Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame 2015 by Suburban Newspapers

at Bellevue University

Sarpy County has had vast changes over the years. Strong leadership guided these changes. This special edition recognizes a few of the leaders and legends who have left their mark on the county.

May 13, 2015

A supplement of Suburban Newspapers

Recognized for their impact across the community Previous honorees have set the bar high for recognizing those who work to make Sarpy County grow and prosper. This year’s honorees meet that bar. Suburban Newspapers Inc., in partnership with corporate sponsor Bellevue University and event sponsor CASA, recognizes the contributions of the honorees. Members of this year’s group are immortalized with plaques on a wall inside the Durham Center Building on the Bellevue University campus.

ABOUT THE EVENT Free — Thanks to sponsors Bellevue University and CASA. When: Wednesday, May 20. Socializing and hors d’oeuvres from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Induction ceremony 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Where: Bellevue University Margre H. Durham Student Center, Galvin Road South. RSVP: By noon on Thursday, May 14. Call Marie Douglas at 402-444-1202 or email marie.douglas@owh.com

BELLEVUE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

Marge H. Durham Student Center

2015 INDUCTEES BOB MCCALLIE – MCCALLIE AND ASSOCIATES (POSTHUMOUSLY) Bob McCallie, who built a startup information technology company into a multimillion dollar enterprise before his death in 2014, founded McCallie Associates Inc. in 1982 with three employees and annual sales of $100,000. Ten years later, when the company won the U.S. Small Business Administration’s “Prime Contractor of the Year Award,” McCallie had 45 employees and more than $3 million in annual sales. McCallie retired from the company in 1999, but remained involved and interested in its progress. It has grown to more than 130 employees in the Bellevue-Omaha area with annual billings of $14 million, and satellite offices in Colorado, California and North Carolina, as well as offices at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia and Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987 and served until the election of 1988. He is a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Community College. See Page 4 DOUG ZOERB – PINNACLE BANK IN GRETNA After working at several small-town Nebraska banks, Doug Zoerb became president of the Gretna State Bank (Pinnacle Bank) in 1992, retiring on Dec. 31, 2014. Doug served as a trustee of the Nebraska 4-H Foundation from 2000 to 2006. He also helped form Bankers Title, a statewide organization, and served as its chairman until 2014. Doug has been an active member of the Gretna United Methodist Church since 1993, serving on many committees, including chairing the Administration Council. Each year Doug supports the Gretna schools, business community, American Legion, all the churches in Gretna and numerous fund-raisers. For eight years he and his wife worked together to send packages to local soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan twice a year. See Page 8 GENE PFAHL – GENE’S AUTO & TRUCK SERVICE INC. Gene’s Auto Repair is a family-owned and -operated business that has been in the same location across from City Park in downtown Papillion since 1980. Owned by Gene and Debi Pfahl, Gene’s Auto has served generations of Papillion-area families with their automotive repair needs. Gene’s Auto historically has sponsored the Papillion Days tractor pull, with proceeds benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. See Page 12 MIKE BRANIGAN – STYLEHOUSE BARBER SHOP Mike Branigan has been in business for 40 years, making the Stylehouse Barber Shop the longest continuous business in La Vista. Mike was among the business leaders who began the La Vista Chamber of Commerce. For years the barber shop has hosted La Vista Days events, including a fundraising golf tournament for the local DARE program. Mike has helped many families over the years without recognition. He also was instrumental in establishing the youth wrestling club through Papillion-La Vista High School. See Page 15 GEORGE RYBAR – OFFUTT COLLISION REPAIR George Rybar has been recognized for his business success by multiple organizations in Bellevue. Since 1966, Offutt Collision Repair has served the auto repair needs of Bellevue residents. Rybar, owner of Offutt Collision, has received more than a dozen awards, including the Bellevue Chamber’s Distinguished Service award in 2008 and Silver Arrow in 2013. Offutt Collision was recognized as the Small Business of the Year in 2004 by the La Vista Chamber, and in 2008 by the Sarpy Chamber. In addition to his company’s noted chamber involvement, Rybar was instrumental in the recent establishment of the Bellevue Community Foundation, which will improve the quality of life in Bellevue for years to come. See Page 18

Find a listings of past honorees on Page 22.

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME is published by Suburban Newspapers and the Omaha WorldHerald, 1314 Douglas St., Suite 600, Omaha, NE 68102. To advertise with us, contact Marie Douglas at 402-444-1202. Retail advertising manager: Dan Matuella; special project manager: Paul Swanson; special sections editor: Shelley Larsen; section editor, designer: Tom Knox; copy editor: Melinda Keenan Construction at this entrance to Bellevue University. Attendees should enter campus from Herman Drive, at north end of campus.

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McCallie built tech powerhouse from scratch “Instead of just hoping that something would work, he thought about it. He had plans.” Marilyn McCallie

BOB MCCALLIE By Eugene Curtin

Suburban Newspapers

ob McCallie achieved prominence in Bellevue after founding McCallie Associates Inc. in 1982, with three employees and annual sales of $100,000. Ten years later, when the company won the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Prime Contractor of the Year Award, McCallie had 45 employees and more than $3 million in annual sales. It was a success story built on a puzzle. “It puzzled me that there was no local firm that did high-tech work,” McCallie said after receiving the SBA award in 1992. “The client was right here. Why not a company?” By “client,” McCallie meant the U.S. Strategic Air Command at Offutt Air Force Base, which had managed the United States’ nuclear arsenal since 1948. As the computer age attained warp speed, with widespread access See McCallie: Page 5

McCallie: Continued from Page 4 to the Internet near at hand, McCallie found himself in the right place at the right time. McCallie’s wife, Marilyn, said his ability to analyze a situation made him confident of success. “He was very analytical and logical,” she said. “Instead of just hoping that something would work, he thought about it. He had plans.” McCallie’s fledgling company built an executive support system for SAC’s highest officers. The system was a computerized network that provided officers with word processing, calendars and email, as well as budgeting and scheduling services. The system continued to serve after SAC was replaced by U.S. Strategic Command on June 1, 1992. Military staff were so pleased with the system McCallie and his staff built they nominated his company for the SBA award for Region 7, an area that included defense contractors in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. McCallie Associates’ receipt of that award boosted the company’s fortunes further. McCallie retired from the

McCallie’s fledgling company built a computerized network executive support system for SAC’s highest officers.

See McCallie: Page 6

Proud to be a part of Sarpy County since 1966 and proud sponsor of the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame. When a student comes to us, we believe they already have what it takes to succeed. We just give them the right foundation and the needed support to become a remarkable graduate.

At Bellevue University, we build leaders. Gail DeBoer, President of SAC Federal Credit Union, and Dan Hoins, City Administrator of Papillion, are both graduates of Bellevue University. Gail DeBoer graduated in 2003 and was inducted into the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame in 2012. Dan Hoins graduated in 1999 and was inducted in 2013.

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Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education, www.ncahlc.org, 800-621-7440. Bellevue University does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability in the educational programs and activities it operates. Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, NE, 68005.

McCallie: Continued from Page 5 company in 1999, but remained involved and interested in its progress, which today has seen it grow to more than 130 employees in the Bellevue-Omaha area, with annual billings of $14 million and satellite offices in Colorado, California and North Carolina. He died in 2014 at the age of 76. After McCallie’s retirement McCallie Associates pursued a path long advocated by McCallie of balancing its military work with civilian work. Jennifer Maassen, McCallie president and CEO, who led the move to diversification, said McCallie left “an indelible mark.” “Bob McCallie impressed me early on as a man who understood the value of family, hard work, individual contribution to a greater good, and honesty in all we do,” she said. “He set the culture of our company to help our customers succeed in their mission, and our employees achieve a work/life balance. “He left an indelible mark on many of his employees who became leaders and executives

“Bob McCallie impressed me early on as a man who understood the value of family, hard work, individual contribution to a greater good, and honesty in all we do.” Jennifer Maassen

See McCallie: Page 7

CELEBRATING BOB MCCALLIE AND HIS LEGACY HE MADE THIS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND DO BUSINESS

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McCallie: Continued from Page 6 in McCallie Associates Inc., and those who went on to become leaders in companies throughout the Omaha area.” McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987, and served until the election of 1988. He was a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Community College.

After McCallie’s retirement, McCallie Associates pursued a path long advocated by McCallie of balancing its military work with civilian work — diversifying its expertise.

Active in the community, McCallie was appointed to the Bellevue City Council on April 21, 1987, and served until the election of 1988. And among other things, he was a past president of the Bellevue-Offutt Kiwanis Club and a member of the board of governors of Metropolitan Community College.

TO THE HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES We are proud to serve the residents and business owners of Sarpy County.

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Dedicated to the community of Gretna “When I think about Doug, I have to talk about the degree of professionalism, honesty and integrity that is at the core of who he is.” Kevin Riley

DOUG ZOERB

By Susan Skinner Gretna Breeze Editor

or more than 20 years, Doug Zoerb has helped shape the growth of Gretna. Both as president of Pinnacle Bank and a community leader, Zoerb has demonstrated his commitment to Gretna and its betterment. Community members have found him to be honest and caring in all areas of his life. “When I think about Doug, I have to talk about the degree of professionalism, honesty and integrity that is at the core of who he is,” said Gretna Schools Superintendent Kevin Riley. These qualities served Zoerb well during his 40-year banking career. He retired in December 2014. Zoerb grew up in the small Nebraska town of Cozad and after graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1974 with a degree in business See Zoerb: Page 9

Congratulations Doug Zoerb!

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COMMUNITY makes all the DIFFERENCE. Pinnacle Bank is proud to congratulate Doug Zoerb and the rest of the 2015 inductees of the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame. From its beginnings with the Dinsdale family in Palmer, NE, Pinnacle Bank has valued community first. It is what holds us together but at the same time propels us forward. We are grateful to Sarpy County and all of the communities that we get to call home.

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Zoerb: Zoerb grew up in the small Nebraska town of Cozad and after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1974 with a degree in business administration.

Continued from Page 8 administration, he worked at banks in several small Nebraska towns. He became president of First National Bank in Shelby in 1984 at the age of 34, and then in 1992 took the position as president of what was then Gretna State Bank and became Pinnacle Bank in 1999. “Doug kind of grew along with Gretna,” said Steve Zey of Pinnacle Bank. “He was really the only show in town at the time, but now he’s got multiple competitors.” The Gretna bank had $21.5 million in deposits in 1992 and had grown to $115 million in deposits when Zoerb retired in 2014. Pinnacle Bank has had a role in financing many of the housing developments and commercial projects that have fueled Gretna’s growth over the past two decades. “He’s watched a whole lot of change,” Zey said. Zoerb’s successful career reflects his dedication to the community and concern for its members, Zey said. “He’s just a quality guy,” Zey said. “He took a lot of pride in satisfied clients.” When Zoerb came to work for the Dinsdale family in 1984 as president of the bank in Shelby, it was the start of a 30-year career with that family’s banking businesses. The Dinsdales showed him the importance of community involvement, Zoerb said, and from them he learned to give back to the community. “Doug has always said, ‘we shop in the town we live in, and we volunteer in the town we live in,’” said his wife, Karen Zoerb, The two were high school sweethearts and have been together for 50 years, raising three children while taking

“Doug kind of grew along with Gretna.” Steve Zey

See Zoerb: Page 10

Congratulations Doug!

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Zoerb: Continued from Page 9

In Gretna, Zoerb has taken part in three school bond campaigns, helped form the Gretna Youth Softball and Baseball Association, and been an active member of the Gretna United Methodist Church.

an active role in each of the communities where they lived and worked. Zoerb has served on two hospital boards, been active in several chambers of commerce and served as a trustee of the 4-H Foundation from 2000 to 2006. In Gretna, Zoerb has taken part in three school bond campaigns, helped form the Gretna Youth Softball and Baseball Association, and been an active member of the Gretna United Methodist Church. “When he came here as president of Pinnacle, right away he was a fierce supporter of our schools, our administrators, our board, our teachers and our kids,” Riley said. Oftentimes, Zoerb chooses to quietly support community organizations and efforts. “He believes in people, he invests in people,” Riley said. “He’s had such an impact through that.” Zoerb’s community involvement includes supporting many local organizations, including the American Legion, the Gretna Chamber of Commerce and various churches. The Zoerbs worked together See Zoerb: Page 11

Congrats, Doug Zoerb! The Gretna Area Chamber of Commerce congratulates Doug Zoerb. We thank Doug for his many years of service to the community serving charities, serving his church and serving the community in general. Not only has Doug’s hard work and dedication made Pinnacle Bank successful, he has also helped to make countless numbers of businesses and individuals successful. For all that Doug has given to Gretna and Sarpy County we cannot think of a person who deserves a place in the Sarpy County Hall of Fame more than Doug Zoerb!

Visit our website at www.gretnachamber.com

CONGRATS

DOUG!

Fro m

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Zoerb:

Continued from Page 10 for eight years to send packages twice a year to local military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Zoerb’s own military service as a Marine during the Vietnam War was an important part of his life, Karen Zoerb said. “Doug supported his country as a Marine serving in Vietnam and has served each community we have lived in with honesty, compassion and integrity,” Karen Zoerb said.

Zoerb has helped shape the growth of Gretna. Both as president of Pinnacle Bank and a community leader, Zoerb has demonstrated his commitment to Gretna and its betterment. Community members have found him to be honest and caring in all areas of his life.

“Doug supported his country as a Marine serving in Vietnam and has served each community we have lived in with honesty, compassion and integrity.” Karen Zoerb

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Pfahl has been repairing cars since a kid Gene Pfahl started Gene’s Auto and Truck Services Inc. in 1980 in downtown Papillion. Pfahl also is involved with Papillion Days and has raised money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

GENE PFAHL Michael Batchelder

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS

or three and a half decades, Gene’s Auto and Truck Services Inc. has been a family-owned business in downtown Papillion helping people with their auto needs. Owner Gene Pfahl, has also been heavily involved in the Papillion community, volunteering for Papillion Days and helping organize the Historical Downtown Papillion Business Association. His passion for working on automobiles started at a young age, when he helped his father work on cars as a child. “It was just always something I liked doing,” Pfahl said. Pfahl’s father was in the Air Force, and before settling in Papillion Pfahl lived in Germany, California and Louisiana. In Papillion, he attended Trumble Elementary and Papillion High School in 1972, before attending Western Nebraska Technical College in Sidney, Nebraska. In 1980, Gene and his wife, Debi, opened Gene’s Auto and See Pfahl: Page 13

The T Th h Historic Downtown Papillion Business Association would like to congratulate Gene Pfahl for his induction in the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame! Cozy Lil’ Cottage Childcare Dairy Queen Dingman’s Collision Dort’s Bar & Grill Double K Feed A2O Contracting Earl Barney, DDS Electron Addict Absolutely HER American Family Faintest Breeze Insurance (Tracy King) First Lutheran Church Ann’s Music World Foundations Chiropractic Baehler Ins. & Assoc. Gene’s Auto & Truck Birdie’s Box Grace Salon & Boutique Bloom Salon Johnson Drywall By The Garden Gate Kahler Dolce Mortuary C12 Vapes Kajoma’s Boutique CE Smith Cabinets KB’s Food Shop & Fuel

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Gene Pfahl with family and staff

Pfahl: Continued from Page 12 Truck Services Inc. “After we got married we lived in Papillion, so it seemed like a reasonable thing to do,” Pfahl said. “Papillion is important to us.” Gene’s Auto and Truck Services now employs his daughter, son and four other full-time technicians. These days Gene doesn’t spend quite as much time working on the cars. “Anymore, it’s kind of just overseeing and making sure everything gets done right. I don’t do as much work on the cars as I used to,” Pfahl said. Throughout the years, Pfahl has always adhered to a high standard for his work and has aimed to bring craftsmanship back to the auto repair industry. “We strive to do a really good job, just do quality work and bring craftsmanship back to our industry,” Pfahl said. Gene’s Auto and Truck Services fixes a wide variety of cars and trucks, nearly all domestic cars and many foreign cars as well. Since cars are constantly changing and upgrading, Pfahl educates himself with different clases on everything including

Pfahl’s father was in the Air Force, and before settling in Papillion Pfahl lived in Germany, California and Louisiana.

See Pfahl: Page 14

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“One thing I can tell you about Gene is that you’ll never meet a more honest or caring professional business owner.” Kim Ahlers

Throughout the years, Pfahl has always adhered to a high standard for his work, and has aimed to bring craftsmanship back to the auto repair industry.

Pfahl: Continued from Page 13 steering systems and air conditioning. He originally started going to classes when cars began to have computers installed inside them. “That’s why we started going to classes a long time ago to keep up with that stuff,” Pfahl said. For 17 years, Gene’s Auto and Truck Service has hosted a tractor pull during Papillion Days to raise money for the Make-AWish Foundation. Before picking Make-A-Wish, Pfahl and his family considered a number of different charities, but seeing how much of the money MakeA-Wish gave to the children instead of toward administrative costs was a deciding factor for Pfahl. “We’ve stuck with them,” Pfahl said. “It seems to be a really good organization, and I’ve gotten to know the people who work at Make-A-Wish over the years, and they’re pretty sincere people.” Pfahl was surprised to realize he had been picked for the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame. “You kind of think you’re under the radar, but it was rewarding. I’m not sure who’s all involved or what kind of people get picked, but I felt humbled,” Pfahl said. “I thought, ‘wow, that’s really neat.’” Pfahl’s dedication to his work and to the city of Papillion has also been noticed by other residents of the city. “One thing I can tell you about Gene is that you’ll never meet a more honest or caring professional business owner,”said Kim Ahlers, president of the Historical Downtown Papillion Business Association. “He wears his heart on his sleeve, and he treats everyone who walks through his door with the greatest care.” Ahlers, who owns Kajoma’s Boutique in downtown Papillion, worked with Pfahl when they helped start the downtown Papillion Business Association. Since then they have worked together to promote and network with the businesses of downtown Papillion. Ahlers is now president of the organization, while Pfahl is a board member. Before they even met, Ahlers’ great aunt would take her 1967 Oldsmobile to Pfahl from 1980 to her death in 1998. “I think Papillion’s very fortunate to have him working here in downtown Papillion,” Ahlers said.

Stylehouse owner a friend to La Vista In 1974, a man who planned to open a barber shop in La Vista stumbled upon Mike Branigan when he called Lincoln’s College of Hair Design looking for someone to hire.

MIKE BRANIGAN By Rachel George

Suburban Newspapers

tylehouse Barber Shop opened Dec. 26, 1974, and owner Mike Branigan was there from day one, fresh out of barber school. A man who planned to open a barber shop in La Vista stumbled upon Branigan when he called Lincoln’s College of Hair Design looking for someone to hire. “He couldn’t guarantee me any money, but offered me partnership if I stayed for one year,” Branigan said. “That was a choice I had to make, to go out and try to make money right away or take this opportunity for the future.” It was a shot Branigan decided to take. He bought part-ownership in March of 1976 and became sole owner of the shop in August that same year. “I remember being the youngest businessman, and now I’m the oldest,” he said. Though Branigan has done R A C H E L G E O R G E / S U B U R B A N N E W S PA P E R S

See Branigan: Page 16

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Continued from Page 15 business in La Vista for 40 years, he wasn’t always a barber. He grew up in Fremont and knew all the local barbers, yet he says he didn’t have “this big passion” to cut hair. At 19, a barber friend suggested Branigan become a barber, even taking him to check out the barber school in Lincoln, but Branigan said he wasn’t ready yet. Later, as Branigan was working, scooping snow, he thought “there’s got to be a better job.” He enrolled in the Lincoln’s College of Hair Design and figured he would try it for a while. Awhile turned into 40 years, leading Branigan to where he is now. Though the city of La Vista has grown substantially since the 1970s, Branigan aims to maintain the image of a “good ol’ fashioned barber shop.” At Stylehouse, one of the only Omaha-area barber shops to offer a classic razor shave, the old-fashioned sense of community can be felt as soon as you open the shop’s door. Branigan has many loyal customers, seeing multiple generations of families over the years. “What’s neat about this business is that you get to know people, see them grow and see their families grow up,” he said. “You don’t consider them customers, you consider them friends. Spending 15 minutes with someone once a month over 30 years, you really get to know someone.” Some of those customers even stop by to “shoot the bull” while out and about, especially during football season. While Branigan was getting to know his customers, he was also getting to know the La Vista community. Branigan received the Mayor’s Distinguised Legacy Award in January. Mayor Doug Kindig presents the award to individuals who impact the La Vista community. “Mike lives a faith-based life and has extremely high morals,” La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig said. “He’s just an example of how to raise a family and how to participate in a community.” Branigan helped launch the La Vista Chamber of Commerce and was the chamber’s president three different times. As a father of five, he helped launch the local youth wrestling See Branigan: Page 17

At Stylehouse, one of the only Omaha-area barber shops to offer a classic razor shave, the old-fashioned sense of community can be felt as soon as you open the shop’s door.

Branigan helped launch the La Vista Chamber of Commerce and was the chamber’s president three different times.

Branigan: Continued from Page 16 High School and coached numerous sports over the years. For years, Stylehouse hosted events affiliated with La Vista Daze, including an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the local DARE program. He has helped many families over the years without recognition and has even inspired others — seeing two of his former barbers, whose hair he cut as kids, go on to own their own old-fashioned barber shops. “Just like everyone else, we do the best we can to help who we can, when we can,” Branigan said. “That’s life. It comes pretty natural.”

“Just like everyone else, we do the best we can to help who we can, when we can. That’s life. It comes pretty natural.” Mike Branigan

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Rybar ‘is Bellevue through and through’ More than a dozen honors have been bestowed on George Rybar and his company, Offutt Collision Repair.

By Kristan Gray

Suburban Newspapers

he Sarpy County Hall of Fame will induct decorated Bellevue businessman George Rybar Jr. into its group of outstanding people on May 20 at the Bellevue University Student Union at 4 p.m. Rybar’s company, Offutt Collision Repair, was founded by his father, George Rybar, Sr., in 1966 and is located at 10106 S. 15th St., south of Bellevue West High School. As president and CEO, Rybar is no stranger to business success awards. More than a dozen honors have been bestowed upon Rybar and his company over the years, which include the 2013 Bellevue Chamber of Commerce Silver Arrow and the 2013 Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Business Leader of the Year title. Doris Urwin, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce vice president of administration, said Rybar “ … is Bellevue through and See Rybar: Page 19

! E G R O E G , K C YOU RO Congratulations and thank you for your generous support of the Bellevue-Offutt community! Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees! OFFUTTCOLLISIONREPAIR.COM

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George Rybar circa 1970

Hours: M-F 7:30AM – 5:00PM 10106 South 15th St (North West corner of 15th & Cornhusker)

Rybar: Continued from Page 18 through.” He has provided years of support and service to Offutt Air Force Base, the Bellevue Chamber and the Bellevue Community Foundation along with several other groups and organizations, she said. “He is a driver in support of the growth of the community. His 10 years of service providing ‘blood, sweat and beers’ as the RiverFest beer garden boss show his devotion to going above and beyond for the betterment of his community,” Urwin said. Rybar was a notable player in creating the Bellevue Community Foundation. And, as an active supporter of Bellevue, Rybar is known as a “down-to-earth guy who understands the value of supporting the community beyond the walls of his business,” according to Ben Justman, executive director of the Sarpy County Museum. Other awards include: 2014 Winner for the Sarpy County People’s Choice for Auto Accessories, Auto Repair and Body Shop. But it’s the community that

He has provided years of support and service to Offutt Air Force Base, the Bellevue Chamber and the Bellevue Community Foundation along with several other groups and organizations.

See Rybar: Page 20

CONGRATULATIONS, GEORGE!

You’re a great catch for the Hall of Fame! 113 W 22ND AVE, BELLEVUE, NE 68005 402.292.5590

Special congratulations to the McCallie Family! George Rybar is the greatest!

Watchmakers - Goldsmiths Diamond and Stone Setting Engraving

CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2015!

Erwin’s Jewelers Co. Serving Bellevue since 1958 223 West Mission • Bellevue 402-291-2454

Rybar: Continued from Page 19 has taken care of him, Rybar said. “The reward is knowing that you’re holding up your end. That’s a better feeling than maybe taking the money and running. At least you gave the effort,” he said. Born and raised and in Bellevue, Rybar said he’s never considered living anywhere else. After he graduated from Bellevue High School in 1970, he did attend college at the University of South Dakota. “I meant to graduate with a math degree, but came back home to work a summer at OCR with my dad,” he said. “I had 16 hours left to get my degree, but Dad paid me too much — I didn’t go back.” George Rybar, Sr. remains an integral member of the company. “He’s here more than I am,” Rybar Jr. said. “I play as much golf as I can. My other hobby is keeping my wife, Lynda, happy. We like to travel.” The Rybars have been mar

Born and raised and in Bellevue, George Rybar said he’s never considered living anywhere else.

See Rybar: Page 21

Bellevue Community Foundation Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees! Nothing says success like a fine cigar.

Congratulations George Rybar, BCF Founding Member

1021 GALVIN RD, BELLEVUE / 503 S 11TH ST OMAHA / WWW.SGROITOBACCONIST.COM

Congratulations George and all of the 2015 inductees! Now that you’ve reached the Hall of Fame where do you want to travel next?

1508 JF Kennedy Drive, Suite 101 Bellevue, NE 68005 / 402-292-6600

www.bellevuetravelne.com

Thanks for always going the extra mile for the Bellevue/Offutt community. w w w.b ellevuecommunityfoundation.org

Rybar: Continued from Page 20 ried for 35 years and have four children: Jennifer, 45; Daniel, 40; Phillip; 35; and Ryan, 32. “My family is great. They’re the reason I do it,” he said. “I love the line from the movie Interstellar, ‘Once you have kids, you only exist to be a memory for them.’”

“He is a driver in support of the growth of the community. His 10 years of service providing ‘blood, sweat and beers’ as the RiverFest beer garden boss show his devotion to going above and beyond for the betterment of his community.” Doris Urwin

“The reward is knowing that you’re holding up your end. That’s a better feeling than maybe taking the money and running. At least you gave the effort.” Greorge Rybar

CONGRATULATIONS GEORGE AND TO ALL THE 2015 INDUCTEES! BUY ✭ SELL ✭ TRADE ✭ PAWN

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402-292-1113

Sarpy County’s Source for Real Estate

402-597-5008 402-293-5008 800-927-3314

www.npdodge.com

48th & Hwy 370 Papillion, NE 68133

PAST SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES 2012

2013

2014

Andy Anderson, Mayor of La Vista

Beardmore Chevrolet

Jim & Mary Beth Harrold, Papillion Flower Patch

Bellevue University

Dan Hoins, City of Papillion

Papillion Barbers

R. Joe Dennis, Developer

Harlan Falk, Great Western Bank

Frank Kumor, Erwin’s Jewelry

Bob Dreessen, Engineer

Jolene Roberts, Hillcrest Health Services

Pay Pal

Gail DeBoer, SAC Federal Credit Union

Tim & Jan Vala, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Brad Stauffer, Gretna Chiropractic Clinic

Mike Hogan, Developer

John Thompson, Twin Creek Development

C.L. Werner, Founder-Werner Enterprises Al Wenstrand, SCEDC Executive Director

THE BELLEVUE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CONGRATULATIONS, GEORGE! AND TO ALL OF THE 2015 INDUCTEES!

would ld llike k to congratulate l allll the h 2015 Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame Inductees.

www.BellevueNebraska.com

(402) 898-3000

We appreciate your contributions to the county and are proud to support business growth in our communities.

Stop by for a celebratory glass of Mead, ‘The Nectar of the Gods’

BELLEVUE FIRST

2015 OFFICI AL TO THE BELLE GUIDE OFFUTT COMMVUEUNITY

2221 Madison St., Olde Towne Bellevue, Nebraska Tel: 402-934-7544

• Bellevue

INSIDE • Chamber Buyer’s Guide

award • Schools, living, winners community

WWW.BELLEV

UENEBRASKA

Sponsored by the Bellevue Chambe r of Commerce

Visit our website at http://moonstruckmead.com

.COM

www.BellevueNebra

SAVE THE DATE RIVERFEST July 17 & 18, 2015 k

THANK YOU GEORGE for your historic support of the museum!

Congratulations to you and to all of the 2015 inductees!

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

• Annual Passes Available • Golf Outings • Banquet Facility • Friday Night Couples starts May 1 Best Deal in the Metro

• Receive golf specials and a FREE round of golf when you sign up for our E-Club at www.tregarongolf.com

(Check for dates & times on our website)

Come in and see where history is preserved. HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday • 10:00am to 4:00pm | 2402 Clay Street • Olde Towne Bellevue • (402) 292-1880

25th & Fairview • Bellevue

Off HWY 75 in Bellevue. Just 10 minutes from downtown.

402-292-9300 • www.TregaronGolf.com

Congratulations George! You’re an ace! Congratulations to all of the 2015 inductees!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE

DOUG ZOERB of Fame Inducted into Hall

2015 SARPY COUNTY

GEORGE RYBAR Inducted into Hall of Fame

BUSINESS

GENE PFAHL of Fame Inducted into Hall

HALL OF FAME

MIKE BRANIGAN Inducted into Hall of Fame

INDUCTEES From

5 SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS LEADERS of Inducted into Hall

Fame

S A R P Y

C O U N T Y

BUSINESS Hall of Fame THE LEGENDS • THE

LEADERS

BOB MCCALLIE (Posthumous ly) Inducted into Hall of Fame