any longer— visit the team at See The Trainer to learn Kristie Egan See The Trainer how their products can help you live easier.

40

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Needing Advice?

Looking for housing for yourself as a senior or for the loved senior in your life can be difficult and overwhelming. There are a vast number of factors that go into a big decision such as this one. Thankfully, Oasis Senior Advisors is a senior living service with professionals available to help simplify this process. They offer free senior housing services for individuals across the country and take the burden of finding a senior housing option off your shoulders by handling all of the research and matching services for you. They understand that every individual is unique, and whether you are looking for more independent living or need full-time, one-on-one assistance for a loved one with dementia or other special memory needs, they can find housing that will check all the boxes.

“When you work with Oasis Senior Advisors, you begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to understand what to expect and how we are going to help you,” explained Oasis Senior Advisors Owner Kyle Johnson. “After, we will work with you on identifying your lifestyle preferences, care needs, location, and financial considerations, as well as looking into available funding options that will help you reduce the monthly housing cost. We will provide a personalized list of local housing options that we believe will best meet your specific needs and set you up with a tour at each community you select. We will keep going with you until you’ve found the right place and feel confident with your choice!”

Whatever housing service you are looking for when searching for the right home—including assisted living, memory care, residential care homes, respite services, independent living, retirement communities, skilled nursing homes, and hospice care—Oasis Senior Advisors can help you find the right match.

In-Home Care As we age, it becomes more important that we are receiving care and help, but it’s not always a desire to move into a senior living community to receive this assistance. For those who want to remain in the comfort of their home, contact CCA Home Care, also owned by Kyle Johnson of Oasis Senior Kyle Johnson Advisors. Knowing that a senior’s needs Oasis Senior Advisors\ are not confined to a Monday – Friday CCA Home Care #PrintProudDigitalSmart

workweek, they have caregivers who are available to give assistance 24 hours a day. They find these caregivers through the Nurse Registry, where they screen and refer caregivers that match a senior’s needs requests. This registry aims to help seniors receive care at an affordable rate, and the caregivers are placed anywhere between one hour to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though this can be flexible and change as one’s needs change. After a senior is matched with a caregiver based on needs and requests, the caregiver will meet with the senior and/or their family, case manager, or representative before the care begins in order to better understand their needs and desired care. Finally, if a senior decides the caregiver matched with them is ultimately not the right fit, CCA Home Care will assist in finding a replacement by request.

“The caregivers that we provide include CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants), CMAs (Certified Medication Aides), and nurses,” said Johnson. “These caregivers help seniors with bathing, dressing, toileting, walking/transferring, meal preparation, medication reminders, Alzheimer’s/Dementia care, hospice support, light housekeeping, and much more. They are also surety bonded and carry professional liability insurance.”

If you are new to senior living life and struggling to find the right resources, CCA Home Care has you covered. They provide an ElderCare Resource Handbook on their website, which contains an allinclusive listing of services, programs, and other resources available for the aging process in your area. This includes government, medical support services, living options, financial, therapies, elder moving, end-of-life services, legal, home health care, and transportation.

By understanding the services, resources, and options which are available in the area, seniors and their families can make informed decisions that will result in an enhanced quality of life and allow them to maintain their independence. CCA Home Care has two ElderCare Resource Handbooks, one each for Lincoln and Omaha, so the resources are unique to the location of the senior needing care.

Another option for in-home care is Key Home Care. We spoke to Community Liaison Desiree Rossi, who previously held roles as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association, a certified nursing assistant, and a certified medication administrator, about how Key Home Care can help your family with senior living.

“Key Home Care is a small, locally owned company, which allows the owner and managers to always know each client and caregiver personally,” Rossi explained. “Key Desiree Rossi prides itself on being available 24/7 for Key Home Care seniors living in their homes needing care.

The main objective for Key is to provide quality care and put every effort into making sure seniors get to stay in their own home for as long as possible. It is a very hands-on company that will never leave a senior without care.”

They offer a wide variety of services for people who want to remain living in the comfort of their own home. With an individual caregiver, their services include: dressing and grooming assistance, incontinence care, mobility assistance, bathing assistance, medication reminders, and care for bedridden clients. You can depend on these caregivers to provide services 24 hours a day, whether it is supervision or hands-on care.

Rossi said that Key Home Care is still taking careful precautions while COVID-19 remains a threat, and they are following recommendations from the CDC to keep their seniors safe at home.

Services Tailored to You Acting as a caregiver is a huge responsibility to take on that comes with many common side effects. Family Caregiver Alliance published statistics from several studies showing the effects that caregiving has on an individual; for example, it was reported in the essay titled Assessment of Family Caregivers: A Research Perspective by Dr. Steven Zarit that 40% to 70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression, and about a quarter of these caregivers #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Contact us today!

402-669-9490

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

Assisted Living Independent Living Memory Care and more!

OasisSeniorAdvisors.com/Omaha

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

In Home Care Services For Everyone.

A Care Plan Just For You.

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

41

meet the diagnostic criteria for major depression. There’s no doubt that caregiving can be and is often quite difficult, and that’s why the Omaha metro has businesses available to take the stress that comes with acting as a caregiver off of one’s shoulders.

In addition to the aforementioned caregiving services, another excellent option is Right at Home. Right at Home offers in-home care and assistance services for almost any family and practically any situation.

Their care lets loved ones enjoy healthy lives in the comfort of a familiar environment, and they tailor their care to each individual’s unique situation through a custom care plan. Their caregivers are specially trained to offer companionship, personal care, specialty services, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, and respite care.

To ensure that your loved one always receives the highest level of care possible and is treated with dignity and respect, our managers make regular visits to your loved one’s home,” explained Owner Kristi Benning. “Caregivers fill out simple timesheets and their attendance is verified through a combination of Internet-based solutions. Caregivers also keep extensive notes about the care they provide, and these are kept at your loved one’s home and are available to you at any time.”

Kristi Benning Sometimes a caregiver is needed for a Right at Home special care situation, such as illness or injury.

The caregivers with Right at Home can accommodate to situations involving diabetes, heart disease, cancer recovery, mental health, traumatic brain injury, and paraplegia or quadriplegia. Regardless of the situation your loved one is in or the level of care they need, the goal of Right at Home is to establish a long-term caregiving relationship between the caregiver and the senior. A new caregiver can be requested for any reason, and they will search for a match

42

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

until your family is happy. Their team strives to keep your loved one happy, safe, and comfortable, no matter the situation.

New Adaptations Many of the changes that the world made to protect the public from COVID-19 are continuing to be used today, and likely will for the years to come. We spoke with National Marketing Director of Agemark Corporation Ashley GloysteinKlatt about what pandemic-born strategies CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care is going to continue to use.

“I think there are several things that we’ll continue doing in the future,” Gloystein-Klatt said. “One is telehealth/telemedicine. For Ashley Gloystein-Klatt minor illnesses or routine visits, having this CountyHouse Residences as an option for residents is something that for Memory Care I foresee continuing. Another is the use of technology such as Zoom. We have communities all across the country, and it's nice to be able to get together remotely to idea share, brainstorm, and be able to connect visually. It also helps residents with relatives that live out of state or far away be able to connect with each other. We've also started offering more virtual tours on our websites, which helps people who are considering our communities but are too far away to visit or who prefer to gather information online before coming in for a private tour. Finally, I think certainly we are all more aware of symptoms we are feeling due to our health screening processes. I can see practices such as health screenings and mask-wearing continue, at least at times, perhaps based on the time of year, prevalence of illness in the area, etc. Right now, these are things we are still doing to protect residents in our care, and we'll continue doing them for the foreseeable future.”

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Residents of Agemark communities show they are equally as dedicated to stopping the spread; company-wide, 97% of residents are vaccinated. This allows CountryHouse to expand their activity offerings and to do many things they couldn’t before, ultimately keeping their residents happy and active. Gloystein-Klatt said many local businesses have shown their support to the senior community by opening their doors exclusively for the CountryHouse residents, sometimes before or after regular business hours, so that seniors could safely have a good time. She told us about some of the fun and exciting activities that residents have been able to participate in.

“We're once again taking outings and trips outside the community, with precautions of course,” said Gloystein-Klatt. “Recent trips included visiting the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and The Makery in Omaha, among other places. Inside the community, we've been able to host live music, have cooking demonstrations with our amazing in-house chefs (Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster were favorites!), host fun July 4th cookouts, and bring in animals such as dogs, cats, and bunnies to visit residents. Of course, we also have everyday offerings such as crafts, art, games, puzzles, movie nights, and more.”

There are three CountryHouse communities in the Omaha Metro, all of which offer exclusive memory care for those with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. They believe that one of their most unique differentiators is their commitment to enriching the lives of those in their care and treating all like family, which is also their company mission.

“We are truly blessed to do what we do - we don't take for granted that we have the opportunity to contribute to the health and happiness of individuals in our care and become a part of a larger, extended family for them,” said Gloystein-Klatt.

For those who are the primary caregiver, CountryHouse offers support groups, mainly for families and caregivers of those with memory loss, as well as respite/short-term stays. They have found that these offerings are very helpful for families who are providing care for their loved ones but need some support.

“A respite stay can range from a few days to a few weeks and is helpful for families who need to work, travel, or simply take a muchneeded break from providing everyday care,” Gloystein-Klatt said.

She recommends that people plan early for selecting the senior living option that’s right for them, in advance of an emergency.

“Taking proactive steps gives prospective residents more time, choice, and say in where they will eventually live,” recommended GloysteinKlatt. “Having as much control and say in the decision as possible often helps people feel more comfortable and at peace with their choice.”

Memory Care Did you know that there are around 6.2 million people living in the United States aged 65 and older who have Alzheimer’s? According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are more than 11 million Americans who provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias.

Studies found that 59% of caregivers looking after an individual with Alzheimer’s reported emotional stress and 38% reported physical stress.

Caregiving can be hard—especially when a caregiver holds other roles in their day-to-day life, such as employee or parent. Fortunately, Omaha has senior living communities devoted to caring for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementias to make life easier for both you and your loved one with memory loss.

Prairie Meadows Alzheimer’s Care Center is a specialized memory care community that provides exceptional person-centered holistic care to residents with cognitive impairment. They strive to make the aging process more meaningful and enjoyable for the dementia residents in their care. Their residents live onsite in an assisted living community where they have 24-hour access to a wide range of care options. Whether they need routine access to healthcare professionals, help to complete day-to-day activities like bathing and transferring, or both, they are taken care of at Prairie Meadows.

“Services we provide include everything from convenient access to skilled nursing to activities of daily living—whatever is necessary to maintain a safe and secure living environment,” said Community #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Resource Director Don Woods. “We give our residents restaurant-quality dining with multiple options for every meal, three times a day. We also offer hospitality services, such as regular housekeeping, scheduled transportation for social events, exciting social programs, and more.”

Prairie Meadows doesn’t forget about the mind, body, and soul, either; they provide occupational, physical, and speech therapy; group exercise classes; community outings; religious services; and interactive learning.

Don Woods Prairie Meadows They have created an environment for memory care residents that encourages Alzheimer’s Care Center autonomy and self-expression, provides a structure which supports memory retention, and ensures each resident’s healthcare and long-term care needs are met.

Christ-Centered Service For faith-based retirement solutions that range from independent and assisted living to long-term care and innovative home-based support, reach out to the team at Immanuel. They work to empower seniors to live a lifestyle of freedom, dignity, independence, and safety.

We spoke to Director of Communications Connie Chisholm about how their long history and client-focused mission makes Immanuel a strong choice for senior living options.

“Immanuel is deeply rooted in Nebraska,” Chisholm said. “We were founded in Omaha over 130 years ago and since then have been committed to a not-for-profit mission. What this means for residents Connie Chisholm and their family is that they know that Immanuel

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

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

CCAHomeCare.com

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

43

we are dedicated to significantly investing directly into enhancing programming, updating our buildings, and supporting other likeminded community organizations. It’s the difference in knowing decisions are being made in the best interest of those who matter most—the seniors.”

In order to be able to partake in the benefits that Immanuel has to offer, Chisholm advises that you begin to plan early. She also suggests that potential members of a senior living community get ahead of the game by doing their research.

“We see many family members take an active role in touring retirement communities as well as conducting online research of care options,” Chisholm explained, “but the retirement living space is crowded and confusing with so many communities looking the same and even offering similar amenities. Do your research.

Industry-wide, we’re seeing a significant shift away from local providers toward national chains. This causes a sharp disconnect between senior resident needs, community maintenance, and profit-driven corporate decisions.”

While doing research on senior living options, take note of not only amenities and features, but how a business is protecting their residents from the current new wave of COVID and the possibility of future outbreaks. Chisholm said that Immanuel understands the importance of keeping residents safe while also maintaining an engaging day-to-day routine.

“Like all Nebraskans, we continue to battle the threat of COVID-19, and now the variants, from entering our communities,” Chisholm said.

“At the same time, we continue to operate and provide the care and service our residents need and an active and engaging lifestyle they have come to expect from Immanuel. We have been successful in keeping our residents engaged through comprehensive wellness and life enrichment programs offered daily, weekly, and monthly.

We also utilize innovative technology to bring such programming directly to residents through their smartphone or mobile device and throughout the community.”

Finally, Chisholm said that Immanuel has taken note of the growing demand for senior living in the Lincoln market, and that their emphasis has always been to provide exceptional retirement, living, and dining options, as well as ground-breaking wellness and life enrichment services to seniors and their families in all of their communities.

“As this generation ages, innovation in senior living care and services will continue to be our priority.”

Active Lifestyle Community Active adult lifestyle communities are continuing to grow in popularity for several reasons. To start, these communities offer low- or no-maintenance on the exterior of their homes – no more mowing, snow-blowing, raking, and painting! After years of spending weekends and extra days off keeping your home exterior looking its best, active lifestyle communities are here to take care of that burden for you. They are also a great opportunity to befriend other newly-retired couples in a quiet environment that is typically child-free – except for visits from the grandkids, of course! Active lifestyle communities also provide many opportunities to stay engaged and involved with the community through amenities such as pools, fitness centers, clubs, and social events. Combined with the growing senior population, it’s no wonder why these communities are a top choice for many!

For a place where independent living, assisted living, and memory care are inspired by life and Omaha’s amazing culture and vibrancy, reserve a spot with Ovation by Avamere, coming to Heartwood Preserve later this year. The community will provide multiple levels of senior living through an additional helping hand or layer of support when the needs of residents change. Residents will live independently and worry-free in a high-end luxury apartment with elegant fixtures and upscale upgrades over traditional senior apartments. All of their homes will be completely maintenance-free and include around-the-clock security. Though they are living independently, residents can have peace of mind knowing that assistance is there if and when they need it.

You’re Ready.

We’re Ready.

Times have been tough, but you’re hopeful and ready to live the full, vibrant life you’ve been dreaming about. At Immanuel, we’re strong and more ready for you than ever.

Schedule a visit today at Immanuel.com Serving the Omaha Area

Signature Communities: Lakeside & Pacific Springs Arboretum Village, Immanuel Village, Trinity Village Affiliated with Nebraska Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

44

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

22_91_1

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

“For those who require assisted living or memory care, Ovation Heartwood Preserve is equipped to support those needs with a highly trained and dedicated team of caregivers and nurses on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Ovation General Manager Stephanie Grade.

“Memory care at the community is backed by our innovative Ovation ConnectionsTM Memory Care program, which delivers safe, secure, and compassionate care to enable residents to thrive, enjoy day-to-day living, Stephanie Grade stimulate their mental and physical focus, Ovation by Avamere and encourage socialization.”

The community promotes health, fitness, and adventure. Being located in Omaha’s newest development, Heartwood Preserve, residents are able to live, play, and shop every day. Residents will have easy access to 80 acres of parks, trails, and green space. Their resort-style living offers first-class concierge and valet services that can reserve your table at one of the four on-site restaurants or schedule your private drive in the Ovation town car to keep you in touch with the world just outside your door. The Infinity Wellness team members will partner with residents to reach their highest quality of life featuring personalized programs and stimulating events. It doesn’t stop there! The location will also include a social club, innovative technology, exploration studios, cultural and entertainment experiences, and more. By choosing to live the senior years of your life at Ovation, you will be sure to continue to live a rich lifestyle full of adventure.

Elder Law Estate planning is what many people first think of when hearing the term “Elder Law,” but it is much more than that. It encompasses other areas of importance to seniors and their families, including planning and applying for programs such as Medicaid, Veterans’ Benefits, and Social Security Disability, or working through issues involving longterm care facilities, such as billing disputes, discharge planning, or policies related to how residents are treated. The team at Burnett Wilson Law, LLP, can assist seniors with situations such as these through a variety of the legal services they offer.

“Burnett Wilson Law can also help with asset protection from creditors, nursing home costs, or guardianship and conservatorship,” said Associate Attorney Anne K. Burnett. “Our Elder Law attorneys can assist families through situations such as caring for a disabled relative or protecting a senior with dementia from financial and other forms of abuse. Tools such as a Special Needs Trust or a guardianship/ conservatorship can be crucial in such positions.

Our attorneys have experience with all of these situations, and we work to ensure our Anne K. Burnett clients receive expert advice tailored to their Burnett Wilson Law, LLP specific circumstances.”

As mentioned earlier, estate planning is an important way to prepare for the future. Many of us want to have a say in how our personal possessions, real estate, and other assets are distributed among family members, friends, and charities. An Estate Plan can put into place your wants and wishes. They also include Powers of Attorney, in which someone is appointed to handle health care and financial decisions on the individual’s behalf in the event of incapacity. Various sources have reported that more than half of Americans die without an Estate Plan in place, so be proactive and ensure that your assets will be taken care of after your time on Earth ends.

Don’t wait another minute to take action—contact Burnett Wilson Law’s elder law attorneys today!

These are some of the premier options that Omaha has to enhance senior living. If you are in need of some changes to enrich the senior lifestyle, give these local businesses a call today! They want to keep seniors happy and healthy as we continue to push through these trying times. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Designed for Comfort, Care, and Quality of Life.

Specialized Memory Care | Meaningful Moments® 24/7 Specialized Nursing Care 402.391.2790 | prairiemeadowsseniorliving.com 13208 Meredith Ave Omaha, NE 68164

Where Compassion is Key Individual Caregivers - Free In-Home Consultations Serving Omaha/Council Bluffs and Surrounding Rural Areas

402-982-9254 Keyhomecare.us We are excited to let you know that Carlson & Burnett is changing its name to:

Burnett Wilson Law, LLP.

Our new name reflects some changes in personnel, but we continue to offer the same high level of service as we have since the firm was founded in 2008. As before, the firm will be focused on estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration, family law, business planning and personal injury. We have a team of twelve attorneys with expertise in each of these areas.

Anne Burnett Andy Wilson Matt McKeever

Terry White Karen Nelson Joe Risko

DeAna Shaffer Charlie Grimes Steve Schmidt

David Thompson Adam Wintz T.W. Huntington

We are all conveniently located in our existing office at 17525 Arbor Street, Omaha, NE 68130

Follow Us Burnettwilsonlaw.com | 402-226-6138 SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

45

Fall Landscaping Now Accepting Applications for Estimators!

Summer is about to come to a close and fall is getting ready to hit Nebraska. Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and we all try our best to enjoy every bit of it before winter arrives. If you have been thinking about doing a landscaping project this year, whether that’s putting up a new fence, building a deck, or replanting your trees, now is the time to do it before we are covered in snow. This is also a time to be proactive about your lawn and take the necessary steps to winterize it before the first freeze hits. By doing this, not only will you be prepared for winter weather, but you will also be prepared for spring when the ice melts and it’s time to maintain our lawn again. We spoke to local lawn care and landscaping professionals about the landscaping projects you still have time to complete, and what you should do to protect your outdoor space against the soon-to-come bitter cold.

Redesign Your Space Landscaping is a beautiful art, but it is also one of the more difficult creative forms to try on your own. This is why we have professionals in Omaha to help us with our landscaping projects, including Meza Gardens & Design. This women- and minority-owned landscape design-build company can help you boost your curb appeal by transforming your empty and uneventful yard into a vivid space full of life and blossom.

“Drawing on a combined 40 years of experience, we can handle the complex projects while small enough to provide personalized service,” said Co-owner Christine Meza. “We are dedicated to creating your ideal, timeless landscape.”

stonebrookexterior.com

OMAHA | 402.934.5559 LINCOLN | 402.438.5559 46 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

Meza Gardens & Design can help you rejuvenate your landscape by starting with Christine Meza a free, on-site consult meeting. During this Meza Gardens & Design #PrintProudDigitalSmart

meeting, they will gather your ideas and learn about your style while establishing a budget. Next, they will produce a handdrawn, color rendered landscape plan with a cost estimate before executing the plan and transforming your yard. Their designer and operations director will provide close supervision during the entire process. Finally, they help you maintain your yard with consistent and respectful care through whatever your yard needs, whether it is weed control, deadheading perennials, or trimming trees and shrubs.

Meza Gardens & Design has areas of expertise in patios and walkways, water features, fire features, plant material installation, seasonal color, and they are able to restore existing gardens and bring them back to their full glory. Meza Gardens & Design offers seasonal cleanup in the spring and fall, which includes cutting back perennials, restrike bed edging, trimming, leaf removal, and preparation for the upcoming season. Don’t wait another minute putting off your fall landscaping projects – call Christine Meza and her team today!

Exterior Remodeling In the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS® Research Group, it was concluded that installing a new roof is at the top of the list of exterior renovation projects in terms of value. It is estimated that a new roof can recover 107% of the original cost at resale! A gorgeous landscape deserves to have an attractive house sitting on it, and with data like this, it’s hard to leave out the exterior of your home when conducting fall landscaping projects. Stonebrook Exterior can help you with all of your home exterior needs. Their talented team can work on roofing, siding, windows, gutters, and more. They strive to individually match the unique needs of their residential clients, as their top priority is client satisfaction.

“Our team goes through an intensive training course and comprehensive testing in order to become Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors,” explained Business Development Manager TwiLea Fletcher.

“As Haag Certified Inspectors, they have the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately inspect your roof for damage and correctly evaluate that damage.”

The Stonebrook Exterior team also takes very seriously the safety of their employees TwiLea Fletcher and clients. Their comprehensive safety Stonebrook Exterior program is a part of their company culture; by setting high standards for safety and communicating those expectations at the start of each workday, they cultivate an environment that is safe for their team, clients, and the surrounding community. Combined, their team holds multiple certifications, including OSHA 10, OSHA 30, OSHA 500, OSHA 510, First Aid/CPR/AED, and multiple equipment certifications.

The value and service that Stonebrook Exterior provides to their clients is unparalleled by others thanks to their multiple trades or scopes of work into a single contract. Whether they are helping you add value through selecting the most aesthetically impressive or environmentally-friendly exterior applications, or implementing long-term strategies that will help minimize your total cost-of-ownership, they hold themselves accountable for the success of your project.

Family Owned and Operated COVID taught us to enjoy more time outside, and that pastime has carried well into post-pandemic days. No better way to sit down, relax, eat some food straight off the grill, and watch the family dog chase your kids around the luscious grass that by enjoying #PrintProudDigitalSmart

• Landscape & Hardscape Installation • Fall cleanup maintenance • Creative design solutions

Bring Joy to Your Outdoors!

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

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION

CLASS A General Contractor Insured and Bonded

THE ANSWER TO YOUR NEEDS 531-999-3358 tsrconstructs.com it from a deck! Decks are a great way to decorate and utilize your landscape. They add a beautiful aesthetic appeal, increase the square footage and value of your home, and provide an additional spot to enjoy time with family and friends.

If you think that a deck is the addition your landscape has been needing, reach out to TSR Construction, a family owned and operated business. From one family to another, they want to help you utilize your outdoor space in the best way possible. In addition to building decks, TSR can construct balconies, terraces, fences, and retaining walls. Not only are you getting to work with a family business, but a Class A contractor licensed, bonded, and fully insured.

“Our culture fosters an environment where experienced professionals can apply their technical, managerial, and craftsmanship skills along with the empowerment to go the extra mile required to build the trust and confidence of our clients,” said Owner Tony Reynolds. “We’re a team of fullycertified professionals, and we are fueled by our commitment to excellence.”

Tony Reynolds TSR Construction

Landscaping is an art and Omaha has some of the best artists around. These professionals can help you transform your outdoor space, whether you are just looking to spruce it up, get it winterized, or add a gorgeous deck where you can sit and take in the beauty of your landscape. We recommend these experts to help you check off every item on your fall landscaping to-do list!

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

47

joining organizations The Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) was chartered in 1946 and is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA is an organization of individuals and firms involved in residential and light commercial building and development and related industries.

The organization is also known for the Omaha Home Show, Remodel Omaha Tour, Parade of Homes in the spring and fall, and Street of Dreams.

Experience the benefits of MOBA, join now! For more information, visit www.moba.com.

The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their tec hnical skills, and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Guests are welcome.

NAWIC hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or tradeapprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members, and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 60+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit www.nawicomaha. com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information.

48 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

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 over 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 on key issues impacting marketing professionals, as well as compelling educational opportunities. Members enjoy a host of national perks, from webinars to savings on promotional items, as well as exclusive local benefits like discounts on programming, award entries, and more.

Groups of three or more are eligible for a group membership discount. For information on AMA Omaha’s award-winning chapter and to apply for membership, visit AMAOmaha.org.

“Let’s succeed together.”

For Omaha to prosper, we need to build a connected community that supports business growth, employment, and quality of life. As a Chamber member, you aren’t just building your business, you’re investing in the future of our city.

To connect with other professionals; to grow your presence in the community; to develop your skills and experience; to ignite change and serve as a catalyst for economic growth. These are just some of the reasons to invest yourself and your business into the Greater Omaha Chamber.

“We won’t let up. We won’t let you down—because your work is too important to go it alone.”

Join 3,000 other businesses and be part of the movement toward greater: OmahaChamber.org/Belong | memberservices@ OmahaChamber.org | (402) 346-5000. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

A strong business network should bring you: new business, referrals, visibility, opportunities, advice, and support. Is your network doing enough?

The Sarpy County Chamber proudly serves the communities of Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Offutt, Papillion, Springfield, and the Greater Omaha area as the primary business resource in Sarpy County. Joining the Sarpy Chamber is joining a culture of connections with groups, events, marketing, education resources, and more. They make it easy.

Sarpy Chamber membership also unlocks these benefits online with the new Sarpy Chamber Member Video Resource page. This content has been developed and curated specifically for educating and empowering the Sarpy County business community. Only Sarpy Chamber members will have access to this business educational video library that covers leadership training, advertising/marketing, finance, IT, security, wellness, and much more.

Visit www.sarpychamber.org to join easily online or call (402) 3393050 to learn more.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) has been assisting U.S. consumers and businesses since 1912. It is a private, nonprofit, businesssupported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, over 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting the marketplace.

People today are overwhelmed with choices—and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings, and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska or call (800) 649-6814.

Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) was formed in 2008. Their mission is to empower women to become economically self-sufficient by providing targeted education, workshops, job training, strong relationships, and resources that provide business, professional, and personal growth. The endeavors of the organization are designed to accelerate the success of women in all aspects and at all levels. They create economic opportunities through their signature MOWBC programs. Members of MOWBC are able to find mentorship, share their dreams, and embrace a unique kind of sisterhood.

There is a multitude of benefits to becoming a member of the Metro Omaha Women’s Business Center, including: Entrepreneur Annual Award Grants of $500-$1,000; business-to-business discounts; access to referral resources, educational programs, and business opportunities; featured in monthly communications on the MOWBC website; discounts/ advance notices to MOWBC events (seminars and conferences); business listing in MOWBC directory; company logo and story listed in the MOWBC Newsletter; business after hours networking; personal log-in and password to the MOWBC membership site; promotional code for discounted member events; and monthly commercial opportunities. To learn more, visit www.mowbcf.org or call (402) 763-0540. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a down-toearth, convenient way for small business owners and operators to network with each other and connect with larger businesses and agencies in the community. The Omaha Empowerment Breakfast is a non-membership monthly networking event. We offer great speakers, great food, and endless connections! Held the first Friday of every month from 7 to 8:30 a.m.; come early and stay late for the best networking. This is a well-attended event. Register ahead of time to reserve your spot.

People attending can showcase their business by being a threeminute speaker or being an event sponsor. We have a great lineup of nationally recognized speakers and local business professionals to educate and entertain. The event is held in the Aksarben area of Omaha. For information, visit OmahaEmpowermentBreakfast.org or contact Michael McKee at (402) 201-3518.

The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC, www.abcnebraska. org) Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development.

In addition, they offer opportunities for networking, and their Excellence in Construction Awards allow them to showcase members’ project successes. The organization helps their members and their members’ employees with the opportunity to succeed, winning work, and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. They offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education, and leadership courses, not only to members, but also to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry for a bountiful career. For information about ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. Please visit the website at www.abcnebraska.org to learn more.

The Millard Business Association (MBA) was established in 2003 and comprises more than 350 area businesses members. The MBA provides the catalyst for our members to grow and prosper through a variety of events, opportunities, services, and programs.

Joining this thriving organization is great way to GROW Your Business.

Members do not need to reside in Millard. The basic requirement is doing business or wanting to do business in the Millard area.

Membership is only $130 per year; there is a $65 associate’s rate for member businesses that want to add a representative. In addition, MBA has a young professionals group. YP membership is $50 per year. Some of the benefits include: Networking and Exposure—“It’s not what you know but who you know.” Make all those important contacts through Networking Lunches, “Bagels & Business” Meetings, Business After Hours, and Ribbon Cuttings. Join one of the many active referral groups.

Community Connections—Get involved and learn more about the nonprofits in the community.

Educational Opportunities—Stay competitive, be productive! MBA’s monthly “Lunch and Learns” offer expert advice for today’s economy.

Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org. For more information, contact the MBA Admin at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business 49

r o f e c r u o S t s The Be siness News u B l a c !

Lo r e t t e B t o G t Jus e!

lud c n I s e eatur

New F

+ Improved readability, both on desktop and mobile + More user-friendly navigation + Access our free, online digital flipbook for every month's issue + Modern and sleek look

u o Y e v a H n Been ow Our Ne Site?

StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com 50

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Youth Emergency Services’

Dance for a Chance is BACK!

Mikaela Borecky

Xavier Carr

Dancer #100

Aaron Jensen

Katie Kuhl

Dancer #103

Dancer #104

Dancer #109

Patrice Ott

Dancer #106

Precious Lesley

Dancer #105

Jeff Shullaw Dancer #108

Stephanie Sullivan

Jen & Jon Day Dancer #101

Dancer #107

After cancelling last year’s event because of the pandemic, Youth Emergency Services (YES) is excited to WELCOME YOU BACK to

Dance for a Chance: The Roaring Twenty-Twenties!

Thursday, October 7 Omaha Design Center Doors open at 6 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to dress in their finest 1920s attire!

#PrintProudDigitalSmart

Presented by VOTE for your FAVORTE Dancers (above) and help them raise $$ for homeless youth at www.yesomaha.org.

Tickets and Sponsorship information also available at www.yesomaha.org.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Strictly Business

51

“This is Senior Living unlike anything that Omaha has ever seen.”

KMTV/CBS

Reservations Now Being Accepted | Opening Late 2021 With the best views and underground parking going quickly, now’s the time to learn more and make your reservation.

Watch the full video at OvationHeartwoodPreserve.com Call to arrange a tour today!

402.999.7900

Reservation Showroom Peperwood Village 573 North 155th Plaza Suite 573 Omaha, Nebraska 68154 402.999.7900

52

Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2021

#PrintProudDigitalSmart