Strictly Business Lincoln July 2026

Nebraska’s Premier Moving Experience

From apartments to full homes, careful packing, loading & transport.

Office relocations & retail transitions done quickly to minimize downtime.

Need loading, unloading, or rearranging help? We’ve got the team for it.

Pianos, safes, hot tubs, antiques & heavy items handled with expert care.

Short-term storage for residential and commercial customers.

“What a great team! They were fast and efficient. Made my move so much easier. I am so thankful these folks are around. Thanks guys!!”

— Megan R., Lincoln

“Aj, Taylor, Cory, Axel, and Quintin did a great job moving us into our new home. Very kind and professional crew. We’d certainly use them again.”

— Jordan S., Omaha

SCHOOLS CHOOL SMART

ALLO’s Smart S chools connec t s student s to secure, reliable Wi-Fi beyond the classroom—so learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Powered by SmartTown infrastruc ture, student s can connec t on school-issued devices across the communit y with built-in securit y and content controls.

Communit y-wide connec tivit y for student s

Built-in securit y and content controls More equitable access to digital learning

A Paige From My Notebook...

Celebrating 33 Years of Strictly Business — and 250 Years of American Enterprise

July is always a meaningful month. It is a time when we celebrate freedom, independence, opportunity and the American spirit that continues to shape our communities and our country.

This July feels especially significant as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary — and Strictly Business proudly celebrates 33 years of serving Lincoln’s business communities.

For more than three decades, Strictly Business has had the privilege of telling the stories of local businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, leaders and professionals who make our communities stronger. Month after month, year after year, we have watched businesses open their doors, grow their teams, expand their services, serve their customers, support local causes, and create opportunities for others.

That is what business is really about. It is not just advertising. It is not just sales. It is not just a logo, a storefront or a website. Business is people. It is families taking risks. It is entrepreneurs betting on themselves. It is employees showing up every day. It is relationships built over time. It is trust earned one

customer, one client, and one handshake at a time.

As America celebrates 250 years, we are reminded that small businesses have always been at the heart of this country’s strength. They create jobs, build communities, support nonprofits, sponsor youth teams, donate to local causes and keep dollars circulating right here at home.

At Strictly Business, we are honored to play a small part in that story.

For 33 years, our mission has remained the same: to help businesses be seen, known, trusted and remembered. Through print, online features, press releases, cover stories, client spotlights, social media, and search-engine visibility, we continue to help our clients tell their stories in a way that lasts.

To our advertisers, readers, clients, partners and friends — thank you. Thank you for believing in local business. Thank you for supporting Strictly Business. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your story for the past 33 years. Be sure to let a company know if you found out about them in Strictly Business.

Here’s to freedom. Here’s to local business. Here’s to 33 years of Strictly Business — and many more to come.

Paige Zutavern President, Strictly Business Magazine

Krueger Development: Your Trusted Leader in Commercial and Residential Sales and Leasing

For more than three decades, Krueger Development has been a trusted leader in commercial and residential sales and leasing throughout the Lincoln area. With expertise spanning commercial properties, residential developments, and apartment communities, the company continues to play a significant role in shaping Lincoln’s growth.

Krueger Development is now embarking on an exciting new project: a continuation of The Woodlands at Yankee Hill Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the east side of Yankee Hill Road. The 13-acre development is located at the southwest corner of 70th Street and Yankee Hill Road and is designed to bring new opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs in southeast Lincoln.

Leading the project through the approval process was Christina Melgoza, Director of Development. Melgoza guided the development through neighborhood meetings, Planning Commission review, and City Council approval, successfully rezoning the property from AGR to R-3 with a commercial designation. Careful consideration was also given to ensure future tenants and businesses align with H-4 zoning standards.

Following a collaborative partnership with the property’s previous residential owners, Krueger Development has already completed site clearing and is preparing to install infrastructure. Plans call for approximately 6,000-square-foot office buildings that can be sold as standalone structures or subdivided into 1,500-square-foot suites, providing flexible options for a variety of business owners.

The development is expected to attract a diverse mix of professional and retail tenants, including orthodontists, event planners, insurance agencies, accounting firms, boutique retailers, and other small businesses seeking a high-quality location in a growing area of the city.

Whether you are searching for the ideal location for your business, a new home in a welcoming neighborhood, a scenic acreage, or a luxury apartment, Krueger Development offers the experience, resources, and local expertise to help bring your vision to life.

For more information about this commercial development or other opportunities, contact Alison Santana, Commercial Property Manager, at asantana@kruegerdevelopment.net.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Art Director: ArtDirector@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Editor: Macey Wahl – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Executive Assistant: Kaitlyn Stara – Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Copywriters: Haylee W, & Joy L

Social Media Specialist: Joselyn M

SALES TEAM:

President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com

Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

HoriSun Hospice is Proud to Be Named a “Best Place to Work” in Lincoln by Woods Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star and LincolnHR

Woods Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star, and the LincolnHR, founders of the Best Places to Work in Lincoln list, announced that HoriSun Hospice has been named to the 2025 list in the mediumcompany sized category.

The Best Places to Work in Lincoln program, which was started in 2013, recognizes local companies who, through a third party administered employee survey, rank their respective companies as being the best places to work. The areas surveyed are varied parts of employee life, including workplace environment, leadership direction, culture, and management practices.

At HoriSun Hospice, being recognized once again as a “Best Place to Work” is a meaningful reflection of the culture we have intentionally built and continue to nurture. As a locally owned, mission-driven organization, we are committed to supporting our employees through flexibility, open communication, professional growth, and genuine compassion. We believe that when team members feel respected, supported, and connected to their work, they are better equipped to provide exceptional care to the patients and families who trust us during life’s most important moments.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition again,” said Dr. Bob Bleicher, Medical and Executive Director of HoriSun Hospice. “Our success has always been rooted in the dedication, kindness, and professionalism of our team. Year after year, they demonstrate what it means to care deeply for others, and this award reflects the positive workplace culture they help create every day.”

Susan Burkey, Retired RN and Program Coordinator, added, “Being named a Best Place to Work is especially meaningful because it comes directly from employee feedback, which is given anonymously. We are proud to foster an environment where people feel valued, supported, and inspired by the work they do. We are also grateful for the trust and encouragement we receive from our community, whose support helps make HoriSun such a special place to serve and work.”

HoriSun Hospice believes that hospice care affirms life. Our mission and promise to our community is simple – to provide the best care possible, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all whose lives are affected by a life limiting illness or condition. Comfort, compassion, and caring are our guiding principles. For more information about HoriSun Hospice, visit horisunhospice. com, or call (402) 484-6444. For complete details about the Best Places to Work in Lincoln, visit woodsaitken.com/bptw.

HumanizedHRProvidesKeynoteSpeakerfor Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast Event

Mark your calendars for Friday, September 11th from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast event!

Dr. Kylie Ensrud, the founder, president, and chief HR officer at Humanized HR, will be the keynote speaker. The talk is titled “How Brain Science Creates Brain Gain,” and explores the science behind team performance and resiliency. The event is designed to be interactive so that connections can be made among students and business leaders.

The event will take place in the Delray Ballroom, 817 R St in Lincoln. Individual tickets are $100 and sponsor a free ticket for a student to attend.

For more information, please visit thefoundry.co/news-events/trailblazers/ nebraska-trailblazers.html.

and Community

Sumner Place is prioritizing resident’s summer fun! The superb life enrichment team at Sumner Place takes great pride in providing daily purpose for their seniors. This summer they have done many outings that provide the experience of the hustle and bustle of traditional summers. They have gone to the Lincoln Children’s Zoo, a Saltdog’s Baseball game and they even volunteered with their residents at Matt Talbot’s Kitchen.

“Filling our days with meaningful purpose while still prioritizing all of the health needs of residents in our care is at the forefront,” said Janessa Thompson Sumner Place’s admissions & public relations coordinator.

Something unique to the Sumner Place’s life enrichment team is that each resident gets a “daily chronicle”, a simple, condensed paper of unique facts of the day, showcasing a resident’s birthday and all of the daily activities going on so that every resident stays in the loop.

By using the platform Life Loop, they also encourage families to see what their loved one is up to. For more information, please visit sumnerplacecare.com.

BBB Announces 2026 Torch Award Winners

Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains has announced the 2026 winners of its Torch Awards for Ethics, the organization’s most prestigious recognition program honoring businesses, nonprofits and leaders that have built their operations around the Four C’s of Trust: Character, Culture, Customers and Community.

“The organizations we celebrate this year have set a clear standard for doing business the right way,” said Josh Planos, BBB Midwest Plains Vice President of Marketing & Communications. “Their leadership in fostering ethical environments strengthens trust across our entire region.”

Nebraska winners include: A View Venues, Accurate Books LLC, Core Bank, EverLevel Concrete Repair, Gordian Staffing, Hillcrest Health & Living, Mary the Medicare Lady, NExT Foundation, Riekes Equipment Co., T Square Movers and Thermal Services. As local winners, each organization advances to the International Torch Awards for Ethics, with final selections announced this fall.

All honorees will be recognized at the 2026 Torch Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, September 22, at A View West Shores in Omaha. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.; the program runs 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year’s luncheon marks several milestones: BBB will present its firstever Torch Award dedicated to woman-owned businesses, and keynote speaker Maggi Thorne — nine-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and business owner — will address attendees. BBB also awarded 20 scholarships to first-generation, low-income students across its five-state service area, who will attend as honored guests.

Tickets are available at bbb.org/omahatorch.

Golf with the Girls: Ladies Night at The Back Nine Lincoln South, July 30

Women golfers across the city are invited to enjoy a unique evening of golf and camaraderie at The Back Nine Lincoln South. With a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment, Ladies Night is designed to introduce women to everything The Back Nine has to offer. From ladies leagues and golf lessons with PGA Professional Matt Person to annual memberships, there is something for every golfer—whether you have been playing for years or are looking to pick up a club and try a new hobby.

The Back Nine is proud to utilize its top-of-the-line Full Swing golf simulator technology to bring this event to the community. The team is also seeking opportunities to collaborate with women-owned businesses in Lincoln. Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out to Jason and Matt to learn more about partnership opportunities at this women-only event. The Back Nine looks forward to welcoming guests on July 30.

The Back Nine Golf Lincoln South is located at 7501 S. 15th St., Suite H. For more information, please visit thebackninegolf.com or call (402) 858-8871.

ALLO’s Smart School Program Brings CityWide Connectivity for Lincoln Public Schools’ Students

ALLO Fiber, a leading provider of fiberoptic broadband services, is proud to announce the official launch of its Smart Schools solution in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools (LPS). LPS students can now securely connect their school-issued devices throughout Lincoln and other ALLO communities for an improved learning experience.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to digital equity in Lincoln. By utilizing nearly 100,000 business and residential access points, ALLO and LPS are expanding classroom boundaries and reducing broadband barriers that disproportionately affect underserved students.

“This is truly a community approach that leverages network access dispersed throughout the neighborhoods served by our schools,” said Kirk Langer, Chief Technology Officer for Lincoln Public Schools. “Just as roads are critical infrastructure for economic development, Smart Schools is critical infrastructure for the educational development of our learners.”

Built on ALLO’s SmartTown Wi-Fi infrastructure powered by Calix (NYSE: CALX), Smart Schools enables approximately 23,000 students in grades 6 to 12 to automatically connect their school-issued computers to high-speed Wi-Fi from virtually anywhere, including school, local businesses, community venues or at home. This educationoptimized connectivity supports academic success and more consistent access to digital learning.

“We’re thrilled to work alongside Lincoln Public Schools to enhance learning opportunities,” said ALLO Founder Brad Moline. “Smart Schools is more than connectivity. It is about empowering students, supporting educators and helping close the digital divide across Lancaster County.”

To learn more about Smart Schools, visit AlloFiber.com/ SmartSchoolsLincoln.

HazToGo Business Waste Collection Event

Announced for August 13

Sweet Things by Marcy Brings Southern Comfort to Downtown Lincoln

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department, through its HazToGo program, has partnered with a federally licensed contractor to provide periodic collection of businessgenerated hazardous waste at volume pricing. The next event will be Thursday, August 13. You must have an appointment to participate in this event. This program reduces barriers for businesses to properly manage their hazardous waste. HazToGo bridges the gap for businesses to work with a hazardous waste contractor and access waste disposal at reduced costs. Businesses that generate low volumes (less than 27 gallons or 220 pounds in a month) of regulated hazardous waste may be eligible to participate. Common types of businesses, such as general contractors, medical offices, dental offices, print shops, auto shops, school systems, non-profits, painters, churches, childcare centers and home occupations often benefit from these events.

Examples of wastes that are accepted include: Aerosols, corrosives, pesticides, flammable solids or liquids, adhesives, asbestos, mercury, poisons, paint, solvents, cylinders, oxidizers, photo fluids, PCB ballasts and mineral spirits. Please note radioactive materials, explosives, and biohazards/infectious waste are NOT accepted.

If you are a business in Lancaster County and want to take advantage of this program, contact the event coordinator today: (402) 4418002 or spwaste@lincoln.ne.gov.

Located at 1413 N Street inside the Culinary Kitchen in downtown Lincoln, Sweet Things by Marcy is a woman-owned, veteran-owned bakery, deli and catering business serving homemade Southern-inspired lunches, desserts and catering throughout the Lincoln area.

Owner Marcy Haas believes food should bring people together. Every menu item is prepared on-site, from fresh sandwiches and salads to scratch-made desserts that reflect the flavors and traditions of the South.

Sweet Things by Marcy is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a selection of fresh lunch options including chicken salad and tuna salad croissants, turkey and Swiss sandwiches, beef and cheddar sandwiches, and hot paninis such as the Turkey Bacon Panini, Cubano, Chicken Pesto, Buffalo Chicken, and Tuna Melt.

Customers looking for a convenient lunch option can also enjoy the Southern Fair Snack Pack Trio, featuring a choice of homemade chicken salad or pimento cheese paired with grape salad and pasta salad, served with crackers. Fresh salads are available daily, including Chicken Salad over Greens, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Southwest Chicken Salad, and the Main Street Cobb Salad.

This July, Sweet Things by Marcy is featuring its Southern Banana Pudding, a classic comfort dessert layered with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and vanilla wafers.

In addition to Banana Pudding, customers can enjoy a rotating selection of homemade desserts available throughout the week, including Peach Cobbler, cupcakes, cookies, and pound cake.

For catering information, menu updates, and weekly specials, visit Sweet Things by Marcy at 1413 N Street in downtown Lincoln or follow along on social media at facebook.com/SweetThingsbyMarcy.

CenterSphere’sCoffeeandConnectionsEvent

Celebrates Fit by April’s New Location

Center Sphere’s July Coffee and Connections event is set to happen on Wednesday, July 8th from 8:3010 a.m. at 7800 O Street, Frontage Road #103. The event will celebrate Fit by April’s new location, as well as having coffee and prizes for attendees, hosted by the Nation-wide chapter with Local Connections. Stop by for the beverages, and stay for the networking opportunities that could expand your business relationships.

Center Sphere is a platform that aids in professional relationship building at a local and national level. They provide resources for both networking and growing a business. Center Sphere is always finding ways for its members to connect!

To learn more about the event or Center Sphere membership opportunities, contact Ashley Hinze at ashley@centersphere.com, call (402) 690-4434, or visit centersphere.com.

Lincoln Airport, Nebraska Air National Guard Celebrate Historic $100M Runway Reconstruction Project

OnPointInsuranceAgencyCelebratesRibbon Cutting Ceremony

On Point Insurance Agency would like to thank the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting ceremony held on June 16 at their new location in the Long Professional Center located at 4535 Normal Blvd, Suite 232. On Point Insurance is grateful for the support of family, friends and business associates and thanks them for spending time both at the ceremony and afterwards for refreshments.

On Point Insurance Agency is a locally-owned, independent agency of independent agents. They represent many different companies with the priority of finding the right solution for your unique needs. On Point Insurance helps find health insurance solutions for individuals, families and seniors. They work for YOU.

For more information visit insuranceonpoint.com or call Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at (402) 625-6578.

ALLO Fiber Named DIRECTV’s 2025 ISP Dealer of the Year

The Lincoln Airport Authority and Nebraska Air National Guard welcomed federal, state and local leaders, project partners and members of the media to the Runway 18/36 Reconstruction Project site to highlight one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Lincoln Airport’s history. Estimated at approximately $100 million, the multi-year reconstruction of Lincoln Airport’s 12,901-foot Runway 18/36 will modernize one of the longest runways in the United States and preserve a nationally significant aviation asset supporting commercial air service, general aviation, military operations and emergency response missions.

Funded through a partnership of federal, state and local resources, the project represents a collaborative effort between the Lincoln Airport Authority, Nebraska Air National Guard, Federal Aviation Administration, Nebraska Department of Transportation and numerous community stakeholders.

“This runway can handle some of the heaviest and most critical aircraft in our nation’s inventory, including the C-5 Galaxy and the E-4B Nightwatch National Airborne Operations Center,” said Major General Craig Strong, Adjutant General of Nebraska and Commander of the Nebraska National Guard. “Its reconstruction ensures we can continue supporting mission readiness, global mobility and national defense operations for years to come.”

The event featured remarks from Lincoln Airport Authority officials, State Senator Eliot Bostar, Major General Craig Strong, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer and representatives from Constructors, Inc., the project’s primary contractor.

When completed, the reconstructed runway will continue supporting one of the nation’s premier joint-use airport facilities, strengthening Nebraska’s transportation infrastructure while advancing economic development, air connectivity and national security. More information is available at lincolnairport.com.

ALLO Fiber, a leading provider of fiber-optic broadband services and advanced business solutions, announced that ALLO was named DIRECTV’s 2025 ISP Dealer of the Year.

The DIRECTV ISP Dealer of the Year award recognizes partners who demonstrate excellence in sales, service quality and commitment to customer experience. ALLO earned this distinction following a landmark year of transformation, including the highly successful migration of thousands of customers to the DIRECTV platform across key markets.

The award also underscores the strength of the DIRECTV–ALLO relationship, which is built on a shared commitment to delivering high-quality entertainment and connectivity. Through go-to-market strategies, coordinated marketing efforts and integrated broadband and video, the collaboration has driven meaningful growth while enhancing value for residential, commercial and MDU customers.

“Our relationship with ALLO continues to be a model for what strong ISP collaboration looks like,” said Frank Rebel, Senior Director of ISP Sales at DIRECTV. “ALLO’s commitment to growth, execution and delivering a best-in-class customer experience has driven meaningful results for both organizations.”

“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as DIRECTV’s ISP Dealer of the Year,” said Jonathan Nordhausen, Vice President of Product at ALLO Fiber. “At ALLO, our mission is to provide the best possible experience for our communities. Working with DIRECTV has allowed us to transition from traditional television formats to a seamless, flexible streaming experience powered by our 100% fiber-optic network.”

Together, DIRECTV and ALLO look forward to continuing to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional experiences in bundled entertainment and connectivity services.

For more information, visit AlloFiber.com.

FNIC Announces Acquisition of Kollmorgen Benefits, Inc.

FNIC has acquired Kollmorgen Benefits, Inc. (KBI), a Lincolnbased employee benefits agency that has served clients throughout Nebraska for more than 30 years. After the passing of founder Kyle Kollmorgen, FNIC worked closely with the Kollmorgen family to ensure continued service and support for KBI clients while preserving the agency’s legacy.

The acquisition brings together two established Nebraska organizations with deep roots in the Lincoln community. With a long history of serving businesses, families and individuals throughout the region, FNIC looks forward to building on KBI’s strong foundation, honoring the impact Kyle made and continuing to support businesses and employees throughout Lincoln and beyond.

“Kyle built a respected agency centered on relationships, trust, and service to his clients,” said Scott Hill, President of FNIC. “We are honored to carry that work forward, support the Kollmorgen family, and welcome the KBI team and clients to FNIC.”

FNIC is pleased to welcome KBI team members Lacey Gabig and Samarah Johnson, along with Payton Kollmorgen, daughter of Kyle and Kristy Kollmorgen, to the organization.

For more information, visit fnicgroup.com.

Insurance products are offered by licensed agents of First Insurance Group, LLC, d/b/a FNIC and its affiliates. Insurance products are not deposits, are not FDIC-insured, not insured by any federal agency, and not guaranteed by the Bank.

Doors Plus Owners Earn Nebraska SBA Small Business Recognition

Doors Plus owners Cameron and Sydney Hall have been recognized as Nebraska’s SBA Small Business Persons of the Year, an honor that reflects years of hard work, growth and dedication to serving customers across the state.

As a family-owned business, the Halls have built Doors Plus while raising their own family in the community they serve.

Their focus on customer service, quality workmanship and lasting relationships has helped the company grow into a trusted provider of residential and commercial garage door installation and repair services.

Doors Plus has earned a reputation for helping homeowners and businesses keep their doors operating safely and reliably. Beyond installation and repair services, the company emphasizes preventative maintenance as a way to reduce unexpected breakdowns and extend the life of garage door systems.

One example of that commitment is the Doors Plus Maintenance Plan. For just $99 per year, customers receive a safety and operational inspection designed to identify wear, potential hazards and maintenance needs before they become larger issues. Members also receive discounts on parts should repairs be necessary. The program reflects the company’s dedication to helping families and businesses protect their investment while providing peace of mind.

Through a commitment to service, safety and customer care, Doors Plus continues to earn the trust of customers while contributing to the community they proudly call home. For more information, visit doorsplusllc.com or call (402) 590-5800.

Elite Referral Network Announces July 2026 Events

Elite Referral Network (ERN) has announced a full slate of July 2026 events in Lincoln, offering professionals a variety of ways to connect, grow, and experience the power of intentional networking.

The month kicks off on Wednesday, July 1 with two events: a Visitor Day for The R.I.S.K.Y. Group (7:30–8:30 a.m., The Charging Station, 6128 Havelock Ave.), an open invitation to experience this dynamic ERN group led by Jason Gayed, and the first July gathering of The Community Lincoln: Women in Business (noon–1:30 p.m., The Urban Farmhouse Room, 3900 Yankee Hill Rd., Ste. 127). The Community meets again on July 15 at the same location and time.

The Organization holds its 1st and 3rd Monday meetings on July 6 and 20 (6–7:30 p.m., Grata Bar & Lounge, 6891 A St., Ste. 108).

Table for 6 gathers on Thursday, July 9 — location revealed upon RSVP. Tuesday Morning Club meets July 14 at Harbor Coffeehouse (1265 S Cotner Blvd.), and ERN Presidents convene for their quarterly meeting on July 17. The month rounds out with the 4th Wednesday event and Friday Afternoon Club — details forthcoming at the website.

For more information about ERN Lincoln events and membership, visit elitereferralnetwork.com.

T Square Movers Announces Expansion into NewWarehouseFacilityandLaunchof ShortTerm Storage Services

T Square Movers is proud to announce the expansion of its operations into a new warehouse facility located at 3601 S 6th Street, Suite A, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502, effective July 1.

The move comes during a landmark year for the locally owned company, which recently celebrated 10 years in business serving Lincoln and surrounding communities. The new warehouse space will allow T Square Movers to expand its service offerings while continuing to provide the dependable moving solutions customers have come to expect.

As part of the expansion, T Square Movers will begin offering shortterm storage solutions for residential and commercial customers. The company will continue providing professional moving services, packing services, packing supplies and its popular white-glove tote rental program.

“This warehouse represents an exciting step forward for our company,” said the owners of T Square Movers. “Celebrating 10 years in business while expanding our capabilities allows us to better serve our customers and continue growing as a trusted local moving company.”

The additional space will help streamline operations and provide greater flexibility for customers who need temporary storage during moves, remodeling projects, home staging or other life transitions.

For more information about T Square Movers and its services, visit tsquaremovers.com or call/text (402) 645-4067.

RevampedStartupLNK.comLaunchestoServe Growing Lincoln Founder Community

The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) is excited to announce a refresh of its StartupLNK.com website.

StartupLNK.com will further enhance and support entrepreneurs at every stage of their story and act as a central hub for founders. With a refreshed design, powerful content and important resource links for entrepreneurs and those that are looking for more information on why they should start a business in Lincoln, StartupLNK.com provides valuable items for a growing community.

The homepage is anchored by current impact data from Lincoln’s startup ecosystem, such as Lincoln’s #15 Midwest ranking by Midwest Startups’ 2025 Startup City Rankings, over $100M in LaunchLNK alumni follow-on funding and more, the website draws attention to the successes and continued potential among Lincoln’s founders.

As a comprehensive online center for founders, StartupLNK.com outlines and aggregates funding, programs, resources and community in one consolidated location, featuring over 15 pages of information.

In addition to an updated “Start a Business Guide” to a training and education section that includes free founder resources and a restart of the Startup Signal newsletter, important tools for entrepreneurs are now all included in one convenient location on the StartupLNK. com website.

For more information, visit selectlincoln.org.

For more information, contact Abby Bartholomew, Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development, at (402) 436-2374 or abartholomew@ selectlincoln.org.

Fuel Leadership: Strengthen Lincoln with Leadership Harbor

A1

Automotive

Businesses across Lincoln have an opportunity to make a lasting impact by sponsoring Live2Lead LNK, taking place on Friday, Nov. 6. This premier leadership event brings world-class leadership insights to local business owners, nonprofit leaders, educators and emerging leaders who are committed to growth and positive change.

Sponsoring Live2Lead LNK provides meaningful visibility while demonstrating a commitment to developing stronger leaders throughout our community. Sponsors are recognized as organizations that value growth, collaboration and community investment.

The impact extends far beyond the event itself. Attendees leave equipped with practical tools to improve communication, strengthen teams, create exceptional customer experiences and lead more effectively. Past participants have transformed client experiences, improved organizational culture, increased volunteer engagement and broken down barriers that limited teamwork and collaboration.

When leaders grow, organizations become healthier. When organizations become healthier, communities become stronger. The lessons learned at Live2Lead create a ripple effect that benefits employees, customers, families and those served by local nonprofits and businesses.

By sponsoring Live2Lead LNK you get to invest in the future of leadership in Lincoln. Contact grow@leadershipharbor.com for more info or leadershipharbor.com.

Training: BMW, Audi & VW Diagnostics with ICON and ISTA with Q1 Training

Technicians at A1 Automotive are going through expensive training to bring more complex equipment and technology into the shop for expanded services and diagnostics.

The goal of this training is to equip A1 Automotive technicians with the knowledge and hands-on skills to confidently diagnose, test, code and repair BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen vehicles using ICON scan tools and manufacturer-level diagnostic software.

Why This Training Matters

European vehicles require more than generic OBD-II scanners. Factory-level software provides access to control modules, guided troubleshooting, coding, adaptations, service functions and programming capabilities that generic tools cannot fully perform. BMW’s ISTA platform is specifi cally designed for dealer-level diagnostics and repair workflows.

They have OE BMW ISTA software and can provide updates to modules if needed, along with ICON for Audi/VW. They have trained exclusively with trainers flying in from German Motor Support for the Q1 training and teaching them pattern failures and how to help create long term success for customers’ vehicles.

For more information please visit a1autolincoln.com.

AAA Brown & Family Open House

AAA Brown & Family is grateful for the incredible turnout and overwhelming support shown during the launch of their new business. The warm welcome from the community has been truly inspiring and reinforces their commitment to providing exceptional service.

They would also like to recognize the AAA corporate team for their outstanding guidance and support throughout the startup process. This partnership has been invaluable in helping establish a strong foundation.

AAA Brown & Family’s dedicated team is made up of caring, passionate individuals who are excited to serve the community and build lasting relationships. They look forward to becoming a trusted local resource and making a positive impact for years to come.

For more information visit brownfamilyinsurance.net or contact them at (531) 500-0959. They are located at 209 S 9th Street Lincoln, NE.

GaryMichaelsClothiersCelebratesAmerica’s 250th with Tailored Clothing Offer

In celebration of America turning 250, Gary Michaels is offering a $250 reduction off any suit or sport coat/pant combo through the month of July.

Included is the entire inventory of Oxxford, Caruso, Heritage Gold, Jack Victor, Mattarazi, Byron, Paul Betenly and Tiki.

Nathen Rutt, owner added “In addition, we teamed up with one of our major neckwear vendors and are giving away FREE a woven USA flag themed tie with every suit or sport coat purchase.”

The all silk tie features the American flag woven throughout and is from Gary Michaels Custom Collection valued at $75.

Appointments can be set in with Gary, Nate or Fabian by calling (402) 423-7848 or 1 (800) 556-SUIT. More information can be found at garymichaels.com.

Work From Capital Cigar Lounge

Innovative Homes Unveils Landmark Condo Renovation Near Memorial Stadium

As remote and hybrid work continue to reshape the modern business world, Capital Cigar Lounge is redefining what a productive workspace can be. This July, Capital Cigar Lounge highlights its unique atmosphere and business-friendly amenities with the launch of “Work From Capital.”

Designed for professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives, Capital Cigar Lounge offers high-speed internet, comfortable work areas and conference room access for meetings, presentations or collaborative sessions. Whether guests need a quiet place to focus between appointments or a polished setting to host clients, Capital provides a refined alternative to traditional offices and crowded coffee shops. What sets the experience apart is the atmosphere. Guests can enjoy premium coffee during the day, handcrafted cocktails in the evening, relaxed seating and the option of a cigar while working in an environment built around comfort, connection and productivity. At Capital, the goal of their is to create an experience where guests never have to choose between ambition and enjoyment.

Capital Cigar Lounge invites guests from all over the world to discover a space that blends professionalism, hospitality and culture in one elevated setting. While at Capital, work feels like time well spent. For more information, please visit capitalcigar.com or contact Shayna Zamrzla at shayna@capitalcigar.com.

Innovative Homes and Design has completed a striking condominium renovation just steps from Memorial Stadium, transforming the existing at Lied Place Residences into a refined, modern living space that blends craftsmanship, functionality and distinctive design. The project highlights the company’s ability to reimagine residences while tailoring every detail to the homeowner’s lifestyle. Located in one of Lincoln’s most recognizable neighborhoods, the renovation showcases rich finishes, custom-built cabinetry, expansive stone surfaces and thoughtfully integrated lighting create a cohesive aesthetic throughout the home. Standout features include the reconfigured kitchen built to create an inviting focal point for entertaining, as well as a spa-inspired bathroom.

The prominent location overlooking Memorial Stadium made this renovation a unique showcase for Innovative Homes’ craftsmanship. Every element was carefully planned to create a cohesive, functional living environment that complements the condo’s exceptional setting. Throughout the entire residence, custom details elevate the overall design while maximizing comfort and practicality.

Since the 1980s, Innovative Homes and Design has served Lincoln with custom homes, renovations, and remodeling projects built around each client’s vision. Led by founder Mark Resseguie, the company is known for its hands-on approach, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering unique spaces that stand apart from standard designs.The Memorial Stadium-area condo renovation stands as another example of Innovative Homes and Design’s dedication to creating lasting value through exceptional remodeling and design. For more information, you can visit innovativehomes-design.com or call (402) 610-0886.

Your Easiest Way To Las Vegas.

Hamilton Telecommunications® Celebrates 125th Anniversary

Hamilton Telecommunications has announced the celebration of its 125th year of providing technology and telecommunications services. This milestone reflects a rich company history delivering technology services that are built on more than a century of success, experience, commitment and innovation.

Established in 1901 as a local telephone cooperative serving Hamilton County, Nebraska, Hamilton Telecommunications has grown into a recognized leader in the telecommunications industry. Hamilton has remained on the forefront of innovation for more than a century. Over time, Hamilton expanded its technology offerings to include business solutions such as network management, cybersecurity, business phone systems and more. The company was also among the first providers of Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS), which later expanded to include Captioned Telephone (CapTel®) Service. These milestones reflect Hamilton’s longstanding commitment to innovation, quality and meeting the evolving needs of its customers.

“At the heart of our success lies our commitment not only to excellence, but to our customers, to our employees and to our communities,” said John Nelson, CEO of Hamilton Telecommunications. “The relationships we have built play a pivotal role in our journey and we are incredibly grateful to all those who have been a part of our 125-year story. Your trust, business and support have made us better and have been integral to our success.”

Hamilton Telecommunications has been a constant in an environment of ever-changing regulations, laws and economic conditions. Today, Hamilton Telecommunications encompasses seven primary company divisions that operate on a local, regional and national basis.

For more information visit their website at hamiltonbusiness.com.

NewStartCleaningCelebratesBeingNamed Lincoln’s Best Cleaning Company for the Second Consecutive Year

New Start Cleaning is proud to announce that it has once again been voted Lincoln’s Best Cleaning Company, earning the recognition for the second consecutive year. This achievement reflects the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of the company’s outstanding team members who serve residential and commercial clients throughout the Lincoln area.

Founded on the belief that a clean environment creates new opportunities and fresh starts, New Start Cleaning has continued to grow while maintaining a strong commitment to quality service, community involvement, and employee development. The company recently celebrated this milestone with an employee appreciation event in June, recognizing the team members whose efforts make the award possible.

“We are incredibly grateful to our clients, employees, and the Lincoln community for their continued trust and support,” said the New Start Cleaning team. “Winning this award two years in a row is an honor and motivates us to continue delivering exceptional service every day.”

For more information about New Start Cleaning and its services, visit newstartcleaningllc.com, send them an email at info@ newstartcleaningllc.com, or give them a call at (402) 202-2823.

Good Times Trailer Now Booking their Premium Tailgate Rental Trailer

Big news from Good Times Trailer! They’re now booking their premium tailgate rental trailer, perfect for game day tailgates, graduation parties, birthday celebrations, weddings, corporate events and community gatherings.

Their trailer creates the ideal space for gathering, celebrating, and making unforgettable memories with things like high speed internet, TV streaming, an onboard bathroom and coolers with ice.

The setup and teardown are taken care of by the Good Times Trailer crew, so you are free to let loose! Good Times Trailer knows great events start with great company, great food, and the perfect place to connect.

Ready to take your next event to the next level? Let them make your event simple, fun, and stress-free. Now accepting reservations! Contact them today for availability and pricing at GoodTimesTrailer. com.

Lincoln Chamber Releases City Development Survey Results

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development have released the results of a recent industry survey focused on Lincoln’s development, permitting and inspection processes. The survey gathered feedback from professionals who regularly work with the City’s Planning and Development Services Department to better understand strengths, challenges and opportunities for continued improvement. This effort is also part of the Lincoln Chamber’s Vitality Lincoln Strategic Plan to support a development process for projects in Lincoln.

Overall, respondents highlighted favorability with the professionalism and responsiveness of City staff, improvements in communication and coordination and the efficiency of the inspection process.

“Looking forward, our goal is to collectively identify and implement improvements to the development process in Lincoln. That will be based on consistent dialogue between the City of Lincoln and development industry leaders,” said Jason Ball, President and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development.

The Lincoln Chamber and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development have worked directly with Planning and Development Services Director David Cary throughout this process and appreciate his openness to feedback and ongoing engagement with industry professionals.

The Lincoln Chamber and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development plan to continue facilitating conversations between industry stakeholders and City leadership to support practical solutions and continued improvement.

The full report can be found at lcoc.com/advocacy.

For questions, contact Brooke Zimmerman, Vice President of Marketing & Program Development, at (402) 540-2943 or bzimmerman@lcoc.com.

MavenTile&HomeDesignCelebrates4Years in Lincoln

This June, Maven Tile & Home Design proudly celebrates four years of serving the Lincoln community. While Maven recently celebrated its 10-year company anniversary this past February, this milestone marks four years since bringing its boutique design studio and curated showroom to Lincoln.

Maven Tile & Home Design helps homeowners, builders, contractors and developers create spaces that are beautiful, functional and timeless. Whether building a custom home, remodeling a kitchen or bath or selecting finishes for a new construction project, Maven provides expert guidance and thoughtfully curated selections to bring every vision to life.

The showroom features an extensive collection of tile, stone, cabinetry, hardwood, carpet, luxury vinyl flooring, wallpaper, area rugs, cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures, and specialty finishes.

Founded by Lizett Nissenson-Mendoza, Maven is backed by more than 25 years of residential and commercial design experience. A Certified Tile Consultant (CTC), Lizett is known for helping clients navigate the oftenoverwhelming building and remodeling process with confidence, creativity, and attention to detail.

The Maven team is committed to making the design, renovation and building process seamless and enjoyable through personalized service, clear communication, expert product knowledge and thoughtful planning. By taking the time to understand each client’s lifestyle, goals, and budget, Maven creates cohesive spaces that feel both beautiful and uniquely personal. As Maven celebrates four years in Lincoln and ten years in business, the team looks forward to continuing to serve homeowners, builders, contractors, and developers throughout Nebraska for many years to come.

To learn more, visit maventileandhomedesign.com.

Rose Cat Coffee Viral Video Reaches Over Half a Million Users

Though social media has its downfalls, it also has beauty. Recently, a video of Rose Cat Coffee’s stellar baristas went viral. This video had the power to make over 474 thousand people stop in their tracks and see the beauty and value that individuals with disabilities bring to this often hurried and hate filled world.

While the visibility was already showing overwhelming support for Rose Cat Coffee, so were the interactions on the post. Over 51 thousand people clicked the like button and 121 people left a comment. It is incredible that people saw so many joy filled faces and believed that words or comments might make a difference for others. What stands out is the over two thousand people who felt compelled to share it to those they know with the hope that they might spread the message of inclusion and choosing kindness.

In the matter of a few days that one post impacted a half million people - even if only for a few seconds - those seconds planted seeds to inclusivity that have the potential to grow in their own communities. So if you haven’t yet followed @rosecatcoffee on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok this is your chance, because you never know who might see that inclusion is always on trend. You can visit Rose Cat Coffee’s website at rosecatcoffee.com.

STATUS Haymarket Hosts Keely’s Closet on July 16 for Styling Tips & Tricks

On July 16, from 4 to 7 p.m., STATUS Haymarket will be hosting Keely’s Closet for an event talking about styling tips and tricks, how to mix old items with your new ones for a fresh look, and what pieces are worth investing and which ones you might want to skip.

Owner Keely Nations founded the designer boutique called Keely’s Closet and has been using her unique expertise to eliminate “ugly duckling” syndrome since 2009. Her boutique helps women curate both their mindsets and wardrobes, empowering them to feel seen, valued, and ready to step into their best selves with renewed confidence and a refreshed wardrobe.

STATUS offers a variety of vintage handbags, one of a kind dresses and an assortment of designer pieces, the pieces that stay with you for years and travel through the big moments with you. They are based in the Historic Haymarket District and are committed to selling the very best sustainable luxury and building customer trust. STATUS is pleased to give customers beautiful and tangible investment pieces.

For more information on STATUS events you can follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/mystatusluxhaymarket.

For more information on Keely’s Closet visit keelysclosetboutique.com.

Commercial Kitchen

HoneyBee Bridal National Bridal Sale

From July 12 – 20, HoneyBee Bridal is participating in a National Bridal Sale featuring discounts on dresses and accessories. Go visit and explore the variety of topquality dress styles for a discounted price.

HoneyBee Bridal aims to be Lincoln’s most inclusive bridal experience, inspiring all brides to feel beautiful inside and out. They celebrate love in every form.

HoneyBee Bridal’s owners, Erica and Alanna, have carefully selected designers and dresses to showcase in their shop, providing brides in the area with new and unique dresses that are not currently offered in Lincoln.

HoneyBee Bridal is located at 8320 Northwoods Dr. Ste 600. They operate Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Contact them by phone at (531) 350-5164 or email them at honeybeebridalne@gmail.com. Book an appointment on their website at honeybeebridalne.com/book-an-appointment.

Summer Safety Initiative Highlights Importance of CPR & First Aid Training

As summer brings increased outdoor activity, New View Trainings SAFE FAMILY INITIATIVE is urging community members to prioritize CPR and First Aid education to help prevent and respond to seasonal injuries.

Emergency departments see a significant rise in incidents during the summer months, with up to 25% of annual ER visits occurring during this time and more than 40% of children’s injury-related visits happening between May and August. Outdoor recreation, water activities and travel all contribute to this seasonal spike.

Water safety remains a critical concern. Each year, the U.S. experiences over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths, and drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. Most incidents occur in residential settings such as home or backyard pools.

Medical emergencies also frequently happen at home. More than 70% of cardiac arrests occur in residential settings, and about 90% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims do not survive without immediate help. However, performing CPR right away can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, making bystander action critical.

Despite widespread awareness, a gap remains between knowledge and action...only a fraction of people feel confident responding in an emergency.

The SAFE FAMILY INITIATIVE through New View Training aims to close that gap by equipping individuals, families and businesses with hands-on training in CPR and First Aid. Participants learn how to respond to cardiac arrest, water emergencies and common summer injuries. Skills that can save lives in the critical minutes before professional responders arrive.

For more information or to register, visit: newviewtraining.com and search for FAMILY CPR.

Hunt Irrigation Inc. – The Water Smart CompanyAnnounces21MonthsInterest-Free Financing

Hunt Irrigation Inc., The Water Smart Company, is pleased to announce a limited-time financing promotion designed to help homeowners and businesses invest in water-saving irrigation improvements without the upfront financial burden.

Customers who make qualifying purchases of $1,000 or more can now take advantage of 21 months of interestfree financing.

Whether you’re upgrading an outdated sprinkler system components, installing smart irrigation technology, improving water efficiency or completing much-needed repairs, this special financing offer makes it easier to get the work done now while spreading payments over time.

“Our goal has always been to provide customers with smart, efficient irrigation solutions that save water and protect landscapes,” said Hunt Irrigation Inc. founder Jeremy Hunt. “This financing promotion allows our new and current clients to make those improvements today and pay over time with no interest for 21 months.”

Popular projects that may qualify include Smart irrigation controller upgrades, sprinkler system renovations/conversions, drainage, outdoor low voltage lighting or new irrigation installations.

This special offer is available for a limited time. Customers are encouraged to contact Hunt Irrigation Inc. to schedule a consultation and learn more about available financing options.

Call (402) 438-8151 today to schedule your irrigation evaluation and start saving water, money, and time.

HBAL’s Annual Golf Tournament Benefits Construction Education

YOUniqHealthAnnouncesAugustRelocation to New Lincoln Facility

The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL) and the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation hosted the annual Nadine Condello Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, June 5 at Highlands Golf Course, welcoming 208 golfers to the event. This year’s tournament raised over $16,600. The team from Union Bank & Trust took home top honors with a winning score of 59.

Proceeds from the tournament go to the Lincoln Home Builders Care Foundation. It’s mission is to support the educational and charitable activities of the Home Builders Association of Lincoln.

The Foundation strives to support the community by contributing to community service projects focused on housing, as well as providing scholarships for students pursuing a career related to the building industry and providing funding for other industry-related educational and research programs.

Since 2010, the Foundation has distributed more than $472,000 through scholarships, industry related educational programs, local charities and disaster relief efforts.

For more information, please visit hbal.org.

YOUniq Health confirms that its relocation to a new facility in central Lincoln, Nebraska, is scheduled to take place in August 2026. As preparations continue, the clinic remains focused on ensuring a seamless transition for patients while preparing to welcome the community into a space designed to support its continued growth.

The upcoming move reflects YOUniq Health’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to compassionate, individualized care and enhancing the patient experience. The new location will provide a more accessible and thoughtfully designed environment that supports the clinic’s whole-person, patient-centered approach and allows its team to continue meeting the evolving needs of the community.

“Our priority throughout this transition has been to ensure continuity of care for the individuals and families who trust us with their care,” said Dr. Ogbonnaya Akpa, Director of Operations at YOUniq Health. “This new space represents an investment in our community and our commitment to creating an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, and supported in their healing journey.”

Patients can expect normal clinic operations throughout the transition. Visit youniqhealth.com to learn more.

What’s Your Air Score? Technology

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Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Brings 21st Annual Make-A-Wish Nebraska Golf Tournament to Community

On Friday, July 17th, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is bringing the 21st annual Make-A-Wish Nebraska Golf Tournament to the community. All proceeds from the tournament will go to Make-A-Wish Nebraska. The event is structured as a four-person scramble. Each team is $600, which includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart and an awards banquet with a meal afterwards. The event is happening at the Woodland Hills Golf Course. Registration is from 7 a.m., and the event officially starts at 8 a.m.

About

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a local depositor-owned bank with a dedication to the Nebraska community. They are committed to bringing trust, stability, and personalized financial service to their customers, as well as serving their local community.

For more information, please visit lincolnfed.com.

WholeheartedHealthcareExpandsInsuranceBased Primary Care in Lincoln

Wholehearted Healthcare, P.C., an integrative primary care clinic housed in a restored 1938 Art Moderne landmark at 47th and Bancroft Avenue, announced that Larinda Fandrich, DNP, APRN-NP, FNP-C, is accepting new clients for the insurance-based side of the business. Larinda brings a wealth of expertise to the team. She holds a doctorate with a specialization in lifestyle medicine and is a certified health coach. She is currently in-network with most major insurance plans.

As part of this transition, Wholehearted Healthcare has launched its comprehensive rebrand. Under the vision of founder Gena Foster, APRN-NP, the practice has reorganized into two distinct legal branches to preserve client confidentiality and deliver authentic, transparent care: Wholehearted Wellness, LLC (a self-pay, concierge model) and Wholehearted Healthcare, P.C. (an insurance-based primary care practice).

“Our collaborative circle of care ensures patients receive personalized, science-backed medicine,” said Gena Foster. “While my personal focus centers on our whole person self-pay concierge and with a special emphasis in supporting humans with ‘holding and touch work’ (nervous system regulation) and Functional Medicine, Larinda’s training allows patients to utilize their traditional insurance benefits while experiencing our signature, unhurried approach to root-cause healing.”

Larinda’s practice incorporates the six pillars of lifestyle medicine— nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and social connectedness—to help individuals navigate chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hormonal shifts.

New client intake forms are available online at insurance. wholeheartedhealthcare.com.

Lincoln Coin & Bullion Stops $1.5 Million Worth of Scams, Receives Award from LPD for their Efforts

In June 2025, a customer visited Lincoln Coin & Bullion intending to purchase approximately $94,000 worth of gold after being targeted by an online scam. Upon learning the circumstances surrounding the transaction, Lincoln Coin & Bullion employees recognized potential signs of fraud and immediately contacted the Lincoln Police Department.

The victim said she got a computer message saying her computer and bank accounts had gotten hacked and directed her to purchase 28 oz. of gold to be transferred to an agency for “safe keeping”.

Lincoln Coin & Bullion worked with officers of LPD right away to stop this scam and protect the victim’s life savings. With both the LPD and Lincoln Coin & Bullion’s involvement, the victim was informed on potential scams for future protection of her finances and possessions.

In Total, Lincoln Coin & Bullion has saved 10 Nebraskans $1.5M of their lifelong savings from similar scams over the past few years. These scams are surprisingly sophisticated and can often take 30-60 minutes until the victim will realize the scam.

Because of the actions of Lincoln Coin & Bullion, they are being awarded the Community Exception Service Award. This award is given by the Lincoln Police Department for outstanding performance under unusual, complicated or hazardous conditions. It is also award for exemplary service over a prolonged period of time for designing and implementing problem solving projects in the community.

For more information on Lincoln Coin & Bullion, please visit their website at lincolncoinandbullion.com.

JetSplash Expands Fleet Bundle Program to Help Lincoln Businesses Reward Employees

EncoreatBishopHeightsAnnouncesOpening of its New Marketing Center

Encore at Bishop Heights is proud to announce the opening of its new Marketing Center, now welcoming prospective residents to explore the community and schedule personalized tours. The community has also launched pre-leasing, allowing residents to reserve their future homes in advance of Winter 2027 move-ins.

Encore at Bishop Heights brings a new living experience to Lincoln as the city’s first 55+ active adult community, ideally situated in the prestigious Country Club District. This milestone offers a fresh option for active adults seeking a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle.

Prospective residents are invited to attend an upcoming event at the Marketing Center to learn more about the community, explore amenities, and get an early look at what’s to come.

What sets Encore at Bishop Heights apart is their intentional focus on lifestyle, independence and community. They are not simply offering apartment homes — they are creating an environment where active adults can continue living fully while enjoying the convenience and ease of maintenance-free living.

More information can be found on their website at encoreatbishopheights.com or you can reach them at (531) 500-8176.

All upcoming events can be found through their website at encoreatbishopheights. com through the “Events” tab.

World of Knowledge Early Learning Center – West Celebrates Five Years of Serving Children and Families

JetSplash is expanding awareness of its Fleet Bundle Program, a workplace incentive solution designed for Lincolnarea businesses. The program allows companies to purchase bundles of 50 or 100 car washes that can be distributed to employees as rewards, recognition gifts, performance incentives or appreciation perks.

As businesses continue looking for creative ways to attract, retain and recognize employees, JetSplash Fleet Bundles offer a practical benefit employees can use throughout the year. The program is designed to be simple for employers to administer while providing a meaningful perk for team members.

In addition to boosting employee morale, the program helps keep employee vehicles clean and contributes to a more professionallooking workplace environment. Fleet Bundles can be used by businesses of all sizes and provide an alternative to traditional rewards such as gift cards or company merchandise. JetSplash has served the Lincoln community for more than 15 years and was recently named Lincoln’s Choice Best Car Wash for the 15th consecutive year. For more information, visit jetsplash. com/fleet-programs, call (402) 420-7760 or email kinsey@ jetsplash.com.

World of Knowledge Early Learning Center – West is proud to celebrate its 5th anniversary of providing high-quality early childhood education and care to children ages 6 weeks through 13 years old.

Since opening its doors in 2021, World of Knowledge Early Learning Center – West has been committed to creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and develop the academic, social and emotional skills needed for future success.

A key part of the center’s success has been the leadership of Director Jennifer Gibbons, who has been a valued member of the World of Knowledge family for nearly 16 years. Her dedication has helped create a welcoming and supportive learning environment that families have come to trust.

“Jennifer’s passion for early childhood education and her commitment to building strong relationships with families have been instrumental in the success of our West location,” said Dawn Robinson, Owner and Founder of World of Knowledge.

As part of its ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of families, World of Knowledge Early Learning Center – West expanded its services in January 2026 by introducing Drop-In Child Care. This flexible option was created to support families who do not require traditional full-time child care but still need reliable, high-quality care on an occasional basis.

“We understand that family schedules have changed,” said Robinson. “Our drop-in program allows families to access quality early childhood education and care when they need it most.”

For more information, please visit worldofknowledgene.com.

(402) 625-6578 www.insuranceonpoint.com

by Krista Dittman Agent, Individual & Senior Benefits

GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Program to Start July 1st, 2026

Starting July 1, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2027 there are three GLP-1 drugs not typically covered by Medicare that will be available for $50/month. Wegovy (injection and tablet), Foundayo and Zepbound (KwikPen) are the 3 GLP-1 drugs that qualify for this Bridge program. This Bridge program operates outside of Medicare. While it is necessary to have Part D coverage through a regular stand-alone Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan, the $50 monthly copay will not count toward the 2026 Medicare TRooP (TRue out of Pocket) cost of $2,100.

To be eligible for this new program, a provider must submit a prior authorization request that confirms that the drug was prescribed to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in combination with current and ongoing lifestyle modification, structured nutrition, and physical activity. Applicants must meet one of these further criteria:

1. Having a BMI of ≥35.

2. Having a BMI ≥30 in combination with a diagnosis of a. heart failure, b. uncontrolled hypertension, or c. chronic kidney disease of stage 3a or above.

3. Having a BMI ≥27 in combination with a diagnosis of a. prediabetes, b. previous myocardial infarction, c. previous stroke or d. symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

To access these GLP-1 medications, a doctor or provider much submit a prior authorization request and a prescription for one of the eligible GLP-1 drugs. These requests will NOT be processed prior to July 1, 2026. The prior authorization form and further information can be found at the website cited below.

Some Medicare Part D drug plans currently provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs only if prescribed in combination for another condition. These include Mounjaro, Ozempic, Rybelsus and Trulicity.

Finding the right plan and learning about new programs can feel confusing. The licensed insurance agents at On Point Insurance Agency are here to help you navigate these changes!

For more information visit: cms.gov/medicare/coverage/ prescription-drug-coverage/medicare-glp-1-bridge/informationmedicare-beneficiaries.

Professional Cleaning That Works as Hard as Your Team

Maid To Please provides reliable, detail-focused cleaning for offices and commercial spaces throughout Lincoln. From routine office cleaning to deep sanitation services, our professional team helps businesses maintain a polished, customer-ready environment, without pulling staff away from their real work.

Services Include:

STAR CITY SIX LINDSEY

Lindsey Bernt SCHWISOW CONSTRUCTION

Lindsey Bernt is the Senior Manager Business Development, Design and Construction at Schwisow Construction.

Tell us a little about your business. - For 40 years, Schwisow Construction has served as a trusted General Contractor specializing in the design and construction of commercial, manufacturing, office, healthcare, sports & recreation and industrial facilities. While we are proudly based in Lincoln, Nebraska, our team has successfully completed projects across the state, partnering with organizations that help strengthen and grow our communities.

• Routine Office Cleaning (Customer Area)

• Restroom & Breakroom Cleaning

• Deep Cleaning & Sanitization

• Special Event Prep & Cleanup

How did you get started in the business? - I began my career as a licensed architect designing commercial and multifamily projects before moving to the owner & real estate development side of the industry to gain experience in all phases of development, from site acquisition and financing through construction and project stabilization. This background allows me to bring a well-rounded perspective, combining architectural, development and construction expertise to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to deliver successful projects.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I was the design architect on a six-story mixed-use development featuring 99 residential apartments and 6,000 SF of retail. Once construction began, I transitioned to the development team that was delivering the project, which allowed me to see it through from a more holistic perspective. I helped secure final building approvals and support the project through opening and occupancy. It has been especially rewarding to see the building come to life and experience it as part of the community, knowing the role I played in shaping its design, construction and operation.

Tell us a little about your family. - Both my husband and I were born and raised in Lincoln. We moved out of state after graduating from UNL and recently moved back home to raise our daughter near her grandparents and cousins.

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

Customer experience is everything. We'll help you make it easy for your customers to pay.

• State-of-the-art equipment with training provided.

• Local support.

• Digital Invoicing.

• Point-of-Sale, online, wireless, and mobile payment options.

• All major credit cards and debit cards accepted.

• Access to many different service providers and payment acceptance options, including Clover

• Lincoln Federal Savings Bank Business Checking required.

• Subject to credit approval.

- I’m currently experiencing one of the most significant transitions in my life. In the past 18 months, I’ve become a mother, moved across the country, bought our first home and started my new job. It is a season of tremendous change, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Anything that gets me outdoors. I enjoy camping, hiking, swimming and playing sports, but can also appreciate slowing down and relaxing with a beautiful sunset in the backyard.

Who inspires you? - I’m inspired by people who are passionate about what they do. Their enthusiasm is contagious and it motivates me to learn more, support their efforts and bring the same level of energy and commitment to my own interests.

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Authentic. I strive to be genuine in my relationships and work, and I hope that’s what people remember most.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel. I love exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, so the ability to also visit different time periods would be incredible.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - My first job in high school was at Valentino’s and I still love their hamburger pizza.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Walt Disney. It would be fascinating to learn about his vision, placemaking and ability to blend storytelling and design into a physical manifestation of imagination.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - You can email me at Lindsey.Bernt@schwisow.com, call me at (402) 450-9032, or visit schwisow.com.

STAR CITY SIX BRITT

Britt Winters is the Grant Development Coordinator at Hamilton Business Technologies.

Tell us a little about your business. - Hamilton started as a telephone cooperative in 1901 in Aurora and has grown over the past 125 years to become one of the leading independent communications and technology providers in the U.S. Hamilton Business Technologies, one of Hamilton’s eight business lines, is your one-stop shop for all your organization’s IT needs. We pride ourselves on providing innovative, customized technology solutions that allow customers to focus on what they do best: growing their business!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Jumping back into the workforce after spending seven years at home with my kids. Getting back into a professional groove while keeping up with everything at home took some serious effort, but I was fully committed to making it work. Going through that experience gave me a whole new level of discipline and time management that has made me an even stronger employee overall.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband, Kurtis, and I have four children and two dogs. Life at our house is always full of energy, and I truly love the joy and chaos that come with having a big family.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending quality time with my family. Some of our favorite things to do are having fire pits in the driveway while watching movies or playing games together. We also love being outdoors. Life can get so hectic, so those quiet moments of conversation are just as special to me as anything else. Those days really help me recharge so I can bring my best self to work.

Who inspires you? - My parents. My mother devoted her career to education, and my father served as a pastor in the Methodist church. I saw them lead with quiet strength, support people through difficult moments, and advocate for those whose voices were not always heard. They taught me that success is measured not only by what you achieve, but by how you support others along the way.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Move in silence, but let your actions speak with purpose.”

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Super speed. There are never enough hours in the day, and the ability to move at lightning speed would fix that instantly.

Which talent would you most like to have? - Cooking. I tend to stick to simple, basic meals, while my husband is the true chef in our home, cooking incredible meals from scratch with ease.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - I would own an ice cream shop. I love the idea of running a place that brings joy to everyone who walks through the door.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

What is your favorite movie? - A Beautiful Mind or The Secret Life of Pets.

What is your favorite TV show? - The Big Bang Theory.

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Charred Burger.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a woman ahead of her time, a fearless advocate for human rights and equality. I would love the opportunity to hear her story firsthand and learn from a woman whose courage and compassion changed the world.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?Email britt.winters@hamiltonisbusiness.com, call (402) 694-2784, or visit hamiltonisbusiness.com.

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STAR CITY SIX JUSTIN

Justin Taylor T SQUARE MOVERS

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• Network Wiring & Cabling

Justin Taylor is the Manager of Operations at T Square Movers and minority owner of Save Nebraska Local.

Tell us a little about your business. - I grew up in Omaha graduated from a small town about 8 miles north of Omaha called Fort Calhoun. Attended ITT Technical College for 1.5 years and actually dropped out to pursue moving and business ownership.

How did you get started in the business? - It was a flyer in the career center at college for Uhaul recruiting partnership moving companies.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - In the beginning, it was just finding the right people to do the jobs and help with administrative stuff. When I got together with my wife, that’s when things finally clicked.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- I’d have to say originally it was winning Lincoln’s choice 2025, but since then we’ve won again in 2026 and a BBB torch award.

Tell us a little about your family. - We’re a blended family with 4 kids. The youngest just graduated high school.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting with my wife, and renting our first home together off of south Cotner. It created a new drive in both of us to figure how to be successful.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I really enjoy disc golf and relaxing at Capital Cigar Lounge.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m really into sports and statistics so I’m fairly gifted at remembering or predicting sporting events. Who inspires you? - My father was always a big influence on me. He didn’t graduate but worked 1 job his whole life until retirement. Started as a garage janitor for omaha Metro Area Transit at 16. Retired as the lead mechanic many years later at age 65. His work ethic and drive to be someone without an education was inspiring. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - My dad use to tell me when I was younger, to do two things for work. Do 1 thing I really enjoy that can make money and do one thing I’m really good at. That’s how I ended up doing moving which I’m really good at and technology which I really enjoy.

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

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Time travel. If one could travel back in time and make certain moves first, you could be infinitely successful.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? - Probably math, I’m really good with numbers.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - We Can Do This. I grew up relatively poor in north Omaha. It means a lot to help kids like I needed at that time. We support dozens of non-profits. Like visionary youth, Marvilee, Loaves & Fishes, baby & me and many more.

What is your favorite movie? - Original Total Recall. What is your favorite TV show? - Sheriff Country & Fire Country

What is your favorite local Lincoln restaurant? - Art & Soul, Carmela’s & The Venue in that order.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Jony Ivy, former Apple Inc. designer. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - You can visit the website at Tsquaremovers.com, call (402)

STAR CITY SIX

COCO

Coco Chairez

NEW START CLEANING

Coco Chairez is the Owner & Founder of New Start Cleaning Services.

Tell us a little about your business. - We provide residential, commercial, apartment turnover, and postconstruction cleaning services. We focus on creating opportunities, especially for Latina women, helping them grow, become financially independent, and believe in themselves. We believe every “new start” matters.

How did you get started in the business? - I built this business from the ground up through hard work, long days, faith, and survival mode. What began as a necessity eventually turned into a small cleaning business of one and later grew into a company with an amazing team and strong relationships throughout the community.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?Learning how to grow while staying strong mentally and emotionally.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

- Building a successful business while helping others grow along the way and become confident, independent, and even start their own businesses.

Tell us a little about your family. - Family is everything to me. I’m very proud of my children and the strong values we share. Building something together and having my husband and two of my children work alongside me has been such a blessing

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

- Deciding to fully believe in myself and take the risk of building my own business. It taught me strength, resilience, leadership, and the importance of never giving up.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my family, relaxing, getting coffee, listening to music, focusing on personal growth, spending time with my cat and plants, and brainstorming new ideas and future projects.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - How emotional and passionate I am about helping others succeed. I want to see women win, support each other, and grow together. I also used to compete in bodybuilding and powerlifting.

Who inspires you? - Strong women, especially hardworking Latina entrepreneurs and single mothers. My mother is one of my biggest inspirations. She is one of the strongest women I know, and she taught me how to be independent, resilient, and hardworking.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Don’t just dream it — work for it.” and “Don’t let fear make your decisions.”

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

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? - To heal and motivate people emotionally so they can believe in themselves again. Which talent would you most like to have? - I would love to become even better at public speaking and mentoring women on a larger platform.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Oprah Winfrey, Napoleon Hill, or other strong and inspiring leaders.

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

- Readers can contact New Start Cleaning Services through social media, by phone (402-202-2823), email (info@newstartcleaningllc. com), or through our website (newstartcleaningllc.com).

courteousandprofessional.Ournew treeslookgreat!!!!-ScottMausbach

Transform Your Outdoor Space

Tell us a little about your business. - New View Training provides CPR, First Aid, AED, and workplace safety training for businesses, schools, childcare providers and community organizations, as well as BLS/ ACLS/ PALS certifications for healthcare professionals. Our mission is simple: give people the confidence and skills to respond in an emergency when every second counts. We are excited to be expanding our presence into the Lincoln area and look forward to connecting with businesses and organizations that value employee safety, preparedness and professional development.

How did you get started in the business? - I began my career as a Critical Care RN. I loved bedside care, but after 15 years and completing my masters in nursing education, I moved into the role of critical care educator and became passionate about the impact high quality education has. I also saw how empowering it was when people knew what to do during a crisis. That inspired me to transition into the type of training and education I do now. I founded New View Training to help make lifesaving skills accessible, practical and engaging!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Like many entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge is balancing growth while maintaining the personal touch that clients value. As demand increases, it’s important to stay focused on quality, relationships and service.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?Building New View Training into a trusted has been incredibly rewarding. However, my greatest achievement is knowing that our training has helped people save lives and respond confidently. When a student shares a story about successfully using CPR or First Aid skills, it reinforces why this work matters.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband, Dave, and I have three wonderful children. Tyler and his wife Lauren (and our new grandbaby, Henry) live in Omaha; Cadyn is studying Business and Entrepreneurship at the University of Tampa, and our youngest, Annelise, is in high school and keeps us busy with volleyball. We also have a very full house that includes dogs, cats, horses and even a turtle.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?Starting my own business. It required me to step outside my comfort zone, trust my experience and embrace entrepreneurship. It taught me that growth often begins when you’re willing to take a chance on yourself.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - You can usually find me painting, thrifting, reading or enjoying time with my family and animals. Those simple moments help me recharge and stay grounded.

Who inspires you? - I’m inspired by everyday people who quietly make a difference in their communities. Volunteers, caregivers, teachers, first responders and nonprofit leaders often work behind the scenes without recognition, but their impact is immeasurable.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Do things that scare you.” Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.

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

What local nonprofit organization are you passionate about or involved with? - I serve on the Board of Directors for Town & Country Animal Rescue. I’ve fostered animals and volunteered in rescue efforts for many years... it changes the lives of animals and people!

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Florence Nightingale. As a nurse, I’ve always admired Florence Nightingale for her courage to challenge society’s perception of nursing. It’s hard to imagine the determination it took to transform nursing into the respected profession it is today. I would love to hear firsthand how she remained steadfast in the face of resistance and created such lasting change.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?Visit the website newviewtraining.com, email bethany@newviewtraining. com or call (402) 981-5151.

STAR CITY SIX

Ann Ringlein

Ann Ringlein is the manager at Lincoln Running Company.

Tell us a little about your business. - I am the manager of the Lincoln Running Co – a specialty running/walking/feel good store!

How did you get started in the business? - When I moved to Lincoln 41 years ago, I had worked in a running store in Grand Island and was a runner. I went to the Athlete’s Foot to buy my children some shoes and Jim Lewis – president of the Lincoln Track Club at the time – introduced me to Judy Rogers, the owner, told her I had just moved to Lincoln and had worked at a running store – I was hired on the spot!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - When my kids were little – the balancing act of it all.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?When our store placed in the top 10 of the Running Specialty Stores.

Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Ray, who works for a US Senator – our daughter Tessie and her husband Josh – live in North Bend, Ne and have 3 kids – Kellen – Ellie – and Grady. Our daughter, Mo and her husband Dilan – live in Toronto, ON and have 2 kids – Calvin and Mira.

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

- When I started running in high school and the confidence it gave me.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - This has changed over the years. A few years ago I would have said riding my bike on gravel – now it is working in my yard.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I’m from Red Cloud, NE – America’s Most Famous Small Town (according to Red Cloud).

Who inspires you? - All the young women out there raising families, working, volunteering and running at 5 in the morning because that is the only time they can run!

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Life is the simple act of paying close attention.” - from one of my customers and it is a William Kloefkorn quote.

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

If you had a theme song, what would it be? - “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) - The Proclaimers.

If you could have a super power, what would it be? - To run as fast as I used to.

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

Which talent would you most like to have? - Lot’s of them! I do one thing well, athletically – I would love to have lot’s of other talents! I’m not picky.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Some kind of animal rescue.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - Oh my goodness you opened a can of worms. The Bridge, The Bike Kitchen, The Lincoln Track Club, GPTN; I am on the board for these. Others I am passionate about are Spring Creek Prairie, Prairie Pines, Capital Humane Society.

What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - Good for a Girl: A Running Man’s World – you all should read it.

What is your favorite movie? - Whale Rider.

What is your favorite Lincoln restaurant? - Yia-Yias.

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

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?Store phone: (402) 474-4557, email: lincolnrunning@windstream.net, website: lincrunningcompany.com.

First State Bank Nebraska Welcomes Eric Koenig as Chief Operations Officer

First State Bank Nebraska is pleased to announce the hiring of Eric Koenig as the bank’s new Chief Operations Officer. Eric succeeds Steph Mencl, who is transitioning into a new role on First State’s deposit team.

Eric brings nearly 20 years of banking experience to First State, with a background spanning lending, retail banking, operations, and information technology. Throughout his career, he has led initiatives focused on improving customer experience, enhancing banking technology, and supporting community banking across Nebraska.

“We are excited to welcome Eric to the First State team,” said Jerry Lentfer, CEO. “His extensive experience, leadership style, and passion for community banking make him an excellent fit for our organization as we continue to grow and serve our customers and communities.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to join First State Bank Nebraska,” said Koenig. “I’ve always admired the bank’s strong culture and commitment to its employees, customers, and communities. I look forward to building on the momentum already in place and continuing to support community banking in Nebraska.”

Outside of work, Eric enjoys spending time with his two children and golfing.

First State Bank Nebraska is a $1 billion bank who is committed to showing up for the communities they serve. To learn more, go to 1FSB. BANK or call (402) 421-3535.

K2HolisticHealthPartnerswithKaylaMyers of Systemic LLC

K2 Holistic Health is proud to announce their partnership with Systemic LLC. K2 has been looking for the right fit to bring into their clinic, and Kayla Myers of Systemic LLC is that fit.

Kayla is a licensed massage therapist with a specialty in lymphatic drainage. This fits perfectly for K2 Holistic Health, as the lymphatic system is what drains toxins and dangerous compounds out of your body. Lymphatic drainage allows the lymphatic system to work more efficiently, which leads to the immediate results of weight loss, smaller arms and legs, and more energy. This massage and lymphatic specialty works perfectly for all that K2 Holistic Health has already been offering. K2 helps you regain both your Kinetics (movement) and Kinesthetics (neurology behind your movement).

To learn more call Kayla Myers at (402) 282-1464.

Husker Rehab Announces Farewell to PTA Julia Boshart

Husker Rehab in Fairbury extends its heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Julia Boshart as she prepares to relocate to western Nebraska.

Over the past year and a half, Julia has been an invaluable member of the Husker Rehab team. Her dedication to patient care, along with her positive and compassionate attitude, has left a lasting impact on both colleagues and the community she served. Julia built meaningful connections with patients and staff alike, earning deep appreciation for her commitment and warmth.

“Julia has been a wonderful asset to our clinic and our community,” said the Husker Rehab team. “Her caring nature and strong work ethic will truly be missed by everyone who had the privilege of working with her or receiving care from her.”

Husker Rehab remains committed to providing exceptional therapy services in Fairbury. The clinic continues to be led by owner and Physical Therapist Greg Cromer, alongside Occupational Therapist Melissa Cromer, and part-time PTA Tiffany Knigge. The team is actively seeking a full-time PTA to continue the high standard of care that patients have come to expect.

Fairbury offers a welcoming small-community environment with many opportunities, making it an ideal place for healthcare professionals seeking both professional fulfillment and a strong sense of community.

Husker Rehab thanks Julia for her outstanding contributions and wishes her continued success and happiness in her next chapter. More information can be found at huskerrehab.com.

Legacy Retirement Communities Resident Honored with Dream Flight

Legacy Retirement Communities is proud to share that resident Theodore “Ted” Monroe Mills was selected to participate in Dream Flights, a special program honoring senior veterans with the adventure of a lifetime: a flight in a Boeing Stearman biplane.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen attended the event, giving Mills the honor of meeting him for a second time. The day was a meaningful celebration of service, patriotism and gratitude for veterans who helped shape history. Mills, who was born September 23, 1925, served in the United States Navy during World War II. He enlisted in 1943 shortly after turning 18 and was honorably discharged in 1945. Mills served aboard the USS Beckham and held the rank of Seaman, First Class, SV6 USNR. During his time in the Navy, Mills and his crew received orders to travel to the Philippines to pick up Army soldiers who were being discharged and return them home. He remembers the travel, the places he was able to visit and the unique experiences that came with serving during such a significant time in history. One memorable highlight was that his ship was close enough for some officers to attend the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. Mills also had the opportunity to help drive and navigate the ship under the supervision of an officer. Legacy Retirement Communities is honored to celebrate Mills’ story and recognize his service, courage and contribution to our country. For more information about Legacy Retirement Communities, visit legacyretirement.com. You can also visit dreamflights.org to learn about Dream Flights.

JosephYoungSelectedasPresident&CEOof Nebraska Chamber

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry has selected Joseph Young, who has vast experience in government affairs and business development, as its next president & chief executive officer.

Young is not new to the NE Chamber, having served as executive vice president at the NE Chamber in 2015- 2018.

A seasoned business and public affairs leader, Young has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of economic development, government relations, and private-sector growth. In addition to his role at the NE Chamber, his career includes executive leadership positions at Sampson Construction, Cox Communications, the Greater Omaha Chamber, and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, all in Nebraska; and at AgAmerica Lending LLC, and Blue Tide Ventures LLC in Florida, where he is currently managing partner.

In addition to leading successful business development and public policy initiatives, Young has extensive experience building coalitions, working with elected officials, and advancing strategies that strengthen economic competitiveness and investment.

He holds an MBA from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“I am honored to join the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry and to have the opportunity to serve Nebraska’s business community once again,” Young said. “Together with our members, policymakers, and community leaders, I look forward to advancing policies and programs that strengthen Nebraska’s economy, support job creation, and create opportunities for all Nebraskans.”

Pat Keenan, chair of the NE Chamber Board, said Young “checked all of the boxes” for the Chamber CEO role.

“Not only does Joseph have extensive experience leading both state and Omaha chamber government relations, but he’s worked in business development and government affairs,” Keenan said.

“The array of experience in the roles he’s had, combined with his demonstrated ability in leading teams, building culture, and managing with accountability, makes him a great fit for the Nebraska Chamber. He’s a Nebraskan, and we’re pleased to welcome him to the team.”

Former state senator Matt Williams has served as interim president of the NE Chamber since February and was part of the selection process.

Young will begin his new role with the NE Chamber in mid-July.

The Nebraska Chamber of Commerce is the largest, statewide business association, proudly serving as the voice of Nebraska’s business community since 1912. The organization promotes and protects Nebraska’s free enterprise system by ensuring a competitive business climate, economic growth and greater prosperity for all Nebraskans.

Learn more at nechamber.com.

Strictly Business Magazine is Excited to WelcomeMaryClarksontotheEditorialTeam

Mary will be joining as a copywriter and social media intern bringing her passion for creativity, storytelling and content creation.

This fall, she will be going into her senior year at Nebraska Wesleyan University double majoring in Art and Digital Marketing. Along with her new position at Strictly Business Magazine, Mary also works as a content creator in the NWU Marketing and Communications Department and a student host in the NWU Admissions Office. She looks forward to bringing her previous academic and work experience to this role.

“I’m really grateful for this opportunity to continue growing my professional skillset,” Clarkson said. “I love learning new things and while I have experience in design, I haven’t had the opportunity to work on writing skills.”

Mary’s previous experience with content creation, design, and storytelling helps her contribute to the Magazine. The Strictly Business team is excited to welcome Mary Clarkson and looks forward to seeing her future contributions as she helps share the stories and successes of Nebraska.

Clarkson stated, “I’m happy to work with such a welcoming team and continue to grow my knowledge and skillset.”

To contact Mary Clarkson or other editorial staff, please email editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com.

Lincoln Federal’s Melissa Reinsch Graduates from Advanced School of Banking

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank (Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender) is proud to announce that Melissa Reinsch, VP / Deposit Banking Manager recently completed the 2025/2026 Advanced School of Banking. The second-year session of this course was held June 1-5, 2026, in Manhattan, Kansas. The Advanced School of Banking is sponsored by the Kansas and Nebraska Bankers Associations and is endorsed by the Colorado, Louisiana, South Dakota and Wyoming Bankers Associations.

The primary teaching tool in Year 2 is a computer-generated bank management simulation program. During this project students worked in teams as “banks,” making critical management decisions required to successfully operate a commercial bank.

Graduation from this two-week school represents over 60 hours of classroom study and 50 hours of independent study to complete banking research projects. This intense course of study is designed to assist bankers in developing operational and managerial skills to better serve the needs of their banks and their communities.

The Schools of Banking, located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a jointly owned subsidiary of the Kansas and Nebraska Bankers Associations. Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is a depositor-owned financial institution specializing in personal, business, and non-profit banking solutions. Melissa’s office is located at their Corporate Office at 8400 Maddox Dr., Lincoln, NE 68520. More information can be found at lincolnfed. com.

Stay Cool as the Weather Heats Up!

Karl Nelsen Celebrates 6 Years with Willet Construction

Like most carpenters who work at Willet Construction, Karl started his career as an Apprentice Carpenter. He has worked his way up to Project Manager and is a valuable asset to the company.

He has been willing to take on new responsibilities as they are presented and always keeps the Willet #1 goal in mind – customer satisfaction.

Those who have had Karl work on their home have always been complimentary in their reviews of their projects, even requesting he return when another project is in the works.

For more information, please visit willetconstruction.com.

Bridge to Better Living Adds Susan Langford as

Transition Consultant

Susan brings years of experience in senior living, with a passion for helping older adults find connection, purpose and community.

Throughout her career, she has focused on addressing loneliness and isolation among seniors, which has inspired her dedication to aligning individuals with living communities best supporting their unique needs and lifestyles.

Originally from Lincoln, Susan graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln and built her career around serving seniors and their families with compassion and understanding.

Susan is a proud mom to three sons ranging from their mid-teens to 20 years old. She and her husband, Travis, enjoy spending time attending their sons’ sporting events. Susan also enjoys dinner with friends, puzzling, boating, pool time, and spending time outdoors.

Bridge to Better Living is also hosting Q&A Sessions in Omaha and Lincoln, designed to answer your questions about retirement living options, including Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Assisted Living and Long-Term Care.

These one-hour sessions are held quarterly, and space is limited—so reserve your spot today!

• Lincoln Session: July 28 at 2 p.m. at 4230 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE B

• Omaha Session: July 30 at 2 p.m. at 4611 S. 96th St., STE 106

Bridge to Better Living was founded with the philosophy of Placement with Passion® dedicated to helping seniors find and transition to the retirement community best suited to individual social, physical, medical and financial needs.

Learn more at BridgetoBetterLiving.com.

We are passionate about restoring dignity to youth in crisis

We proudly serve Nebraska’s youth in care by providing the opportunity to personally shop for a new complete seasonal wardrobe and comfort items in a respectful, tailored setting. Every kid deserves the dignity and joy of choice.

Luke Peltz Named One of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for 2026

The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development (LPED) is proud to announce that Luke Peltz, Vice President of Economic Development, has been named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers for 2026 by Consultant Connect.

The annual recognition honors outstanding economic development professionals who are nominated by peers in both the economic development and site consulting industries. Recipients are selected based on exemplary leadership, innovative strategies and measurable impact in helping communities grow and thrive.

“Luke is tireless in his commitment to grow Lincoln’s economy and create economic opportunity for all residents,” said Jason Ball, President and CEO of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development. “His leadership in business recruitment, business expansion, talent retention and entrepreneurship programs, has made Lincoln a better, more vibrant community. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”

Peltz currently serves as vice president of the Nebraska Economic Developer’s Association (NEDA). His efforts helped secure two Gold Excellence in Economic Development Awards from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), three consecutive Governor’s Cups for most business development projects per capita and back-to-back Silver Shovel awards for investment and development projects.

The 2026 honorees will be formally recognized during Consultant Connect’s ECONOMIX event, taking place this November in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

More information on the LPED can be found at selectlincoln.org.

Union Bank & Trust Promotes Champoux

Union Bank & Trust (UBT) recently promoted Haley Champoux to Commercial Lender – Officer.

Champoux joined UBT in 2020 as a teller before eventually moving into the bank’s Credit Administration department. In her new role, Champoux will work closely with nonprofit organizations and commercial businesses to provide tailored, thoughtfully structured financing solutions that support their long-term goals.

Champoux graduated from UNL in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance. She is passionate about serving nonprofits that play a critical role in strengthening communities. Serving on the committees for Fresh Start and UBT’s Young Professionals Group, Champoux has also recently volunteered with the Special Olympics, Junior Achievement, Center for People and Head Start.

Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned Nebraska bank that offers complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services, in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 35 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. It is the third-largest bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $9.0 billion and trust assets of $45.4 billion as of December 31, 2025. More information is available at ubt.com.

Conor Willeke, of Willeke Financial, Wins Foundation of Finance Award at 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference

Conor Willeke, son of Craig Willeke and an intern at Willeke Financial Group, had an outstanding showing at the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas.

After qualifying through his 1st place finish at the Nebraska state competition, Conor went on to earn 1st place in Foundations of Finance and 8th place in Finance Case Study at the national level — competing against top collegiate talent from across the United States.

Conor’s results reflect his dedication to financial knowledge and professional development.

For more information, visit willekefinancialgroup.com.

Gomez Ramos Joins Nebraska Community Foundation

Nebraska Community Foundation (NCF) is excited to announce the hiring of Adrian Gomez Ramos as the nonprofit’s Director of Welcoming and Belonging.

This brand-new position cultivates a culture of inclusion, belonging and shared leadership across the NCF network through empowering staff, board members, volunteers and community leaders to deepen their understanding and practice of inclusive community building. Gomez Ramos will champion grassroots leadership by equipping local people to recognize their own power, amplify diverse voices and co-create communities where everyone is valued and has a place to contribute.

Prior to joining NCF, Gomez Ramos worked for Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln as the Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion. In that role, he helped create and lead strategies that focused on student success and inclusive practices throughout the university, including programming to increase engagement and retention among underrepresented students. He has also worked for the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce, HelpCare Clinic in Kearney and Buffalo County Community Partners.

Gomez Ramos earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska. Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 266 communities. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $594 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

Your trusted full-service auto repair shop in Lincoln, NE

Founded in 2005 by Kendall Warnock, A1 Automotive grew from humble beginnings into Lincoln’s trusted auto repair destination. With roots in community, honesty, and hard work, we treat every customer like family, providing expert care for every vehicle, from classic cars to hybrids and EVs.

Comprehensive Auto Services You Can Trust

No upsells. Just honest recommendations and quality service to keep you safe on the road. With our downtown Lincoln location at 1117 L Street and a second location at 5110 State Hill Drive, A1 Automotive brings convenience, trust, and community connection to every visit. Our community room at State Hill Drive is free for local gatherings, showing our commitment goes beyond car repair.

Foundry Events on the Horizon: Highlighting Student Voices, Building Connections,

and Purpose-Driven

Work in Nebraska

This fall, the Foundry is bringing together students, professionals, nonprofits and community leaders for two events centered on a shared vision: creating a Nebraska where young people feel connected, valued and inspired to build their futures locally.

The first event, Healing Nebraska: Talent Meets Need, will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Willa Cather Dining Center’s Red Cloud Room on UNL’s campus. Hosted in partnership with organizations including NAMI Nebraska, Community Alliance, CenterPointe, Mid-Plains and sponsored by UNMC’s Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska, the event will explore one of Nebraska’s most pressing challenges: strengthening the future of mental health research, access and advocacy.

Healing Nebraska sets out to tackle these challenges by highlighting the emerging talent of students and our Summer Intern Foundry, while connecting them to local professionals and opportunities. Facilitating these connections will provide exposure to the depth of behavioral health careers, allow for the sharing of meaningful stories and bolster the workforce pipeline of future Nebraska.

Just weeks later, the Foundry will host its third annual Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast on Sept. 11, at DelRay 817 in Lincoln’s Haymarket District. This event will bring together a targeted 100 young professionals and 100 employers, to sit together at intentionally designed tables.

Through facilitated conversations, students and businesses will exchange perspectives on transferable skills, Nebraska’s professional landscape and attractive workplace attributes. Connections and insights shared at these tables will help build and retain emerging talent.

This year’s breakfast will center on the theme of brain science and human-centered work, exploring how workplaces can cultivate a more supportive, research-backed culture. Keynote Dr. Kylie Ensrud, Co-Founder, President, and Chief HR Officer of Humanized HR, will challenge traditional workplace models centered on control and productivity, instead highlighting leadership approaches rooted in autonomy, wellbeing, adaptability and connection. Feedback from past participants consistently highlights how impactful it is to experience Lincoln’s close-knit professional community firsthand. Both events are designed to give students a seat at the table and amplify their voices. Not only are these events centered around students, but they are also planned and executed by students.

By fostering all-around visibility and highlighting purpose-driven opportunities, Healing Nebraska: Talent Meets Need and Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast are helping plant the seeds for a stronger, more connected future workforce across Nebraska.

For more information or any questions, please view their website: thefoundry.co or email them at hello@thefoundry.co.

EventideSummerCampConnectsChildrenand SeniorsThroughIntergenerationalActivities

Eventide hosted a free three-day Intergenerational Summer Camp June 15-17, bringing together children in kindergarten through fifth grade with senior residents for activities designed to foster meaningful connections across generations.

The camp provided opportunities for children to learn about aging, build confidence interacting with older adults and develop relationships with Eventide residents through shared experiences. Throughout the week, participants took part in crafts, games, music, outdoor activities and special events that encouraged learning, friendship and fun.

“Intergenerational programs create meaningful experiences for both children and older adults,” said Laura Bennett, Director of Life Enrichment. “Children gain confidence and understanding, while residents enjoy the energy, companionship and joy that comes from spending time with younger generations.”

Camp activities included icebreakers, crafts, bingo, ice cream socials, karaoke, outdoor games and a special visit from ponies. The camp concluded with children creating and delivering thank-you cards to residents, celebrating the friendships formed during the week.

The camp supported Eventide’s mission of empowering older adults to thrive while creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect and learn from one another.

For more information, visit eventide.org.

LocalSeniorsandResortLifestyleCommunities

Support

Voices of Hope Through Community Donation Drive

Residents of Savannah Pines Retirement Community and employees from Resort Lifestyle Communities (RLC) Home Office came together to support Voices of Hope, a Lincoln nonprofit that serves survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

Through a community-wide donation drive, residents and team members have collected hygiene products and personal care items—essential supplies that are often in high demand by individuals and families seeking support through Voices of Hope.

“Kindness and compassion are core values at Resort Lifestyle Communities, so it’s important for us to find ways to support organizations making a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Kiara Guadron, one of the RLC Home Office employees helping coordinate the effort.

While Resort Lifestyle Communities is known for providing independent retirement living, many residents remain deeply engaged in volunteerism and charitable efforts throughout the year, including food drives, blood donation events, and other community outreach initiatives.

By supporting Voices of Hope, residents and team members hope to provide practical assistance and encouragement to individuals facing difficult circumstances while raising awareness of the organization’s important work in the Lincoln area.

For more information about Voices of Hope and opportunities to support its mission, visit VoicesOfHopeLincoln.org.

For more information about Savannah Pines Retirement Community, visit SavannahPinesRetirement.com or call (402) 261-0905.

TO THE AMAZING PROJECTS

Branched Oak Observatory Celebrates Community Heroes This July

RED CLOUD COMMUNITY FOR THESE

The Branched Oak Observatory is inviting the public to enjoy two special July events that combine community, appreciation, and unforgettable experiences under the stars.

On July 4, the observatory will host its Silent Fourth of July from 7 p.m. to midnight. This pet-friendly event offers a peaceful alternative to traditional celebrations. Guests are encouraged to bring their leashed pets, favorite food and beverages while enjoying telescope viewing and a relaxing evening away from fireworks.

Then on July 25, the observatory will honor local heroes during its 2nd Annual First Responders Day from 6 p.m. to midnight. Active and retired firefighters, rescue personnel, police officers, doctors and ER nurses receive free admission. The event will feature emergency vehicles, family activities, telescope viewing, food trucks, raffle prizes, giveaways and more.

For complete event details, visit theboo.org and join the Branched Oak Observatory as it celebrates those who serve the communities both at home and abroad.

FosterCareClosetisMovingtoaNewLocation

Foster Care Closet recently announced their move to a new location in Lincoln to serve youth in the community. The current location at 643 S 25th St 8, Lincoln, NE will be closed to the general public from July 1 until September 9 while transitioning to the new location located in the Center for People building on N. 27th St.

During this time, the Foster Care Closet will continue to serve youth by appointment or via the mobile pop-up shopping events. Youth in foster care are able to select new seasonal wardrobes, shoes and essentials for free twice a year.

General item donation drop-off will be paused during the transition.

The Foster Care Closet accepts donations of new items including clothing, sneakers, diapers, backpacks and hygiene items (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant).

The Foster Care Closet is a nonprofit passionate about restoring dignity to youth in crisis. They strive to give joy through choice for youth in two ways:

1) They believe it restores dignity to the youth to be able to shop for themselves.

2) Every youth should have options of styles and sizes that best reflect their personalities and preferences.

There are currently 10 mobile stops across Nebraska including Scottsbluff, Sidney, North Platte, Kearney, Grand Island, Beatrice, Norfolk, Fremont, Winnebago Reservation and Lincoln. Last year over 1,900 children were served.

For more information, visit fostercarecloset.org, call (402) 8539990, or you can reach out to Leigh Esau, founder, at leighesau@ fostercarecloset.org or (402) 617-0667, or Sera Hutchins, Donor Stewardship and Marketing, at serahutchins@fostercarecloset.org.

A Day on the Lake with Apace and Live Well. Go Fish.

This summer, Apace is excited to partner with Live Well. Go Fish. to create meaningful outdoor experiences for the people they support. Thanks to generous sponsorships from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Apace is able to host monthly boat days at Lake Wanahoo, giving individuals the opportunity to spend time on the water, fish, relax and enjoy nature.

Research has shown that spending time outdoors and participating in nature-based programming can improve mental health, reduce stress, encourage social connection and support overall well-being. Through this partnership, individuals from Apace agencies are invited one Friday each month throughout the summer to enjoy an hour on the lake alongside friends, staff and volunteers.

These outings are more than just fishing trips, they are opportunities to build confidence, create memories and experience the joy and peace that nature can provide. They are grateful to everyone who is helping make this exciting event possible. For more information, please visit goapace.com.

Vision Maker Media Celebrates 50 Years of Educating Audiences

For 50 years, Vision Maker Media has been bringing Indigenous stories to audiences. To celebrate, the 2026 Film Festival, “Everything is Connected,” is a year-long event highlighting heritage, identity and community through the documentaries, narrative films and shorts VMM has produced and funded. The festival is a combination of inperson and online offerings.

On July 13, “Without Arrows” will be showcased at The Ross Theater. The film chronicles the vibrance and struggle of a Lakhóta family, when, after a decade away, a man returns home to carry on the legacy of his family. Following the screening, moderator Joe Rousseau will conduct a Q&A with Directors/Producers Elizabeth Day and Jonathan Olshfeski, and Delwin Fiddler, Jr., the film’s subject, a producer, and the inspiration for the story.

For free tickets, visit theross.org

In July, the VMM Festival hosts “The Bears on Pine Ridge” and “Story Pole” online. These documentaries embody the theme “Everything is Connected,” illustrating how personal resilience acts as a catalyst for collective renewal. By confronting adversity through advocacy and artistry, these narratives prove that individual healing is deeply intertwined with the well-being of the community.

Online festival at visionmakermedia.org/vision-maker-film-festivaleverything-is-connected-july-streaming.

Twice monthly, the iNative Shorts for Kids YouTube channel posts new episodes providing insight into Indigenous histories and heritages. July’s episodes cover “Reclaiming Old Ways” and “The Importance of Seeds,” showing how Traditional Ecological Knowledge has modern applications.

Watch at youtube.com/@iNativeShortsforKids

MilkWorks Invites Nebraska Families to Celebrate 25 Years of Community Impact at Family Fun Event on August 8

Families from across Nebraska are invited to join MilkWorks on August 8 for a day of family fun, community connection, and celebration as the nonprofi t community breastfeeding center marks its 25th anniversary of serving Nebraska families.

Hosted at Carol Joy Holling Camp, the MilkWorks 25th Anniversary Celebration will feature activities for all ages, including canoeing, ropes courses, bounce houses, face painting, lawn games, raffle bags, food, snacks, and more. The event is designed to bring together former and current MilkWorks families, community supporters, healthcare partners, and anyone looking for a fun summer day with their family. Family tickets are available for $25 on the MilkWorks website: milkworks.org

For 25 years, MilkWorks has been helping families navigate feeding and early parenting journeys with expert lactation support, education, breast pumps, support groups, and compassionate care. Since opening its doors in 2001, MilkWorks has become a trusted resource for generations of families throughout Nebraska, supporting approximately 25% of birthing families across the state.

“Reaching 25 years is an incredible milestone. It represents thousands of families who trusted us during one of the most important and vulnerable times in their lives. This celebration is our opportunity to thank the community that has supported MilkWorks and invite families to celebrate the impact we’ve made together.” says Dr. Kathy Leeper, current board member and MilkWorks co-founder.

More information can be found at milkworks.org.

Move Out and Give Back: College Students Donate Over 11,000 Pounds of Items to Goodwill

Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. partnered with three universities for their annual Campus MoveOut Drive, helping students declutter during and after spring semester finals. This year, students from the University of NebraskaLincoln, Concordia University and Nebraska Wesleyan University donated a total of 11,769 pounds of items to Goodwill. When students donate to Goodwill, they help change lives through the power of work. The revenue from Goodwill’s thrift stores in Lincoln and York helps fund local programs that assist job seekers as they overcome barriers to employment. In 2025 alone, Goodwill served over 6,300 individuals with employment-related services, such as job skills training, mentorship, mock interviews and more. Thanks to community donors, Goodwill also diverted over 2.3 million pounds of materials from the local landfill. Goodwill is grateful for support from organizations like UNL, Concordia and Wesleyan that make this impact possible.

About Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc.

For 94 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents a year-round outlet for donating clothing, electronics and household items. To learn more about Goodwill, follow them on Facebook (@LincolnGoodwill) or visit lincolngoodwill.org.

Red Cross: Urgent Need for Donors to Help Keep Blood Supply Stable

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors. Donors of all blood types are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer. As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give - an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross has experienced an alarming drop in scheduled donations in recent weeks.

To donate, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience. Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

15th Annual Give to Lincoln Day Surpasses

$11MLargestEventinGivetoLincolnHistory

The 15th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 28 raised more than $11 million for 497 local nonprofits – the highest amount raised in the event’s history and $1.5M more than the year prior.

Coordinated by the Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF), Give to Lincoln Day is an online event encouraging donations to support the local nonprofits and causes people care about. The funds are designated to help support charitable organizations that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County.

“What started as a bold idea has grown into a powerful tradition of generosity – proving year after year what’s possible when we come together for good,” said Tracy Edgerton, LCF President. “Once again, Lincoln has stepped up to break records and uplift the important work of local nonprofits.”

All participating nonprofits will receive a proportional share of a $650,000 match fund based upon the organization’s percentage of the total dollars raised, provided by LCF and sponsors including Presenting Sponsor, West Gate Bank.

More than 28,000 donations were received for the 15th annual Give to Lincoln Day. The event has raised more than $86 million for local nonprofits in its 14-year history.

For more information and to see gifts received for each nonprofit, visit GiveToLincoln.com. Charitable giving is encouraged throughout the whole year but your impact is increased when donating from May 1-28.

Sponsors Include: West Gate Bank (Presenting Sponsor), ABC Electric, ALLO Fiber, Assurity Life Foundation, Rich Bailey, The HsinChao Family, D.A. Davidson & Co., Davis Design, Firespring, Forvis Mazars, LLP, HBE, LLP, Hudl, Kile & Cuz Johnson, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., Kubly Family Foundation, Mail Management Services, Inc., Derrel Martin, The Family of Gates & Daisy Minnick, William J. Mueller & Kim M. Robak, Nelnet, Olsson, Pepsi Cola of Lincoln, Pinnacle Bank, Runza National, Joe W. & Ruth K. Seacrest Fund, Tom & Lisa Smith, Dr. Gene & Kristen Stohs, Talent Plus Inc, The Estate of Mark H. Tallman, Bill & Mae Whitmer Family Fund and WRK Family Foundation.

Thank you to all of the amazing sponsors of this charitable giving event!

About Lincoln Community Foundation

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) facilitates positive change for the common good.

Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $293 million.

LCF has distributed more than $288 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of residents.

Lincoln Community Foundation is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®.

For more information regarding the Lincoln Community Foundation, please visit lcf.org.

Nebraska Diaper Bank Sets Bold Goal to Distribute 1 Million Diapers Annually in Lincoln

Nebraska Diaper Bank (NDB) has set a bold goal to increase distribution from 470,000 to 1 million diapers annually in Lincoln by the end of 2027, expanding access to an essential resource for local families.

Currently, NDB serves only 20% of Lincoln babies experiencing diaper need, leaving many families facing impossible choices between buying diapers and paying for essentials like rent, utilities or food.

NDB works to ensure every baby has access to clean diapers to stay healthy, dry and comfortable. With 1 in 3 Nebraska families struggling to afford enough diapers, the need remains urgent, especially because diapers are not covered by SNAP or WIC.

Reaching this goal will take all of us. Through continued community support, expanded local partnerships and shared generosity, Lincoln can help ensure more babies have the clean diapers they need to thrive.

Nebraska Diaper Bank distributes 300,000 diapers each month to more than 5,000 children, including approximately 650 in the Lincoln area. The diaper bank model also connects families with additional services such as healthcare, basic needs, and case management.

To learn more or support the mission, visit nebraskadiaperbank.org.

Join Scouting America! “Be Prepared” for Fall Recruitment

You wonder how they will find their way. To get them ready for the times you won’t be there to help. How to help them to be strong enough, brave enough, mentally sharp, and moral. They need confi dence without arrogance. Skills without screens, for the world beyond school and sports. Ready for emergencies, for challenges, for whatever the world throws their way. Prepared for what they have in their heads and hearts.

What can they do with their own two hands? What can they do working with others?

They need to be social without the media. A way to experience the real world in real safety. A place to be challenged without being overwhelmed. A safe place to explore the world and imagine what’s possible for them in it.

Where all kids are welcome and everyone has a path forward to new skills, advancement, leadership, where their individual effort can create something invaluable. Something they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Look for Scouting America units at your kids’ back-to-school open house in August or contact them at info@cornhuskercouncil.org. You can join the adventure anytime!

About Scouting

America’s

Cornhusker Council

The Cornhusker Council, Scouting America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices and develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and community engagement. We serve thousands of youth, providing programs that emphasize citizenship, outdoor skills and service. Our Scouts provide over 15,000 hours of community service per year across our 16 counties of southeast Nebraska.

For more information, visit them at cornhuskercouncil.org or (402) 488-6020.

Aging Ally Continues Mission to Ensure No One Walks Alone Through Healthcare Decisions in Lincoln

and Southeast Nebraska

Aging Ally is a Nebraska nonprofit organization that helps adults and families navigate complex healthcare decisions through RN-led advocacy, education and personalized support. Founded by nurse and healthcare leader Brenda Soto, MHL, BSN, RN, Aging Ally was created to bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the people they serve.

Since launching in 2025, Aging Ally has continued to expand awareness of its services throughout Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska while strengthening connections with healthcare providers, caregivers and community organizations.

Through grants, donations and community support, Aging Ally works to ensure individuals and families have access to guidance and advocacy during some of life’s most challenging healthcare journeys. Aging Ally’s mission is simple: no one should have to navigate healthcare decisions alone.

Visit agingally.org, call (531) 893-1456, or email info@agingally. org for more information.

Voices of

Hope Hosts Class “Parenting Through Domestic Violence: DV 101”

Breakthrough T1D is thrilled to bring the Breakthrough T1D Walk back to the local Lincoln community! Join over 1,500 people to help find cures for type 1 diabetes (T1D) at this year’s Breakthrough T1D Walk on Sunday, October 18. The Walk aims to raise awareness for T1D and fund research to cure, treat and prevent T1D and its complications.

T1D is an autoimmune disease that is diagnosed in both children and adults and has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. If you have T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. This means you must constantly monitor your blood-sugar level, inject or infuse insulin from a pump and carefully monitor your eating and activity every single day.

By joining Breakthrough T1D Walk, you become part of a community driving change for those affected by T1D. Together, funds are raised and awareness for type 1 diabetes, fueling progress toward life-changing cures. Register for the Walk today at walk. BreakthroughT1D.org/lincoln!

Questions about this event including sponsorship opportunities can be directed to Alex Reed, Development Manager, at (402) 853-0966/ areed@BreakthroughT1D.org.

Matt Talbot Prepares for Busiest Season as Demand Grows

Parenting Through Domestic Violence: DV 101 is a free, eight-week educational course designed to support victims and survivors of domestic violence as they navigate the challenges of parenting while healing from trauma. Taking place every Wednesday from 3:45 – 5:15 p.m. at Voices of Hope, located at 2545 N St. Lincoln, new members can join anytime. This comprehensive curriculum provides participants with valuable tools, knowledge, and insight into the impact domestic violence has on both parents and children.

The course explores family dynamics, trauma responses, healthy coping strategies and the long-term effects of domestic violence on child development and parent child relationships. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how trauma influences behavior, communication and emotional well being while learning practical skills to foster healing, resilience and healthy family connections. Recognizing the barriers many parents face when seeking support, this program is offered at no cost and includes childcare during class times, making participation more accessible for families. The flexible enrollment structure allows individuals to begin the course at any time, ensuring support is available when it is needed most. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, they encourage you to reach out and learn more. Parenting Through Domestic Violence: DV 101 provides a safe, supportive environment where survivors can build confidence, strengthen parenting skills, and move forward on their journey toward healing and empowerment. Contact Voices for more information at (402) 476-2110 or visit voicesofhopelincoln.org.

As temperatures rise, so does the demand for services at Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.

Matt Talbot is a community kitchen and outreach center serving individuals and families experiencing poverty, hunger and homelessness. More than 3,000 people receive assistance through its hunger relief and outreach programs each year, with service numbers consistently peaking during the summer months. Guests can access meals, showers, laundry facilities, mail services and connections to housing, substance use treatment and other supportive services.

As an official cooling center for the City of Lincoln, Matt Talbot extends its hours during times of extreme heat. Guests can enjoy air conditioning, cold drinks, nutritious meals and a safe place to rest during dangerously high temperatures.

“Summer is by far our busiest time of year, and our dining room serves as a refuge from the heat,” said Alynn Sampson, Executive Director. “Extreme temperatures can be especially dangerous for people experiencing homelessness, many of whom are also navigating challenges such as food insecurity, mental illness or addiction.”

The community can help meet this growing demand by donating new or gently used blankets, sunscreen, bug spray, bottled water, fresh garden produce and shelf-stable pantry items.

Donations may be dropped off at Matt Talbot Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by appointment.

For information about organizing a donation drive with your workplace, church, or community group, contact Lori Wellman at lori. wellman@mtko.org or (402) 817-0621. Learn more at mtko.org.

Youth for Christ Partners with Fruit Growers for Fundraising Opportunity for their Ministry for Teens

Youth for Christ has partnered with fruit growers on the western slopes in Palisade, Colorado, who has offered produce from their orchards as a fundraising opportunity for Youth for Christ’s ongoing ministry for teens.

For a $55 lug of peaches (approx. 18 lbs) or at a discounted rate 3 or more lugs for $53/lug, you can support the ministry and leave an impact on the lives of young teens. Peaches are scheduled to arrive on August 10 with specific pickup times to be announced via email or phone as the pickup date approaches. The pickup site is located at the YFC/Campus Life, 6401 Pine Lake Rd. Pre-payment is required by credit/debit card to guarantee your order. Since these fruits are perishable, any fruit not picked up will be sold off and your payment counted as donation.

You can order online at yfcpeaches.org. For any questions, you can call (402) 420-7475.

HonoringServiceThroughFinancialFreedom with the David Staenberg Family Foundation

July is a time when many Americans reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the sacrifices made to protect them. For David Staenberg, a veteran himself, service has never been limited to his time in uniform. It continues through his commitment to helping others build stronger, more secure futures.

One of the ways the David Staenberg Family Foundation supports veterans is through its partnership with local Vet Centers to provide access to Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. While military service teaches discipline, commitment and perseverance, many veterans still face financial challenges as they transition to civilian life.

Financial Peace University equips veterans and their families with practical tools to eliminate debt, build savings, plan for the future and gain confidence in managing their finances. The program focuses on creating lasting financial habits that lead to greater independence and peace of mind.

David believes that true freedom includes financial freedom. By helping veterans take control of their financial future, the Foundation is investing in long-term stability for those who have already given so much in service to our country.

As we celebrate Independence Day this month, we are reminded that freedom comes in many forms. Through education, support and opportunity, the David Staenberg Family Foundation is proud to help veterans achieve greater financial confidence and security for themselves and their families.

To all veterans and active military members, thank you for your service and sacrifice.

The David Staenberg Family Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses who share their commitment to strengthening families, supporting veterans and creating opportunities for those in need. Donations are always welcome and help them continue making a difference in our communities. To learn more or make a contribution, visit davidstaenbergfamilyfoundation.org.

Summer Fun for Fresh Start

Fresh Start, a local transitional program for women experiencing homelessness, is encouraging outdoor activities this summer for its participants and seeks your support. In addition to encouraging walks, outdoor games, grilling and gardening, there are plans for a pool party for current residents and program alumna.

Fresh Start is a program that assists women, addressing challenges such as substance use, mental and physical health conditions, job loss, abuse and more. Healthy group activities provide opportunities for connection and increased sense of belonging and self-worth. The pool party is also a rare chance for the residents to host family and friends.

Want to get involved in the summer fun? Fresh Start seeks sponsors for the pool party who could provide snacks and water, beach towels, supplies for root beer floats, or make a contribution to sponsor those items and the pool rental. Contact Monica at (402) 475-7777 or email monicaz@freshstarthome.org for more details.

Summer time Donation needs: Bug spray, citronella patio candles, deodorant, reusable water bottles, bean bag toss game, charcoal Everyday donation needs: Laundry soap, all-purpose cleaning spray, gas cards and grocery cards

To learn more about Fresh Start and how to support the mission, visit FreshStartHome.org.

Keep Nebraska Beautiful Hosts Conference and Fundraiser

Keep Nebraska Beautiful (KNB), a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to enhancing, preserving and beautifying Nebraska, hosted its annual KNB Conference from June 3-5, in Lincoln.

This year’s theme, “Greatest Nebraskan Conference,” brought together local Keep America Beautiful affiliates, environmental advocates and industry experts for three days of information, inspiration and connection building!

The conference opened with National Litter Study updates from Keep America Beautiful and an in-depth session on K-12 litter and environmental education from Keep Omaha Beautiful. Attendees later engaged in a lively dialogue with Senator Jana Hughes (District 24) and Senator Stan Clouse (District 37) on natural resource management and legislation.

Day two shifted focus to hands-on learning, featuring new opportunities in textile recycling with The Clothing Fund, news in battery recycling & EPR led by Kent Holm, Director of Douglas County Environmental Services, and working sessions for new Nebraska affiliates. The Evening with KNB offered a relaxed networking opportunity at James Arthur Vineyards, where participants connected with KNB supporters.

The final day included working sessions and a recycling page review thesis presentation from Haley Nolde, MSc. With great attendance and enthusiastic participation, the conference set the stage for meaningful local action just in time for America 250!

About Keep Nebraska Beautiful

Keep Nebraska Beautiful works with statewide affiliates, private industry leaders and citizens to create a cleaner, more sustainable future. Read more on their website: knb.org.

YMCA’s Railyard Rims Returns to Downtown Lincoln

Railyard Rims, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament, will return to the Railyard in downtown Lincoln on Aug. 1.

In collaboration with the Downtown Lincoln Association, the YMCA of Lincoln announced the return of Railyard Rims, sponsored by SCHEELS, on Aug. 1. The outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament will feature youth and adult divisions. Teams of all skill levels are invited to compete in the Historic Haymarket while supporting YMCA programs in Lincoln.

The tournament will turn the Railyard into an outdoor basketball venue with players, spectators, local businesses and community partners. The event offers participants and spectators a chance to experience downtown Lincoln while supporting YMCA programs.

Proceeds from the event help provide access to YMCA programs and services, including youth sports, swim lessons, childcare, wellness programs, and financial assistance for local children and families.

Team registration and sponsorship information is available at ymcalincoln.org/events/railyard-rims.

The YMCA of Lincoln, one of the city’s largest nonprofit organizations, focuses on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The organization has served the community for more than 150 years through programs designed to build spirit, mind and body for all. For more information, visit YMCALincoln.org.

JoinAngelsAmongUsforAnEveningAmong Angels: Moments in Time

Angels Among Us is excited to announce its annual gala on Friday, Oct. 2, at A View West Shores. An Evening Among Angels: Moments in Time invites guests to celebrate 20 years of Angels Among Us’ mission of serving the pediatric cancer families living in or being treated in Nebraska. The evening includes a dinner experience from Salted EDGE, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and an impactful program. For the first time, the event’s Honorary Chairs are also Angels Among Us Families from the past 20 years: Tim and Jennifer Chlebinski, Riley and Kate Courtright and Steve and Sammi Kaiser.

A special thank you to the evening’s signature sponsors: Afl ac (Presenting Sponsor), Fusion (Cocktail Party Sponsor), Titan Custom Cabinets (Paddle Sponsor), Gregg Young Automotive Group (After Party Sponsor), KLC Logistics (Honored Family Sponsor), Veterans United (Welcome Sponsor), and Nebraska Medicine | Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (Silent Auction Sponsor). To register or sponsor, please visit myangelsamongus.org.

AAU is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. Since 2006, over 800 families have been supported with over $6.5 million in financial support. If you are interested in learning more about AAU’s mission, please contact Ashley McMurchie at ashley@ myangelsamongus.org or by calling (402) 934-0999.

Hop, SCIP, Jump and Run Marks 12 Years of Fun

Hundreds participated in this year’s Hop, SCIP, Jump and Run, a fundraiser benefiting School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP), a program of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership. SCIP works with schools across Nebraska, providing trainings, resources and supports to address behavioral health issues impacting children, adolescents and their families.

This year’s event, brought to you by Family Health and Wellness Center, was held on June 5 at Antelope Park. Families visited booths and participated in activities to become eligible for a prize drawing. 55 prizes were given away, thanks to the generosity of local and regional businesses. A photo booth, sponsored by Nebraska Mental Health Centers, captured memories of the event. B107.3 was on site to emcee the event and Skymart Mobile food truck served up their delicious fare. Two heats of runners enjoyed a 1-mile fun run around the park.

SCIP thanks the wonderful sponsors who made this event free to families, the 25 organizations who provided booths and activities and the generous businesses who donated bottled water, snacks and prizes.

Planning has already begun for next year’s event! For more information about SCIP, visit scipnebraska.com.

SupportVeteransThisIndependenceDaywith People’s City Mission

St. Monica’s Expands Outpatient Services to Increase Access to Recovery Support for Women and Families

St. Monica’s is proud to announce the expansion of its outpatient services, including Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), Outpatient Program (OP), Peer Support and Community Support services. This expansion refl ects St. Monica’s ongoing commitment to empowering women to achieve lifechanging recovery through evidence-based treatment and support services.

By broadening its continuum of care, St. Monica’s will be able to serve more women and families throughout their recovery journey, providing flexible treatment options that meet individuals where they are. These services are designed to strengthen recovery, increase access to support and help women build healthy, sustainable futures for themselves and their families.

For more information about outpatient services, visit stmonicas.com or call (402) 441-3768.

First-Ever Guideline on CardiovascularKidney-Metabolic Syndrome Issued

In honor of Independence Day, People’s City Mission is drawing attention to the ongoing needs of Nebraska veterans facing homelessness, addiction and housing instability. While many veterans successfully transition to civilian life, others encounter challenges related to trauma, health concerns, substance abuse, unemployment and financial hardship.

During the past year, PCM proudly served 132 veterans through emergency shelter, meals, addiction recovery programs, transitional housing, case management and employment support. Many veterans arrive seeking a fresh start after difficult circumstances and are able to rebuild stability through the PCM’s programs.

Advocates estimate that well over 100 veterans may experience homelessness across Nebraska on any given night. PCM remains committed to ensuring these men and women are not forgotten by providing practical assistance, compassionate care and pathways toward long-term independence. Community support continues to play a vital role in helping veterans rebuild their lives and regain hope for the future.

Community members who would like to support veterans and others in need can make financial contributions through the Mission’s website at pcmlincoln.org, donate needed items through the Mission’s online wish lists shared on its website and social media channels, or learn more about volunteer opportunities. Every gift helps provide meals, shelter, recovery support, clothing, and life-changing services for those seeking a new beginning.

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have released the first clinical practice guideline for cardiovascular-kidneymetabolic (CKM) syndrome—an interconnected group of conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart disease, kidney disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one CKM risk factor, including excess weight, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, elevated blood sugar or reduced kidney function. The new guideline introduces a four-stage framework to help clinicians assess risk and intervene earlier.

Stage 1 includes individuals with overweight, obesity or prediabetes. Stage 2 adds metabolic risk factors such as hypertension, abnormal lipids or kidney disease. Stage 3 identifies those with early, often asymptomatic cardiovascular disease or high predicted risk, while Stage 4 includes people with diagnosed cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke or heart failure. The guideline emphasizes early screening, coordinated care and prevention.

Risk assessment tools like the PREVENT equations now incorporate kidney and metabolic health to better estimate long-term cardiovascular risk. It also highlights the importance of addressing social factors such as food insecurity and housing instability.

Treatment recommendations focus on lifestyle changes—healthy eating, physical activity, weight management and control of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol—supported by medications and, when appropriate, metabolic or bariatric surgery. Newer therapies, including GLP-1-based medications and SGLT2 inhibitors, are recommended for select patients.

Ultimately, the guideline underscores that these conditions are deeply connected—and that early action can prevent serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes

To read the full practice guideline, visit newsroom.heart.org/news/ first-ever-guideline-on-cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic-syndromeissued.

Invest

in What Matters Most: Faith, Leadership, and Brotherhood at Lincoln CBMC’s Men’s Retreat

Lincoln CBMC is launching their first Men’s Retreat at Camp Solaris near Roca, starting the evening of Sept. 11 through the morning of Sept. 13.

The event will feature Chris Simpson as guest speaker, a retired Senior Special Agent with the U.S. Secret Service and former U.S. Marine Corps officer, he speaks internationally on faith, vocation, and Gospel mission. Simpson is President and CEO of CBMC International, the world’s largest evangelical marketplace ministry, serving business and professional leaders in more than ninety nations.

Attendees will enjoy engaging speakers, breakout sessions, worship, recreational activities and meaningful conversations—all designed to foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to step away from the noise and invest in your faith, leadership and relationships. This is more than a retreat—it’s a chance to be refreshed, equipped and encouraged alongside other men pursuing deeper purpose and spiritual growth.

Retreat. Recharge. Return Renewed. Join Lincoln CBMC This September! EarlyBird registration is available through August 10 and registration deadline is Sept.1. For more info and to register, go to lincoln.cbmc.com/events or call (402) 204-1997. The event is expected to sell out so register soon. Lincoln CBMC is part of a global network in over 350 U.S. cities and 95 countries.You can register online at events.cbmc.com/register/cbmc-lincoln-mensretreat/2WANPSZGP.

New “PIXEL THIS” Exhibit Turns Pool Noodles into Giant Pixel Art at the Lincoln Children’s Museum

Creativity is getting a larger-than-life upgrade at the Lincoln Children’s Museum with the opening of PIXEL THIS, a new hands-on interactive experience that transforms simple pool noodles into oversized pixel art creations.

PIXEL THIS invites children and families to build colorful designs by placing pool noodle pieces onto a giant peg wall. Younger children can explore stacking, sorting and color recognition, while older children can create increasingly complex patterns, images, and geometric designs inspired by the pixelated style popularized through retro video games, digital art, bead-melt crafts and modern sandbox-style gaming aesthetics.

While the activity may look simple at first glance, PIXEL THIS supports a wide range of developmental and educational skills through open-ended play. For younger children, the exhibit encourages fine motor development, bilateral coordination, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, color discrimination and visual processing and early problem-solving and causeand-effect learning.

As children grow, the experience evolves into opportunities for pattern recognition, sequencing and categorization, cteative problem-solving, visual-spatial reasoning, planning and design thinking, mathematical thinking through symmetry, repetition and geometric arrangement.

The exhibit also highlights an intentional contrast between high-tech inspiration and low-tech play. While many children recognize pixelated imagery from screens and gaming culture, PIXEL THIS offers a tactile, physical way to engage with those same concepts through active exploration and social interaction.

For more information visit lincolnchildrensmuseum.org or contact Ellie Charter, CMO, at echarter@lincolnchildrensmuseum.org.

InvestmentsSupportGrowingAdult&Senior Program at Willard Community Center

Willard Community Center is pleased to announce $52,500 in funding to support its growing Adult & Senior Program. The program recently received a $35,000 grant from the Immanuel Vision Foundation and a $17,500 grant from the Community Health Endowment to help provide free and low-cost programming for adults age 55 and older.

The funding will allow Willard to continue offering opportunities that promote wellness, lifelong learning, creativity and social connection. Current activities include fitness classes, art workshops, health education presentations, book club, genealogy classes, card groups, community meals and special intergenerational events that bring older adults together with children enrolled in Willard’s youth programs.

Over the past year, participation in the Adult & Senior Program has grown significantly as more older adults seek opportunities to stay active, engaged and connected to their community. Many participants live on fixed incomes, making free and affordable programming especially important.

Willard Community Center’s Adult & Senior Program is open to all adults age 55 and older. For more information about upcoming classes and activities, call (402) 475-0805. You can also visit willardcommunitycenter.org.

Disrupting Traffick: Warm Days Make Way for Awareness

The warm summer weather has opened up opportunities for Nebraskans to enjoy outdoor family friendly events. The Disrupting Traffick (DRT) team prioritizes outreach at these events as they collaborate throughout Lincoln to bring awareness to many of the much needed resources available to community members.

The DRT team kicked off spring with representation at Elite Referral Network’s Non-profi t Games, Give to Lincoln Day’s Tower Square Non-proft Festival, Marvilee Annual All School Graduation Party, and the Behavioral Health Conference at City Impact. These events brought community awareness to not only the exploitation of women and children that is happening inside our very own State but also allowed DRT to share information with the community about services provided at their Resource Center and Safe House.

Debuting a Resource Center and Safe House replica at their table, gave DRT an opportunity to showcase how safe shelter can offer a place of respite and debunk the myth that shelter is a chaotic space with multiple clients housed together in one area. The Disrupting Traffick Resource Center offers tangible services such as food, clothing, hygiene items and transportation aid. For many, this is the first experience receiving help without strings attached.

Open every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., DRT’s Resource Center at 1625 N Street operates under the powerful fact that traffickers exploit unmet needs, and when those needs are met, prevention begins. Community involvement matters, and everyday individuals play a vital role in this work. For more information on helping Disrupting Traffick’s mission to end the cycle of sexual exploitation in Nebraska please reach out to Nichole at nichole@disruptingtraffick. org.

Museumof AmericanSpeedCelebratesGrand Openingof InternationalModelCarBuilders

Museum Exhibit

The Museum of American Speed was excited to host the grand opening of its new International Model Car Builders Museum Exhibit, May 23 -25 at the Museum of American Speed (599 Oak Creek Drive).

Made possible through the merger with the International Model Car Builders Museum collection, the exhibit features hundreds of meticulously crafted scale-model vehicles representing every corner of automotive culture. From hot rods and race cars to customs and classics, the display showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of professional model builders from around the world.

The grand opening celebration included a ribbon cutting ceremony, opportunities to meet members of the model-building community, special event exhibitors featuring 400+ models, 2026 Hall of Fame Announcements and activities for visitors of all ages.

With more than 240,000 square feet of exhibits, the Museum of American Speed is one of the nation’s premier automotive museums. The addition of the International Model Car Builders Museum Exhibit further enhances the Museum’s mission of preserving and sharing stories of automotive history, innovation, and creativity.

For more information, visit museumofamericanspeed.org or call (402) 323-3166.

Excitement Builds for Cornhusker State Games Opening Night July 9

The 42nd annual Cornhusker State Games will officially begin Thursday, July 9, as athletes, families and fans gather for Opening Night festivities outside Pinnacle Bank Arena beginning at 7 p.m. The ceremonial torch lighting will mark the start of 11 consecutive days of competition featuring more than 70 sports held across Nebraska.

This year marks the fourth time the Cornhusker State Games Opening Night has been held outside of Pinnacle Bank Arena. Attendees can look forward to appearances by Audrey Eckert, just the second Nebraskan to earn the Miss USA title, and Taryn Smith, the first American woman to complete the World’s Toughest Row across the Atlantic Ocean solo.

Building on the excitement of previous years, the 2026 Torch Tour is once again bringing the spirit of the Games to communities across Nebraska throughout May. The Nebraska Sports Council hosted torchlighting celebrations at Cody Park in North Platte and Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island on May 13. The Torch Tour continued May 20 with stops at the Fremont Family YMCA in Fremont and Quail Run Golf Course in Columbus, before wrapping up May 26 at Papillion Landing near Omaha. Each celebration brings athletes, fans and local residents together in anticipation of Nebraska’s largest amateur sports festival.

The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes of all ages and abilities while promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The organization serves as Nebraska’s leader in sports and wellness event management.

Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com or contact them at (402) 471-2544.

Lincoln Sports Foundation Releases New Website and Pickleball Courts, Partnering with Pickleball Lincoln

Lincoln Sports Foundation (LSF) is excited to launch its new website: lsfcampus.org. As Nebraska’s largest nonprofit sports complex, LSF is home to 31 different sports and activities and is projected to welcome more than 500,000 visitors in 2026.

Following recent indoor court renovations, LSF now has 18 indoor pickleball courts and is partnering with Pickleball Lincoln to help expand year-round indoor pickleball opportunities in Lincoln. Typical availability includes Monday–Friday mornings and afternoons until 4 p.m., along with select weekend availability during non-tournament periods.

Whether you’re a competitive player, casual player or someone interested in trying pickleball for the first time, all are welcome. Through the partnership with Pickleball Lincoln, players can use the PlayTime Scheduler to find available sessions and connect with others in the growing local pickleball community at LSF. More information available at lsfcampus.org.

The Arc of Lincoln Celebrates Inclusion Through Journey of Hope and Disability Empowerment Night

The Arc of Lincoln is excited to welcome cyclists from Journey of Hope, an annual cross-country cycling event organized by The Ability Experience, the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Each summer, approximately 50 fraternity brothers cycle more than 8,000 miles across the United States to raise funds and awareness for individuals with disabilities.

As part of their journey, the cyclists participate in Friendship Visits in communities across the country, building meaningful connections with individuals with disabilities through shared activities and celebrations.

The Arc of Lincoln will host its local Friendship Visit during the Stars, Stripes & Good Vibes Journey of Hope Dance on Wednesday, July 8, at Eastridge Presbyterian Church, 1135 Eastridge Drive. There will be dancing and activities from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

The Arc of Lincoln is also preparing for Disability Empowerment Night with the Lincoln Saltdogs on Friday, August 7. What began in 2021 as a memorial celebration for Damian Olander, a young man with autism who loved baseball and fireworks, has grown into a stadium-wide event empowering individuals with disabilities and their families.

Last year, more than 500 complimentary tickets were distributed through the generosity of community sponsors and donors. The Arc of Lincoln is currently seeking sponsorships and donations to help provide free tickets for families attending this year’s event.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, event registration, or The Arc of Lincoln’s programs, visit arclincoln.org or email info@ arclincoln.org.

FRIENDS FRIENDS

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our most recent Friends4Lunch event at Strictly Business Magazine! A special thank you goes to Paul Larsen and the team at Crepe Café for providing a delicious lunch for our guests.

The event was held June 17 at the Strictly Business office and featured an open house alongside catering from Crepe Café.

Owned and operated by veteran Paul Larsen, Crepe Café serves both savory and sweet crepes made with quality ingredients and plenty of care. As the first and only crepe food truck in Nebraska, Crepe Café offers a versatile menu featuring customer favorites such as the Banana & Nutella Crepe and the Chicken Bacon Cheese Crepe, along with customizable options that allow guests to create their own perfect crepe from a variety of fresh toppings.

You can usually find Crepe Café at Twister Turn (2101 W. Van Dorn St.), though guests are encouraged to check their Facebook page for the latest schedule and event appearances.

Friends4Lunch events provide a casual setting for business owners, professionals, nonprofit leaders and community members to connect, learn more about Lincoln’s business and nonprofit community and get to know Strictly Business as a publication.

These events are completely free to attend. Guests simply pay for their own food and beverages. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or joining us for the first time, anyone who enjoys supporting and connecting with the Lincoln community is welcome.

We will be taking a short break from Friends4Lunch in July as we refresh and prepare for the remainder of the year.

July is also a special month for Strictly Business Magazine as we celebrate 33 years of serving the Lincoln business community. Reaching this milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for President Paige Zutavern and the entire Strictly Business team. More importantly, it reflects the strength of the business and nonprofit community that has supported us throughout the years.

“There is nothing better than seeing the businesses and nonprofits we feature in the magazine grow and make further connections with one another,” says Paige Zutavern. “Over the years, many people have walked through our office doors, all with one thing in mind: the Lincoln community.”

For future events for, please visit our Facebook page at facebook. com/StrictlyBusinessMagazine.

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LIBA Celebrates the Recognition of Members Doors Plus, LLC and Bats to Rats Wildlife Prevention & Control

In the small business world, recognition tends to follow resilience. Long before awards are handed out, success is shaped by the day-to-day decisions—managing risk, building teams, solving problems and staying focused on growth.

That journey is familiar to many members of the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), where entrepreneurship is defined not just by starting a business, but by sustaining and scaling it. This year, two LIBA members exemplified that path in a way that earned both regional and national recognition.

2026 SBA Small Business Persons of the Year

Last month, LIBA Board Member Cameron Hall and his wife Sydney—coowners of Doors Plus, LLC—were recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration as the 2026 Nebraska Small Business Persons of the Year.

Each year, the SBA celebrates National Small Business Week by recognizing the achievements of outstanding small business owners and entrepreneurs across the country. Cameron, who serves as President and CEO, and Sydney, who operates as COO, were honored for their leadership in building Doors Plus, LLC, which they founded in 2022.

The company provides installation and repair of overhead doors and access systems for both residential and commercial clients across southeast Nebraska. In just a few short years, the Halls have grown the business into a trusted regional provider.

Like many early-stage companies, Doors Plus faced its share of operational and growth challenges. By maintaining a disciplined focus on financial management, thoughtful business planning, and scalable operations, the Halls successfully navigated those hurdles—doubling revenue from 2022 to 2024.

They were honored alongside other state winners at ceremonies held in Washington, D.C., May 3–4.

2026 BBB Spark Award

More recently, LIBA Board Member Daine Patton—founder and owner of Bats to Rats Wildlife Prevention & Control—was recognized as the recipient of the 2026 BBB Spark Award for the Midwest Plains Region.

This prestigious entrepreneurship award recognizes emerging startup leaders and business owners under the age of 45 (or those operating for less than three years) who demonstrate character, honest marketing, strong workplace culture, and a commitment to their community.

Patton’s entrepreneurial journey has been widely shared throughout the business community and continues to resonate as an example of perseverance, grit, and purpose-driven growth.

While these recognitions highlight individual achievement, they also reflect something larger—the strength of Lincoln’s small business community and the role it plays in driving economic momentum throughout the region.

For LIBA, celebrating members like Cameron and Sydney Hall and Daine Patton is about more than awards. It’s about recognizing the kind of leadership, risk-taking, and long-term thinking that keeps the local business environment strong.

As more entrepreneurs follow similar paths, these milestones serve as both validation—and inspiration—for what’s possible.

What EPIC OPTION Really Means for Nebraskans

For most people, taxes aren’t something you think about until they start to feel … heavy.

And lately, in Nebraska, that’s been the reality. Property valuations keep rising, and with that, so do tax bills. For homeowners, farmers and business owners, it’s not just frustrating, it’s becoming unsustainable.

That’s where the EPIC Option comes in.

At its core, the EPIC Option is a proposal to completely change how Nebraska collects taxes. It would eliminate property taxes, income taxes and inheritance taxes, and shift the system to rely mostly on sales and excise taxes instead.

That’s a really big shift. And it’s why people are paying attention.

On a practical level, it would change how and when you’re taxed. Instead of being taxed on what you earn or own, you’d be taxed more on what you spend. For many, especially those feeling the pressure of rising property taxes, that idea brings a sense of relief.

Property taxes have been one of the biggest concerns. In some areas, valuations have jumped significantly over the past few years, increasing the financial strain on people just trying to maintain what they already have.

But the impact goes beyond individual tax bills. Supporters believe removing income and property taxes could make Nebraska more competitive, helping attract businesses, keep workers here and support long-term growth.

At the same time, this isn’t a small adjustment. It’s a full reset of how the state funds things like schools, roads, and local services. When a change is this big, it naturally raises questions about how everything balances out and that’s part of why this matters.

The EPIC Option isn’t something being decided behind closed doors. It’s a ballot initiative, which means Nebraskans themselves would vote on it. Right now, the focus is on gathering signatures and building support, with plans to bring it back for a future ballot.

So whether you’re for it, against it or just trying to understand it, this is one of those issues that directly affects how people live, work and plan for the future here.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about taxes.

It’s about what’s sustainable and what kind of system works for us and our neighbors.

LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

by Jason Ball President & CEO

Pathways to Progress

Jason Ball, President & CEO – Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

Vibrant communities are built on strong relationships and honest conversations - conversations that celebrate success, identify challenges and inspire improvement. For a growing community like Lincoln, that is especially true when it comes to the development process, where the speed, clarity and consistency of permitting and inspections directly impact business investment and long-term competitiveness.

With that in mind, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development recently released the results of Pathways to Progress, a new industry survey designed to better understand Lincoln’s development, permitting and inspection processes. Feedback from 53 development and construction professionals, who regularly work with the City’s Planning and Development Services Department, offered valuable insight into both areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

The findings were encouraging in many ways. Respondents highlighted the professionalism, responsiveness and relationships they have built with city staff. Communication and coordination have improved in recent months, and many pointed to the efficiency of inspections and online permitting and scheduling tools as strengths. Residential review timelines also earned positive marks, with nearly half of residential building reviews taking two weeks or less.

At the same time, the survey reinforced something many in the development community have expressed: there are opportunities to improve the speed, clarity and consistency of processes, particularly for larger commercial and development projects. Respondents identified commercial review timelines, communication surrounding code updates and consistency in interpretation as areas where progress could make a meaningful difference.

I view Pathways to Progress as a baseline assessment - a starting point for the public and private sectors to work together toward solutions. Lincoln is growing, and with that growth comes increasing complexity. We need systems that are clear, efficient and responsive to support housing, commercial investment and the kinds of projects that strengthen our economy and quality of life.

That is why I am grateful for the engagement of Planning and Development Services Director David Cary and his team throughout this process. Since the city announced the consolidation of departments last fall, Director Cary has been hard at work navigating change while also seeking ways to improve customer service and efficiency. The city has already implemented several meaningful adjustments, including staff-wide customer service training, a new no-cost pre-application service and expanded commercial plan review capacity through thirdparty reviewers.

Most importantly, this work is continuing.

As part of the Chamber’s Vitality Lincoln Strategic Plan, a growing group of development leaders and city officials are committed to ongoing conversations to identify shared pain points and practical improvements. These discussions won’t always be easy; productive conversations rarely are. But avoiding difficult conversations has never been how communities move forward.

I am optimistic about what lies ahead because I believe Lincoln has something special: a community that genuinely wants to work together. If we continue building partnerships grounded in trust, transparency and shared goals, the result will be a development process that better serves businesses, residents and our entire community.

View the full report at lcoc.com/advocacy.

The Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to improve the lives of Lincoln residents by providing increased economic opportunity and can only be accomplished together. For more information, contact Derek Feyerherm atdfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

Keeping Up With Y u for

120 years

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank: Helping Individuals and Businesses Thrive for 120 Years

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank offers the banking services you need most, including personal checking and savings accounts, business banking, and credit cards. While many people know us for our mortgage lending, our unique structure through our holding company allows us to do much more than traditional banking.

Working with local partners, we help transform undeveloped land into thriving neighborhoods and business districts, including Wilderness Hills. We also sell residential and commercial lots and offer lending solutions such as commercial real estate, construction, bridge, home equity, and mortgage loans. From financing a home to supporting a development project, we're here to help build stronger communities.

THEN NOW

120 YEARS OF GROWTH

What began as a neighborhood savings and loan has grown into a full-service financial institution serving generations of Nebraska families and businesses.

Personal Banking Like You Remember

It's the jingle you may have grown up hearing on local channels. We believe that Personal Banking Like You Remember means greeting you by name, with a handshake and a smile. From a child's first savings account to their first mortgage and beyond, we're here through every stage of life.

Building More Than Banking Relationships Looking Ahead

Our bank has been here for 120 years - Leo Schumacher, past President and CEO, once said, "we bring people home." We develop land, build neighborhoods, and offer lending solutions that help families and businesses thrive.

Banking will continue to evolve - our commitment to you will not. We will continue to invest in our people, technology and our communities so we can help you reach your goals for generations to come.

While the way people bank will continue to evolve, our commitment to relationships will not.

- Trent Meyer, SVP/CFO

DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

by Todd Ogden, President

Star City Pride 2026

(402) 434-6900 www.downtownlincoln.org

Brought Thousands Together for a Weekend of Celebration in Lincoln

Lincoln’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies gathered June 12-13 for Star City Pride 2026, a weekend filled with community events, a downtown parade, live entertainment, food and celebration.

The 2026 event marked the 20th Annual Star City Pride Festival, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate diversity, inclusion and LGBTQIA2S+ history.

Pride Weekend Began at Woods Park

The festivities kicked off Friday, June 12, with Pride in the Park at Woods Park near 33rd and O Streets.

Held from 4 to 8 p.m., the family-friendly event offered attendees an afternoon of entertainment, community connection and celebration ahead of Saturday’s larger events.

Fourth Annual Pride Parade Filled Downtown Streets

On Saturday, June 13, the Star City Pride Parade returned for its fourth year around the Nebraska State Capitol.

The free public event celebrated Lincoln’s LGBTQIA2S+ community and drew more than 1,000 attendees. More than 50 organizations, businesses and community groups participated in the parade, marching through downtown Lincoln and around the Capitol grounds.

Street closures around the Capitol required attendees to utilize nearby parking garages and side streets throughout the day.

“Rainbow Rewind” Honored LGBTQIA2S+ History

Following the parade, attendees continued the celebration at the 20th Annual Star City Pride Festival, held outside Das Haus on 17th Street between O and P Streets.

Running from noon until just before midnight, the festival embraced the theme “Rainbow Rewind,” honoring LGBTQIA2S+ history and recognizing those whose advocacy and activism helped pave the way for today’s Pride celebrations.

Festival-goers enjoyed dozens of community and vendor booths, live stage performances, local food trucks and a variety of Pride-themed activities and entertainment.

The festival welcomed attendees of all ages through the afternoon before transitioning to an 18-and-over event after 6 p.m.

Brunch Event Featured Drag Performances and Southern Cuisine

Saturday’s festivities also included Brunch on the Square, hosted by Star City Pride and Lila Mae’s Southern Kitchen.

The event combined Southern comfort food, music, and entertainment, including a drag show that began at 1 p.m. and was accompanied by music provided by DJ Lady Ice.

Guests enjoyed a menu featuring fresh fruit, eggs, breakfast potatoes, grits, sausage, bacon, hot chicken bites, biscuits and gravy and other brunch favorites.

A Weekend of Pride and Community

Throughout the weekend, Star City Pride 2026 provided opportunities for celebration, education and community engagement. From family-friendly gatherings and a growing downtown parade to live entertainment and historical reflection, the event highlighted both the progress and continuing strength of Lincoln’s LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Organizers described the weekend as a successful celebration of Pride, community and the individuals whose efforts helped make such events possible.

Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides servicesandchampionsinitiativesformaintainingandenhancing our vibrant downtown. Our vision is to create an energetic downtown environment where we live, learn, work, invest and play. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supportingawiderangeof programsandactivitiesincluding maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a completelistingofdowntownbusinesses,eventsandresidences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook. com/downtownlincoln.

At Rose Cat Coffee Co., we believe in the boundless potential of all people. Our inclusive coffee shop creates meaningful employment for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities while fostering connections that change hearts and minds. Here, our valued baristas take incredible pride in their work. Come experience our award-winning brew of coffee, connection, and collective change.

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5600 S.48th St. Ste 120, Lincoln, NE 68516 531-310-5742

Many decisions in life are made for us. But the ones we can make, regarding our future and how we prepare for it, are very important. Careful consideration and thought is paramount to setting yourself up for success and big life events. Whether that is financially planning for a new baby or marriage, buying a new house or preparing to transition your business for retirement, there are Lincoln businesses that can help you invest and organize your future in the right way.

Kim Hazelton, at Alpha Zed Business Services, has currently been focusing her services on Estate Information Organization. This service is specifically designed to be a resource for unplanned life events such as incapacity or death. For example, when you unexpectedly end up in the hospital or rehab facility for an extended period of time and aren’t able to take care of things.

“The way it works is this: we look at your unique situation: single/married/divorced/ widowed, blended family, veteran, dependent children or special needs adults?” Kim said.

Kim starts the audit. Looking at areas like legal & identification, financial, medical, retirement income, bills & cashflow, digital accounts, property & assets, they determines what documents you have in place, where things are located, what you might not have thought about and identify gaps.

PLANNED LIFE CHANGES

The next step is the portfolio build, which includes copies of key documents, important contact information, how to access digital accounts and what bills are priorities. The final outcome is a physical binder and/or digital archive that tells your trusted person which path to follow based on incapacity or death and lays out the important things they need to know to be able to keep your estate running smoothly.

Additionally, if there is a business involved, Kim would follow a similar process to ensure that documents and information are in place so that someone can keep things running at an acceptable level, depending upon your circumstances and wishes. This is referred to as the Business Continuity Framework at Alpha Zed Business Services. This stand-alone offer is a 90-minute call that identifies key points that need to be addressed if a small business owner is suddenly unable to be present in the day-to-day operation. Kim looks at key contacts, communication plans, options for maintaining/transferring client support, how to manage accounts payable and receivable, etc. The end result is a framework to build your continuity plan around.

While this is intended to be a resource allowing someone to handle things when you can’t, it’s also a great way to get information pulled together that might be needed when applying for Medicaid or to move into an assisted living facility.

“There are so many stories I hear about people who struggle when these important documents aren’t in order,” Kim shares.

“When a family member decided to sell his business and retire, it was discovered that when his wife and business partner died, her estate was never settled and her will was unsigned. An attorney had to get involved, resulting in the unexpected expenditure of time and money before the business could be sold. Someone’s power being shut off because the wife who typically paid the bills was in the hospital and no one was checking her email where the bills were received. A man unable to stop a feeding tube from being placed because the healthcare power of attorney form he held for his brother had never been signed. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”

So whether you’re planning for expected changes or preparing for unexpected events, the services at Alpha Zed Business Services can help you and your family members prepare for the future, the known and unknown.

Willeke Financial Group specializes in working with self employed and health professionals and helps guide owners through the ups and downs. From Tax Planning to buying and selling, succession planning for retirement and customized financial strategies based on personal and professional goals, Willeke Financial represents a trusted financial partner for every stage of life, business and going through planned changes.

Craig Willeke

“Think of financial planning in terms of taking a car trip,” Craig explains. “When you start the journey, you point your wheels toward the destination. But whenever something changes, like a turn in the road, wind or other obstacles, you need to course correct. A financial plan isn’t a set-it-and-forgetit process; it takes frequent adjustments.”

One financial decision people tend to overlook is the age at which they retire. Most people want to retire at a reasonable age and finally do all the things their job may have gotten in the way of: travel, spend more time with family and potential grandkids, and reconnect with their partner and themselves. However, if you retire before age 65, you won’t be eligible for Medicare and might need to find other health insurance coverage, which can be quite expensive. Whether you can obtain insurance after retirement is a major factor to consider. Can you get coverage through your spouse? Can you afford it without an employer providing it?

Proactive planning for finances, estates and retirement is essential when approaching major life milestones. By taking steps early, you can move through these decisions with greater confidence and less stress for everyone involved.

“Any major decision should be thought through carefully and acted upon carefully. Don’t let emotion overrule your good judgment,” Craig advises.

Talking to a trusted financial professional can make or break your financial future.

“Talk it through with multiple people that you trust and seek professional guidance when needed,” Craig says.

FNIC Trusted insurance advisors has been serving families for more than 100 years. The company is committed to meeting the needs of families and businesses through reliable service and trusted guidance. Reliability and integrity are the foundation of every interaction and every individual they serve. Their coverage options include commercial insurance, employee benefits, farm and crop insurance, bonds and personal insurance, including home and auto coverage.

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Joey Mumaugh, Sales Executive at FNIC, shares his insights on preparing for life changes and how a trusted insurance agency can serve as a valued partner through those transitions.

“Insurance gives individuals and families confidence during life changes by protecting what matters most and reducing financial uncertainty,” Mumaugh says.

“Whether it’s buying a home, getting married or preparing for retirement, insurance coverage helps keep unexpected events from derailing long-term goals. It allows people to move forward with major decisions knowing they have a safety net in place.”

One of the biggest coverage gaps FNIC sees during major life changes is people failing to update their insurance to match what they’ve worked hard to build. As families grow and assets increase, coverage often remains the same. This can result in inadequate liability protection, outdated home values or a lack of life insurance coverage.

Another common gap, according to Mumaugh, is not having an umbrella policy. As people take on more responsibility— owning a home, raising children or entering retirement—their exposure increases, but their protection doesn’t always keep pace.

For example, a newly married couple may purchase a home, combine finances and begin building assets together. As their financial picture changes, their liability exposure often grows as well. An umbrella policy can provide an additional layer of protection if a major claim exceeds the limits of their home or auto insurance.

“As life evolves, it’s important to review your coverage at major milestones to make sure it reflects your current needs, priorities and goals,” says Mumaugh.

As you navigate major life changes, don’t assume your current coverage still fits your situation. Review your policies, consider increasing liability protection as your assets grow and explore whether life and umbrella coverage align with your family’s financial goals and circumstances.

Taking a few minutes to update your insurance today can help prevent major setbacks tomorrow.

At Lincoln Coin & Bullion, their dedicated and knowledgeable

PLANNED LIFE CHANGES

staff can help you buy and sell bullion, coin collections and precious metals. Using advanced tools such as a Sigma Tester, Ultrasonic Testers and an XRF Analyzer, they provide quality, accuracy and honesty with every transaction. Bullion and coins can be a valuable addition to an investment portfolio. Built on a foundation of price transparency, the professionals at Lincoln Coin & Bullion help ensure customers understand the value of every purchase. One reason many investors choose precious metals is because they carry zero counterparty risk.

Zero counterparty risk means the value of your investment is not dependent on another party’s ability to fulfill an obligation. Unlike stocks or bonds, precious metals are tangible assets that you own directly. They do not rely on a bank, company or government to maintain their intrinsic value and cannot default, declare bankruptcy or disappear because of a technological failure.

Financial privacy is another benefit of investing in precious metals. Physical gold and silver can be held directly by the owner, which offers a level of privacy and security that many investors appreciate. Unlike some financial assets, they are not tied to a financial institution and can be stored privately. Inflation gradually erodes the purchasing power of the dollar. Gold, silver and other precious metals are finite resources that are costly to mine, helping support their long-term value. Their scarcity is determined by nature, not by policy decisions or currency creation. Throughout history, gold has been passed down through generations and has continued to hold value over time.

Whether you are preparing for retirement, growing your family or planning for another major life milestone, precious metals and coins can play a role in protecting your wealth and stability. Passing physical assets such as gold and silver to future generations can help preserve purchasing power and provide a tangible form of generational wealth for years to come. The world is changing rapidly and it can be quite unpredictable. Having a plan for whatever life changes happen, can save you from a whole load of stress, because you are protected. There are many ways to plan for retirement or any other major life change. However, unfortunately we cannot predict the unpredictable future but we do know what we want our futures to look like. Making a plan now for the changes life throws at you, can help you preserve that future that you keep on envisioning. By being financially smart long-term and investing in the right areas can make major life changes and transitions flow smoother, letting you experience the change or relish in the victory all the same.

Keeping ourselves healthy is an important part of life, and spans physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It often goes unrecognized, but staying healthy requires different treatments, equipment, and regimens for each individual. There are plenty of businesses that would be happy to help the men of Lincoln maintain their health by providing personalized care, whether it is by offering running equipment to stay active in or mental health services for men who may need support. There are many different avenues of aid that Lincoln local businesses bring to the table.

Men come to K2 Holistic Health for many reasons including bad backs, bad knees, and neuropathy symptoms. However, a significant number of men go to K2 Holistic Health for hormone and peptide treatments. There are several other hormone clinic options around, but K2 Holistic Health has a wider variety of peptides, the lack of sales pressure, and the full transparency on their peptides that include specifics as to exactly how many doses are in a vial at each recommended dose. This leads to better weight loss, better lean muscle development, greater energy, and better sleep... all of which help their patients be better husbands and fathers.

K2 Holistic Health loves the quote: “You can’t supplement your way through broken physiology.” Many guys are taking creatine, Ginseng, or some other multi-vitamin they had heard about. But if your cellular metabolism is dysfunctional, then trying to utilize different supplements will still lead to dysfunctional results. K2 recommends starting with getting your cellular physiology correct; with their peptides, you can reduce your systemic inflammation, increase your insulin sensitivity, and both repair old mitochondria and generate new mitochondria. When you take these steps with K2, you are healing your body’s innate ability to take care of itself.

Whether it is a bad back, a dysfunctional joint, neuropathy concerns, or a hormone/peptide imbalance, K2 Holistic Health has the tools to get you back to being you again.

Men’s health is often reduced to numbers such as blood pressure, pounds on a scale, or values on a lab report—blood sugar, cholesterol, testosterone levels, and so on. These measures matter, but they tell only part of the story. YOUniq Health believes that true wellness goes deeper than numbers. They recognize that physical health, mental health, sleep, relationships, and purpose are deeply connected.

A whole-person approach looks at the bigger picture; addressing mental health alongside other physical factors helps men not only feel better, but function at their best, recover more effectively, and live with greater intention.

PRESCRIPTIONS AND SURGERY AREN’T THE ONLY OPTION. THERE’S A BETTER WAY.

At K2 Holistic Health, we integrate medical care with physical therapy and chiropractic care to create complete treatment plans for patients.

WHAT WE TREAT:

• Neck, Back and Joint Pain

• Neuropathy

• Decreased Performance

• Weight Loss

• Men’s/Women’s Hormonal Health

• Post-Surgical Rehab

HOW WE TREAT:

• Ultrasound Guided Joint Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Chiropractic Adjustments

• Regenerative Medicine

• Custom Nutrition Plans

• Hormonal & Peptide Treatments (Including GLP-1s)

• Proven Neuropathy Protocol

K2HOLISTICHEALTH.COM | (402) 817-1999 WELCOME@K2HOLISTICHEALTH.COM

What makes this approach even more important is that men’s mental health rarely looks the way we expect. Distress often shows up as irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, increased alcohol use, loss of motivation, withdrawal from loved ones or a feeling that they are simply not themselves. Too often, men don’t seek help until something breaks—a relationship, a job or their health. Perhaps the greatest barrier to whole-person care for men is stigma. Many men were taught, directly or indirectly, that strength means handling things alone. But the people around them—family, friends, and colleagues—have the power to change that narrative. Check in. Listen without judgment. Speak openly. Treat emotional struggles with the same understanding and support that is readily offered for physical illness.

YOUniq Health meets men where they are and wants them to know that asking for help is not weakness. It is clarity. It is courage. Men deserve more than simply getting through the day; they deserve to feel vital, connected, and fully alive.

If you or a man in your life has an injury that plagues the day-to-day, Husker Rehab is the place to look for effective treatment and recovery. In particular, there are some common injuries that Husker Rehab sees among their male patients.

Most of the injuries involve tightness or pain in the lower to mid back. The muscles in this region help extend the spine and maintain an upright posture. Men often puff out their chests and stand tall, and many are taught from a young age to “stand up straight.”

As a result, the muscles in the mid-this region may become more

consistently engaged and even overworked after being activated for long durations throughout the day. Over time, this may contribute to muscle fatigue, dysfunction, and weakness.

One of the most important things men should consider is posture. If you are unable to find a comfortable position for your body to decompress and release tension, your nervous system may remain in a heightened state. Husker Rehab helps individuals find positions that allow both the brain and body to rest and relax, helping to reduce nervous system overactivity.

It’s especially important for highly active men to keep this in mind. A lifestyle involving heavy lifting and fast-paced work can contribute to increased pain and injury. Physical therapy can be essential in helping the body reduce overactivity in certain muscles and find a more neutral position for rest and recovery.

This is important not only for the body but also for the brain, as it can help reduce stress and support a higher level of function needed to meet daily responsibilities—whether as a father, husband, worker, or physically active individual.

Keeping active is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Strength training is a popular activity among men looking to stay healthy. Capital City Fitness & Performance aids in both mental and physical well-being with their expert coaches and tailored programs. They take into account your goals and daily challenges to help you build towards a healthier future.

They also make the process easy to get

MEN’S HEALTH

started. First, you can book a no sweat intro, where you will get a personalized tour of their studio and learn more about the programs they offer. Next, you will get the opportunity to work with their knowledgeable coaches to create a personalized fitness plan designed to bring you directly to your goals. Finally, you can follow your plan, track your progress, and reach your goals and beyond.

Men’s health is taken seriously at Capital City, where fitness and fun work together to bring you to a healthier lifestyle.

For Lincoln Running Company, consistency is the biggest take away from anything they could tell men about getting and staying healthy! Men often have the false ideas that they need to workout as hard as they can or workout for a really long time when in reality they should slow down. Lincoln Running Company advises for men to shorten their workouts, but maybe add an additional day of working out to their week.

Even if men don’t think they do “aerobic exercise,” it’s important to keep in mind that all sports are aerobic to a point! “Aerobic exercise” simply refers to any physical activity that increases your heart rate and breathing. This means that any consistent running/walking will help with aerobic capacity in the sports you do participate in! Getting aerobically fit will make you healthier and more prepared when it counts.

It all comes down to the footwear if you want success at running, walking, or really any sport. You have to really love your shoes to lace up 4-5 times a week and get out the door! It’s important to minimize anything holding you back, and ill-fitting footwear will definitely hold you back. The best shoe is the one that feels the most comfortable to you, which is where Lincoln Running Company comes in. They provide guidance with picking out the right shoe, but then you are the one that needs to decide which one FEELS the best and will work best with your fitness plans.

Lincoln Running Company maintains that you don’t have to be consistently great - you need to be great at being consistent!

Feeling good about yourself is not just for women. The demand for male-focused cosmetic solutions is growing. At Katniss Clinic, a plastic and reconstructive surgery practice located in Lincoln, there are both surgical and non-surgical options for men to look and feel good in their own skin.

The practice is owned by Dr. Keli Kolegraff, who focuses on delivering results that are bound to boost her patients’ confidence and quality of life. Some options for men looking to visit Katniss Clinic include eyelid lifts, gynecomastia (also known as “man boobs”) correction, liposuction, excess skin removal (especially after weight loss), reconstruction after skin cancer excision, scar revisions, and Botox for excessive underarm sweating and/ or wrinkles.

Dr. Keli Kolegra

Men’s mental health and self-confidence is just as important as men’s physical health, which is why Dr. Kolegraff at Katniss Clinic offers many options to help men look and feel great at any age.

As evidenced by the amount of Lincoln businesses that clearly show a lot of care to the different aspects of men’s health, there are places that care how men are doing physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether it’s treating a specific injury and ensuring it stays strong as it heals, providing quality advice on running and walking shoes, or helping maintain mentally healthy habits Lincoln has plenty to offer for all men looking to have a healthy lifestyle.

Join our 8-week clinic for all ages. Register today at bit.ly/BeginRun

Every Wednesday June 3–July 22

Lincoln High School (2229 J St.), Cafeteria 6:30 PM Talk | 7:15 PM Run

Residential remodel goes beyond updating your home’s appearance it is about creating a space that better fits a homeowner’s lifestyle and needs. Whether it is a kitchen renovation, bathroom update or even a home addition, remodeling projects continue to be popular investments for homeowners across the Lincoln area. In this feature we highlight how local businesses across Lincoln are making these projects possible by adding their expertise, quality work and customized solutions.

In Lincoln Spray-Net has been dedicated to delivering the best possible renovation solutions to homeowners. Their five core values are: sustainable, humble, agile, resourceful and progressive (SHARP) they believe “being professional is a given. These are the core values that make Spray-Net, Spray-Net.”

Spray-Net is more about refinishing surfaces rather than replacing them, which aligns with one of their core values: Sustainable. One of the many reasons why refinishing is becoming more popular in today’s

market is because it is environmentally friendly, leaving material out of landfills.

Ching, owner of Spray-Net Lincoln explains how updating your home can be costly and time consuming but with Spray-Net, they offer a time efficient solution that can often save homeowners 75% compared to replacing cabinets, siding, brick, doors or other surfaces.

The difference between conventional paint and Spray-Net coatings is that Spray-Net’s products are specifically engineered for refinishing surfaces.

“Spray-Net develops proprietary coatings tailored for materials such as vinyl siding, cabinets, brick,

doors and windows,” Ching said.

They are so confident in their product that they offer a 15-year no-peel warranty.

Refinishing can completely transform a home’s appearance without the disruption of a traditional remodel. For busy families, those looking for an upgrade to your kitchen, bathroom, siding, doors or more and wanting to stay on budget, Spray-Net is a great option.

Refinishing offers homeowners an affordable way to refresh and modernize their spaces. When a project calls for a more extensive transformation, however, a trusted remodeling partner can make all the difference.

For 30 years Willet Construction has proudly helped clients experience an exceptional design and building process to achieve their dream homes. They have a trusted team of knowledgeable professionals in carpentry and design who work closely with each of their clients to ensure their visions become reality.

Many people who have never had home renovations have no idea where to begin with the many processes ahead and it is important to plan accordingly.

“Beginning with the initial consultation, we find out what a client wants and work to understand what isn’t working for them in the home,” said Justine Johnson of Willet Construction. “We’ll create a design working with them; our clients are an important part of the design team.”

Willet Construction prioritizes ensuring each client’s designs and finishing products reflect their needs and style. This is done while staying within budget so clients will not break the bank to remodel their homes.

“The keys to a successful remodeling project are to have realistic expectations,” Johnson said. “We will walk you through choosing everything from flooring to light fixtures and everything in between.”

When clients come to Willet Construction, they know what isn’t working for them in their home, but may need help finding the best remedy. After listening to their concerns, we work together to come up with a plan that works best for them.

People seem to be enjoying the outdoors more these days, Willet Construction has noticed an influx of exterior projects such as decks, pergolas, screened rooms and siding.

“Kitchens and bathrooms are always a popular request,” Johnson said.

Above all, it is important to partner with a contractor you can trust. Willet Construction strives to make the remodeling process as seamless as possible by answering questions, guiding clients through each step and helping turn ideas into spaces families will enjoy for years to come.

From remodeling existing spaces to creating entirely new ones, local builders are helping homeowners reimagine what is possible.

For over 40 years, Innovative Homes Custom Builders and Remodelers has been one of Lincoln’s most trusted names in custom home building and renovation. Famous for their exceptional craftsmanship, they’ve built a strong reputation for turning

homeowner’s remodel visions into timeless, highly detailed realities. Mark Resseguie, owner of Innovative Homes, personally guides the entire process from beginning to end.

“This element of personal pride & dedication to each customer is reminiscent of an era gone by, when craftsman signed their work, a time when the process was defined by honesty, mutual respect and trust,” Resseguie said.

He always stresses the importance of being honest about your own skill level. “Many homeowners think they can handle parts of the project themselves, but especially with structural work, it usually ends up costing more time and money than hiring a professional from the start”.

As of lately Innovative Homes has seen a rise in their builds of hybrid living spaces, especially combinations of home offices and guest rooms. With their experience they are able to design these using subtle, but elegant separations. Inset cabinetry is becoming increasingly popular as well, and executing it properly requires perfect alignment and precision, a specialized skill that demands years of experience.

This is one area where Innovative Homes truly excels.

Mark Resseguie emphasizes that choosing the right builder is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

“Many builders focus on only building homes of a particular style or price range while we at Innovative Homes custom design in all styles and ranges that reflect in each of our customers personalities,” Resseguie said.

At Innovative Homes, clients have the advantage of working with the head builder directly. This hands-on approach eliminates the usual headaches and surprises, delivering a stress-free experience and exceptional, timeless results that only decades of proven experience can provide.

When homeowners think about remodeling, electrical upgrades are often overlooked but they can be one of the most important investments in a home’s safety, efficiency and future functionality.

ABC Electric recommends evaluating the home’s electrical service and wiring before beginning any major renovation.

Many older homes still have outdated fuse panels or obsolete breaker panels that may not meet current electrical codes and in some cases, can present safety concerns. Upgrading to a modern electrical service with arc fault protection can improve safety, provide better reliability and make it easier to obtain homeowners insurance.

As more households adopt electric vehicles, solar panels and battery backup systems, electrical capacity has become increasingly important.

Bob Codr

Older homes with smaller electrical services may struggle to keep up with these technologies. Conversely, a 200-amp service often provides the flexibility homeowners need for future upgrades.

ABC Electric also encourages homeowners to address aging wiring during a remodel. Knob-and-tube wiring and ungrounded circuits, common in older homes, sometimes pose safety concerns and can create compatibility issues with modern appliances and lighting.

Replacing outdated wiring while walls are open during a remodel can save homeowners time and money in the long run. By incorporating electrical improvements into a remodeling project, homeowners can create a safer, more efficient home prepared for the future.

Among the many decisions homeowners make during a remodel,

flooring is one of the most important because it sets the tone for the entire space. Whether updating a single room or renovating an entire home, choosing the right flooring can transform both the look and functionality of a space.

Underfoot Flooring is a family-owned and operated fl ooring company run by Ela and Cory Schlisner alongside their outstanding trusted team.

Homeowners today are seeking flooring that offers style, durability and easy maintenance.

“Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) remains one of the most popular flooring choices thanks to its durability, water resistance, and realistic wood appearance,” Amanda Swenson of Underfoot Flooring said.

Hardwood, engineered hardwood, carpet and large-format tile are also popular options. Many homeowners gravitate toward warm and natural tones that create inviting living spaces.

“New flooring can completely refresh a space by making it feel brighter, more modern and more inviting,” Swenson said. “As the foundation of a room’s design, updated flooring can enhance comfort, improve functionality and increase overall home value.”

When selecting flooring for a remodeling project homeowners should consider factors such as lifestyle, budget and how each room is used. Homes with pets or children may benefit from more durable materials, while areas exposed to moisture require products designed to withstand humidity and spills.

By balancing style with practicality, homeowners can choose flooring that not only enhances their remodel but also serves their family well for years to come.

Home maintenance and restoration is just as important as renovation when updating a home to better fit a homeowner’s vision.

Lifetime Stone Restoration is a locally owned company that specializes in restoring stone surfaces and bringing back the natural beauty already built into a home. With modern equipment and professional expertise, the team restores stone floors, countertops, tile, grout and showers that have become worn over time.

The company is especially known for its work on stone floors and countertops. Even newer homes can experience scratches or damage, while older homes often show years of wear. After restoration, many homeowners are surprised at how new their surfaces look again.

Lifetime Stone Restoration explains that restoring stone has several advantages over replacing it. It is often more affordable, takes less time and allows homeowners to enjoy their space sooner. In many cases surfaces can be used right after the work is completed.

Restoration also helps preserve original materials that may be hard or impossible to replace. Some stone is no longer extracted and certain patterns or installations are unique to their time period. Restoring them keeps that original character while refreshing the look. For homeowners dealing with worn or damaged stone, Lifetime Stone Restoration offers a simple, cost-effective way to refresh a home without replacing what is already there.

Edgewater Construction provides residential remodeling services for homeowners looking to update and improve their homes. The

and exterior

Harsh Nebraska weather can take a toll on siding, decks, doors, and garages. Edgewater Construction delivers expert exterior repairs and upgrades built to last — with craftsmanship you can count on. We’re also your one-stop shop for interior renovations, additions, and full remodels, making it easier than ever to transform your home inside and out.

company takes on a variety of projects including kitchen and bathroom remodels, basement finishes, and exterior work such as decks, windows, siding and gutters.

Each project emphasizes practical design, functionality, and long-term value. Throughout the remodeling process, Edgewater Construction works with homeowners from initial planning and design through construction and project completion.

The company focuses on maintaining clear and consistent communication with homeowners to ensure expectations are met. Attention to detail and craftsmanship remain priorities for Edgewater Construction, which strives to deliver finished spaces that align with homeowners’ needs and visions.

As remodeling demand continues to grow, companies like Edgewater Construction play a pivotal role in helping homeowners invest in updates that improve both everyday living and overall home value.

Remodeling and updating your home is important not only for maintaining its value but also for enhancing your everyday comfort and functionality.

With remodeling it can leave a mess behind. With many people in and out of your home, all of the different projects and processes it is important to make sure you can keep your new and improved home feeling comfortable and fresh. That is where New Start Cleaning comes in.

They offer many cleaning services including residential, commercial, move in / move out, deep clean, construction, post construction, one time, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and after event cleaning. With that being said, New Start Cleaning is here to help you upkeep your renovated home or help you after construction and new finishes.

“Professional cleaning is the final step that helps bring a remodeling project to life,” Coco Chairez, owner of New Start Cleaning said. “Even the best renovation can be overshadowed by construction dust, debris and residue left behind.”

Professional cleaning postconstruction is not something to underestimate, it enables homeowners to enjoy their remodeling project and let it come to life.

“Hiring a professional cleaning team helps protect your investment, improves indoor air quality, and ensures your newly remodeled space looks its absolute best from day one,” Chairez said.

From electrical upgrades and plumbing improvements to beautiful flooring, stone restoration and the finishing touches of a professional cleaning, every aspect of a remodel plays an important role in creating a home that is both functional and inspiring.

Remodeling projects can make a big difference in both the function and value of a home. With help from local professionals, homeowners can confidently bring their visions to life while creating spaces that fit their everyday lives. The businesses featured here continue to help Lincoln residents improve their homes and make them fall in love with their homes, all over again.

This month Strictly Business is happy to feature several of Lincoln’s nonprofit organizations. We believe in the importance of giving back and supporting our neighbors to work towards strengthening our community. Nonprofit organizations allow us an opportunity to get involved and make a change.

This May, the Lincoln Community Foundation hosted their annual Give to Lincoln Day. Give to Lincoln Day is a time for Lincoln to come together and support the organizations that improve our city. This year they raised over $11 million to support Lincoln’s nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits need the support of Lincoln’s community. People rely on the programs provided by nonprofit organizations and those who support them. Think about donating to the organizations near you. Even unused items lying around your home such as old towels, children’s toys, and office items can make a big impact. While not everyone can donate financially, there is always something to give. Nonprofit organizations succeed most when supporters pull together and use their different skills to make the program possible. If you can’t donate financially consider volunteering your time and skills for local organizations. Most nonprofits need help with simple tasks such as helping with event activities, office support, tutoring, and more.

There is such a wide variety of nonprofit organizations that everyone can find one that they’re passionate about and would like to give back to. We are thankful to include several nonprofits in our magazine, each with a unique mission and an inspiring story to tell. Whether you are passionate about supporting children, animals, women, seniors, minority communities, underserved individuals, or those in need of healthcare, food, and clothing, there is a nonprofit dedicated to that mission and would to welcome your support in whatever way you choose to give.

When you support a nonprofit, it impacts far beyond one individual or program. It plays a part in creating a stronger and healthier community. It also encourages others to get involved and be generous in their own way. Even small acts of giving can make a bigger difference than they seem. When many in the community commit to giving back in small ways, it creates a meaningful and lasting impact. Supporting a nonprofit doesn’t only benefit the organization and people it serves, it also has a meaningful impact on you personally, in more ways than you’d expect.

At Strictly Business we believe that giving back matters in order to strengthen our community. We are proud to highlight these incredible nonprofit organizations in our magazine. They are making a huge difference in our local community and helping Lincoln to thrive. By sharing their missions, we hope it encourages you to reach out to your local nonprofit organizations and offer a helping hand. The smallest act of kindness can have a huge impact on those around you. It is truly special when the community comes together to support one another. Everyone has something to bring and we are stronger together. Read on to learn about the nonprofit organizations near you.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

The Pregnancy Center is a nonprofit, faith-based organization located in the heart of Lincoln, just off O Street. Every day women in our community visit the Pregnancy Center for answers. These women desperately need love and support, and many of them are afraid and feel like they have no options. The Pregnancy Center provides comprehensive information about every option available to women facing an unintended pregnancy. The center also provides confi dential counsel, pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, materials support, parenting and birth classes all at no cost to their clients or taxpayers. For more information, please visit pregnancycenterlincoln.org.

Nebraska Community Foundation unleashes abundant local assets, inspires charitable giving and connects ambitious people to build stronger communities and a Greater Nebraska.

Headquartered in Lincoln, the Foundation serves communities, donors and organizations by providing financial management, strategic development, education and training to a statewide network of 1,500 volunteers serving 266 communities.

In the last five years, 46,481 contributions have been made to Nebraska Community Foundation and its affiliated funds. Since 1994, Nebraska Community Foundation has reinvested $594 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

Angels Among Us provides financial and emotional support to pediatric cancer families. Any family living in or being treated in Nebraska is eligible to apply. Once approved, families qualify for newly increased levels of $700 or $1,400 a month, based on household income, for the duration of their critical treatment plan. Funds are paid directly to the creditor, ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose. AAU is the only organization providing longterm sustained funding to pediatric cancer families in the region.

AAU also offers free emotional support at every stage in a pediatric cancer family’s journey. Programs include family wide connection events, caregiver support and bereavement groups, family kits and in-patient meal programs.

Since 2006, over 850 families have been supported with over $6.5 million in financial support. Gifts of any amount are welcome and encouraged. For more information, contact Angels Among Us at (402) 934-0999 or visit myangelsamongus.org.

CBMC Lincoln (Christian Business Men’s Connection) is part of a global community of Christian men dedicated to growing in their faith while making an impact at work and in life. Whether just starting a career or leading a business, men can find support to grow personally, professionally and spiritually.

Faith and work do not always feel connected, but CBMC helps bring them together. Through one-onone mentoring, small group meetups, leadership training, and events throughout the year, members gain the tools, support and real connections to live out their faith in everyday life.

For business owners and leaders, CBMC offers Peer Advisory Groups designed to help run businesses in a Christ-honoring way while benefiting staff, customers and communities. For younger men in the workforce, Young Professionals (YP) groups are a great place to meet other like-minded men, hear from experienced leaders, and receive guidance on work, life and relationships.

Apace is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fulfi lling, lives rooted in dignity, respect and inclusion. Through personalized supports, innovative programming and meaningful connections, we help people build skills, pursue their passions and celebrate everyday achievements.

Located across Southeast Nebraska our day centers, employment services, shared living program and community-based supports, Apace focuses on creating opportunities, whether that’s finding a job, expressing creativity through art, navigating the community with confidence or forming lasting friendships. Our staff walks alongside each person, ensuring they feel safe, supported and valued in every step of their journey.

We believe in the strength of community and the power of shared experiences, Apace works to build a more inclusive world where everyone belongs. Together, we celebrate progress, possibility and the extraordinary in every day.

To learn more about our programs and get involved, please visit GoApace.com or call (402) 471-6400.

Joining CBMC Lincoln means more than attending events. It is becoming part of a community of men who are honest, encouraging and committed to growing together.

To learn more, contact CBMC Lincoln at (402) 204-1997, visit Lincoln. CBMC.com, or find them on Facebook or LinkedIn.

For 94 years, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska, Inc. has been strengthening the Lincoln community by providing services for individuals who face barriers to employment and by offering residents an outlet for recycling unused household items and clothing. The sale of donated items in Goodwill’s retail stores remains the largest source of funding for its programs and services.

Goodwill recognizes that services provided by peer agencies prepare people served by Goodwill to better succeed in Goodwill’s employment programs. It is with this understanding that Goodwill provides funding to colleague agencies to help with their own programs that align with Goodwill’s mission of keeping willing workers employed and community resources maximized. To learn more, visit lincolngoodwill.org.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) is the leading global type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy organization. Breakthrough T1D helps make everyday life better while driving toward cures with a mission to improve lives today and tomorrow by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone people need to get energy from food. T1D strikes both children and adults, and its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. People with T1D depend on external insulin, via injection or infusion with an insulin pump, to survive. There are no cures. Breakthrough T1D is working to change that.

You can help make a difference by participating, volunteering, or fundraising.

Events:

Walk – October 18, 2026; Lincoln, NE

Community Summit – February 27, 2027; Omaha, NE

Gala – April 24, 2027; Omaha, NE

Programs:

Research – Two core objectives: Curing T1D & Improving Lives. Advocacy – Advocate for government support of research & policies for affordable/accessible therapies.

Early Detection – Educational program on screening for T1D autoantibodies.

Community Outreach – Educational resources & support for people affected by T1D.

Ride – Destination cycling experience for all fitness levels. BreakthroughT1D.org/nebraska – nebraska@BreakthroughT1D.org

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

Lincoln Medical Education Partnership (LMEP) is a leader in healthcare education, patient care and behavioral health services through a variety of programs designed to meet community needs. These include the training of Family Medicine resident physicians and the delivery of exemplary patient care through the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program and the Lincoln Family Medicine Center, exposure to integrative medicine through Lincoln Medical Acupuncture, outpatient mental health services (ages 5 and up) and substance use counseling services (ages 13 and up) through Stepping Stones, and the provision of training and technical assistance to help schools identify and assist students with behavioral health issues through School Community Intervention & Prevention (SCIP). To learn more about Lincoln Medical Education Partnership, visit lmep.com or call (402) 327-6851.

Willard Community Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping area residents grow, connect, and contribute to our community.

Located in southwest Lincoln, Willard serves individuals of all ages through high-quality early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, before- and after-school programs, summer camps and teen activities for youth through age 13, as well as a vibrant Adult & Senior Program.

Our offerings include educational, recreational, wellness and social opportunities designed to strengthen connections across generations. Through affordable, accessible programming and meaningful community partnerships, Willard provides a welcoming place where children, families, adults and seniors can learn, build relationships and actively engage in the community. For more information, please visit willardcommunitycenter.org.

Founded in 2001, MilkWorks is a nonprofit community breastfeeding center serving families throughout Nebraska through locations in Lincoln and Omaha. For 25 years, MilkWorks has provided expert, evidence-based lactation care, breast pumps, education, support groups, and resources to help families reach their feeding goals and feel confident in their parenting journey. As an in-network provider for Medicaid and many private insurance plans, MilkWorks makes high quality lactation support accessible to more families.

Today, MilkWorks serves approximately 25% of Nebraska’s birthing families each year and is a trusted resource for healthcare providers and parents alike. Through compassionate, inclusive, and nonjudgmental care, MilkWorks works to create a healthier community for babies, parents, and families. More information can be found at milkworks.org.

The mission of Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach is to relieve hunger, overcome homelessness, address addiction and provide outreach and advocacy in Lincoln. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, the organization is a community kitchen and day center dedicated to helping the homeless and near-homeless find possibilities when things seem impossible.

Each year, Matt Talbot provides more than 250,000 meals through onsite prepared meals, emergency food pantries and food distributed through the Fresh Choice Pantry. In addition, the organization delivers more than 50,000 outreach and homeless prevention services, including housing assistance, case management, drug and alcohol evaluations, education classes, homeless diversion and support obtaining vital identification documents.

Matt Talbot’s commitment to accountability and ethical practices is reflected in its record of recognition. The organization has maintained a four-star Charity Navigator ranking for eleven consecutive years, received the 2023 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, and holds a Gold Seal GuideStar Nonprofit Profile for transparency.

For more information, visit mtko.org.

The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) is a premier organization dedicated to building a healthier Nebraska through sports and physical activity. Its signature initiatives include the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games— events that unite businesses in friendly competition while promoting teamwork and employee wellness. These games provide corporations with a platform to boost morale, encourage fitness and strengthen workplace culture.

The NSC is committed to enhancing Nebraska’s sports landscape and actively seeks partnerships and sponsorships. Businesses aligning with the NSC gain valuable exposure while contributing to the growth of a more active and connected community. Sponsorship options range from event-specific branding to long-term partnerships, offering flexibility for marketing and philanthropic goals.

By supporting the NSC and the Corporate Games, sponsors play an essential role in fostering engagement, well-being, and community pride across the state. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier Nebraska. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.

St. Monica’s Home has been empowering women to achieve life-changing recovery since 1964. Through evidence-based treatment and support services, St. Monica’s provides a safe, supportive environment where women can heal from substance use disorders, address mental health challenges and build a foundation for lasting recovery.

As Nebraska’s longest-serving provider of gender-specific substance use treatment for women, St. Monica’s recognizes that recovery is about more than overcoming addiction. It is about restoring hope, rebuilding relationships, strengthening families and creating opportunities for a healthier future.

Today, St. Monica’s offers a comprehensive continuum of care that includes Short-Term Residential treatment, Therapeutic Community, Mommy and Me programs for women with dependent children, Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP), Outpatient Programming (OP), Peer Support, Community Support and transitional housing through the Affirming Women’s Empowerment (AWE) and HERR House programs.

By addressing the unique needs of women through trauma-informed, person-centered care, St. Monica’s continues to help women and families throughout Nebraska find hope, healing and life-changing recovery. More information is available at stmonicas.com.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

People’s City Mission has served Lincoln’s homeless and vulnerable neighbors since 1907, providing shelter, stability and compassionate care to thousands of men, women and children each year. Rooted in a mission to serve the poor with dignity and respect, PCM offers emergency and transitional shelter, three daily meals, free clothing and household goods and comprehensive medical, vision and dental care through its free clinic. Last year alone, PCM provided more than 125,000 nights of shelter and distributed over 1.6 million food, clothing and household items to individuals and families in need throughout the community. Beyond meeting immediate physical needs, the Mission remains committed to helping guests rebuild their lives through encouragement, practical support and pathways toward greater stability and hope. For more information, please visit pcmlincoln.org.

The Cornhusker Council, Scouting America prepares young people to make ethical and moral choices and develop leadership skills through hands-on experiences and community engagement. We serve thousands of youth, providing programs that emphasize citizenship, outdoor skills and service. Our Scouts provide over 15,000 hours of community service per year across our 16 counties of southeast Nebraska.

Membership remains a key priority as we work to expand opportunities for youth and families. Recruitment initiatives, school partnerships and community outreach efforts have helped introduce Scouting to new audiences while retaining long-time participants.

Since 1952, The Arc of Lincoln has been empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families to live, learn, work, and thrive as valued members of the community. Through advocacy, education, social and recreational programs, transition services, family support, and community partnerships, The Arc of Lincoln helps individuals build meaningful connections, develop skills, and achieve greater independence.

The Arc of Lincoln serves as a trusted resource for individuals, families, educators, service providers, and community leaders by promoting inclusion, protecting rights, and creating opportunities for participation in all aspects of community life. Programs such as social clubs, youth transition initiatives, family support networks, community events, and inclusive recreation help reduce isolation while fostering belonging and personal growth.

The Arc believes every person deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to their community. By working together with families, businesses, schools, and community partners, The Arc of Lincoln continues to build a more inclusive Lincoln for everyone.

Learn more at arclincoln.org.

Founded and based in Lincoln, Nebraska since 1976, Vision Maker Media is a Native media nonprofit that develops, produces and distributes media by and about Native American and Alaska Native communities, advancing Native representation through strategic partnerships, training and national distribution.

Through partnerships with Nebraska Public Media, University of Nebraska, local organizations and community radio, Vision Maker Media connects Omaha and Lincoln audiences with Native voices and experiences, yet also expands access to Native programming across Nebraska, and champions new work nationwide by Native creators.

The organization also invests in training and recruitment to strengthen Native representation in media production and broadcasting. For 50 years, Vision Maker Media continues to serve as a trusted community resource building understanding, increasing visibility and celebrating Native stories that enrich Omaha, Lincoln and communities across the nation.

Watch films at visionmakermedia.org.

Fundraising plays a critical role in supporting camps, scholarships and programming. Among the council’s most successful initiatives is the annual popcorn sale, which teaches Scouts valuable entrepreneurial and financial skills. The sale generates revenue for units and council operations but also provides youth with invaluable experience in goal setting, customer service and business management.

Through strong community support, the Cornhusker Council continues to invest in the next generation of leaders. For more information, visit scouting.org.

Friendship Home is celebrating a flood of community support following the city’s 15th annual Give to Lincoln Day. Throughout the month of May, Lincoln individuals and businesses generously raised a record-breaking $11 million to benefit 497 participating local nonprofi t organizations. Friendship Home raised a remarkable $195,820 of that total, which will directly support the organization’s mission to provide safe shelter and supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their families.

The extraordinary success of this giving month ensures that Friendship Home can continue operating their 68 locations around Lincoln and growing the life-saving programs that meet the needs of survivors seeking a life free from abuse. It takes a strong foundation to continue to meet the growing needs of survivors in the area, and the Lincoln community proves again and again that they are up to the challenge.

Now in its 48th year of serving Lincoln and Lancaster County, Friendship Home is deeply grateful to the Lincoln Community Foundation and the generous sponsors and donors who acted this May to support survivors. More information is available at friendshiphome.org.

The Nebraska Chapter of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) is part of the world’s largest and oldest children’s youth ministry. Established in 1937, the global ministry has reached over 350 million children with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They are unique in that they focus specifically on elementary children ages five to 12. CEF of Nebraska’s Good News Club is an after-school Bible club during the school year that primarily meets in local public elementary schools. During the summer, their Summer Good News Club (formerly the Five-Day Club) goes where the children are –neighborhoods, homes and parks.

CEF of Nebraska brings the gospel of Jesus Christ to children for an opportunity in which to make a life-changing decision for Christ in a safe and loving environment. If you would like to know more, please contact Matt Anderson at matta@cefnebraska.org / (402) 480-5515.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

For over 60 years, Keep Nebraska Beautiful (KNB) has worked for the betterment of Nebraska through waste reduction, recycling and community beautification. KNB’s mission is to enhance, preserve and beautify Nebraska by developing and managing programs and partnerships with statewide affiliates, private industry leaders and citizens who share a passion for the environment. As a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), KNB coordinates KAB events in the state of Nebraska and is a statewide resource for its 20 local community affiliates and all Nebraska residents.

The largest programs offered through KNB are the School Chemical Cleanout Campaign, CleanGreenZoNE, Materials Exchange, Used Oil Collection, Food Waste Education, Household Hazardous Waste and our newest Sustainability Seal Program. These initiatives focus on promoting environmental sustainability and public education/ awareness.

To learn more, call (402) 486-4562 or visit knb.org for more information.

Through partnerships and collaboration, Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) facilitates positive change for the common good.

Since 1955, LCF has been privileged to be part of many wonderful legacies by connecting donor generosity to local needs. With gifts of all sizes from thousands of donors over the years, the assets of LCF have grown to more than $293 million. LCF has distributed more than $288 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of residents.

Lincoln Community Foundation is accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations®. For more information, please visit lcf.org.

Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra (LSO) presents inspiring experiences that welcome all members of our community to discover and cultivate a profound, personal connection with live orchestral music. LSO presents a season of 11 concerts which are attended by 10,000 audience members annually. The season consists of seven classical concerts (including one chamber orchestra concert), two one-hour family concerts, a pop concert and an annual holiday concert.

LSO also provides education and community engagement activities that reach more than 13,500 students in more than 90 schools throughout Nebraska annually. This includes our Young People’s Concerts, library partnerships, school visits and an annual Young Artist Competition. In addition, Harmony in Healing, a music and wellness program, presents a series of chamber ensemble performances in healthcare facilities throughout Lincoln.

LSO also partners with LPS’s Family Literacy program and other human service organizations through our Social Impact Program to provide free concert opportunities for underserved populations. For more information, please visit lincolnsymphony.com.

Established in 1992, The Mediation Center fills a unique and important niche in our community. With staff possessing expertise in conflict resolution and consensus building strategies, along with the commitment of nearly 100 extensively trained mediators, The Mediation Center has helped thousands of Nebraskans resolve conflict outside of formal legal proceedings. The Center operates on a sliding fee scale and is dedicated to providing high quality, professional mediation services to qualifying individuals, regardless of ability to pay.

Mediation is a non-adversarial process for resolving disputes guided by a neutral, third-party mediator. The Mediation Center is proud of the quality and breadth of its programming and works relentlessly towards achieving a future for our community where mediation is the first option considered to resolve conflict and preserve relationships. Call The Mediation Center at (402) 441-5740 or go to the website at themediationcenter.org for more information or to request services.

The Museum of American Speed is a nonprofit founded in 1992 by local business owners, “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith out of their personal involvement in racing and hot rodding, and their lifelong passion for collecting and preserving racing and automotive history. Today, it is a premier destination that draws more than 50,000 annual visitors from across the globe. Covering 240,000 square feet, the Museum showcases a vast collection of iconic race cars, hot rods, motorcycles, bicycles, engines, music, artwork, memorabilia and so much more, offering visitors an immersive experience in the world of speed. There is something for everyone! The Museum is proud to have been voted as the #1 Attraction for Car Lovers by USA Today readers, and the #1 Motor Racing Museum by Newsweek readers. It also sits atop Tripadvisor’s list of Top Attractions in Lincoln. To learn more about this Lincoln gem, visit museumofamericanspeed.org.

The Bosom Collective Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on helping women and men fi nancially and emotionally navigate breast cancer from diagnosis to long after recovery.

The organization is founded by two Lincolnites, Cassie Smidt 22 year breast cancer survivor, and Meg Sloup, who is still going through breast cancer. They felt there was still a gap in the services being offered to these women.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the US every year, yet navigating the health care system can be very overwhelming and discouraging for those women. It’s more than chemo and radiation it’s a completely new identity that only another survivor can understand. We help women fighting cancer bridge the gap, from dog care, laundry, cleaning, yard care, rides to appointments, help with children, and financial assistance to help ease the burden.

We are also here to give emotional support, as one breast cancer survivor can only understand what that looks like. This is the 1st year we are an actual non-profit; we are excited to make a real impact here in Lincoln and western Nebraska to make sure no woman is left behind.

Our annual fundraising event will be held at Suite 111 in Lincoln on October 23rd, 2026. Visit our website boobfestlnk.com.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

One of Lincoln’s largest nonprofit organizations focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Lincoln has served the community for 150 years—promoting positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body for all. Today, the Y serves the community with facilities in all quadrants of Lincoln through programs including swim lessons, YMCA Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Kitaki, after school programs, disease management and more.

While the names and program offerings have changed over the past 150 years, their cause remains the same—strengthening the community. As one of the country’s most storied nonprofits, they know that lasting personal and social change comes about when we all work together. And every day they work side-by-side with their neighbors to make sure everyone, regardless of age, income or background has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

For more information on the YMCA of Lincoln, visit YMCALincoln.org.

Aging Ally is a Nebraska nonprofit dedicated to helping adults and families navigate healthcare decisions with confidence, compassion and clarity. Founded by nurse and healthcare leader Brenda Soto, MHL, BSN, RN, Aging Ally provides RN-led advocacy and support for individuals facing complex medical, insurance and care-planning challenges.

Healthcare can be overwhelming, especially during major life changes, hospitalizations, chronic illness or caregiving situations. Aging Ally helps families understand their options, connect with community resources and make informed decisions that align with their goals and values.

Guided by a mission of ensuring that no one walks alone on their healthcare journey, Aging Ally serves as a trusted partner for those who need support navigating an often-complicated healthcare system.

Through education, advocacy and personalized guidance, Aging Ally is helping Nebraska families find clarity during difficult healthcare decisions while promoting dignity, independence and peace of mind. Learn more at AgingAlly.org or call (531) 893-1456.

The American Heart Association is devoted to healthier lives for everyone and saving people from the nation’s top two causes of death: Heart Disease and Strokes. Their goal is to equitably increase worldwide healthy life expectancy from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030.

They are powered and run by only the best of the best. Thanks to millions of volunteers and countless help from local and global collaborators they are able to help fight against Heart Disease and keep people informed and educated on how to live healthy lives. Through events right here in Nebraska, like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and Heart Ball, the American Heart Association is making an impact. For more information, visit Heart.org/Nebraska.

The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. This mission guides every action the organization takes.

The Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to people affected by disasters; supplies approximately 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches life-saving skills; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families.

Through a strong network of volunteers, donors, and partners, the Red Cross is always ready to respond in times of need. Its supporters provide a beacon of hope, whether helping during disasters, ensuring access to lifesaving blood, delivering critical training, or supporting military communities.

To learn more about the American Red Cross and how to get involved, visit redcross.org.

TeamMates of Lincoln matches an adult volunteer with a student in grades 3-12 to help them realize their strengths, grow hope for their future and to simply be heard. Matches share common interests and/or lived experiences. Mentor’s may choose the school and/or grade level that fits best for them. Visits last one class period, once a week and take place at school.

TeamMates began in 1991, thanks to Dr. Tom and Nancy Osborne. In 35 years, program outcomes have confirmed their belief that caring adults help students – especially those with multiple life challenges – stay engaged in school, graduate high school and make postsecondary plans. Mentors help students expand their aspirations, develop visions for their futures and realize their full potential. To discuss the benefits of mentoring for associates in your business or to offer donations of food for trainings, reach out by calling (402) 436-1990. You can learn more at lincolnteammates.org.

The David Staenberg Family Foundation (DSFF) is a mission-driven nonprofit focused on supporting dyslexic youth and community veterans through practical opportunities that build confidence, stability and hope. The Foundation’s stated mission is to “support dyslexic youth and our community veterans by creating opportunities, inspiring hope and building a legacy of positive change.”

For dyslexic students, DSFF helps remove barriers to success by offering scholarships for post-secondary education, pairing financial support with encouragement so students can pursue their academic goals.

For veterans, DSFF provides targeted support that includes financial literacy scholarships, specifically noting 60 scholarships to the Dave Ramsey program through The Vet Center in Lincoln.

Beyond these two pillars, DSFF also strengthens the broader community through service and partnerships, including collaboration with local organizations serving people in need.

Learn more or make a contribution at DavidStaenbergFamilyFoundation. org.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

Eventide (formerly Tabitha) is a faith-based, nonprofit senior care organization serving Nebraska. Guided by its belief that “Joy doesn’t have an age limit,” Eventide provides a full continuum of services, including 55+ active adult apartments, independent senior living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care and transitional care communities, as well as home health care and hospice. Each year, Eventide relies on community support for Meals on Wheels and other programs. Community members can help ensure seniors receive the support and dignity they deserve by giving at eventide. org/foundation.

Headquartered in Moorhead, Minnesota, Eventide also serves communities of Fargo, West Fargo, Jamestown and Devils Lake, North Dakota, and Lincoln, Crete and Grand Island, Nebraska. Eventide Home Health Care and Eventide Hospice serve clients throughout eastern and central Nebraska. With over 2,000 employees, Eventide serves more than 2,000 residents and clients each day. For more information, visit eventide.org.

At Youth for Christ Lincoln Area, we develop meaningful, Christ-centered relationships with young people at pivotal moments in their lives. We walk alongside teens in public schools through our Campus Life ministry, building trust and offering support where students are every day. We also come alongside pregnant and parent teens through Parent Life, helping them make wise choices, finish their education and grow in their faith.

In the Juvenile Justice Ministry, we meet teens involved in the justice system to share hope, provide chaplaincy services and build longterm relationships that continue when they return to their communities. Through our recent merger with City Impact, YFC Lincoln has expanded its reach to serve even more young people and families through mentorship, community programs and outreach opportunities.

YFC Lincoln partners with local churches, volunteers, schools and community organizations to invite youth into a lifelong relationship with Jesus through mentoring relationships, events and ongoing programs that reflect God’s love and truth.

Our work reaches thousands of young people across Lincoln and surrounding areas, offering hope, support and opportunities for personal growth in a safe and caring environment.

For more information, visit yfclincoln.org.

The Branched Oak Observatory (BOO) is a unique astronomical park located conveniently just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln near Branched Oak Lake Recreation Area. Established in 2015, they offer a unique viewing experience and learning opportunities for young and old alike. Whether viewing the sun, the moon or deep-space star clusters and nebulae, the Observatory’s staff of volunteers – amateur and professional astronomers alike – help to “Bring the Night Sky Down to Earth.”

Come view our newest Observatory, the Miller Astrophotography Research Center (MARC). Also coming this summer is our new Gift Shop/Admissions building! Check out our Facebook page for the latest announcements!

The Observatory has a radio telescope to view the electronic spectrum of the universe, a SATCOM array for communications with the International Space Station and other satellites, a Cosmic Ray Detector and an Earth Moon Earth EME array that will allow them to bounce radio signals off the surface of the moon and back to Earth! Please follow the Branched Oak Observatory on Facebook (@BranchedOakObservatory). Keep checking back to see about our “NEW” operating hours! If you would like more information, visit theboo.org or contact Matt Anderson at matthew@ branchedoakobservatory.com, (402) 480-5515. Branched Oak Observatory is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Voices of Hope provides 24-hour services to all genders who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or related forms of abuse. They have provided free and confidential services to individuals of these crimes in Lincoln/ Lancaster County for 48 years. Their services include a 24-hour crisis line (402) 475-7273, victim advocacy courts/hospitals, support groups, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with protection orders, basic needs and campus advocacy. They answer more than 8,000 crisis line calls a year and provide face-to-face services to approximately 2,500 unduplicated survivors. Voices of Hope is in need of financial donations, gift cards, gas cards, and donations of basic need items such as personal hygiene items, household items, and security cameras.

To learn more visit voicesofhopelincoln.org.

Disrupting Traffick is a Lincoln, Nebraska–based nonprofit dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation through community education, outreach and practical support. Its resource center, located at 1625 N Street, serves as a critical entry point for women and youth facing vulnerability.

Disrupting Traffick operates from a simple but powerful belief: traffickers exploit unmet needs, and when those needs are met, prevention begins. At the resource center, individuals receive tangible resources—such as food, clothing, hygiene items and transportation assistance—freely and without expectation. For many, this is the first experience of receiving help without strings attached.

The organization also provides short-term emergency housing through its safe house, Lincoln’s first for survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Beyond crisis response, Disrupting Traffick offers longterm advocacy and mentorship, fostering healthy relationships that empower survivors to rebuild lives marked by dignity, freedom and hope through dignity-centered care and early intervention.

Disrupting Traffick works to interrupt cycles of exploitation before they take hold. Please visit DisruptingTraffick.org for more information.

Nebraska Diaper Bank believes that all babies deserve clean diapers.

Since 2014, Nebraska Diaper Bank (NDB) has operated a growing diaper distribution program, partnering with social service agencies to serve families across the state.

Clean, dry diapers are essential to a baby’s health and well-being, yet many families struggle to keep up with this basic need. Diapers are not covered by SNAP, WIC or Medicaid, so for families already stretching every dollar, spending $80 or more per month on diapers can be the breaking point.

NDB helps fill this critical gap by distributing diapers through trusted partner agencies, easing financial stress for families and giving parents one less expense to worry about.

Currently, NDB serves over 5,000 babies each month, distributing more than 300,000 diapers across Nebraska. The need continues to grow and so does our commitment to keeping babies clean, healthy and dry. To learn more about our mission or to get involved, visit nebraskadiaperbank.org.

SUPPORTING NONPROFITS

HopeSpoke inspires healthy futures for children and families through comprehensive behavioral and mental health services.

Emotional challenges and trauma are difficult to navigate, especially for kids. When life feels overwhelming, HopeSpoke offers support, healing, and hope.

Serving individuals and families across the lifespan, HopeSpoke provides a range of services, including outpatient counseling, schoolbased therapy, extended day treatment, and crisis and residential care. Outpatient services are available in person or via telehealth, offering flexibility to meet each individual’s needs.

With a legacy of care dating back to 1949, HopeSpoke remains dedicated to supporting children’s mental well-being. Our experienced team delivers expert, compassionate, and innovative treatment tailored to help families thrive.

At HopeSpoke, we believe every child and family deserves a bright, healthy future, and we’re here to help make that future possible.

For more information about HopeSpoke’s programs, or to make a gift to support mental health for children and families, please visit Hopespoke.org or call (402) 475-7666.

Innocence Freed is a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing shelter, healing and hope to survivors of child and adult sexual exploitation, human trafficking and organized trafficking. Serving survivors locally, nationally and even internationally, the organization bridges the gap between crisis and recovery through traumainformed, survivor-centered care.

Backed by more than 14 years of experience serving survivors, Innocence Freed provides survivor-led aftercare programming, advocacy, support groups, case management, emergency assistance, prevention training, educational opportunities and resources through its Clothed in Grace Boutique sponsored by Clothes Mentor Omaha. In response to the critical shortage of housing for trafficking and exploitation survivors, Innocence Freed is actively working to open two residential programs: a faith-based recovery home for adult women and a specialized residential home for girls ages 12-18.

Innocence Freed will host its Rise Up Gala on October 8 at the Relevant Center in Elkhorn, Nebraska bringing together businesses, churches, community leaders and advocates to support survivors and advance the mission of freedom, restoration and hope. For more information, please visit innocencefreed.com.

As a nonprofit transitional housing program, Fresh Start offers more than just a safe place to live. It’s a goals-based program that empowers women to change their lives by recognizing and overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency. The home houses 24 women at a time, and they may participate for up to one year. In 2025, Fresh Start served 62 women, 19,203 meals and 6,401 nights of lodging. Fresh Start is a crucial part of Lincoln’s safety net for women experiencing homelessness.

Fresh Start connects women with health services, employment resources and information and referrals geared toward their selfsufficiency. The nonprofit has been in operation since 1991. It houses women without children in their direct care—a population its founders recognized as underserved in Lincoln. It’s a valuable landing place for women facing an array of challenges including escaping abuse, freeing themselves from addiction or starting over again after incarceration. As one of the alums states “Fresh Start changed my life. I truly believe I’d be dead if I had not found this place.”

Get involved with Fresh Start by visiting their website at FreshStartHome.org or connecting on social media (Facebook.com/ FreshStartHomeLincoln). To donate or volunteer, Contact Monica at (402) 475-7777 / monicaz@FreshStartHome.org.

Lincoln Sports Foundation is dedicated to providing a place for people to compete, train, host events and be part of what’s happening in the community. With athletes, teams and organizations at the center, they welcome a total of 500,000+ guests each year, ranging over 30+ sports and activities.

Their values encompass inclusions of everyone, different backgrounds, abilities and experiences to create one unifi ed campus where everyone feels safe to compete and have fun. As a nonprofit, LSF does not receive city, state funding. Donations play an important role in helping provide opportunities for the community and the organizations we serve.

Lincoln Sports Foundation has invested millions into transforming the old Abbott Sports Complex, giving it a new life and renovating a long-standing pillar in the Lincoln community that is now their current campus. Recently, Lincoln Sports Foundation has launched their new website: lsfcampus.org and has now added 18 Pickleball courts to the campus. Through the partnership with Pickleball Lincoln, players can use the PlayTime Scheduler to find available sessions and connect with others in the growing local pickleball community at LSF. More information available at lsfcampus.org.

The nonprofits featured in this month’s issue showcase how dedicated the Lincoln community is to service. At Strictly Business, we are happy to provide a space where these organizations can share the work they do and increase community awareness.

Nonprofits play a major role in shaping the character of our city. By driving communication and support through local events, Lincoln residents are able to connect with each other and shape the communities around them.

Individuals or businesses may sponsor nonprofit to be in this feature, which gives them six months of press release coverage. If you want to sign up your nonprofit reach out to paige@strictlybusinessomaha.com or office@strictlybusiness.com to get more information.