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OMAHA • SEPTEMBER 2020
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FROM L-R: SHELLY SPENCER, LANA YSMAEL, KIM MEISINGER
• Joining Organizations • Senior Living • Technology CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • Eleven Twenty-Three • Cox Media • Restaurant Expose: Lux Lounge Omaha • Control Depot
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DELILAH FRANKLINROBINSON The Omaha Bakery
LISA WILSEY Insurance Advisors
DR. DANIEL GROSS DGMD Medical
DIANE GUMAER Strictly Business
RENEE SOBOTKA True North Technologies
CHRIS HUNKE Cars R Us Auto Body
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Eleven Twenty-Three has adjusted to current challenges and continues to produce content safely for its clients. Pictured here, a new episode of FNBO’s The Dollar Belles being filmed in our production studio.
Client you Spotlight We’re 1123 the ad agency didn’t think existed. Is your business or organization creating an experience that connects the consumer to your brand emotionally? At Eleven TwentyThree, a locally owned and operated media and creative group powered by experts adept at masterminding targeted campaigns that deliver results, that’s their specialty, and they’re certainly passionate about it too. Give us a brief synopsis of what your company does. - Eleven TwentyThree is a full-service creative and media planning agency. It’s not just TV and newspaper anymore. Today’s advertising is segmented and takes a professional team to navigate the gauntlet of options. Campaigns that succeed have creative content that is memorable while strategic, which is then placed in front of the correct audience in strategically selected mediums. While it may sound as easy as 1, 2, 3, advertising correctly and efficiently is very complex. At Eleven Twenty-Three, we have developed a formula that connects brands with their audience, creating engaging customers. Who are the owners/important executives? - Eleven Twenty-Three is built on the foundation established by Shana Boyd and Dave Distefano. Dave and Shana, between the two, have worked in almost every business category—healthcare, construction, hospitality, automotive, food service, sports teams, corporate and local franchises, fitness, event planning, clinical research and financial/banking, just to name a few. What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? - As an office we are proud of the culture we have created. Each team member contributes different strengths, so as a collective group, we can overcome almost any obstacle. We continue to grow our team and add new staff each year. Oh, and our mascot is an Australian Shepherd that kind of doubles as our Chief Happiness Officer. What do you like best about doing business in Omaha? - Omaha is an exciting and growing community that’s consistently listed as one of the best places in the U.S. to live and work. We love working with our clients, of all sizes, and watching them grow right along with the city. Omaha offers exciting opportunities for new partnerships as well. As this area grows, companies and brands are realizing that Omaha is a wonderful place to be. Fortunately, we have a great deal of experience in this market and know how to help them make an impact immediately.
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What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? - In our industry, change is around us all the time. One of the biggest changes in the last few years has been the explosion of social media and digital advertising. A few years ago, businesses could approach both as experiments. Now, it is imperative that both aspects are done correctly, no matter how large or small the campaign. There is no doubt that social media and digital advertising will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. At Eleven Twenty-Three we pride ourselves in always staying two steps ahead and keeping our finger on the pulse of what may be next. What is the most interesting think about your business that most people don’t know? - One of Eleven Twenty-Three’s most interesting and unknown facts is that even though the agency is only six years old, we have decades of experience in the advertising and marketing field. Collectively the Eleven Twenty-Three staff has over 80 years of experience! We may be young, but we have a lot of experience to utilize in helping our clients grow! Finally, what has been your most important achievement in business? Our most important achievement in business is twofold. First, it’s been growing our agency from a meager two-partner shop in 2013 to a full team of committed, enthusiastic individuals who share our vision and passion for our clients. Second, the way we’ve seen our clients’ businesses grow as we’ve helped their advertising efforts in media and creative strategy has been rewarding beyond measure. There’s something really gratifying about helping a business owner make sound decisions with their ad dollars and then seeing their brand succeed. Want to know more about how Eleven Twenty-Three can help you strengthen your brand? Contact the team today at (402) 593-1123 or visit www.11twentythree.com, where you can check out some of the work they’ve done for clients locally and nationwide.
CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE @11TWENTYTHREE FOR HELPFUL ADVERTISING TIPS AND TO GET TO KNOW THE TEAM 11TwentyThree.com • 402.593.1123
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SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
PAIGE ZUTAVERN - Omaha/Lincoln - President (402) 730-0096 | Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
Living in Fear is NOT Living time you got in your car you were alerted of how many people had I’m frustrated. As a business owner, mother, and been in a car accident—not died, just got in an accident—within the active member of this community, I’m frustrated. I last day/week/month? You might think that’d make you drive safer, but look around and see my friends and colleagues the psychology behind it would actually tell you that the fear/anxiety struggling to keep their businesses afloat while of crashing would hinder your ability to make necessary quick decisions navigating changes in their personal lives due on the road...making it less safe. Once again, living in fear is not living. to cancelations, rescheduling, restructuring, etc... and for what? Are we really in so much danger I’m all for taking precautions when and where necessary but when those that it constitutes pressing an indefinite pause on precautions start to become more crippling than what they were put in life as we know it? Think about the hundreds of place to protect against, that is where we should all draw a line. We businesses locally that will have to close their doors permanently...and the have to look at the bigger picture. We have to live our lives. ripple effect that comes with that. What about all the families dealing with financial insecurities who will lose their homes as Instead of “stay home and stay safe”, it should be a result? Or all the children who are being deprived “do everything possible to support our local business “Instead of ‘stay home of activities that are essential to their personal and in a safe way!” This could be buying a gift and stay safe’, it should be community social development? card to use at a later time, ordering take out, thanking Then you look at the toll this is taking on people ‘do everything possible to employees when you go through the check-out line, mentally—all-time highs of anxiety, depression, and, support our local business sharing a positive business review on social media, ultimately, suicide—is this what we are signing up community in a safe way!’” and, most importantly, BUY LOCAL NOT ONLINE! Jeff Bezos doesn’t need more money, the mom-and-pop for? If so, is it possible that we’re killing more people shop down the street does. There are plenty of safe than we’re saving? ways to still get the products/services you need without ordering it from In a KFF Tracking Poll (www.kff.org) conducted in mid-July, 53% of adults a large, out-of-the-market online retailer. in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively On another note, this month marks Strictly Business’s 14th year in Omaha! impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly Even in the midst of a pandemic, I remain blown away by how strong higher than the 32% reported in March. What’s more alarming than this community remains. I see growth happening all around me and the stats among of adults is seeing how deeply our children and young resilient leaders who are doing amazing work to make Omaha the very adults are being negatively impacted. Suicide rates are already higher best place to live and work. I’m honored to be a part of it. Of course, I among adolescents (10th leading cause of deaths overall in the U.S.; couldn’t do it without all the amazing local businesses that have partnered second leading cause of deaths for ages 12–17). I can only imagine with our publication and trusted us with their advertising ventures. Also, what the numbers will look like in the months to come if our outlook and our wonderful readership—thank you for picking up Strictly Business, response as a community do not change. reading it, and deciding to do business with our clients. I’m grateful for This isn’t meant to deny or discredit the severity of the virus—it’s real all the connections my staff and I have had the pleasure of making here and has taken lives. I’m not saying it isn’t something to take seriously or in the Omaha area. We look forward to more exciting things to come that it isn’t heartbreaking to see family and friends lose loved ones. The in the year ahead! point is that, no matter how scary sickness and death are, living in fear Let Strictly Business help you lock in your status as is NOT living. I feel like I can’t look anywhere without being reminded of THE EXPERT in your industry, utilizing print, the internet, and social COVID, the number of cases, or the death toll. It’s consuming the media and, therefore, our minds. This fearmongering isn’t healthy. What if every media. Find out how by contacting Paige at (402) 466-3330.
CONTENTS NEWS
4 Business 25 Personnel
28 Nonprofit 35 Health
SPOTLIGHTS 15 23 24 37
Cox Media Restaurant Expose: Lux Lounge Omaha Control Depot TOSSIBLES
COLUMNS
14 Outlook Business Solutions 22 Foster Care: CEDARS 16 River City Six
FEATURE STORIES
38 Technology 42 Senior Living 46 Joining Organizations 4 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
Hannah
Diane
Katherine
PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley - Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Copywriter Diane Gumaer - Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Katherine Crawford - Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern - Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern - SZutavern@yahoo.com STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. Printed in the U.S.A. Copyright ©2020 by PZAK, Inc. Third Class Postage Paid at Lincoln, NE 68505
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ABOUT THE COVER Save time and deposit money without making an extra trip to the bank. Mobile Deposit is a free feature of the mobile app. Simply choose the account you’d like to deposit your check into, confirm the amount, take a picture of the front and back of the check, and submit. As a community bank, West Gate Bank prides themselves on being there when their customers need them. During this uncertain time, they have helped customers utilize several online and digital products to maintain banking while being at home and social distancing. Customers can open a new personal or business checking or savings account online at their website, westgate.bank. From nearly anywhere or any time, they can access their account information with their free Mobile Banking app or Online Banking. Using the West Gate Bank Mobile Mortgagesm app, customers can apply for a home mortgage loan or refinance.
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Up-to-date account information is at your fingertips with their free Mobile Banking app. Securely monitor activity and access account details (available for phones and tablets).* With multiple layers of authentication, you’ll never have to worry about the wrong people getting your information. A personal password and phone activation code keep your information safe. Account Alerts provide free** personalized notifications—via email, text message, or push notifications—when specified checking, savings, and loan account activity occurs. These convenient, customized alerts are an easy way to monitor your account and reduce fraud.
With 10 convenient locations in Lincoln and Omaha, West Gate Bank is a family-owned community bank. West Gate Bank is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. Visit westgate.bank for account details, or stop by any of the locations to learn more.
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www.StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Stories Coffee Co. Opens Dining Room and Drive Thru on 114th and Davenport
Clearwater Counseling Meets Standards to Become a BBB Accredited Business
Stories Coffee Co. is pleased to announce the opening of its spacious coffee house on 114th and Davenport. Stories Coffee is family and locally owned with a focus on quality and experience. In addition to serving its own hand-roasted coffee, Stories Coffee also boasts a delicious cafe menu with its own selection of craft beer and wine to sip on. The shop has a large, open seating area for its guests and also has a conference room for business or personal meetings. On weekends, guests can enjoy live music by local musicians. While Stories Coffee requests that guests keep others safe while they visit during the pandemic, guests are encouraged to come and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at any time.
Clearwater Counseling, PC announced that they recently became a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business. The accreditation is reserved only for businesses with a good marketplace track record, including maintenance of a B or better rating and the ability to meet a set of standards that incorporate lawful business practices, as well as BBB’s standards for of ethical advertising, selling, and customer experiences. Founded in 1912, the Better Business Bureau is a private, nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust. Each year, about 3 million consumers visit the BBB website to search for reliable companies, and Clearwater Counseling is honored to be part of this business community. Clearwater works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses, including depression, relationship issues, grief, loss, trauma, addiction and recovery, codependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting difficulties, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, and more. Clearwater Counseling, PC, 7710 Pacific St., STE 100A, is a private practice offering services to children, adolescents, and adults in the Omaha and Grand Island area. They treat mental health conditions by employing personalized and compassionate counseling practices that promote growth, development, and well-being to further enhance every client’s quality of life. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org or email info@clearwatercounselingne. org. To schedule an appointment, call (308) 210-8487.
Stories Coffee is a family-owned and operated roastery and coffeehouse that’s proudly serving the Omaha community. The coffee is selected from the finest specialty coffee beans and then roasted at their Davenport Street roastery or in their hometown of O’Neill, NE. Their mission is to invest back into their community and their customers and to provide hope to those in need. This mission is why Stories Coffee donates a portion of their profits to local nonprofits that are doing good work in Omaha. For more information about Stories Coffee Co. or to order coffee and food online, please visit storiescoffeecompany.com or call (531) 213-2742. Upcoming live music events are posted on the Facebook page (@storiescoffeecompany).
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Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
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BUSINESS NEWS 101 Mobility Opens First Location in Nebraska, Serving Omaha and Beyond
Sip Nebraska Festival Moves to Haymarket Park in Lincoln on October 2-3
Marking the first franchise location in Nebraska for the company, Tom Riedl opened 101 Mobility at 10717 Mockingbird Dr. in Omaha on May 15 to provide residents in the region with life-changing mobility and accessibility equipment. Their core products include stairlifts, ramps, vertical platform lifts, patient lifts, and more. 101 Mobility provides professional advice and consultation, as well as service, sales, rentals, and installation. They support “agingin-place” by providing people who want to stay in their beloved homes but are faced with limited physical mobility with the equipment that will allow them to stay where they want to be. In short, 101 Mobility strives to help clients regain their freedom, independence, and hope. 101 Mobility is a national leader in mobility and accessibility equipment that thrives on creating the best of both worlds. It is a local business that is independently owned and operated by someone in the community who cares about its people but backed by a reputable national brand. Tom grew up in Dubuque, IA, but he and his wife Donna moved to Omaha in 1994 and raised their three kids here—and yes, they converted to Huskers fans! Tom received his MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha and previously worked in the transportation, investment, and insurance industries, primarily as an operations manager. From the first phone call to the final solution, 101 Mobility works diligently to provide the right option for their clients’ mobility needs and deliver unconditional support throughout the process. Tom also will be the mobility consultant who meets with clients in their homes in Omaha, Lincoln, and western Iowa to determine their needs and identify solutions. For more information, visit 101mobility.com/omaha or call (402) 356-1670.
Sip Nebraska, typically occurring in May, will now be taking place on the weekend of October 2–3 at Haymarket Park in Lincoln. The outdoor event highlights Nebraska-produced wines, craft beers, and distilled spirits from roughly 20 different Nebraska-based beverage vendors. The two days include contactless tastings from the beverage vendors, shopping at artisan and food vendors, local music, educational sessions, fun fall-themed activities, and more! Health measures are being taken to ensure all attendees have a safe and enjoyable time. For the second year, Sip Nebraska will be benefiting A Warmer Day. Their mission is to help spread love and warmth in the Nebraska community by providing coats and winter apparel to underprivileged children and families. The team from A Warmer Day will be accepting gently used winter apparel on-site at the event. To add to the excitement, guests will receive one raffle ticket per item donated for a chance to win one of many fun giveaways they will be holding each day. Tickets range from $25 to $75; the tasting and limited-edition tickets include commemorative items, along with wine, hard cider, craft beer, and distilled spirits tastings. Featured musicians, food vendors, artists, and more are posted on the Sip Nebraska Facebook page (@sipnebraska) and on the event website at www.sipnebraska.com. Volunteer and sponsor opportunities for Sip Nebraska are still available as well. Call (402) 882-2448 or email stacy@blurparties.com at Blur Parties, Inc. for more information.
Manna Industries Launches in Omaha, Offers Cosmetics and Tanning Products Manna Industries was launched by Marcie Manna as the first and only small beauty company in Nebraska, bringing cosmetics and the Manna Glow collection of tanning products to local clientele and beyond. Marcie has been a licensed professional in the beauty industry for over 20 years and was also a cosmetology instructor for 15 years. She started Manna Industries in hopes of bringing upcoming beauty trends and education into the Midwest. When COVID hit, Marcie was forced to temporarily shut down her hair salon, which is where she sold the majority of her beauty products. Before closing her doors, one thing Marcie noticed was that her sunless tanning product sales reached an all-time high. This helped Marcie realize that despite these dark, uncertain times, people still love to feel good about themselves, even if they were unable to go into the salon. Between her enthusiasm for helping people and realizing the need for a professional makeup line in the Midwest, Marcie decided to dive head first into the cosmetics industry and come out with her own cosmetics line. Manna Industries’ cosmetic line currently includes a classic baseline of products—face, lips, eyes, and cheeks. In addition, there are a variety of Manna Glow tanning products that are vegan-friendly, Parabenfree, and follow organic practices. Each season, Marcie plans to launch limited edition collections, which she feels will be her bestsellers. Manna Industries is a small, woman-owned and -operated beauty company, striving to help women across the globe feel bold, beautiful, and confident. To shop and stay up to date, check out www. mannaindustries.com or visit Manna Salon at 5342 S 136th St. Follow on Instagram and Facebook (@mannaindustries) for information on the latest releases and upcoming events and promotions! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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BUSINESS NEWS Anna Buys Houses Now Serving Omaha Anna Graham launched Anna Buys Houses in Omaha this summer to help the small percentage of property owners who aren’t able to sell their homes through traditional means. The new business assists with “as-is” and cash sales, where time is of the essence. Anna looks forward to meeting realtors, probate attorneys, and others to help achieve a positive outcome for all in challenging situations. Anna Buys Houses purchases property that will benefit from remodeling, allowing new owners and renters to enjoy it for years to come. Anna’s hope is to contribute to the Omaha community by breathing new life into older homes through remodeling and resale and to provide affordable homes to first-time homebuyers and renters. The company also assists business professionals seeking to add real estate to their investment portfolios. Real estate can provide an alternative to the stock market as people look to diversify their retirement investments. To learn more and connect with Anna Buys Houses, visit www.AnnaBuysHouses.com or contact Anna at (402) 313-8700 / info@annabuyshouses.com.
AR Solutions Celebrates 15 Years in Business The locally owned and operated collection agency AR Solutions is proud to be celebrating their 15th year of business in Lincoln. Over these 15 years, they have been serving clients as a trusted partner in handling past due receivables. AR Solutions has grown both in employee number and office size due to the team’s ability to build close relationships that lead to economic growth. The company is widely recognized for its professional handling of accounts as well as a success rate of collecting on average 2.5 times the national average for clients. “Without the continued support of our clients, we wouldn’t have any success or anniversaries to celebrate,” Founder/CEO Aaron Newell told us. “We at AR Solutions just want to extend our utmost gratitude to everyone who has supported us thus far and moving forward.” AR Solutions offers competitive fees that are contingent upon collection. You can trust that your accounts will be handled with the highest quality service so that you can focus your time and energy on what you do best— running your business. To learn more about AR Solutions or to receive a free consultation, visit arsolutionsinc.com or call (402) 817-3929.
Bennington Chamber Moves into New Office The Bennington Chamber of Commerce (BCOC) was excited to move into their new office at 15611 Bennington Rd. The team recently took the opportunity to showcase the new space with an open house on July 23. The event was hosted in partnership with Darkside Advertising and Nikki Thomsen Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. They offered goodies from Jones Bros. and tours of the office to all attendees. Ever since the COVID pandemic and the negative economic consequences that followed hit Nebraska, BCOC has been hard at work promoting and uplifting locally-owned businesses. They also made the difficult decision recently to cancel their annual golf tournament to ensure the safety of those close to the organization and the community. So, the team was happy to have something to celebrate! The intention of the Bennington Chamber of Commerce as a 501(c)(3) organization is to organize, strengthen, and build the business community in the Bennington area. They use their resources to promote member businesses to the community, as well as serving as a beacon to attract and guide businesses considering Bennington as home. Learn more at benningtoncoc.org or email benningtonchambercoord@gmail.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Immanuel Fontenelle Begins Construction to Update Skilled Nursing Community Immanuel, the Midwest leader in retirement and senior living, announces its plans to begin construction on a new building for its Immanuel Fontenelle location in northwest Omaha. Committed to a mission of serving seniors, Immanuel is proud to remain at its current location while enhancing services for those in need of 24-hour nursing support. Construction began in August on the existing campus with completion tentatively scheduled for January 2022. The new Immanuel Fontenelle will offer enhanced amenities and updated home-like environments for individuals in need of skilled nursing and long-term care. “With so many organizations focused on building additional opportunities for independent seniors, we’re proud to support this project that supports those in need of 24-hour nursing support,” said Eric Gurley, Immanuel president and CEO. “A new building for Immanuel Fontenelle fulfills our not-for-profit mission to improve and reinvest in our communities and continuously provide intuitive services for residents.” The new building will replace the 44-year-old existing structure and be more fully suited to resident and employee needs. With a new, home-like neighborhood design serving 96 residents, the space more fully supports resident-centered care and efficiency for team members. Separate common spaces and family areas, modern dining options and private rooms will all be incorporated into the new community design—a modern, yet comforting atmosphere on the cutting edge of long-term care and skilled nursing offerings. Immanuel is pleased to partner with SFCS Architects, Hitchcock Landscape Design, and Weitz Construction on this project. Immanuel Fontenelle, located in the heart of Omaha at 6803 N 68th Plz., is part of the Immanuel Village campus and is designed to serve residents in need of long-term care, short-term rehabilitation, and memory support. To learn more, visit www. immanuel.com/community/immanuel-fontenelle. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 9
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS! What our clients say about us:
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We have been extremely pleased with the services AR Solutions has provided to us. They are excellent compared to other collection companies with all of their checks and balances, going through the legalities of collecting accounts. There are three main areas they stand out in: 1) They did what they said they would do, 2) they were honest and upfront throughout the experience, and 3) they delievered results with hometown personalities, meaning their staff worked directly with our staff and made a personal connection that we do not experience with other collection companies. Also, how many collection companies actually get "Thank you's" from clients who are sent to the collection company because of the positive way they were treated? Thus, they get great collection results. -Scott T.
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Thank you so much for everything you did for my account. I would recommend you whole-heartedly. -Michelle T.
What consumers say about us:
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I just wanted to say thanks for how understanding and polite you were when I talked to you about my debt situation. No one I have ever dealt with has been as nice as you and your staff!
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Thank you Nick A. for your help with this misunderstanding & your kindness & professionalism!
We exist to provide the most professional, ethical, and innovative collection solutions for our clients.
Call Today for a FREE Consultation (402) 817-3929 10
Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
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BUSINESS NEWS
Better Business Bureau Offers Tips for Reopening Businesses During COVID
Center Sphere Announces Clever RX and Event Vesta as Two New Member Perks Partners
If you’re contemplating re-opening your business during the pandemic, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has some tips for how you can do it safely. While the BBB realizes that the decision to open is an individual one, some businesses are not ready. Those that are need to know how to do it safely. First, find out if Nebraska requires any signage for entrances and exits. Many states are requiring signage at all doors, and they can help customers and employees feel more secure. You’ll also need a plan in place on day one to eliminate unnecessary contact and prevent the spread of COVID-19 throughout your establishment. Visit the website and official communications channels from the governor or the Nebraska Health Department to get industry and area-specific guidance. Regardless of the type of business you operate, the BBB offers some general safety tips for reopening of any business to keep you, your family, your customers, and your employees safe. A few examples include following CDC guidelines for safe distancing; reducing general occupancy and gatherings to allow customers to spread out; limiting the number of people in your business at one time and create queues outside (“one out, one in”); allowing employees who can work from home to continue doing so; maintaining touchless and virtual options; consider removing self-service tools, like salt and pepper shakers; and having sanitizing wipes, sprays, or gels readily available. The Better Business Bureau also recommends that businesses find reputable cleaning services on bbb.org to keep their operations as safe as possible.
Center Sphere continues to add more value to their active membership, in August announcing two new Member Perks Partners: Clever RX and Event Vesta. Through their nationwide membership reach, Center Sphere has negotiated unheard-of savings for members, especially important during these times. Center Sphere President and Partner Erin Pearson said it’s really their ultimate goal to add as much value to each and every member that they possibly can. At less than $30 per month, they want their membership to be a no-brainer investment. Both new Member Perks partners offer savings on necessary personal and/or business expenses for each member. Clever RX offers prescription savings up to 80% and often even beats the average copay. Event Vesta uses its intelligent online platform to help drive clients, prospects, and friends to their local events. For more information about the Member Perks program, visit CenterSphere.com/member-perks. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Omaha Network is currently made up of nearly 50 chapters that have access to members nationwide. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit CenterSphere. com or connect with Omaha Area Director Lona Anderson at LonaAnderson@CenterSphere.com or (402) 650-5380.
Maxwell Launches App Focused on Work/ Life Management for Employees On August 17, Maxwell—a new mobile app designed for employers to support their employees during these uncertain times, or entrepreneurs trying to ramp up their business— launched. The Maxwell app gives time back to the user to focus on work and recharge by saving them time in traffic; managing the house; and researching, planning, and worrying about childcare or school. It does this by leveraging the power of AI (artificial intelligence), a team of personal assistants, and amazing partnerships to support the unique needs of each user. Through a consumer-friendly application that ist always at their fingertips, Maxwell provides a white-glove experience. “The launch couldn’t have happened at a time of more need. Entrepreneurs and employers are worried about ramping up their business, and employees are under severe economic and mental health strain,” explains Founder Adriana Cisneros Basulto. “Millions of parents are worried about playing the role of teacher and caregiver while trying to meet job expectations. Society is at risk of reversing the strides made towards women’s advancement in the workplace and their economic gains, as primarily women consider leaving their job to care for and teach their children.” This is why Maxwell is proud to provide employers a way to subsidize much needed support for their employees through Maxwell’s partnership with swishBOOM—helping families connect and schedule babysitters without the hassle—and TheirSpace— offering interactive tutoring during off-school hours. Maxwell is a privately held company based in Omaha and a fellow within The Startup Collaborative. Learn how Maxwell is helping high-performers take off everyday tasks from their plate by visiting www.maxwell.app. Questions can also be directed to Cameron French at (402) 432-2686 / cameron@startupcollaborative.co. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
McGill Restoration Helps Fund Girl Scouts’ Young Women Executives Camp In line with their vision to support local and national nonprofits build better communities, McGill Restoration this summer helped fund the Girl Scouts of Nebraska’s Young Women Executives (YWE) Camp focused on developing women’s leadership skills through connecting with mentors one-on-one and around the campfire. McGill Restoration President Tim McGill has also spent time speaking, educating, and sharing his entrepreneurial experiences with young women in the Girl Scouts’ program. “The program is designed to help young women connect with inspirational women mentors to learn how their own life choices can affect their success, and it all happens within a camp setting,” Nebraska Girl Scout Alum and Lifetime Member Rachelle Rice touted on the Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Facebook page. “McGill Restoration helps ensure that Nebraska girls are able to continue to have these lifetime experiences.” In addition to supporting the Girl Scouts of Nebraska in becoming valuable members of Nebraska communities, McGill Restoration is a proud supporter of a variety of other local and national nonprofits, including serving as the 2020 auction sponsor for Makea-Wish Nebraska, for which Tim serves as the vice chairman of the board of directors. McGill Restoration is an Omaha-based construction company that specializes in concrete repair and restoration. They provide services for large-scale projects such as parking garages, stadiums, historical buildings, industrial facilities, and other infrastructure construction work across the Midwest. Learn more at mcgillrestoration.com or by calling (402) 558-7989 in Omaha or (402) 438-4110 in Lincoln. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 11
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BUSINESS NEWS North and South Omaha Small Businesses Awarded Grant Funding Seven local small businesses were recently awarded $3,000 each in grants by The Community CONNECT – Investing in Small Business 2020 initiative to help alleviate the impact of COVID-19. These businesses include: Lion Construction LLC, Ortiz Construction LLC, Quick Bites Soul Food, Still Poppin Gourmet Popcorn, Tachitos Daycare LLC, Tipico Helado LLC, and White Rhino Productions. The grants were made possible by a collaboration of Catholic Charities, Omaha Economic Development Corporation, Mutual of Omaha, and CIT Bank for the purpose of supporting entrepreneurs and economic growth in the North and South corridors of the Omaha community. The 2019 Community CONNECT collaboration featured a startup pitch competition held in the fall of 2019. When COVID-19 struck earlier this year, plans for the 2020 “shark tank” event were postponed, and a decision made to move to an online, grant competition format in order to continue support of small businesses when they most need it. Catholic Charities and the Omaha Economic Development Corporation have experienced firsthand the devastating impact of COVID–19 on their business clients and graduates as they have sought support and advice on how to keep their businesses afloat during these turbulent times. To learn more about The Community CONNECT, please contact Kathleen Berg at (402) 829-9233 / Annette Artherton at (402) 871-8365 or visit the Catholic Charities website at ccomaha.org.
Kindler Hotel Offers Staycation Packages to Provide Safe Getaways Amidst Pandemic With so many area residents anxious for a getaway, The Kindler Hotel is partnering with local businesses to promote some enticing “staycation” packages, including a stay at the elegant hotel. You can treat yourself to a fabulous vacation without leaving Nebraska or subjecting yourself to crowded public places. The smaller boutique hotel, with just 45 guest rooms, is particularly attractive amid COVID restrictions because it bodes well for natural social distancing. To make your staycation complete, visit downtown Lincoln, including the wide selection of locally owned boutiques like Tsuru Madida and Ruby Begonias. Stop in at Husker Headquarters for the latest in Husker gear, or head over to the Lincoln Children’s Museum, ice-cream shops, and the historic Haymarket. The Kindler also introduced a wonderful new patio area when the hotel reopened July 1, providing a relaxing setting with comfortable seating and beautiful planters, plus umbrellas for those who prefer the shade. Sit back and enjoy tasty, locally sourced small-plate food, and choose from a variety of creative handcrafted cocktails or the extensive selection of wines and bottled and draft beers at Boitano’s Lounge while taking in some fresh air, sunshine, and good conversation. The Kindler Hotel is the only boutique hotel of its kind in Lincoln, resembling a boutique hotel usually found only in large metropolitan U.S. cities and in Europe. The hotel staff goes above and beyond to ensure that guests have everything they need to have an exceptional experience. They take great pride in making all guests feel welcome and at home during their stay. For more information, visit thekindlerhotel.com or contact Cheryl at dos@thekindlerhotel.com / (402) 261-7800. Visit The Kindler Hotel on Facebook or Instagram (@kindlerhotel) for a chance to win one of a series of fabulous staycation packages! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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emily@emilygilli.com | emilygilli.com Huntrex, Central Nebraska Website Management Company Expands to Omaha Huntrex ® Create & Connect is proud to call Omaha its new home. Huntrex is a leader in marketing communications, focusing on its signature website design and management solutions. Huntrex clients range from Fortune 500 companies to local enterprises. A Central Nebraska native, Mitch Hunt founded Huntrex in 2012 in Broken Bow, NE. Huntrex soon became known for video production, with a portfolio of local, state, and national clients. Huntrex also unlocked the potential of the web for its clients. “With current COVID-19 restrictions, websites have never been more important to conducting business,” said Mitch Hunt, Huntrex CEO. “Businesses must innovate to survive. Huntrex is a catalyst for growing business in the increasingly important and complex online marketplace.” Having witnessed the enormous opportunity and potential of the web, Hunt concentrated efforts on building a hybrid website service. After years of R&D and business advancement, Huntrex tapped an under-served market. “Through research, I discovered a niche in the website market. It is currently dominated by self-serve web builders, which too often end with frustration and a lackluster result. Alternatively, professional agencies are expensive, and quality freelancers are hard to find and can be unreliable,” said Hunt. Huntrex provides quality, responsive websites at a price tag businesses can afford. Huntrex is continually adopting new technology to ensure clients experience optimal results, security, and reliability. Relationships are key to the Huntrex philosophy. Understanding the client’s business and unique needs is a priority. This context translates to a superior website strategy and design. Following website launch, Huntrex maintains a close connection to ensure the site adapts to business needs and technology. Clients can easily make most changes through the website portal. Huntrex is only moments away at any time a question or need arises. Businesses no longer have to worry about complicated, outdated, or unreliable websites—Huntrex® Create & Connect manages the design and future administration of the site, while the client focuses on business. A website subscription powers all standard technology costs, administration, training, and personal support. Clients enjoy robust features, simplified site editing, effortless management, and website lifetime support. Huntrex websites are created and maintained in Omaha, Nebraska, with pride and dedication. To learn more, visit www.huntrex.com, contact start@huntrex.com / 1-(844) HUNTREX (486-8739), or follow on Facebook (@huntrexcreative). SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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BUSINESS NEWS Toastmasters District 24 Receives Recognition for Online Meetings, Education, Membership
Ambius Cranks Up 2020 Holiday Decorating Services for Area Businesses
In the final months of their 2019-2020 fiscal year, Toastmasters District 24 won special recognition from Toastmasters International for the district’s online meetings, earned educational awards, and membership growth. District 24, serving Nebraska and Council Bluffs, IA, earned distinctions including the Online Ovation Silver for having between 75% and 99% of their clubs supporting online meetings—with an 86% score.
As the décor experts, Ambius is cranking up for the holidays by reaching out to Omaha businesses about creating their dazzling 2020 holiday displays, which can transform spaces and captivate clients and passersby alike. The company provides stunning holiday displays, exterior lighting, and decorations such as trees, wreaths, garlands, swags, winter scenes, poinsettias, and a vast selection of other holiday florals, as well as fabulous holiday scents that create the ultimate holiday experience in your office or business. Ambius designers work year-round to create fabulous new Christmas decorations which can be adapted to work in various business spaces, and they offer decoration rental, including installation and takedown services, so you can sit back and enjoy! It might seem too soon to think about the holidays, but it’s never too early to start thinking about how to provide a warm, friendly holiday atmosphere with tastefully designed and prominently displayed decorations. Ambius can provide the creative flare that will share your gratitude to your employees and your clients by lifting their spirits, especially in a year as challenging as 2020 has been. Contact Ambius to discuss what will work for your business. They will listen to your needs to help ensure that your display complements your interior and exterior, be it the subtle or the elaborate. For more information, contact Tiffany Falconer at (402) 510-9747 and she’ll get you started. Learn more at ambius.com.
District 24 also won an Academia Athletes Bronze for having the third-highest percentage-based increase in educational awards between April 30 and June 30 in Toastmasters’ Region 4, representing an increase of 55% for the region. Top individual award winners for the fiscal year ended June 30 include Doni Stoner (19 awards), Marian Albin Gramlich (12), Claire Titus (11), Melinda Haag (10), Cathleen Barry (9), Jessica Codr (9), Kristin Malek (9), Cynthia Coleman (8), and Keith Jones (8). Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24, which groups 70 clubs and 1,100 members. For more information, visit d24tm.org or follow them on Facebook (@D24TM).
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BUSINESS NEWS
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Berry Law Makes Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies for Fourth Straight Year Out of more than 6 million businesses in the United States, Berry Law has been honored with a spot in Inc. magazine’s annual list of the 5,000 fastestgrowing private companies for the fourth consecutive year. With that, Berry Law remains among the most respected companies in the United States and is the fastest-growing law firm in the Midwest. The prestigious list highlights the national industry leaders who continue to grow their businesses in both size and revenue. The Berry Law team has worked diligently to provide exceptional service to their clients while growing a scalable practice focused on individuals’ rights. This year alone, Berry Law has added 32 additional employees to its headcount, including 24 new hires since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Part of Berry Law’s success has been using its military roots to build a culture of aggressively rising to meet difficult changes. When an event like the pandemic upsets the status quo operating environment, Berry Law looks for opportunities to improve and streamline. “We are proud to be recognized on the Inc. 5000 list for another year,” said Berry Law’s CEO John Berry, Jr. “We use every day as an opportunity to get better, constantly improving our client services, business practices, and employee training. While this award is worth celebrating, rapid business growth is just a secondary outcome of fighting hard for our clients every day.” Berry Law was founded in 1965 by legendary attorney John S. Berry, Sr. With more than 250 years of combined legal experience among their attorneys, Berry Law provides exceptional legal representation to every client, and they specialize in personal injury, criminal defense, and veterans law. To learn more, visit berrylawfirm. com, call (402) 466-8444, or email marketing@jsberrylaw.com.
Business Ethics Alliance to Focus on Moral Courage in Daily Life and in Business At its EthicSpace Conference on October 13, the Business Ethics Alliance will focus on the concept of moral courage, both in daily life and in business. Especially this year, every person and business owner has had to make tough decisions, and being able to come to a definitive answer that’s in line with their values and can endure associated backlash is an example of moral courage. In short, it is defined as having consistent ethical behavior even when it is difficult, unpopular, or comes at a cost. Being morally courageous includes thinking about all the possible outcomes and dangers that can come with making a tough call or stance. At the annual EthicSpace conference this year, the Business Ethics Alliance will talk about ethics under pressure and maintaining moral courage in the face of ethical adversity. The online conference features guest speakers Second City Works and Don Eckles, cofounder of Scooters Coffee, who will talk about the importance of communication in making tough decisions. Being transparent with employees about what actions you want them to take is crucial in having your employees act ethically—and while being morally courageous is an intentional life-long endeavor, there is no guarantee for a happy ending, as danger exists in virtually every decision or stance. That’s where the Business Ethics Alliance comes in. The Business Ethics Alliance—the Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics at Creighton University—is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to city-level business ethics education. For more information, visit businessethicsalliance.org or follow them on Facebook (@ BusinessEthicsAlliance) or LinkedIn (@business-ethics-alliance-omaha). #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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OUTLOOK NEBRASKA WE WORK. WE GROW. WE LIVE. WE CONTRIBUTE.
Thank you to these businesses who recently joined the Chamber and invested in the community A Better You Is Possible Amethyst Home
IQ Car Wash Le Smash
Banister’s Leadership Academy
Legal Aid of Nebraska
Beth El Synagogue
M. Vince Nail Spa, One Pacific Place
Bonnie Lou Enterprises, LLC Bruce Digital
Maxima Nebraska Tech Collaborative
CareBuilders at Home Collective Development, LLC Crown Services Inc
Omaha Beef Football Piatto Di Pasta rveal media
Dakota Reit
Seven Rays
Football for the World Foundation USA
Sofra Creperie
Gamers
Stay Sharp Embroidery/ Custom Apparel
Genentech
Stone Creek Golf Course
Gerst Painting
Stratus Building Solutions
Houghton Bradford Whitted, PC LLO
Teams.Coach
Huntrex Create & Connect
Zoup! Eatery
(531) 365-5055
OutlookBiz.co/Accessibility
Making Digital Forms Compatible with Screen Readers Working with Universal Design on digital platforms ensures accessibility for a broader group of consumers. Following Web Content Accessibility Guidelines avoids consumer frustration and the potential risk of legal action for the business. It also broadens your market reach. Many blind and visually impaired people use screen readers to access digital platforms. Implementing screen reader compatibility into these platforms creates a smoother experience for these users. Interactive forms that can be filled out online work best. However, not all interactive electronic forms are accessible. Washington University states the two key things to keep in mind when creating interactive PDF forms are: 1. Labels and prompts must be explicitly associated with the fields they represent. Otherwise, screen reader users may be unable to determine what labels and prompts belong to what fields. 2. The tab order must be logical. Screen readers typically navigate the keyboard with the tab key. Ensuring proper tab sequences helps users determine where they are in a form. Digital forms are used for almost everything these days. Developers should consider screen reader compatibility from the beginning. Some best practices for digital form creation from Innovation Studios include: • A set of input fields within a form should be grouped by fieldset elements if they are related. • Do not use auto-advance. • Do not rearrange the order of the form or inputs with CSS. • Present only one or two inputs per line. • Ensure color-contrasts ratios and typography are accessible. • Each fieldset should have a legend element directly under the first fieldset tag that describes the grouping. • Every input element in the form should have a related hybrid or explicit label. • Submission buttons should have a clear, actionable label. All form fields need clear, descriptive labels for buttons, boxes, links, etc. Without a clear label, screen reader users cannot identify a function or field. If something is required for the form, provide the actual term “required” along with an asterisk (*). Outlook Business Solutions provides accessibility testing for organizations and companies. Skilled technicians test various aspects of your online/digital platforms—including your forms— and provide suggestions you can implement to ensure your content meets with ADA and WCAG guidelines. Learn more about why equal access to your website and mobile app is so important in the white paper you can download from the website.
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OmahaChamber.org/Membership
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Call today for a free initial evaluation of your website.
outlookbiz.co/accessibility 531.365.5055 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
THRIVING AND GROWING
Free online marketing toolkit from Cox Media—available online at www.coxmedia-marketingtoolkit.com and summarized below—includes step-by-step templates and best practices used by small businesses like yours. UNPRECEDENTED, UNCERTAIN, UNPREDICTABLE We’ve heard those words or a variation over and over the last few months. The truth is, well, they are true! We are all navigating through business challenges that we didn’t plan for, which might mean you’re feeling overwhelmed. Marketing may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to continue to find ways to increase your customer base. WHY IS MARKETING SO IMPORTANT TO SMALL BUSINESSES? It’s simple: you can’t make a sale if no one knows about your products or services. In order to attract customers in a competitive market, your ideal prospect needs to understand why they should choose you over another business. Marketing enables you to educate current potential customers about your business — and helps them see how you meet a need they may have. Well-executed marketing will result in growth for your business. WHILE NOT EVERY BUSINESS HAS THE RESOURCES TO HAVE A FULL-TIME MARKETER ON STAFF, THERE ARE SOME EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO WITHOUT A MARKETING DEGREE. We’ve created a free toolkit — available at www.coxmediamarketingtoolkit.com — with the goal of helping small businesses. This guide includes easy tips and templates to help keep your business in business, including: INDUSTRY SWOT ANALYSIS — You don’t have to be perfect in every area, but it’s important to know how you stack up against your competition. Access a template to help identify your business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. UNIQUE VALUE PROPOSITION — Define what problems you solve or benefit you provide with your products or services. Partner this information with your SWOT analysis to define your competitive advantage.
CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
HOW TO KEEP YOUR BUSINESS
MARKETING MUST-DO CHECKLIST If you’re not doing these, you may already be behind. Simple (and mostly free!) must-do’s such as:
+ SET UP AND CLAIM YOUR BUSINESS LISTINGS ONLINE Consumers no longer flip to yellow pages to find a business. Instead, they go to the web. Your basic business profile is free and easy to set-up. Do a search on different browsers to see what information you see about your company and then claim or create a listing for your business at business.google.com/create. + SEE WHERE YOUR TRAFFIC IS COMING FROM — Use Google Analytics, a free tool, to see each referring website or forum that is sending traffic to your site. This will help you see where you should be investing your efforts in the future. + SOCIAL MEDIA BEST PRACTICES — So much to do on social media and sometimes there just isn’t enough time or resources. We’ve devoted a section to the guide on social media, but here are a few tips to get you started: CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLATFORM You may not need to be on every single social media platform. Research and evaluate where your customers are spending most of their time and engage on those social platforms to get the most out of your efforts. RULE OF THIRDS Use this as a guide when figuring out what type of content to share —1/3 share posts to promote your business, convert readers, and generate profits; 1/3 share posts of ideas from influencers in your industry (or like-minded businesses); 1/3 share posts of personal stories to build your brand. SOCIAL LISTENING Know what people are saying on your social media channels. Why? If you do this—you can track, analyze, and respond to those conversations. If you don’t — you’re missing out on valuable insights for your business.
To see more and put the free templates into action, go to
www.coxmedia-marketingtoolkit.com. About Cox Media: Cox Media is the advertising sales division of Cox Communications. In addition to our proven media solutions, we offer consultative insights to help our clients reach their audience more effectively and efficiently. We are focused on developing customized marketing solutions that maximize our clients’ ROI.
COX MEDIA MARKETING CONSULTANTS: 855-755-2691 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
DELILAH
Delilah Franklin-Robinson THE OMAHA BAKERY
Meet Delilah Franklin-Robinson, a lead baker at The Omaha Bakery. Tell us a little about your business. - We’ve been coined as “The Keto Bakery” after the owner, Michelle Kaiser, started the ketogenic diet. Our keto recipes are delicious! We also specialize in custom cakes, cheesecakes, and other dessert items. We cater to a lot of weddings and special events, as well. How did you get started in the business? - I had some experience in cake design, but I decided to go to school to be a pastry chef because I wanted more knowledge of the actually baking part of the process. I applied at The Omaha Bakery to get more hands-on experience. I’ve been here about six months and love it. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? At the bakery, we have a high volume to keep up with. I create about 60 cheesecakes a week! Especially as Michelle continues to network and make new connections, our demand grows. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of the job, though. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Balancing a full-time job and being an honor student in school. Tell us a little about your family. - My family is originally from California and then moved to North Platte. My husband and I moved to Omaha two years ago. I’m in the middle of five siblings, all of whom have kids. I’m known as the world’s greatest aunt! What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Meeting my husband. I was going through a tough time before he came into my life, and he really helped lift me up. Deciding to enroll in college and select the career path I’m on was another turning point. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Read, binge watch a show, and play with my dogs. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I can sing opera. I didn’t let anyone know that for a while, but my sister caught me singing in my room one time so the cat is out of the bag now. Who inspires you? - Michelle. She works so hard, and I really appreciate her taking me under wing and teaching me the business side of running a bakery. She also lets me experiment in the kitchen. My mom inspires me as well. She’s who I get my work ethic from. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Leader. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Flying would be convenient. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - A lawyer or detective. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m an animal lover, so I donate to the Nebraska Humane Society. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I love romantic novels. I’d have to say anything by Jane Austen is my favorite. My most recent read was One Thousand and One Nights (The Arabian Nights). What is your favorite movie? - I’m into classics like Sixteen Candles, Pretty in Pink, Pretty Woman, The Breakfast Club, etc. What is your favorite local restaurant? - The Monster Club has a great gluten-free burger! I’m also a frequent patron at Ika Ramen. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 991-9200; info@theomahabakery.com; theomahabakery.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
LISA
Lisa Wilsey
INSURANCE ADVISORS Meet Lisa Wilsey, owner/founder of Insurance Advisors. Tell us a little about your business. - I help individuals with Medicare and health/life insurance. I’m an independent agent. My goal is to match my clients with a plan that best fits their needs. How did you get started in the business? - I worked in insurance my first 15 years out of college. After that, I went into small-business marketing but then sold that company to ultimately return to my real love: insurance. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I love being challenged and working through a problem to find a solution. Life gives us challenges every day, both personally and professionally—it’s God’s gift to us so that we don’t get bored! What has been your most important achievement professionally? Being self-employed. I love doing business with a handshake and treating my clients like family. I want them to know I’m there for them. Tell us a little about your family. - My biggest loves are my husband, our two kids and four grandkids, my mom, and my Chihuahua, Faith. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Having grandkids and watching our kids become parents. They amaze me every single day. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go on a walk with my dog and spending time with family and friends. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m shy. Who inspires you? - So many people. I’ve been truly blessed in my life, and I’m so grateful. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Faith changes everything and kindness matters—pass it on. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Joyful. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Love Will Keep Us Together” by Captain & Tennille. That shows my age! If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To make people smile and know they are cared about. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I love to cook for people. Feeding people fills my heart with joy. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it? - I’d say a counselor because I want people to be happy and know they are valued. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Lutheran Family Service of Nebraska. They do amazing work, providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individuals, families, and communities. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. What is your favorite movie? - Sabrina with Harrison Ford. What is your favorite TV show? - Yellowstone. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - My dad. He is famous in my eyes. He’s been gone for 23 years. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 955-9233; lisawilsey@yahoo.com; askinsuranceadvisors.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Meet Daniel J. Gross MD, the physician and medical director at DGMD Medical and The Hair Center of Nebraska. Tell us a little about your business. - DGMD Medical is boutique medical practice specializing in hair restoration and medical aesthetics. I started DGMD in 2018 with the vision of bringing innovative medical services and procedures to Nebraska while being able to provide a very bespoke patient experience. How did you get started in the business? - While living and working in NYC, I began visiting leading U.S. physicians who specialize in hair restoration. Likewise, as I began planning a return to Omaha, I was introduced to a physician who has been at the forefront of regenerative medicine in Omaha for the past two decades, and many of the medical treatments and solutions he was offering to his patients appealed to me. I then began a fellowship in regenerative and metabolic medicine which further introduced me to an international group of specialists in this particular field, and I’ve continued to form relationships and seek out opportunities to learn new treatments and procedures. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Starting my own practice! What has been your most important achievement professionally? - I’m very proud of my desire to continue to learn and grow professionally—that curiosity and motivation has led to an interesting path and has been very rewarding both personally and professionally. Tell us a little about your family. - I grew up in a medical family, and I am a third-generation physician. Both of my grandfathers were physicians, and my father was as well. My family also has deep roots in the Omaha community, and Daniel J. Gross Catholic High School was named for my great uncle and my namesake. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Certainly the biggest turning point in my life was choosing to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up in a medical family, I was often asked if I was going to be a physician as well. At times it felt very assumed, and I wanted to know I was doing it because it was what I wanted and not what was expected. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with friends and family. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I had a previous career as an audio engineer at Sony Music Studios in NYC. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - I read a story once that solicited advice from people in their 80s. Aside from a number of quotes that many of us have heard and are likely true, they summed it up by saying that an over arching theme of the responses was that people who were able to look back at their life in distinct phases and chapters, as opposed to one continuous track, seemed happier. That’s always resonated with me. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Girls, Inc. of Omaha. The opportunities they provide to the girls and young women of Omaha are just really inspiring. Their motto, “Strong, Smart, & Bold” is very empowering to young girls. Everybody should have an opportunity to have an impact on the world. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 999-2329; dgmd@dgmdmedical.com; www. DGMDmedical.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
DIANE
Diane Gumaer
STRICTLY BUSINESS Meet Diane Gumaer, writer at Strictly Business. Tell us a little about your business. - Strictly Business was launched in Lincoln 27 years ago and moved into the Omaha market over 13 years ago. I’m proud to be a part of the best content-marketing magazines around! Everything we do is for our clients—amazing local businesses and organizations. How did you get started in the business? - I used to love watching my dad run the presses at the Denver Post, so I’ve always had ink in my blood. I’ve been a professional writer for 35 years now. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Making the decision to stop climbing the ladder and get back to what I love to do. What has been your most important achievement professionally? It’s underway now, but I’m co-writing a book that comes out in January. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two adult “kids”, Nate and Bailey, of whom I couldn’t be prouder. With my new husband Jonathan, we have a blended family with six successful adult sons and daughters and eight perfect grandchildren. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? My sister Christine’s death from breast cancer at 45 years old. When she knew how sick she was, she chose her mantra—the song “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw—and lived by it. Every time I hear that, I feel like she’s reminding me to stop sweating the small stuff. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spend time with my fabulous husband, no matter what we do. We love to cook, golf (I’m awful but love it), spend time with family, and cheer on the Huskers. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I used to be an orchestral viola player. Who inspires you? - Maya Angelou. Her heart and words were always positive and focused on fixing injustices. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.” If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. A simple word with far-reaching, contagious effects. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Stronger (What doesn’t kill you makes you)” by Kelly Clarkson. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleporting. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I’m fairly skilled at word games and love to compete online. Which talent would you most like to have? - To play golf well. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Psychiatry. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Rejuvenating Women in Omaha and I’ve Got a Name in Lincoln because sex-trafficking is rampant in Nebraska and they make a difference every day. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Grapes of Wrath. It reminds me of some of the struggles Americans went through before us. We are blessed. What is your favorite movie? - The Sound of Music. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 466-3330; office@strictlybusinessomaha.com; strictlybusinessomaha.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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RENEE
Renee Sobotka
TRUE NORTH TECHNOLOGIES Meet Renee Sobotka, founder and CEO of True North Technologies. Tell us a little about your business. - We help small businesses develop websites and mobile apps. We also provide Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and digital marketing services. By adding product lines, we are giving people the tools they need to thrive. We love what we do, and it shows! We know our industry like the back of our hands. Every customer is unique. That’s why we customize each of our plans to fit their needs exactly. We help businesses communicate clearly with effective messaging that resonates with customers. We strive to help others through technology by making the process simple. Even the least techie business owner can tackle the mobile world with our help. How did you get started in the business? - I grew up in West Point, NE. It’s a small town with strong local business. My entire family owns small businesses, and I wanted do the same. After graduating from the UNL, I worked for some amazing companies and was given great opportunities to implement new software. I was able to see how these implementations propelled those companies to their next stage of growth. When I found an affordable way to develop websites and mobile apps to help business owners compete, True North Technologies was born. Tell us a little about your family. - I have two kids, Morgan (14) and Mason (11); and two fur babies, Benny (5) and Carl (1). What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - In 2016, I was recovering from a surgery and going through a divorce. I read an article about Discovering Your True North. The basic premise was that if you make all of your decisions based on your values, your choices will inevitably guide you to happiness and your True North. It asked, “Are you all you want to be? Do you have a path to fulfilling your dreams?” The concept of making all of my decisions based on my values has stayed with me. Can you think of a time when you felt intensely alive? A moment when you could say with confidence, “This is the real me?” That is when you are in sync with your True North. The journey to authenticity begins with understanding yourself. As long as you are true to who you are, you can cope with the most difficult circumstances life presents. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - When my dad died three years ago, it really made me think about life. I realized, I wasn’t doing what I wanted to be doing. I needed to start my own company to really feel fulfilled. I was selling myself short, and I knew it. It brought me back to finding my True North and living each day with my values of growth, family, and honesty. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Go to the lake or for a bike ride. What is the most interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I also own a residential real estate business. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Jump and grow your wings on the way down. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Adventurous. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Shoe Dog, Phil Knight’s story about building the Nike empire. I would have never guessed the number of times Nike was threatened by bankruptcy. It showed me that hiring the right people is critical, and it reassured me that you don’t have to know all of the answers. What is your favorite TV show? - This Is Us. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Craft! Amazing burgers. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 420-5101; renee@go-tnt.com; www.go-tnt.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CHRIS
Christopher Hunke
KROWN RUST & CARS R US
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Meet Christopher Hunke, owner of Krown Rust Control and Cars R Us Autobody, Inc. month First 3 months @ $4.95/mo. Tell us a little about your business. - Cars with installation cost of $149; after introductory period, rental is $23/mo. R Us was opened in 2000 providing auto body services, mostly customer pay and fleets, as well as any Shop and compare at insurance repairs we can get. I added the Krown brand in November ilovemywater.com iLoveMyWater.com of 2018. Our auto body technicians are experienced craftsmen who TEMS have the ability to do more than change car parts—they will fix WAT E R S OF N E R S · DRINKING SYS TE all of the damage on your vehicle and restore it to its pre-accident condition. We offer a 5% discount on labor for military, both active and veteran. Our shop is located at 5020 William St. How did you get started in the business? - I’m a second2020AquaSystems_3_68x2_41.indd 1 generation in the trade. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Overcoming the common belief that one has to take their car to a shop on their insurance company’s list. “It’s Your Car, It’s Your Choice.” What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Empowering others, some even to the point where they became business owners themselves. Do what you do best and let us Tell us a little about your family. - I have a grown daughter who take care of the rest. had to help “fix up” her first car. My wife is in academics and a private teacher for violin and fiddle. Call today for a What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? FREE consultation! Marrying a person who believed in me. 402-817-3929 • ARSOLUTIONSINC.COM What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Relax while camping. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m 6’5 and still the “little guy” in my family. Who inspires you? - All people who do extraordinary things with minimal means and support. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Pay yourself first, in the sense of putting a bit of money away on a regular basis. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Grateful. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “Right This Moment” by Scott Johnson. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To be able to show everyone how they each have value to bring to this world. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - I played upright bass for the Dirty River Ramblers. Which talent would you most like to have? - To be able to sing. What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I’m on the board for Gotta Be Me, which was created to promote the inclusion of adults with disabilities into our communities, creating a culture that is brimming with life, dignity, and growth for all people. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Values Factor: The Secret to Creating an Inspired and Fulfilling Life by Two million Nebraskans, Dr. John Demartini. working as one. What is your favorite movie? - The Peanut Butter Falcon. What is your favorite TV show? - Long Lost Family. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Three Happiness Express. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? (402) 558-6393; carsrus@cox.net; carsrusautobody.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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Sadly, too many children are waiting for a safe and loving home because there aren’t enough trained foster parents in Nebraska. Kids come into foster care for a variety of reasons. Ultimately, CEDARS goal is to either safely reunite children with their families or find a permanent home for them. Until these goals can be achieved, foster families give kids stability and room to grow as individuals. With offices in Lincoln and Bellevue, the Nebraska-based CEDARS has been serving children and families for over 70 years. The CEDARS Foster Care team works every day to ensure that over 250 foster children and youth flourish in loving families. Because foster parents are an integral part of the CEDARS professional team, they are equipped with exceptional training, have access to support 24/7, monthly support groups and quarterly gatherings for foster families. “These kids really just want someone who’s going to open their home to them, get to know a little bit about them, and give them love,” says a CEDARS Foster Care representative. “Foster care is the situation that these kids are in, but it doesn’t define who they are. They have the same excitement, hope and pride that other children have.” CEDARS staff walk alongside children and families every step of the way. With encouragement, guidance and direction, the team has the honor of watching lives change. “I hear it so often from foster parents,” says the representative, “that fostering is the best thing that happened to them.” It is important to know that there is no typical CEDARS foster family. CEDARS foster families include parents with children at home, single adults, couples hoping to adopt and empty nesters. To help, all you need is a stable home, an open heart and a willingness to reach out to a child in need. Volunteers are crucial to the success of the organization as well. You’ll discover a rich sense of fulfillment from sharing your talents at CEDARS. In every branch of our organization, volunteers improve the lives of the vulnerable children and families we serve—and we’re grateful. While our needs vary from time to time, we will make every effort to match your skills, abilities and interests to the needs of our organization at our various locations. If you have ever considered fostering and would like more information, please contact Caitlin Summerlin at (402) 810-1399 or csummerlin@cedarskids.org.
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A Window Into Bourbon Street
THE COCKTAILS Bourbon Street is the heart of New Orleans. If you’ve been there, you’ve been mesmerized by the lights, colors, music, culture, and historic charm. The new LUX Lounge Omaha, formally A c a d i a n Grille Dundee, brings all of these elements to life. The ambiance is warm and inviting with a variety of seating options—from the bar to large booths. It’s a romantic and energetic venue where you can relax and enjoy entertainment, cocktails, and Southern-inspired dishes.
THE ENTERTAINMENT The biggest difference between LUX Lounge and the previous restaurant concept is the addition of live music and even comedy nights on Tuesdays! Local and traveling jazz and blues bands make appearances almost every evening. During our visit, we were treated to live music by the Héctor Anchondo Band. Héctor actually entered the 2020 International Blues Challenge in the solo/duo category and came away with the top prize, winning the solo/duo category...just to give you an idea of the level of talent you can expect to hear at LUX. There are also karaoke nights that make for a fun girls night out! Check out the Facebook page for updates on live music and entertainment each night!
THE SMALL PLATE MENU
The cocktail selection is second-tonone. For those who aren’t a fan of the sweet stuff, d o n ’t k n o c k the Hurricane until you try it. This rum-based concoction packs a punch of citrus flavor that will make you go “Whew!” The Brandy Milk Punch might have your eyebrows raising at first glance, but this drink is a part of the New Orleans culture and history. There is a good balance between the Cognac and cream taste, and the nutmeg sprinkled on top brings a welcomed hint of spice. This is a perfect drink right now because it gets you into the holiday mood. As the menu describes it, the Ramos Gin Fiz is a silky, rich, beautiful, elegant drink. It’s got a clean taste. It would be a great complement to any food dish as it brings its own subtle creamy-yettart vodka flavor to the table without being overpowering. The Sazerac is a very smooth drink that resembles the ultimate cocktail with its combination of syrup, bitters, and rye whiskey...basically an Old Fashion with “something more” to it. Dubbed our president’s favorite, the Vieux Carre’ (pronounced “voo karay”) is a timeless drink that makes your taste buds buzz. No matter what season it is, you’ll appreciate the brilliance of this cocktail so much that you’ll want to slowly sip and savor it for as long as you can. Note: Each of these creations have their own interesting back story, which can be read on the menu. PRO TIP: Make sure to ask your bartender if there are any offthe-menu mixes being stirred up when you visit. We were treated to a one-of-akind cocktail that stole our hearts—the Elvia—which incorporated rum, a housemade mango syrup, and lime juice liquor.
(402) 991-1552 | WWW.LUXOMAHA.COM | #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Small plates are very trendy right now. People don’t want to be wheel-chairing themselves away from the table at the end of the evening because they had such large portions (that’s what the cocktails are for). Bites and nibbles to share that can still satisfy that hangry feeling is where it’s at. LUX Lounge follows this new norm with a wellexecuted presentation. We recommend the Brussels, which come chilled or roasted with juicy, delicious smoked tasso chunks. Another amazing choice is the Crab Cake salad...there just aren’t words for how good the crab cakes are at LUX (same with its sister restaurant, Acadian Grille). This dish plays on the contrast between warmth and coolness in each bite with its fresh lettuce, and the horseradish-sriracha remoulade drizzled on top sends it over the edge. The buffalo chicken and bleu cheese Lettuce Wraps were a knock-out. Just enough spiciness to keep you going, and they don’t overdo it on the bleu cheese. From there, we had both the Smoked Salmon and Veggie Flat Breads. As much as we are meat lovers, we were blown away by how much we loved the Veggie Flat Bread! The peppers, mushrooms, and onions were fresh and nicely baked in olive oil, and the homemade dough was chewy and easy to eat. One of the most notable menu items is actually the Fresh Cut Fries. Owner Dan O’Brien told us his goal is to have the best fries in town, and we think he can confidently say, “Mission accomplished!” With the option of Truffle, Rosemary, or Cajun, these fries turn heads. They are perfectly seasoned and make your mouth water on sight.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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CLIENT SPOTLIGHT
Control Depot — A 2020 Diamond Distributor by Honeywell For the 12th year in a row, Control Depot was recognized as one of Honeywell's Diamond Distributors for the year 2020. This prestigious award is presented annually to only 10 of the top Honeywell distributors in the nation. The title is based on sales volume, technical competency, and customer service. As a Honeywell Authorized Systems Distributor, Control Depot sells and supports a wide selection of residential and commercial controls and components to contractors and building owners. This includes products for: • • • • • • • • •
Commercial building automation Gas detection Valves/actuators/sensors Residential thermostats Lighting control systems Metering Electrical products Combustion controls A variety of other HVAC controls-related products
Honeywell is well-known throughout its 128-year history as a leader in temperature controls. As a one-step distribution channel, Control Depot is proud to offer the products and innovations that have made Honeywell a trusted partner in the industry. With a wide selection of dependable Honeywell products, backed by exceptional warranties and an experienced staff, Control Depot has what you need.
In addition to Honeywell, Control Depot also has established partnerships with Belimo, EasyIO, ProLon, Tridium, Viconics, Siemens, ACI, Lutron, eGauge, Functional Devices, Klein tools, and many other high-quality manufacturers. They most recently teamed up with Zonex Systems to offer the entire line of Zonex HVAC temperature-control zoning systems. Zonex is a leading manufacturer of HVAC control systems designed specifically for zoning applications in commercial buildings. Zonex develops efficient systems and reliable products that meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding market at a highly competitive price. (You can include the Zonex logo from the July PR) Unlike traditional wholesale distributors, Control Depot brings a new approach to the way contractors and owners view building automation. Their cost-effective control solutions and web-based facility integration designs are innovative and can be applied to a large spectrum of building types in the commercial markets. They are the first distributor in the area with a single focus on building automation controls. This allows them to better serve their customers with a level of product knowledge and support previously unavailable at traditional wholesaler. Control Depot serves Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and South Dakota. Their goal is to build strong and lasting relationships with customers by providing value and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. Control Depot strives to excel in all aspects of their business, offering quality services in a timely manner, but at affordable rates.
(402) 934-0078 | sales@controldepotinc.com | www.controldepotinc.com 26
Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
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“The need for community leadership is never-ending; and, great ideas are born when we bring remarkable leaders together,” said Liz Kerrigan, leadership strategist, Greater Omaha Chamber. “We are honored to introduce Class 43—a group of inspired leaders who are eager to strengthen and transform the community.” As in the past, the class was selected by a committee of Leadership Omaha alumni and led by a Chamber board member. All honorees demonstrated community involvement and a strong vision for the future of Omaha. Following a virtual orientation August 20, the class will spend the next 10 months focusing on community trusteeship, community awareness, and leadership styles, ultimately joining a network of more than 1,700 Leadership Omaha alumni. Class members will participate in an opening retreat in September, as well as monthly, day-long seminars through June—experiences that will inform small group projects designed to push participants to translate their community education and leadership training into direct, positive impact. The Leadership Omaha Class 43 includes: Steven Abraham, Beth El Synagogue; Kristi Andersen, Colliers International; Anthony Ashby, CHI Health; Akile Banister, Banister’s Leadership Academy; Emily Barr, Nebraska Methodist College; Monica Bosiljevac, Football for the World Foundation USA; Cody Brookhouser-Sisney, McGrath, North, Mullin & Kratz, PC LLO; Cathy Brown, Metropolitan Community College; Michael Chase, Baird Holm LLP; Jacquelyn Clark, Union Pacific Railroad; Stacy Feit, LEO A DALY; Amanda Fray, Jackson Lewis P.C.; Sarah Gilbert, Intercultural Senior Center; Josh Gillman, Kids Can Community Center; Melissa Glenn, Core Bank; Steve Gustwiller, Kiewit Building Group Inc.; Matt Gutschick, The Rose Theater; Colin Herr, Fiserv; Brett Hoogeveen, MindSet LLC; Patrick Huse, ACCESSbank; Beau Johnson, DLR Group; Mike Joyce, QLI; Ben Katt, Collective Development; Patrick Kilcoyne, United Way of the Midlands; Laura Kinney, Laura Kinney LLC; Nick Leinen, SilverStone Group a HUB International Company; Catherine Mello, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Meredith Metcalf, Eastern Nebraska Community Action Partnership; Kayla Meyer, Olsson; Brent Meyer, Husch Blackwell LLP; Alicia Nelson, Nebraska Medicine; Khanh Nguyen, Mutual of Omaha; Christina Olson, Abide; Zach Petersen, Dvorak Law Group LLC; Candice Price, Home Team Auto Sales; Paige Reitz, The Union for Contemporary Art; Scott Riche, Physicians Mutual; Stephanie Rittershaus, HDR; Evan Schweitz, Metro Transit; Samir Sharma, Lindsay Corporation; Crystal Sierra, Southside Redevelopment Corporation; Harnoor Singh, University of Nebraska at Omaha; Melinda Sorenson, Greater Omaha Chamber; Taylor Stormberg, The Alliance Group; Kimberly Thomas, CASA for Douglas County; Erin Van Zee, RDG Planning & Design; Shavonne Washington-Krauth, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center; Justin Wiemer, OPPD; Bryan Wilson, Maxima. The mission of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to champion a thriving business community and a prosperous region through visionary leadership and collaboration. “We Don’t Coast – We accomplish more together.” To learn more, visit www.omahachamber.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Come visit our recently opened patio and enjoy craft cocktails and locally sourced menu options from the relaxing Boitano’s Lounge. 402.261.7800 | thekindlerhotel.com | @kindlerhotel 216 N 11th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508 stay@thekindlerhotel.com
SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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PERSONNEL NEWS Cobalt Credit Union Promotes Haylie Rodgers to Chief Risk Officer
CFA Society of Nebraska Announces 202021 Officers and Directors
Cobalt Credit Union is pleased to announce the promotion of Haylie Rodgers to chief risk officer. Rodgers will serve on the executive team and will be responsible for overseeing the management of risk for the credit union. Additionally, she will be ensuring that credit union processes are running efficiently, effectively, and are in compliance with state and federal regulations.
CFA Society of Nebraska is pleased to announce that David H. Craft, CFA with Wells Fargo Private Bank has been elected to serve as the organization’s president for the 2020-21 term. In addition, the following individuals have been elected to serve on the organization’s board for the same term: • Vice President – Michael R. Gatliff, CFA, Ameritas Investment Partners • Secretary – Clinton T. Rushing, CFA, D.A. Davidson & Co. • Treasurer – Nicholas J. Nevole, CFA, Tributary Capital Management • Past President – Damian L. Howard, CFA, Security National Bank • Director – Randy D. Jorgensen, CFA, Creighton University • Director – Lee R. Martin, CFA, Mutual of Omaha Companies • Director – Reem Rawashdeh, CFA, Ludacka Wealth Partners • Director – J.J. Schenkelberg, CFA, Schenkelberg Investments, LLC The CFA Society of Nebraska is an association of local investment professionals consisting of portfolio managers, security analysts, investment advisors, and other financial professionals. Their mission is to engage, empower, and lead the local investment community by promoting the highest standards of ethics and professional excellence for the benefit of all. As a member of CFA Institute, the society connects members to a global network of investment professionals. Learn more online at www.cfasociety.org.
Rodgers has been with Cobalt for five years working first as the Credit Union’s Internal Auditor, then as the vice president of internal audit and compliance. She received her Bachelor of Science in accounting from Bellevue University. She is also a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and Certified Credit Union Internal Auditor (CCUIA). Rodgers is active in her community, working with the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. Cobalt Credit Union is locally owned by its members and recognized for its community involvement. Motivated by member service rather than profit, Cobalt’s focus is on providing safety, soundness, and convenience to its members. Cobalt Credit Union is a fi nancial partner for life, helping members with better banking, financial planning, home buying investing, education and retirement planning, commercial banking services, and more. Cobalt serves more than 110,000 members in 14 counties in Nebraska and Iowa. Learn more at www.cobaltcu.com.
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PERSONNEL NEWS West Gate Bank Promotes Kay Bartek, Casey Brandt, Jennifer Morand-Ackerman
Berry Law Welcomes Army Veteran Blackhawk Pilot Carole Tanner
The West Gate Bank® Board of Directors promoted Kay Bartek to senior vice president, Lincoln retail market manager; Casey Brandt to assistant vice president, branch manager; and Jennifer Morand-Ackerman to vice president, chief marketing officer. Bartek joined West Gate Bank in April 2017 as vice president, branch manager at West Gate Bank Center. In 2018, she also took over as branch manager of the South Ridge branch. She brings nearly 30 years of banking experience to her new Kay Bartek role, wherein she will lead the Lincoln retail team, including coaching and mentoring Lincoln branch managers and their teams, making staffing and hiring decisions, and managing the solutions center and retail training teams. Bartek serves as board chair for the American Red Cross Southeast Nebraska Chapter and also is involved with Junior Achievement of Lincoln and Leadership Lincoln events. Kay Bartek is located at West Gate Bank® Center, 6003 Old Cheney Rd., and can be Casey Brandt reached at (402) 323-8970 / kbartek@ westgate.bank. Brandt started as a part-time teller with West Gate Bank in June 2014 at the 27th and Cornhusker branch. She was promoted to assistant branch manager at the Eagle Crest branch in January 2017. In her new role as branch manager, Brandt will be responsible for developing and maintaining business relationships with customers, providing personal service to meet their financial needs, and coaching Jennifer Morand-Ackerman her staff to achieve customer service and sales goals. Brandt volunteers with Junior Achievement of Lincoln, the West Gate Bank in-school branch at Wysong Elementary, and bank-sponsored community activities. Casey Brandt is located at 8400 Eagle Crest Rd. and can be reached at (402) 323-8920 / cbrandt@westgate.bank. Morand-Ackerman began her West Gate Bank career in May 2016 as assistant vice president, director of marketing. With nearly 20 years of marketing and sales experience, she manages all advertising and marketing programs for the bank. In her new role, she will continue oversight of the marketing efforts and work with the various business lines to drive revenue and expand the bank’s footprint. Morand-Ackerman serves as president of the Board of Directors with Bright Lights Summer Learning Adventures, volunteers with Lincoln Public Schools, and participates in various bank-supported activities. Jennifer Morand-Ackerman is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Rd., and can be reached at (402) 323-8903 / jmorand-ackerman@westgate.bank. West Gate Bank® is a family-owned community bank with 10 locations in Lincoln and Omaha. It is large enough to serve all your personal or commercial banking needs yet small enough to provide the outstanding personal service that only a community bank can deliver. At West Gate Bank, their interest is you! Visit westgate.bank for more information.
Berry Law recently welcomed Army Veteran Carole Tanner to its team as a veterans advocate. Carole served seven years of active duty as a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot and four years in the Army National Guard, including two combat deployments, as an intelligence analyst. At Berry Law, Carole will work primarily to help fellow veterans in their fights for disability benefits. Carole also brings a strong background in supporting the military community through her volunteer work. She has prior experience working with the Child Advocacy Center and has continued to serve the military community by volunteering for Army Soldier-Family Readiness groups, as well as Wear Blue: A Run to Remember, a nonprofit organization that honors fallen military. Carole’s passion for helping veterans is deeply rooted, and Berry Law is excited about the work experience she brings to the firm. The team looks forward to Carole’s contributions in their fight to help veterans with their VA disability claims. Berry Law provides exceptional legal representation to each of their clients, and they specialize in personal-injury, criminal-defense, and veterans’ law. To learn more, visit jsberrylaw.com, call (402) 466-8444, or email them at marketing@jsberrylaw.com.
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ShineForth Adds Gabi Puz and Jacob Mathison to Development Team ShineForth recently welcomed Gabi Puz as a web developer intern tand Jacob Mathison as senior react developer. Gabi is a certified front-end developer. Born in Southern California and new to the Omaha community, she developed an interest in programming at age 16. After pursuing a degree in software development, she decided to continue her education by gathering certifications, beginning with CIW and CompTIA. She now has about five years Gabi Puz of experience in customer service and web development. Her drive to learn comes from her community involvement with volunteering and lending a helping hand where she can to fulfill her greatest purpose. Gabi spends her free time playing video games, restoring retro consoles, and traveling with family. If there is a code solution to be had, Jacob will make it happen. To him, writing code is a lifestyle, not just a job. He has held a lifelong passion for technology and web application development, with his first website being made Jacob Mathison in elementary school. From there, Jacob never stopped his pursuit to advance his knowledge set. He has had countless mentors through his career and is an aggressive self-learner. Jacob comes to ShineForth with a decade of professional experience, ranging from hands-on development, architecting, mentorship, and more. His hobbies include exploring new technologies, running Dungeons & Dragons games, and studying history. ShineForth, founded and lead by Jon Weiss, builds beautiful websites and modern web+mobile apps. They love to work on challenging technology problems that accelerate your business success and position you for success with your audience. To learn more, visit www.shineforth. co or contact (855) SHN-FRTH / hello@shineforth.co. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 29
NONPROFIT NEWS American Heart Association Offers Expertise to Help Prepare Children for Return to School
Child Saving Institute Awarded $132.9K in Grants from United Way of the Midlands
Given the challenges of children being at home for nearly half the year, the American Heart Association (AHA) is offering some expert advice from national volunteer and c hild and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Larry D. Mitnaul, M.D., MPH, MS, about the importance of mental health to children’s and teens’ overall physical wellness. Dr. Mitnaul talks about realistic situations to discuss the effects of pandemic-related stress and anxiety on children and offer tips for parents and caregivers to help prioritize mental health. Sometimes you can identify issues in your child’s behavior or speech, Dr. Mitnaul said, so talking with them at mealtimes or during family time allows parents to gauge where the kids are and help them develop their emotional language. If they’re feeling apprehensive, frustrated, or anxious about the unknown, bring those things up and talk about them and work through them. Other associated AHA resources on newsroom.heart.org include science-based information about kids’ nutrition, physical activity, and screen time as stay-at-home orders loosen. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, experts say returning to a consistent pattern of healthy habits as soon as possible is vital for children because a healthy routine can help kids feel better, improve mental health, and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression. For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org/Lincoln or call (402) 875-7382.
The Child Saving Institute (CSI) recently received grants totaling $132,900 from United Way of the Midlands (UWM). Combined with other donations, the grants will allow CSI to offer uninterrupted free services to children who participate in the nonprofit’s School & Family Enrichment (SAFE), KidSquad, Teen & Young Parent Program (TYPP), and Independent Living Skills (ILS) programs. United Way also provided funding to support the Child Saving Institute’s emergency shelter and mental-health services therapy program, as well as funding for COVID-19 response.
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United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluff’s metro for more than 95 years. UWM invests donor dollars to fund basic needs, education, and financial-stability programs at local nonprofits, creating a circle of support for people in need. For information, visit unitedwaymidlands.org. The Child Saving Institute is dedicated to the prevention, intervention, and healing of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment. For 128 years, the organization has been “responding to the cry of a child” and meeting the changing needs of metro-area children. In 2019, CSI served more than 2,800 children and families. For more information, visit childsaving.org or call (402) 553-6000.
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NONPROFIT NEWS Pandemic Forces CHAD to Transform 2020 Annual Meeting into Online Experience
Heartland Hope Mission Seeking Donations to Repair Crumbling Parking Lot
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Combined Health Agencies Drive (CHAD) provided a virtual alternative to its 2020 annual meeting, usually an in-person event in August. CHAD President and CEO Michelle Grossman said while they missed meeting face-to-face, they were excited to offer 100% online content that viewers could browse at their leisure. Since August 24, interested parties have visited CHAD’s annual meeting website to find videos, an annual report, and other 2019-2020 campaign season highlights. The site remains accessible at CHADNebraska.org/2020-Annual-Meeting and is open to the public.
Heartland Hope Mission is seeking donations to go toward repaving the parking lot at their South Omaha location. The parking lot is crumbling before their eyes, and clients needing pantry services must avoid potholes and chunks of pavement en route to receiving food. In fact, the lot is in such disrepair that semi-trucks with food donations cannot pull in to deliver food. That’s why Heartland Hope is turning to the Omaha community for financial assistance to ensure the safety of their clients and efficiency of running a food pantry aimed at ending regional hunger.
CHAD is a local, donor-designation driven organization that has been raising funds for Nebraska’s premier health charities for more than four decades. Through workplace giving, the organization not only raises funds for its 21 member charities but also promotes health and employee engagement in the workplace and connects individuals with health causes that are important to them. Donors who give during the annual statewide campaign ensure that charities are funded on a consistent basis, and 100% of donor-designated dollars go directly to full-member charities. Valuable donations help Nebraskans in need by providing care and support for those affected by a health diagnosis; funding education and prevention programs in our communities; and supporting advocacy and medical research. For more information about CHAD and the work of its member charities, visit chadnebraska.org or contact Michelle Grossman (mgrossman@ chadnebraska.org) or Ellen Grady (egrady@chadnebraska.org) or call (402)-614-8500. Follow them on social media (@CHADNebraska).
Sponsorship Tickets Now Available for Evening Among Angels Gala October 1-2 Angels Among Us announced that tic kets now are available for corporate sponsorship of their An Evening Among Angels gala, which will ask supporters to tune into a onehour program on October 2. Leading up to the 7 p.m. program, Angels Among Us will present a day and a half of activities for supporters, among them virtual cocktail games including an alcohol pull and gift-card tree where you’re guaranteed to win, plus an online auction with unique packages and safe, socially distanced trips. Aflac is the Presenting Host Sponsor of this year’s virtual event to encourage supporters to stay home and stay healthy in honor of Angels Among Us families of children with cancer. Tickets are available for corporate sponsors—at $100 per person—with sponsors encouraged to host a watch party of 10 people, to which dinner, wine, and other accommodations will be delivered. The schedule of activities begins on the morning of October 1, when the online silent auction will be available for viewing at myangelsamongus. org, plus the donation link opens and the fundraising goal is announced. The virtual cocktail party begins at 4 p.m.; it costs just $25 to play and win! On the morning of October 2, silent-auction online bidding opens. Between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., meals, wine, and more will be delivered to all corporate-hosted watch parties, with the one-hour program starting at 7 p.m. featuring videos of cancer families, the live auction, and comedic entertainment by local icon Kris Covi. Angels Among Us is a Nebraska nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families whose children are battling cancer. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply for financial support. For more information about events or to purchase sponsorship tickets, contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@ myangelsamongus.org or visit myangelsamongus.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Heartland Hope Mission operates one of the largest food pantries in the state but is more than a pantry because they also help families work toward self-sufficiency. They serve primarily working-poor families and those who may be facing a crisis situation with a week’s supply of food, clothing, diapers, job resources, and community referrals. Since the COVID pandemic hit, Heartland Hope has been serving double the families they normally would. Like and follow Heartland Hope Mission’s Facebook page or follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram (@ HeartlandHopeMission) to stay up-to-date on all the great work they are doing in the community. To donate, visit HeartlandHopeMission.org.
Amplify Arts’ Public Impact Grant Project CAR>GO Progresses with Shipping Container In mid-July, Amplify Arts’ 2019-2020 Public Impact Grant recipients John Cohorst and Holly Kranker moved into the next phase of their project CAR>GO (Community Activated Resource on the GO) with a special delivery. John and Holly will renovate a donated shipping container to serve as the physical hub for the project. CAR>GO is a mobile, shared meeting and workspace housed inside the renovated shipping container, where artists, architects, designers, engineers, and the like can exchange ideas, have conversations about issues of infrastructure, and collaborate on neighborhood projects. John and Holly are using CAR>GO to reimagine conventional building approaches by creating a space that’s scaled down, made of repurposed materials, and powered by renewable energy. KANEKO, Amplify Arts’ downtown neighbor and valued partner in the Omaha arts scene, donated their outdoor space to house the shipping container during the project’s buildout. After the renovation is complete, John and Holly will accept applications from collaborators for use of the space. They are also inviting the community to help them with the renovation, and more information about community skill shares and workdays are forthcoming. Amplify Arts’ Public Impact Grants are awarded after a submission review process to an individual artist, collaborative duo, or artist collective working toward realizing a large-scale, public-facing project that responds to a specific concern within their immediate community. These $10,000 awards are designed to support artists and organizers working to address systemic issues and strengthen their communities. Amplify Arts promotes unity, innovation, and progress in the arts to build strong and vibrant communities. Contact Program Director Peter Fankhauser at peter@amplifyarts.org for more information about grants or to get involved, and follow the organization on Facebook (@Amplify Arts) and Instagram (@amplify_arts). SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 31
NONPROFIT NEWS Nebraska Community Foundation Survey Finds that Students Value Safety and Security
Rejuvenating Women’s 6th Beautifully Broken Gala to Feature Cyntoia Brown-Long
Eight months after starting work with the University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Center for Public Affairs Research to create the Nebraska Youth Survey, the Nebraska Community Foundation released findings that explore young people’s perceptions and perspectives of their Nebraska hometowns. At the core, they found that Nebraska youth today place high value on safety, security, good schools, and family connections rather than entertainment, shopping, and recreational amenities when identifying a place to call home. More than 1,000 high-school students responded to the online survey, which was administered in Axtell, McCook, Columbus, Diller, Shickley, Ainsworth, Stuart, and Norfolk between January and May.
Rejuvenating Women’s 6th Annual Beautifully Broken Gala is on tap as a live event on Thursday, September 10 at Embassy Suites LaVista. The keynote speaker will be Cyntoia Brown-Long, a human-trafficking sur vivor, author, speaker, and advocate for criminal-justice reform. The Gala also includes a dinner and a silent auction, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Corporate sponsorships, table purchases, and single tickets are on sale at rejuvenatingwomen.com/restored-wings. Cyntoia’s story is one of heroic survival and redemption. Born to an alcoholic teenage mother who was also a victim of sex trafficking, she experienced a sense of isolation, low self-esteem, and alienation that drove her straight into the hands of a predator. At age 16, she was arrested for killing a man who had solicited her for sex, was tried as an adult, and sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for 51 years. In prison, Cyntoia’s life took a dramatic turn when the prison education principal took her under her wing and introduced her to a spiritual path. She encouraged Cyntoia to build a positive life in prison and to resist negative influences. Her journey was a rollercoaster ride that included a documentary about her life, a profound encounter with God, an unlikely romance, and eventually, a commuted sentence by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. Rejuvenating Woman is a nonprofit organization providing hope and restoration to victims and survivors of human trafficking. To learn more, visit rejuvenatingwomen.com or call 1-(800) 402-0601.
“The qualities young Nebraskans most value in a community—low crime rate, good schools, proximity to family—are characteristics Nebraska is already offering in spades,” said NCF President and CEO Jeff Yost. “Adults and local institutions should strive to make those qualities apparent by engaging our youth and offering them the opportunity to make their hometowns their own.” Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving, and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a greater Nebraska. To see the full report from the Nebraska Youth Survey, email kbelitz@ nebcommfound.org. To learn more about organization, visit www. nebcommfound.org or call (402) 323-7330.
Building Lo
Building Local Partnerships Cornhusker Bank’s full service location is here to help you. Now open! 11102 Blondo Street 402-671-0200 CornhuskerBank.com
From left: Tyler Albers, VP/Relationship Manager; Jenn Latshaw, Customer Service Specialist; Zach Baedke, Senior Banker; Allen Chaffee, Omaha Market President
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NONPROFIT NEWS Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands Seeking Volunteer Bigs for MentorU Program
Open Door Mission Seeking Donations of Cleaning Supplies, Sanitizer, and Toilet Paper
With nearly 100 kids waiting for a match, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Midlands is seeking volunteer Bigs to participate in the nonprofit’s new MentorU online training program. Volunteers must be at least 19 and be a high-school graduate or have a GED. They also must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance, and must pass background and reference checks. If you qualify, simply speak to a member of the BBBS staff to start your application process, which includes an information session and mentor training and a home interview to get to know you and determine who would make a good Little for you. To become a Mentor U Big, you must commit to the program for at least two school years. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands helps children realize their potential and build their futures. For more than 60 years, they have been creating meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers and children ages 7-21 throughout the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas. The positive friendships they help develop have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. To learn more about MentorU and how you can make a positive impact, visit bbbsomaha.org or contact Sam Maxfield at smaxfield@bbbsomaha.org / (402) 330-6695.
With more people staying at the Open Door Mission for longer periods of time to avoid going to public places amidst the COVID pandemic, the Mission has had many new urgent needs, including cleaning supplies, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, and toilet paper, to name a few. You can help make a difference by hosting a drive for toilet paper or shopping off of the Mission’s Amazon Wish List. “Thank you to our generous community who has been there with supplies during this pandemic,” said Open Door Mission President and CEO Candace Gregory. “We serve vulnerable people with weakened immune systems and your continued support by providing critical resources is more important than ever.” Open Door Mission is a gospel rescue mission founded in 1954 and committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness and poverty in Omaha. Each day, Open Door Mission’s campus offers 917 safe, shelter beds to people experiencing homelessness, serves more than 4,700 nutritious meals to feed the hungry, and provides homeless preventive resources to more than 1,000 people living in poverty to empower them to remain in their own homes. Learn more at opendoormission.org or contact Kristen Dineen at (402) 829-1538 / KDineen@opendoormission.org.
YES Announces $30K Gift from United Way to Fund Job Readiness Program Youth Emergency Services (YES) is excited to announce it has received a one-time $30,000 gift from United Way of the Midlands to fund Youth Emergency Services’ Partnership for Youth Job Skill Development (job readiness) program. YES’s job readiness program helps youth aged 16-24 identify long-term career interests, pursue education goatls, learn appropriate job applicant behavior, and seek and obtain employment. A job readiness coordinator, a community advisory council, and partnerships with area businesses and schools provides: Thorough assessments of current education and employability status; Personalized guidance in development of long-term career/education goals; Instruction in basic pre-employment skills: interviewing, resumes, networking, communication, search strategies, role-playing, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and professionalism; Transportation to and from interviews, job fairs, job trainings and employment; Volunteer opportunities to enhance social skills and be exposed to work environments; and Support from area businesses. The ACT National Career Readiness Certificate, an industry-recognized credential that identifies skills required for virtually any job, is utilized. With the help of this grant, YES is able to help youth from any of YES’ programs (Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living program, Maternity Home, or accessing services at the Street Outreach Center) and will complement YES’s current continuum of care by filling the gaps in each participant’s education and work experience. Youth must be aged 16-24, able to commit to six weeks of structured training sessions and hands-on work experience, and have a desire to work and make progress toward their educational and career goals. Youth Emergency Services is the only nonprofit in Omaha with the sole mission to help youth experiencing homelessness and near-homelessness in the community. Last year, YES provided support and services to more than 3,000 youth in the Omaha metro area. Many of these youth have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused, making it unsafe for them to return home. To learn more or how you can offer support, visit yesomaha.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
CenterPointe Granted Certification to Provide Full Slate of Free Health Services As of August 1, CenterPointe officially began operating as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Center (CCBHC). The certification means that CenterPointe now can provide a comprehensive and integrated range of mentalhealth, substance-use, and primary-health services to any individual, regardless of ability to pay, to improve outcomes via strong collaborative-care coordination. This includes a far wider range of physicalhealth ser vices, including sick visits, injuries, women’s healthcare, management of chronic conditions, adult immunizations, and more. A two-year grant of $2 million per year from the National Institutes of Health, Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) makes the expansion possible. The new status also allows CenterPointe the opportunity to create strong community partnerships, including but not limited to Bluestem Health FQHC, Bryan Health, The Crisis Center, Families Inspiring Families, HopeSpoke, Lincoln Public Schools, St. Elizabeth’s, Lincoln Police Department, CEDARS, The Bridge Behavioral Health, Mental Health Crisis Center of Lancaster County, Veterans Administration, Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition, and Ponca Tribe of Nebraska. CCBHC certification has been an organizational goal for CenterPointe more than a decade and represents the organization’s next step toward being a holistic, integrated health clinic. By treating the whole person, mental health, physical health, and addiction all can be addressed together in real time. For more information, visit CenterPointe.org or contact Kelsey Lang at (712) 478-9352 / klang@centerpointe.org. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 33
NONPROFIT NEWS FAMILY, Inc.’s Raise Me to Read Program Wins Pacesetter Award for Literacy
Goodwill Teams with Max I. Walker to Donate 60+ Sleepers for Infants in NICU
FAMILY, Inc. is pleased to be the recipient of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading’s Pacesetter Award for the seventh year in a row. This year, the Raise Me to Read program—part of FAMILY, Inc.—is being recognized for its emerging and evolving work on its Raising Readers trading-card game, which started as a novel way to promote parent engagement while giving them the tools they need to help keep their children on track. It has since evolved into a set of informational trading cards corresponding to nine different developmental stages. “Raise Me to Read’s innovative approach to promoting literacy in our community is driven by stakeholders in education, healthcare, business, faith, and human services and is supported by Iowa West Foundation and United Way of the Midlands,” said FAMILY, Inc. Executive Director Kimberly Kolakowski. To ensure that more children in low-income families succeed in school and graduate prepared for college, a career and/or active citizenship, the Campaign for Grade Level Reading focuses on promoting early school success as an important building block of more hopeful futures for children in economically challenged families and communities. Learn more at gradelevelreading.net. FAMILY, Inc. is an early childhood and public-health organization with a mission for empowering families to build a strong foundation and healthy future through education, advocacy, support, and community connection. To learn more, visit familyia.org, call (712) 256-9566, or follow them on Facebook (@familyincia), Twitter (@FAMILYIowa), LinkedIn (@familyinc), and YouTube (@FAMILYonYouTube).
Goodwill Industries, Inc. of Omaha teamed with Max I. Walker Dry C l e a n i n g & L a u n d r y, a f i ve generation t-owned business, in ear ly August to donate more than 60 sleepers for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Methodist Women’s Hospital. The collection and donation was the result of Nursing Assistant Sarah Jane Geilenkirchen, who posted to a Facebook mom’s group that the NICU was “running out of sleepers for these littles.” When Max I. Walker employees saw the note, they immediately thought of Goodwill Omaha—their recent collaborator on a similar effort in April to donate scrubs to the Creighton medical-scrub drive, and the drive was on! The two teamed up and managed the sleepers-donation project in the same way they had for Creighton: Goodwill’s retail-operations team gathered all the sleepers in preemie and newborn sizes from its stores, and Max I. Walker laundered and bundled them for members of the two organizations to deliver to Methodist Women’s Hospital on August 7. Geilenkirchen said the sleepers will certainly keep the babies in the NICU comfortable, but they’ll also bring comfort to the families, who typically spend as much time as they can at the hospital with their babies. Many people recognize Goodwill Industries, Inc. as a place to donate used clothing and household items or find great bargains, but the mission is to provide job training and placement services to people with disabilities and other disadvantages. For more information, visit goodwillomaha.org or call (402) 341-4609.
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NONPROFIT NEWS Assistance League® of Omaha Thrift Shop to Open October 1
Wear Yellow Nebraska Provides Record Number of Free Cab Rides to Cancer Survivors
The new Assistance League® of Omaha (ALO) Thrift Shop will tentatively open on October 1. ALO has purchased and is remodeling a new building to use as offices, meeting areas, and a new thrift shop at 8502 West Center Rd. Donations will be welcomed and shoppers are invited to visit after the tentative opening date. The store will carry great buys such as men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and small household items. The Thrift Shop helps to support ALO’s signature programs, which are Operation School Bell®, Assault Survivor Kits®, Operation Recovery, Operation Bear Hug, Operation Teen Parent, Operation Literacy, and ACT/PSAT Review Sessions. Donations and grants are appreciated.
During the first seven months of 2020, Wear Yellow Nebraska provided more than 1,700 free cab rides to Nebraska’s cancer survivors— that’s $28,000 worth of cab rides! Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, donors, and event participants, Wear Yellow Nebraska has been able to achieve steady, continued growth and have already far surpassed their projected number of rides for this point in the year. Due to this record demand, they are looking for additional sponsors to help increase support for their mission of providing service, support, and community for cancer survivors across Nebraska.
Assistance League® of Omaha (ALO) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization whose members identify, develop, implement, and fund ongoing philanthropic programs to serve specific needs of local children and adults in the Greater Omaha area. For questions, call (402) 342-4288 or visiting alomaha.org. Please keep watch for the opening announcements on the Facebook page (@assistomaha) where the latest information will be posted!
Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offer cancer survivors support that usually go unaddressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks. Wear Yellow prides itself for being an organization that truly cares for each individual’s specific circumstances. Access to rides to and from treatment are essential because patients are in a weakened state and oftentimes not able to drive themselves and, as a result, vulnerable to lapses in vital medical care. To learn more or donate to the cause, go to wearyellownebraska.org or contact them directly at (402) 9651699 / contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.
NAM Announces Plans for Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands November 12-13
Sold-Out Midlands Community Foundation 2020 Golf Tourney Raised More than $45K
The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) announced plans for its 14th Annual Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands conference— cohosted by D.A. Davidson— November 12–13, on a virtual platform. The conference theme is “Forward Together” and will bring together people, ideas, and educational resources to connect national and regional thought leaders, staff, and volunteers from the nonprofi t sector. The Summit will feature breakout sessions, workshops on a variety of topics of benefit to nonprofit leaders, and presentation of NAM’s Catalyst Award to recognize a leader or organization that has made a prominent impact on the nonprofit community. The keynote speaker for the 2020 conference is Leslie Crutchfield, executive director for Georgetown Business for Impact at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Leslie is an author, educator, and social-change expert. The core value of Business for Impact is that companies can be a powerful force for good in the world, and the center delivers world-class education, student experiences, and cross-sector collaborations for people, planet, and profit. She teaches corporate social responsibility for Georgetown’s MBA program and nonprofit leadership on LinkedIn Learning. Leslie’s latest book, How Change Happens: Why Some Movements Succeed While Other’s Don’t, is tagged in The New York Review of Books as a blueprint for groups inspired to take action on today’s major causes. The Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents more than 650 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska and southwest Iowa. NAM strengthens the collective voice, leadership, and capacity of nonprofits enriching the quality of community life throughout Nebraska and in western Iowa. For more information about the Nonprofit Summit of the Midlands, visit nonprofitam.org/Summit2020, or contact Hannah at (402) 557-5800 / Hannah@nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Midlands Community Foundation raised more than $45,000 through its 2020 golf tournament at Platteview Golf Club on Monday, August 17. The soldout tournament was a tremendous success, with 150 golfers enjoying the beautiful weather and one of Omaha’s finest golf layouts, featuring mature oak and cottonwood trees, lakes, and gentle elevation changes. Proceeds from the tournament will support nonprofit organizations in Cass and Sarpy counties.
Citizens State Bank participants Travis Stingley, Leigh Schmale, Jerrod White, and Ray Ekeh
Through the generous support of tournament sponsors and participants— including Double Eagle Sponsors Citizens State Bank and Kuehl Capital—the proceeds will benefit Cass County CASA, Sarpy County CASA, Lift Up Sarpy, and the fire-and-rescue departments and Kuehl Capital participants Rob Wood, Andy Powers, districts in Avoca, Bellevue, Elmwood, Al Hansen, Steve Eck Gretna, Louisville, Manley, Murdock, Murray, Nehawka, Papillion LaVista, Plattsmouth, Springfield, and Weeping Water. “We are pleased to provide funding to these nonprofit organizations to assist them in continuing their much-needed programs and services in the communities we serve in Cass and Sarpy counties, particularly during these challenging times,” said Foundation Executive Director Tonee Gay. 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. For more information, visit midlandscommunity.org or contact Director of Operations and Public Relations Diane Knicky at (402) 991-8027. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 35
NONPROFIT NEWS Cornhusker Bank Partners with Stephen Center for One Day Without Shoes Program
SHARE Omaha Acquires Share Good, HighTech Advantage for New Philanthropy
Cor nhusker Bank is partnering with the Stephen Center in Omaha for “One Day Without Shoes” to collect and provide shoes for homeless people in the area. This is a collaborative effort with local businesses who volunteer to help the bank collect new and wearable used shoes for free distribution by the Stephen Center. The shoe drive will run through September 14, but the Stephen Center is always happy to accept donations at any time of the year. Cornhusker Bank started One Day Without Shoes in 2011 as another way to give back to the community. In the nine-year history of the event, they have collected more than 160,000 pairs of shoes and monetary donations of more than $77,000. All shoes and any cash donations collected during the Omaha shoe drive will remain in Omaha for distribution. Drop-off locations include: Cornhusker Bank, 11102 Blondo St.; Woods Aikten Law Firm, 10250 Regency Cir.; Prchal Petersen Group, 11102 Blondo St.; Viewpointe Vision, 9412 Giles Rd. and 304 N 179th St.; Trios Salon, 3525 N 147th St.; and The Premier Advisory Group, LLC, 11605 Miracle Hills Dr. Located in south Omaha, Stephen Center is a sober campus of resources for mental health and addiction services. The campus includes a homeless emergency shelter, inpatient/outpatient co-occurring treatment and permanent supportive housing for disabled and lowincome individuals. For more information, visit stephencenter.org. To contact the emergency shelter, call (402) 715-5471.
SHARE Omaha announces the acquisition of Share Good LLC, a branded community engagement platform powered by web-based technology. It connects new donors and volunteers to nonprofit causes for communitywide impact on quality of life. The acquisition of Share Good LLC by SHARE Omaha moves its proprietary community engagement software into the future of approachable philanthropy. Marjorie Maas, executive director of SHARE Omaha, sees growing demand nationwide to make giving easy and accessible. Share Good founder, Kelly Brooks, turned her dream of a community engagement platform into a powerful tool that simplifies charitable giving to nonprofits—a single destination to donate, volunteer, shop wish lists, or attend events. Brooks says the sale to SHARE Omaha is a natural next step for the organization. The Share Good tool activates the giving landscape. Without preference for size or cause, nonprofits gain from customized, hyper-local giving. Thus far, Share Good locations not only engage new donors, an average four out of five nonprofit volunteers make commitments for the first time. The SHARE Omaha team looks forward to collaborating with additional new communities. SHARE Omaha is a nonprofit community initiative offering opportunities to do good across the eight-county Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area since January 2019. A robust web-based platform makes giving easy by connecting generous people to more than 400 nonprofit partners dedicated to the greatest needs in their communities. The Share Good platform is owned and managed by SHARE Omaha, a Nebraska nonprofit corporation. Learn more at SHAREomaha.org.
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HEALTH NEWS Jennie Edmundson Foundation Hospital Adds State-of-the-Art Digital PET-CT System The nonprofit Jennie Edmundson Foundation recently announced the addition of a state-of-theart PET/CT System that will benefit patients at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital during their fights against cancer. The hospital’s imaging provider, Wisconsinbased Shared Medical Services, exchanged the hospital’s analog positron emission tomography/computer tomography (PET/CT) machine with a new, digital one. The diagnostic tool came at no out-of-pocket cost because it was classified as an upgrade under the agreement with the medical supplier. Jennie Edmundson purchased the older machine in 2014, but given technology advancements, the upgrade will provide a major benefit to those being treated at the hospital, according to Jennie Edmundson Imaging Manager Sheri Holub. The new equipment cuts patients’ scan time in half—to less than 15 minutes—in addition to providing increased sensitivity that means the scan can detect smaller lesions faster. It also requires smaller injections of radioactive material, thus reducing overall radiation exposure, and the scanner is a bit smaller and less intimidating so it’s not as conducive to claustrophobia. The Jennie Edmundson Foundation is dedicated to being a constant in a world of change and build a bridge between the community and the hospital to enhance the resources that support Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital in meeting the healthcare needs of the Omaha community. For more information, call (712) 396-6040, visit jehfoundation.org, or follow them on Facebook (@JennieEdmundsonFoundation).
Hair Center of Nebraska Highlights Natural ARTAS® Robotic FUE Hair Restoration Results Think hair loss occurs only in men? Think again. Hair loss occurs in more than 50% of both men and women in the United States, and by the time someone can notice thinning hair, that individual has already lost roughly 50% of their hair in that area. If you’re one of those looking to get back some of the hair you’ve lost through the years, the Hair Center of Nebraska can help. The Hair Center of Nebraska offers a full spectrum of medical, surgical, and cellular therapies to stop the progression of hair loss, and ultimately restore hair volume and density. Among the many treatment options available is the ARTAS® Robotic Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hairrestoration system. The ARTAS® robot uses state-of-the-art robotic and artificial-intelligence technology to deliver precise, minimally invasive permanent hair-restoration results. The technology can harvest more than 2,000 grafts per hour, so it’s extremely fast and effective, and transplant hair is natural and permanent. When you choose ARTAS® hair restoration, you don’t have to wonder how it’s going to change your look, either, because Dr. Daniel Gross and his team use an ARTAS® 3D model to show you exactly what your new hair will look like before the procedure even begins. What’s more, you’ll have no linear scars or stitching and can return to normal activity within a few short days. After the procedure, the newly transplanted hair will grow steadily over time, with new hair growth appearing after just a few months and significant growth at about six months. Led by Dr. Gross, the Hair Center of Nebraska grew out of a desire to provide a boutique experience in a medical setting and avoid the one-size-fits-all mentality. The Hair Center of Nebraska is located in Omaha at 1501 Jackson St., STE 100. For more information, visit haircenterofnebraska.com. To schedule a consultation, call (402) 9992329 or email info@DGMDmedical.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
New Clean Juice Organic Juice Bar Brings Nutrient-Rich Flavor to Old Market On August 15, Clean Juice®, a new immune-boosting, USDAcertified organic juice bar, opened its doors at 1308 Jackson St., next to Hiro 88 in Old Market. Clean Juice sources only the highest-quality organic ingredients for its cold-pressed juices, smoothies, açaí and greenoa bowls, toasts, wraps, and other tasty offerings. The fresh-daily juices are unpasteurized, nutrient-rich, and made in-house. Cold-pressed technology is used to preserve 100% of the vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and nutrients that highpressure processing can deplete. To ensure premium and delicious flavors, Clean Juice has a rotating seasonal menu so their organic products will always be at their freshest. When owners Angela Moran-Manzitto and Sarah Peter opened their first Clean Juice in Lincoln, they broke national sales records. After an exciting first year in business, they are grateful for their loyal customers during these tough times, including the support of a few Husker football staff members, former players, and sports radio broadcasters who post about Clean Juice’s cleansing benefits. Juicing helps eliminate toxins in your body for a healthier mind and lifestyle. Since its inception in June of 2015, the Clean Juice® has sold more than 140 franchises in 23 states. For more information about their products, leadership teams, and core values, visit cleanjuice.com or call (402) 403-9084, and follow them on social media (@cleanjuiceomaha).
American Red Cross Seeks Volunteers for Shelter and Blood Donor Screening in Crisis The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to fill key roles in the community, especially to support shelter efforts and to serve as blood-donor and facility screening. The coronavirus pandemic has made it challenging to deploy trained disaster volunteers from other parts of the country, should an emergency occur, so the Red Cross needs area residents to step up for these needs. There is a particular need for volunteers to support sheltering services, as the Red Cross is placing those people needing a safe place to stay into emergency hotel lodging, when possible. If hotel stays aren’t possible, the nonprofit will open traditional shelters. To help keep people safe, they have put additional precautions in place and developed special training for their workforce. Volunteers are needed to staff shelter reception, registration, feeding, dormitory, information collection, and other vital services for those they serve. If you’re interested in helping the community in the event of a disaster, please visit redcross.org/volunteer today. The Red Cross also has an urgent need for volunteers to serve as screeners for blood donors and facilities. In these positions, volunteers welcome blood donors and other visitors to blood drives or Red Cross facilities and screen their temperatures to ensure maintenance of a healthy environment for donors, staff, and volunteers. Minimal training is required, and precautions are in place to keep volunteers safe. To find an opportunity in your area, visit the Volunteer Connection on redcross.org. Every day, the American Red Cross is active in the community, serving those in need. Visit redcross.org/volunteer/become-avolunteer, or call 1-(800) RED-CROSS to support Red Cross efforts by volunteering, donating financially, or giving blood. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 37
HEALTH NEWS
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Reveal & Heal Health and Wellness Coaching Business Launches in Omaha There’s a new business in town, and it’s here to help you make the positive changes you want to make in your life. Reveal & Heal is a one-on-one healthand-wellness coaching business run by Emily Gilli, Registered Nurse (RN), certified Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC), and JRNI Certified Life Coach. Her professional training and work combined with her personal life experiences led her to create a business focused on helping others get ahead of health and lifestyle issues before they get out of control. Emily focuses on helping clients reveal their character strengths, opportunities, and challenges, and works with them on intentional and strategic goals that help to heal them from the inside out. Reveal & Heal is currently serving adult male and female clients that generally fit one of two types: One, their doctor has recommended that they do things like reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure, get more sleep, reduce stress, lose weight, exercise more, etc. Or two, they feel that internal pull to change something in their life. For example, they realize their lack of sleep is affecting their work performance or time with their kids but they need help setting a plan in place to make the needed changes. Rather than employing traditional hospital approaches, Reveal & Heal gets to the root cause of the issues that have created unhealthy habits and symptoms, and propels the client toward lifestyle changes that stick. The goal of Reveal & Heal is to help people set and meet sustainable goals—not to make quick fixes but to achieve lifestyle transformations. For more information, contact Emily at emily@ emilygilli.com or visit emilygilli.com.
Includes: Supervised Medical Office Visits Hormone Replacement Therapy Peptide Therapy IV Therapy Emsculpt Weight Loss
1501 Jackson Street Omaha, Nebraska 68102 402.999.2329 38
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Nebraska Safety Council Partnering to Offer COVID Preparedness Certification Program The Nebraska Safety Council is partnering with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce to offer a COVID Preparedness training and certification program to recognize organizations that are actively putting appropriate safety protocols in place. The training is required to get certified, and businesses that meet certification requirements will send a clear message to employees, clients, and the public that they are doing everything possible to keep people safe. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused businesses to change their operations to fit the safety needs of the associated threat, and OSHA is holding the Nebraska Safety Council accountable for its responsibilities in preparing businesses to meet those needs and recognize those businesses that are already doing a fantastic job. The four-hour course will include training about preparation and emergency-operations planning for a pandemic; job safety and hazard analyses; policy, procedure, and continuing improvement; blood-borne and airborne pathogens; PPE selection and training; respiratory protection; decontamination; reporting procedures for OSHA, CDC, EPA, and local health department; and awardcertification application requirements. The Nebraska Safety Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Lincoln. Their mission is to empower people to live safe and healthy lives. Learn more by contacting Lisa Henning at (402) 483-2511, ext. 109 / lhenning@nesafetycouncil.org. Learn more about this four-hour certification program and view dates for upcoming classes online at www.nesafetycouncil.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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TECHNOLOGY Staying Current with New Technology Trends in Your Business The only thing constant about technology is change. The constant changes in our tech-driven society can make staying current with technology rather daunting for a business, but getting behind can be even more troublesome down the road. Keeping your company in the loop with the latest-and-greatest technological advancements for your industry can keep your business growing smarter and more efficiently every day. We talked with some savvy, skilled tech companies in Omaha to gather some information that we hope will help you understand not only the importance of keeping up with technology but help direct you to some of the best-qualified professionals in Omaha to help you accomplish that.
Don’t Get Left Behind With all of the information exchanged and stored in the virtual world today, things like security and compliance, Cloud hosting, and disasterrecovery services, are a must for every company’s online strategy. That’s where TierPoint comes in, providing comprehensive IT (Information Technology) support. With a national footprint that includes more than 40 data centers in the country—including two in Omaha—TierPoint delivers a wide range of production and disaster-recovery Cloud solutions with an emphasis on private, secure environments. They also provide professional services for data center and Cloud migrations. “Technology shifts are happening so rapidly that it’s forcing organizations to rethink how they do things,” said TierPoint Regional Vice President Rod Peterson of Omaha. “It is either adopt to remain relevant or be left behind. With some exceptions, the winners are the IT professionals who make the shift away from being technologists to leveraging their IT savvy to solve business problems.” Rod explained that COVID accelerated some distinct trends in technology, both for businesses and individuals. The workRod Peterson from-home trend has burgeoned beyond TierPoint anybody’s wildest imagination, and it is here to stay. With fewer employees working at business sites, the entire IT landscape is changing. “With this, we are experiencing a couple of key shifts,” Rod said. “Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is off the charts, so we accelerated the launch of our managed VDI solution—and customer demand has 40 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
been very high. Corporate real estate is shrinking, which includes internal (IT) data centers. This comes with significant cost savings, which is forcing the outsourcing of production data centers into colocation or to a Cloud solution.” While there is no lack of information about IT solutions available online, don’t try to do it alone. The only way to become an expert is repetition, so it is crucial to bring in the professionals, especially considering how dramatically Ransomware and other cyber-attacks are increasing. Protecting your data and infrastructure to secure your online presence is a necessity, and TierPoint offers a managed firewall service to protect customers from cyber events. It’s not something that most businesses can do in-house, and Rod offers an analogy to explain why hiring IT professionals is so crucial. “I like to use the airplane analogy,” Rod said. “An airline company is in the business of moving people or products, and that requires pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, and countless people who never touch the planes to run the company. Do any of them build their own planes? No. That is an entirely different skillset and not something they do every day, so they rely on those who do. The complexity and rapid changes in IT are much the same way, making it advisable to leverage consultants, contractors, VARs (value-added resellers), and the like to help with IT strategy. Working backward from the business problems that IT needs to solve, you eventually identify the full requirements to help architect the optimal solution. TierPoint built a Professional Services team a few years ago and it has become a strategic differentiator for us over most of our competitors.”
Customized Plans True North Technologies is always at the forefront of mobile app and website development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and digital-marketing services in the region. They customize every technology plan to fit each client’s industry-specific needs, including everything from a basic strategy to a comprehensive package. In the end, it’s always about giving each individual client a voice and an open line of communication with their unique clients. “By adding product lines, we are really giving people the tools they need to thrive,” said True North Owner Renee Sobotka. “We Renee Sobotka love what we do, and it shows! We know our True North Technologies #PrintProudDigitalSmart
industry like the back of our hands, and there’s no challenge too big or too small. We dedicate ourselves to every project we take on, and every customer is unique. That’s why we customize each of our plans to fit your needs exactly. Whether it’s a small strategy or a comprehensive effort, we’ll sit down with you, listen to your needs, and prepare a customized plan. We help your business communicate clearly with effective messaging that resonates with your customers.” Maybe the best thing about working with True North Technologies is that you don’t have to be technologically inclined to understand what they’re doing and how it is going to help you. “We strive to help others through technology by making the process simple,” Renee said. “Even the least-techie business owner can tackle the mobile world with our help. We love helping others find their True North. We will listen to your unique business needs and produce a strategy to position you for success. You need tools to compete with larger corporations and franchises of the world.” With the changes in how people do business since COVID-19 struck, it’s more important than ever for businesses of all types to build a meaningful online presence. That means building a strategy that can adapt to change without missing a beat. “What the world is seeing is that businesses that are able to adapt and become more mobile, whether that’s with an app, online ordering, or putting more effort into being found online through SEO, are performing far better than competitors that are doing nothing different,” Renee said. “Even companies that are not traditionally considered an e-commerce business are doing better by focusing on building their SEO or growing their online presence through social-media marketing.” When it comes to marketing and technology, Renee encourages business owners not to be afraid to ask for outside help. When you do, ask for recommendations and to see a portfolio of their work before you hire them. Spend some time talking to them about your brand, who your customers are, and what their ideas are to engage with your customers.
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Ultimately, you are hiring a marketing company to help determine what your online voice is and how they plan to execute that voice. “True North Technologies believes in the idea that marketing matters and that valuable marketing should be available to any size of business,” Renee said. “We create affordable custom apps available on the Apple and Google Play stores, and we believe that website and marketing efforts should bring our customers a costeffective return-on-investment and deliver measurable results. In order to accomplish all of this, we hire really smart and empathetic individuals who are capable of working hard and taking excellent care of our clients.”
Security, Efficiency, and Agility Scantron Technology Solutions Business Development Manager Adam Ward said the most prominent trends in business technology today are those brought about by the pandemic—the need to work securely and efficiently from home. They also need a full suite of IT services and experts available to help in cases of emergency. Omaha-based Scantron Technology Solutions provides IT services available in various packages and a la carte, so they can combine the exact tools that will work best for each individual Adam Ward client’s needs. Scantron Technology “Our services include general managed IT Solutions services and consultation, Cloud solutions, managed IT security, managed print, escalated helpdesk, endpoint protection, and managed hardware, including our new Device-as-aService model,” Adam said. “Cloud solutions are becoming more of a focal point for businesses that need to be agile in today’s remoteworker climate. Scantron has helped hundreds of customers achieve this since March of 2020, and we continue to adapt to meet future threats and changes. We have a nationwide team of Scantron-employed field
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service technicians ready to help businesses and institutions of any size across the country.” While most people recognize Scantron as a scanner-and-forms company that integrates deeply into their memories of taking tests in school, today they position themselves as a trusted technology advisor that works to align their services and technology with their customers’ business goals. One of Scantron’s greatest areas of expertise is their industry-leading proactive set of managed IT services that develop and change with the IT industry as opposed to reacting to it. They have a customizable solution for all verticals and provide services for many Omaha-based companies. Modern industry is all driven online and by social media, so companies that don’t adapt to new technologies are likely to have a difficult time when facing forward-thinking competition. That said, technology for technology’s sake is not good, either. Scantron helps businesses strike a balance, with expert staff dedicated to researching and developing new products and offerings. Having a technology mindset means that a business understands that change is a constant and, if they stop adapting to change, they will fall behind in security, productivity, and/or profits. Adam offered some words of advice to business owners about the importance of staying current on technology, including cybersecurity. “Making the correct investment in IT technologies and developing a healthy, secure online presence is critical for all 21st century companies,” he said. “Do your due diligence and get opinions from locally based companies. While some managed IT vendors may be able to service nonregulated industries, there is a special challenge when dealing with verticals like financial, medical, and education. Our experience dealing with regulators will help you implement a solution that keeps your business ahead of coming cybersecurity threats and unexpected situations.”
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The Difference Between Success & Failure High-quality websites are nothing short of a MUST for businesses in this day and age, but sometimes it seems out of reach due to costs and maintenance. That’s where Huntrex® Create & Connect comes in. They recommend three primary avenues for reaching customers and potential customers to stay current and relevant online—social media, a website, and SEO. They can help your business develop an effective, efficient, affordable website and online strategy and provide you freedom from the complexity of running and maintaining it to work for you. “We provide businesses with quality, responsive websites at a price tag they can afford,” said Huntrex Founder and CEO Mitch Hunt. “From strategy to launch, we lead the entire site-construction process. Following site launch, we remain committed to maintaining the site, providing support, and helping with updates. We consider our clients to be family, and we want to make websites pain-free—and maybe even enjoyable—for business leaders.” The websites that Huntrex builds are easy Mitch Hunt to update and they launch through a webHuntrex® Create based “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” editor & Connect that makes sense to even those who are not tech-savvy at all. They will provide personal training to your staff to use the editing program and they’re always available if you ever run into a spot where you need help. What’s more, Huntrex is continually applying new technology to your website so that your clients always experience optimal results, security, and reliability. Change is at the heart of technology, and Huntrex helps you keep up with it. “We live in an age of rapid technological change,” Mitch said. “Your school-aged great grandmother would have regarded today’s technology as pure science fiction. Devices, cars, houses, and even contacts, are becoming smart, and these connected devices are here to stay. Businesses also must market to the consumer’s location, which is increasingly fragmented, so the traditional computer is no longer the primary avenue of going online for many people. Phones, tablets, #PrintProudDigitalSmart
and now televisions, Alexa, smartwatches, and even your new fridge are all channels to access information online.” Huntrex has the solution. Their responsive websites automatically sense the size and capabilities of the device accessing your site to give customers a tailored website experience. All websites today should be optimized for desktop, tablet, and phone. Huntrex websites are not only responsive but are adopting new technology, such as Progressive Web Apps (PWA) to give websites an app-like experience on select devices—and COVID-19 has made these technology upgrades more important than ever before. “Businesses knew the importance of online marketing prior to COVID-19, but given the current restrictions, an online presence can be the difference between success and failure,” Mitch explained. “Beyond presenting information to customers, business websites should be easy to use, be optimized for every device type, provide up-todate information and notifications, and engage with customers through features such as online booking and ecommerce. If a business hasn’t updated its website in years, it likely provides a less-than-optimal experience for customers and needs a full redesign.” Browsers and search engines are even beginning to penalize websites that don’t employ current security, technology, and usability practices. Huntrex websites use the latest technology and maintains it to ensure ongoing future compliance and success. In the end, Mitch sees Huntrex as a business advocate, in addition to a professional website service. They are primarily concerned with equipping businesses with customized web solutions that respect company goals and enhance the customer’s experience. In this increasingly digital world—intensified by restrictions that came with the COVID pandemic—it’s more critical than ever that businesses invest in technologies that make them more competitive. The great thing is that you don’t have to be techsavvy to keep up because Omaha is home to some pretty superb technology companies and experts that can help you build a communication network with customers and potential customers. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 43
SENIOR LIVING Making Changes to Meet Your Loved Ones’ Needs in their Golden Years With National Assisted Living Week and National Rehabilitation Week both being September 13–19, and the entire month of September being World Alzheimer’s month, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk about senior-living options and services in Omaha. Getting to the age when you or your family start talking about senior living can be the start of an emotional ride, for sure. Feelings of denial or fear are completely normal, but making a plan and knowing when to put it into play can help. Discussions about moving a loved one to an assisted-living facility can draw strong resistance. On top of that, about 10,000 baby boomers are reaching retirement age every day—a rate that is expected to continue into
the 2030s and equates to a growing need for retirement and seniorliving communities. Many healthy, active individuals and couples plan to move to independent senior living so they can stop worrying about maintaining a big home and instead live out their retirement years enjoying love and laughter with like-minded family and new friends. The good news is that senior-living services and facilities for all levels of care are abundant in Omaha, and you won’t have to go at it alone. You may be able to help keep your loved one in the comfort of their own home by choosing a homecare option that meets their needs without a move. If, instead, they choose to move into senior living, there are also plenteous resources to help you both navigate the journey, from touring various communities to find the one that’s the right fit, helping you make your loved one’s new apartment and life feel like home sweet home.
Aging in Place
Maybe it’s time for a change. If you’ve been home alone lately, you may be feeling a little less than yourself. At Immanuel Communities, you’re supported and empowered to live your best life. Here, we’re strong. And so are you.
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.
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If you or your loved one wants to stay in your home but can’t safely abide the stairs or just don’t get around as easily as you used to, don’t despair. There are a variety of ways to help you regain your independence and dignity in your own home, and 101 Mobility has a wide selection of these helpful products. They include stairlifts, platform lifts, wheelchair ramps, handrails, home elevators, patient lifts, auto lifts, bath-safety products, automatic door openers, lift chairs, power Tom Riedl scooters and chairs, and more. Wherever 101 Mobility you have restrictions, limitations, challenges, and frustrations, the 101 Mobility team in Omaha expertly designs and installs the most favorable solutions. “While moving to an assisted living facility is perfect for some, there are many benefits to aging in place,” said 101 Mobility Franchise Owner Tom Riedl. “Many seniors have lived in their homes for years, sometimes decades. They are part of their neighborhood and community. Many people prefer to age in place, which is often more economical and less disruptive than moving.” Among the most popular products that 101 Mobility offers are stairlifts. Many falls occur in the home on the stairs, and a stairlift allows a person to literally ride up and down the stairs while sitting down, thus reducing the risk of falls. A stairlift can be used to carry groceries and other packages up and down the stairs, too. Scooters and motorized power chairs are helpful for those who are unable to walk great distances, and 101 Mobility offers several models and styles, which can be used with an automobile lift so the customers can take their scooters or power chairs with them when they travel. “For seniors who use a wheelchair or scooter, we have several products that will allow them to remain independent and be able to get in and #PrintProudDigitalSmart
out of their homes safely,” Tom said. “A wheelchair ramp is a great solution that allows access to their home, and 101 Mobility’s ramps are made with all-aluminum construction, so they are maintenancefree. If a ramp can’t be used due to space constraints, 101 Mobility can install a vertical platform lift as another solution. It’s a small elevator (often called a porch lift) that will transport a person and their wheelchair from one level to another and can be installed in a garage, outside, or built into the home.” For customer convenience, 101 Mobility offers free home consultations and home-safety checklists to evaluate a home and help customers decide what they need to remain safely in their homes. Most products can be installed within a week, so once a need is identified they can respond quickly and get the appropriate equipment working for you. The products also are tremendously helpful to caregivers. “Being a caregiver can be a difficult but rewarding experience, and 101 Mobility offers tools and products that make it possible for them to safely manage many day-to-day tasks,” Tom said. “Our products will help caregivers reduce the risk of injury to themselves and the individual for whom they are caring. The combination of a caretaker and the right equipment can extend the number of years that seniors can stay in their homes, aging in place.”
Rehabilitative Care Home Nursing with Heart provides rehabilitation and skillednursing services for patients following a hospital, rehab-facility, or nursing-center stay due to surgery, injury, or illness. Maybe the best part is that they’ll come to you and provide you with the services you need right in your home. “We’re a team of experienced therapists and nurses who specialize in caring for patients with a variety of cardiac, respiratory, neurological, and orthopedic conditions, in the comfort of the patients’ homes,” said President Julie Harding RN, BSN. “It is very important for people nearing retirement to begin planning for the likelihood that they will need more support as they age. Familiarizing themselves with local resources and services and having some plans in place will help to prevent you from making decisions in a Julie Harding crisis. It is never too early to start financial Home Nursing with Heart planning and become aware of the costs of in-home caregiving services, equipment, and independent/assisted living and long-term care options. Every county in the country also has an office on aging that provides services, including the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging in Douglas and Sarpy counties.” Home Nursing with Heart provides professional staff that goes into the homes of their patients to treat various ailments, postsurgical conditions, and provide physical and occupational therapy. Medicare generally covers these visits financially for the patient. They can also evaluate the home environment and make suggestions for modifications so that patients are able to continue to stay in their homes as long as possible. Since most injuries and falls happen in the bathroom, bathroom modifications/safety equipment may need to be considered a priority. This can be as simple as grab bars, removing rugs, obtaining a toilet seat riser, and the like. Not only does Home Nursing with Heart provide skilled nursing and therapy services, but they also have a social worker to help patients and caregivers navigate the healthcare system and assist with community resources and services. To provide the best care possible, they address any barriers or safety concerns and help advocate for their patients, as the need for services continues to increase. “As the Baby Boomers continue to enter retirement age, the need for supportive health and community services will only continue to grow, and it can be very overwhelming to be a caregiver,” Julie said. “Home Nursing with Heart is one of the premier agencies in eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa, and we are there to assist with short-term and longterm planning. Not only are we highly rated through Medicare, but we consistently win Best of Omaha awards each year. The thing that truly #PrintProudDigitalSmart
Care that’s measured in outcomes. Not minutes.
Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitaion Therapy 402.614.4622 | HomeNursingWithHeart.com
Home, Sweet Home.
101 Mobility provides mobility & accessibility solutions so you can continue to enjoy your home.
We’ll come to you!
Call us today to schedule your FREE in-home or virtual consultation
The nation’s largest mobility and accessibility solutions provider is now in Omaha!
101MOBILITY.COM/OMAHA 10717 Mockingbird Drive, Omaha, NE 68127
sets us apart, though, is the passion and skillsets of our clinicians. Our staff provides high-quality services and therapies and cares about the outcomes for patients and families who have trusted us with their care.”
The Gift of Caring CareBuilders at Home Omaha provides in-home, non-medical services, not just for seniors but for people of all ages. They are dedicated to helping clients lead dignifi ed, independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Executive Director and Owner Brenda Ouellette said she has understood her purpose since a very young age to care for those in need, regardless of their age. “It is a gift to be a servant,” she said. “To be trusted to care for something as intimate Brenda Ouellette as someone’s healthcare needs is a gift and CareBuilders at Home one that I am grateful to be entrusted with. The seed that was planted for me when I was 13 years old and all roads to this point have brought me to doing what I love as the executive director and owner of CareBuilders at Home in Omaha. Every person matters. Every life we touch matters. Every person who bestows upon me their trust becomes my focus and priority throughout our shared journey, and it is always my goal and mission to provide them whatever care and resources they need to stay home where they want to be and to provide their families the peace of mind knowing, in their absence, that their loved one is receiving the care and attention they themselves would give if they could.” As in-home technologies help people stay in their homes longer than ever before, CareBuilders at Home delivers experience and options that support aging in place, allowing seniors to stay home safely and with the independence they enjoy, whether through safety-alert devices, medication management, electronic dispensers, or other assistance. SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business
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Medicare and insurance in general, can be complicated. Let me help you understand all the options and find the best plan for you.
I’ll love you through it. Medicare Supplements | Medicare Advantage Plans Affordable Care Insurance | Bridge Health Plans Life Insurance | Medicaid Assistance | Dental
Lisa Wilsey, Owner/Independent Agent (402) 955-9233 | LisaWilsey@yahoo.com
Everyone Has A Story Make Us A Part of Yours... Trusted non-medical home care provider
402.506.9368
www.CareBuildersatHomeOmaha.com They always have staff on-call to answer questions or concerns, too, and they provide everything from in-home specialized care to posthospital and rehabilitation care, end-of-life care, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. “You are not alone,” Brenda said. “We are here to help care for your loved one at home and give your family the support it needs to manage the challenge of the changes you are faced with. CareBuilders at Home understands the struggles families face, and it is our mission to provide as much love and support to not only the client we serve but to their families.”
Active Sophistication Abe Lincoln said, “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” If you’re 55 or older and looking for an active retirement or assisted-living option in Omaha, you’ll definitely want to consider Ovation by Avamere Heartwood Preserve (opening in 2021). Ovation is an active adult lifestyle village that offers independent-, assisted-living, and memory-care options at a level of service and sophistication that you’ll be challenged to find elsewhere. “We see great opportunities in the Omaha area to provide baby boomers with a higher level of service and greater amenities,” said General Manager Stephanie Grade. “With the number of retirees growing, we anticipate the demand will grow organically with it.” Stephanie recommends that you begin planning your retirement location years before actually moving in. When new properties are being built, however, putting a deposit on a property allows them to have the finest views, premiere location within the Stephanie Grade property, and the pick of layouts for personal Ovation by Avamere preference. When planning for retirement Heartwood Preserve living, she suggests beginning the process
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by thinking about what is most important to you. Is it fitness, wellness, culinary options, transportation, or other interests? Finding the right property depends on each individual’s preferences and what they see the perfect life being like in retirement. “Ovation boasts incredible culinary venue options with restaurant-style menus, multiple menu items, and a micro market bistro that is open 24/7,” Stephanie said. “We also have a pool and fitness programs with certified exercise physiologists, plus a theater, art classes, cooking demonstrations, and vibrant activity programming. Those living at Ovation are part of a larger community, surrounded by an urban development full of family homes, vibrant shopping, history, and engaging culture. A lifetime of hard work and service is worth a standing ovation and the chance to engage at your own pace. Life happens here.”
Christ-Centered Care If you’re looking for a Christ-centered senior-living option, you’ll want to be sure to check out Immanuel, which owns and operates 14 retirement-living communities on nine campuses, and three Immanuel Pathways PACE® (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) Centers in Nebraska and Iowa. Their 132-year history started right here in Omaha, and their nonprofit suite of retirement community brands ranges from affordable Classic Courtyards to their Lifestyle Villages and Signature Jennifer Knecht Campuses. Whatever option you choose, Immanuel however, there’s far more to prepare for than financing it. “We see a lot of seniors really prepared in the financial aspects of retirement living but retirement is so much more,” said Immanuel Vice President of Marketing and Sales Jennifer Knecht. “It’s a major lifestyle change, and it’s important to plan for social and physical health in this new season of life.” Especially during the last few months with COVID restrictions in place, Immanuel staff has learned just how important social and physical healthcare is for seniors. Pre-COVID, 43% of seniors said they felt lonely on a regular basis, which is proven to increase risk factors for physical and mental illnesses, including heart disease and dementia. During COVID and social distancing, Immanuel is seeing seniors— especially those who live alone—decline in health due to isolation. “That’s why it’s more important than ever to ensure you or your senior loved ones’ social and emotional health are a high priority,” Jennifer said. “Retirement communities can help. Even during social distancing, Immanuel team members have ensured that all residents get plenty of groceries, household supplies, and thriving, safe interaction. Our pastoral staff is on hand to talk with residents who feel uncertain, and our wellness and life-enrichment staff were busy creating care packages with puzzles, games, and activities, organizing social-distance exercises, arranging phone clubs for neighbors to connect, and helping residents reach out to their loved ones virtually.” As baby boomers enter retirement, Immanuel is definitely seeing a demand for more choices, which is perfect as their retirement-living options span the spectrum to fit any lifestyle. While the number of options out there can be a bit overwhelming for retirees, Immanuel works to make it as clear as possible. “We encourage families to ask a lot of questions when touring communities to know whether it’s a good lifestyle fit,” Jennifer said. “At Immanuel, our senior-living consultants work with families to determine the right fit and the right timing for a move. We know that one option doesn’t fit every lifestyle.”
Flexible In-Home Care Care Consultants for the Aging (CCA) offers in-home care, wherever a client calls home, for increments of anywhere from one hour to 24 hours at a time. They provide tremendous flexibility to meet any client’s needs, without a minimum weekly requirement. What’s more, their rates are quite affordable, ranging from $19.50 to $23.50 per #PrintProudDigitalSmart
hour for everything from companion care to Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) care to providing medications, feeding tubes, colostomy and catheter care, as well as errands, laundry, and meal prep. “Care Consultants for the Aging is a great resource for clients who may just need to start with help at their independent house with things like bathing and dressing to those who want to stay in their home and need 24/7 care,” said CCA Omaha Business Development Director Blake Thomas. “We also find that some seniors who are living in communities still require our services because in a community, they typically staff fewer caregivers per residents, so you will find us around Omaha in assisted living, memory Blake Thomas care, skilled nursing, and independent-living Care Consultants communities. CCA also extends its flexibility for the Aging by allowing booking or canceling inside a 24-hour window. We usually book the same day, including on weekends, so we’re truly 24/7 to meet the needs of any senior and their family.” Amid the current COVID restrictions, CCA is finding that more seniors are staying in their homes because of the quarantines and the inability for them to have visitors inside communities. Care Consultants foresees home care always being in high demand, too, because so many seniors want to stay in the place they’ve called home sometimes for their entire adult lives. The families of those seniors who want to stay at home also appreciate that CCA supports family caregivers who need a break now and again. “CCA helps prevent the caregivers from caregiver burnout,” Blake said. “We are able to provide support on a flexible schedule that works for the client and their family, and we manage caregivers for seniors to that part of the equation is taking off the plate of the family to manage.”
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Whether it’s for physical, emotional, or other reasons, moving situations can occur and families and future residents need to make your loved one into an independent or assisted living community decisions much more quickly. Oasis can guide our clients through sometimes may be the only solution you are comfortable with Oasis as Seniorboth Advisors_KJohnson_Quarter 1 1/11/2019the 9:49:36 AM situations andPage.indd help ease some of the stress in navigating a caregiver. If that is the case, Oasis Senior Advisors in Omaha senior-living industry, which can be a daunting task. We support is an excellent outlet for caregivers to find support in choosing the our clients and walk hand-in-hand with them to reach the right right place. Oasis Senior Advisors is a free senior-housing service to solution—and our services are free!” help individuals and families find the right senior-living community Kindness, Caring, and Faith for them, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. Another transition that comes with retirement is the transition to Medicare and other insurance products, which can be overwhelming, “Demand for senior-living options currently at best. That’s why Lisa Wilsey partners with Insurance Advisors in is high, especially due to the tremendous Omaha. She can help you take the guesswork out of the confusing population of aging baby boomers, and insurance landscape and get you set with the plans that are best it’s only going to continue to grow,” said for your specific needs. That includes everything from Medicare Oasis Senior Advisor Jenny Trebold. “We Advantage to Medicare supplements, D plans, Medicare Part provide an in-depth consultation, where B enrollment, Affordable Care coverage, life insurance, dental we discuss things such as financial options, insurance, cancer plans, spend-downs, Medicaid support, and more. client lifestyle, and medical needs. Based Lisa goes above and beyond to protect her clients and make the on the consultation and our expertise, we process as pain-free as possible for them. recommend communities that we believe would be the best fit. We tour communities If you want to help seniors continue to thrive through pandemic Jenny Trebold with the family and help answer any restrictions, Lisa suggests that people take extra time out of their questions. Once they select a community, Oasis Senior Advisors days to call their senior loved ones and send cards regularly so we make sure the transition into their new they have that to look forward to. In short, while Medicare is Lisa’s home is seamless.” main business, when you hire her, you’ll find that kindness, caring, and faith are all part of the package! While each family has different priorities when selecting a seniorliving community, typical ones include cost, type of care provided, With some 77 million baby boomers in the United States, 10,000 location, and community activities. Oasis Senior Advisors allow per day are turning 65—that’s 70,000 per week and more than clients to get a feel for the communities, which is a crucial part of the decision-making process. They rely on their cutting-edge 280,000 per month. Some will pursue independent living, and others OasisIQ™ software, as well as their extensive knowledge of the will need assistance in some form or another. The Omaha senior-living senior communities in Omaha to reveal the best option available to each specific client. sector is prepared for any scenario, with every service and living “Each family situation is unique,” Jenny said. “Some families can take option that you can imagine. You’re sure to find the perfect fit! more time in finding the right fit in a community. Unexpected life #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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Joining Organizations This year has been tough on local businesses and the people who run them. COVID-19 has kept many business professionals cooped up inside and socially distanced from both their customers and professional network, two quintessential ingredients for success. This forced separation has made it difficult for these people to invest in the strong local connections that keep their ideas fresh, their skills sharpened, and their businesses thriving. Fortunately, there is still a viable way to keep in touch with your community: many local professional organizations and associations have remained true to their mission to help local businesses reach their fullest potential during this time. Whether it’s meeting over Zoom or in person, joining a professional organization is vital to keeping your business healthy. After joining one of these esteemed groups, you’ll be intimately connected with other professionals in your industry and beyond. You’ll have a platform to enrich your understanding of your chosen career and the community you serve, and to join others in learning new and innovative techniques, ideas, and practices. There’s also networking opportunities, advocacy events, scholarship programs, and career development workshops to take advantage of. Not only that, but joining one of these groups will grant you visibility in the business community and offer you a chance to grow your reputation among other professionals and consumers. Even if you’re choosing to socially distance, being a part of one of these organizations in any capacity will keep you accountable to your peers and on the path toward success.
“Being a part of one of these organizations in any capacity will keep you accountable to your peers and on the path toward success.”
Now the question is, how do you find the right organization for you? That will depend on your values and the goals you have for yourself and your career. Each organization has a set of values that they’re more inclined to support, and so doing your research so that you’re in a group around other like-minded professionals is essential. Take the time to consider which one you want to be most associated with based on how much personal and professional development opportunities are offered. This way, you can decide what organization you feel most confident dedicating a portion of your time and/or money to supporting. Despite the disruptive way the pandemic is keeping us all apart, the following local organizations and associations work twice as hard to keep us all together and to keep the opportunities flowing. Take the time to look through these organizations to find out how they’re keeping the Lincoln business community thriving. If you find one that happens to grab your attention, don’t hesitate to reach out to them and ask how you can join or benefit from their programming and resources! You won’t regret it. 48 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020 #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) 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 success. 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 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.
If you are looking for a way to give back to your community and make it a better place to live, the Breakfast Optimists Club of Omaha is a good place to start. They are one of the oldest Optimists Clubs in the state. They participate in a host of causes/activities on a regular basis annually locally. This makes it easy to find something especially meaningful to you. When you put more into supporting others, you enrich your own life. Some of their activities include: Project Elf, Hope Center, support the Summer Bash for Childhood Cancer, Oratorical and Essay contests, Academic Decathlon, Wheel Chair Camp, Family Golf Outing, Youth Scholarships, Salvation Army Bell Ringers, andmany others. Breakfast Optimists Club of Omaha invites you to their next meeting on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Stories Coffee Co. at 11426 Davenport St., STE 1, Omaha, NE 68154. If you have any questions, please call Bob Karcher at (402) 6572417 or Michael McGee at (402) 201-3518. More information about Optimist Club can be found online at www.nebraskaoptimists. org or follow the Facebook page (@OmahaBreakfastOptimistClub).
The Empowerment Network works together with the residents and leaders to TRANSFORM the ECONOMIC condition and QUALITY OF LIFE of African Americans, North Omaha residents, and citizens in the Greater Omaha region. The goal is to close long-standing gaps in employment, entrepreneurship, education, housing and other quality of life factors to transform Omaha into a thriving and prosperous city, in every zip code and neighborhood. The Empowerment Network (EN) is recognized as a backbone organization supporting the key functions of its collective impact partners. The EN excels in the capturing of data; capacity-building; leadership development; advocacy; civic engagement; and fundraising to support specific initiatives identified by the community. The Network model, recognized regionally and nationally, relies on each person and organization doing their part. Visit empoweromaha. com or call (402) 502-5153 to learn more. #PrintProudDigitalSmart
The Business Ethics Alliance provides solutions to companies of all sizes and for employees across all levels, from C-suite to entry-level, to conduct their businesses and professional lives with accountability, integrity, and moral courage. Your actions and decisions impact your employees, your coworkers, your community, your customers, your vendors…and more. So much to balance, so much at stake. Ethics matter because reputation counts. What you do each day impacts you and your organization’s reputation for years to come. You have a lot to consider. Ethicspace Conference will lay it all on the table for you. Join Business Ethics Alliance on October 13, 2020 for the virtual Ethicspace Conference. This year’s theme is Ethics Under Pressure: Moral Courage in the Face of Ethical Adversity. Ethicspace is inspirational and educational, it’s positive and practical. To learn more about the Ethicspace Conference, visit Ethicspace.org. To learn more about the Business Ethics Alliance, go to businessethicsalliance.org.
T h e N eb r a s k a B a n ke r s Association (NBA) is the voice of Nebraska’s $72 billion banking industry. Nebraska banks employ more than 15,600 people and safeguard over $67 billion in deposits. Banks support Nebraska’s economy with consumer, business and other loans. Through the association, bankers explore issue that affect the banking industry’s day-to-day and long-range outlook. Membership in the NBA signifies a bank’s commitment to the principles of banking and the belief that much can be accomplished by working together. The NBA welcomes associate members who provide a service or product to Nebraska financial institutions. Associate members are eligible to attend NBA events; receive the NBA newsletter and magazine; advertise in and produce articles for the Nebraska Banker magazine; and have the opportunity to exhibit, display and co-sponsor functions at the NBA’s conferences and annual convention. To learn more about the NBA, visit www.nebankers.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 | memberser vices@ OmahaChamber.org | (402) 346-5000 SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 49
The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a resource for women in the construction industry for leadership opportunities, community outreach, networking, education and more! NAWIC Chapter #116 based in Omaha, encompasses Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas. First chartered in 1966, the chapter has members working in businesses whose primary focus is the construction industry. NAWIC Core Purpose: To strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry. Core Values: Womenfocused, Courageous Leadership, Commitment to Inclusion and Growth, Anticipate Change. They welcome you to join them! The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. Current information about upcoming meeting locations, topics, and times is available on our website at www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@ gmail.com to request information. Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, CO, the organization’s membership exceeds 358,000 in more than 16,800 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www. toastmasters.org and follow on Twitter (@Toastmasters). Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24. District 24 is a grouping of 70 Toastmasters clubs and over 1,000 members from Kearney, NE to Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more about District 24 and upcoming meetings and events by visiting d24tm.org, www. facebook.com/D24TM, or www.meetup.com/District-24-ToastmastersMeetup. Come visit the group—they believe that Toastmasters can help you build the confidence and skills to be a better you. The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is the local affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA). The NAA currently has over 170 affiliates and boasts over 8.7 million apartment homes globally. Founded in 2002, the Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln was created by a group of property managers and owners with a vision to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multifamily rental housing industry in the greater Nebraska area. On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the NAA. In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent their membership. Their members include multifamily owners and management companies, apartment communities, and the supplier members who service this industry. In January of 2019, the AAN launched the Nebraska Maintenance Academy (NMA), a hands-on training academy for those wishing to secure a career in the multifamily industry as a maintenance technician. The first of its kind in Nebraska, NMA will offer vocational training to those most in need, including but not limited to non-college bound high school students, veterans, and any individual who desires a meaningful career change. The goal is to train 45 people per year at NO cost to the students and then to immediately place the students into careers. The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska is to support, inform, and connect the multifamily community through education, legislation advocacy, and professional networking. For more information, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org. 50 Strictly Business SEPTEMBER 2020
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. 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.
BNI members enjoy unparalleled business growth. As the world’s largest referral network, with over 9,500 chapters worldwide, BNI passed over 12 million referrals last year, resulting in more than $16 billion in business, and they are on pace to exceed that total in 2020. More importantly, their area members throughout NE, IA, SD, and WY closed over $40 million in tracked business—creating a return of 700 times their investment—most of that supporting other local businesses. BNI celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and has proudly been helping Nebraska businesses grow for over 20 years. Members increase their exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a local, national, and international network, and sharpen their networking skills with exclusive member resources. Belonging to BNI is like having sales people working for you everywhere. BNI’s proven structured system of giving and receiving business cultivates deep relationships with other professionals. Members have the opportunity to substantially increase their business through BNI’s core values of Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition. For more information about BNI Heartland, please contact the regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit www. bniheartland.com.
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Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your professional organization to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the local resources available that could make an impact on their personal and professional growth. If you are a local professional organization that is interested in participating in the next JOINING ORGANIZATIONS feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today! #PrintProudDigitalSmart
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If you know of a local, woman-owned business, tell Strictly Business about them!
OCTOBER 2020 ISSUE
Calling all Women-Owned Businesses! In the October 2020 issue of Strictly Business, we will run our first-ever “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
SEPTEMBER 2020 Strictly Business 51 To #PrintProudDigitalSmart participate or nominate, contact: (402) 466-3330 | Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com
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