Strictly Business Magazine August 2021

STRICTLY-BUSINESS.COM

LINCOLN • AUGUST 2021 TM

Mike Fine

SMB Field Sales Manager

Your Business Essentials, Ampliﬁed. • BACK TO SCHOOL • BUYING A HOME • BUYING & SELLING A BUSINESS • WEDDING PLANNING • EMPLOYING LINCOLN CLIENT SPOTLIGHTS • ASIAN TASTE THAI RESTAURANT • COUNTRYHOUSE RESIDENCE • UNICO • KRUEGER DEVELOPMENT • AQUA SYSTEMS

Z.A.A. Inc./Strictly Business Magazine PO BOX 57397 Lincoln, NE 68505

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Z.A.A. Inc. LINCOLN, NE PERMIT 1328

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Frank Soe

Sales Engineer

KRISTINA HILL

MELISSA PAPE

MICHAEL WALLACE

TINA HOFF

KALI KLASSEN

NEAL CHLOUPEK

HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors LLC

Lincoln Federal Savings Bank

Midtown Body & Paint

Lincoln First Realty

Farris Engineering

Usher Custom Cabinets

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

Growing for Nebraska

Growing for Nebraska The City Bank & Trust Mortgage Team at City Bank continues to grow, and now offers a diverse range of loan products The City BankFHA, & Trust Mortgage Team at City Bank continues including VA, NIFA, Rural Housing, and Conventional.

to grow, and now offers a diverse range of loan products We have local decision-making and a support team who works including FHA, VA, NIFA, Rural Housing, and Conventional.

directly with you, our customers, and your team or family. underwriting and closing departments are also local, allowing WeOur have local decision-making and a support team who works for City Bank & Trust to offer fast, solid approvals you can trust.

directly with you, our customers, and your team or family. After all, Trust is in our name. Our underwriting and closing departments are also local, allowing for City Bank & Trust to offer fast, solid approvals you can trust. Pine Lake Main Bank 2929 Pine Lake Rd Lincoln, NE 68516 402-420-2002

Downtown Branch

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940 P St After all, Trust is in our name. Lincoln, NE 68508

East Lincoln Branch Downtown Branch Loan Production Office Crete Branch Pine Lake Main Bank 4225 Lucile Dr

2929 Pine Lake Rd Lincoln, NE 68506 Lincoln, NE 68516402-474-1030 402-420-2002

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940 P St Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-420-2339 402-474-1030

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

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

Are You Seeing What I'm Seeing? I'd hate to jinx anything...but life feels normal again! I walk into a store and see smiling faces, I attend an event and bump shoulders with strangers—it feels good to be back. The relief from this return to normalcy isn't so much for myself as it is for our local businesses. All I have to do is look at my calendar and I feel so positive about the economic outlook for Lincoln. Having our city's biggest events back has been amazing, such as Husker Football, the National High School Rodeo, Lincoln Marathon, concerts and conferences at PBA, Lied Center productions, and many more. I'm very pleased with how customer confidence is raising back up! It's also great knowing that these events are bringing new people into Lincoln and even Nebraska for the first time. Attracting outside dollars is a huge win for our business community, and it's nice to show visitors that we don't still drive covered wagons here in Nebraska.

I'm very proud of the community as a whole for taking the necessary steps to ensure health and safety so we could get to this point again. Just continue to shop local, eat local, drink local, stay local, etc. The more we do, the more we all thrive. Now while things are looking up and people are patronizing local businesses again, we're seeing a new problem: hiring. It seems like every industry is hiring—construction, health care, retail, hospitality, technology, sales, etc.—and they are all struggling to find people to fill their open positions. Companies are having to really put themselves out there and rethink the way they hire, they way they attract the right talent, their employee benefits, vacation time, employee engagement, and employee appreciation.

"The proportion of consumers planning to purchase homes, automobiles, and major appliances all rose—a sign that consumer spending will continue to support economic growth in the short-term."

According to Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board, the managing organization of the Consumer Confidence Survey®, “Consumer confidence increased in June and is currently at its highest level since the onset of the pandemic’s first surge in March 2020. Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved again, suggesting economic growth has strengthened further in Q2. Consumers’ short-term optimism rebounded, buoyed by expectations that business conditions and their own financial prospects will continue improving in the months ahead. While short-term inflation expectations increased, this had little impact on consumers’ confidence or purchasing intentions. In fact, the proportion of consumers planning to purchase homes, automobiles, and major appliances all rose—a sign that consumer spending will continue to support economic growth in the short-term. Vacation intentions also rose, reflecting a continued increase in spending on services.”

In this issue, we have our Employing Lincoln feature, which highlights a handful of amazing companies to work for here in the capital city. Take some time to read through the benefits, both tangible and intangible, that these businesses offer to their employees. If you're at a business that is hiring, ask yourself what your company is currently doing to market yourself as a desirable employer. How are you telling your story? What is the image you have in the marketplace? Advertising goes far beyond products and services. You need good people representing your brand if you want to succeed, and that means making your job opportunities stand out in the competitive pool employers are in. Strictly Business is here to help your business tell your story in a way that attracts the right people for your team. With our quarterly Employing Lincoln feature (February, May, August, November), you can let our readers know what it means to work for your company. We share this feature in print, online on our newly redesigned website, and on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

CONTENTS NEWS 4 Business 27 Personnel

35 Nonprofit 45 Health

ASK THE EXPERT 19 ComPro Insurance

SPOTLIGHTS 26 Asian Taste Thai Restaurant

COLUMNS 20 Star City Six

FEATURE STORIES 57 Back to School

Strictly Business Magazine

50 52 54 56

62 69 74 78 4

CountryHouse Residence UNICO Krueger Development Aqua Systems

Buying a Home Buying & Selling a Business Wedding Planning Employing Lincoln Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

49 51 53 55

Strictly Business Upcoming Events Lincoln Independent Business Association Downtown Lincoln Association Lincoln Chamber of Commerce

PO BOX 57397, Lincoln, NE 68505 P 402.466.3330 • F 402.466.3476 STRICTLY BUSINESS is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submission, including letters, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and are subject to our unrestricted right to edit and comment editorially or creatively, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. Nothing may be printed in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. The publication of any advertisement in STRICTLY BUSINESS is not an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised.

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ABOUT THE COVER

Kinetic Business Shares How Digital Transformation Provides Retailers Success Post-Pandemic Technology has played a crucial role in the digital transformation of not only our everyday lives in the past year, but also businesses pivoting from in-store experiences to virtual connections. Last August, e-commerce saw over 490% YOY growth. Meaning, if you haven’t mastered the art of your digital transformation, now is the time. Reliable Connectivity is Essential In a digital age, fast and reliable internet speeds are something that customers have come to expect. A reliable internet that matches your business and customers' need for speed is vitally important. From online shopping to using apps in-store, fiber internet allows for a seamless shopping experience by providing broadband that supports multiple devices without a lag in speed. Fiber internet is easily scalable to meet the connection needs of you and your customers. Master Game Changing Technology with Digital Signage As businesses in Lincoln have continued to open, it’s been critical to provide adequate space for social distancing to keep customers coming back. Business signage is crucial for directing customer traffic, promoting sales, and more. Many have made the move to become more digitally savvy, which includes signage like Raydiant. As a cloud-based platform, once the device is connected to the internet and the TV display, it is easy to update in-store screens virtually from anywhere. Reshape the Online Shopping Experience

Customer Conﬁdence Driven By Online Security As we are all aware, no business is too small to be free of potential cybersecurity threats, especially during a digitally driven environment. You are most likely aware of the negative impacts a security breach can have on your customer base and their loyalty to your business. Cybercrime attacks have taken center stage in the last year causing over $1 billion in losses. Protecting your business against cybercrime starts with ensuring your network is secure at each stage of a transaction. Kinetic Business recently launched their own Professional Services which allows you to customize diagnostic tests that evaluate your network security, and proactively identify network vulnerabilities before they turn into breaches. Virtual private networks are essential to not only your protection, but your customers’. Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attacks are disruptive and can easily make your internet circuit unavailable, potentially putting you in non-compliance with industry regulations. With a DDoS service provider you can monitor, detect, validate, and mitigate attacks before an outage or related damage occurs. We’ve been building a network to better serve Lincoln residents and businesses for years. For more tips on finding the right business solutions, tune into the Connecting Business Podcast to hear business experts discuss real solutions in a post COVID-19 environment. Follow @GoKineticBiz on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or visit GoKinetic.com.

Businesses nationwide and in Lincoln have found new and unique ways to connect with customers from virtual shopping to online personal training. Now is the time to ensure your network has the strength to meet demands. Software-defi ned wide-area networks (SD-WAN) are a great tool for keeping your business and customers moving virtually with ease. SD-WAN eliminates downtime, meaning customers won’t experience online delays, and ensures business operations stay up-and-running.

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PRODUCTION TEAM: Editor/Operations Hannah Hundley – Editor@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Art Director Dillon Crawford – Design@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Writer Devyn Sanderson - Ofﬁce@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com SALES TEAM: President/Sales Paige Zutavern – Paige@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com Publisher/Founder/Accounting Shayne Zutavern – SZutavern@Yahoo.com

Hannah

Dillon

Devyn

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AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS New Country Bar, Shotguns Opens in Downtown Lincoln Shotguns Bar opened its doors in April and has attracted many customers since. Located at 1332 P St., Shotguns is excited to bring a new country-style atmosphere to the bar scene in downtown Lincoln. The new bar features happy hour Wednesday – Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a reverse happy hour on Thursdays from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. with $1 off all bottles, cans, and draws. The bar also recently announced karaoke night every Tuesday with DJ Rob Taylor from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. along with $2 tall boys. Shotguns often features live music from different country artists and returning DJ Deric B. The new country bar has already received many rave reviews from their customers on Google and on their Facebook page. Customers mention the great staff and service at Shotguns and that it has a relaxing vibe. Shotguns Bar is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday – Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Stop by the bar to enjoy country music, good drinks, great service, and a relaxing atmosphere. For more information, visit Shotguns Instagram or Facebook (@ shotgunsbar) or contact them directly at shotgunsbar@gmail.com. Stay tuned for a grand opening event date to be announced!

Bank of Bennington Changes Name to i3 Bank Bank of Bennington, now i3 Bank, announced that it has completed a major rebranding prompted by its continued growth into new markets. i3 Bank will continue to be locally owned and managed to deliver innovative solutions with a reputation of integrity to make an impact on its customers and communities. Bank of Bennington’s insurance subsidiary, Prime Insurance Group, has also been renamed as i3 Insurance. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 29 with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the i3 launch. i3 Bank’s Lincoln branch located at 3933 S 14th St. is managed by president of the Lincoln market, Jeff Krejci. The full-service branch was opened by Krejci in 2020 after its initial introduction to the market in 2018 with LNK Loan Center. It has grown steadily to approximately $30 million in loans under Krejci’s management. “Here at i3 Bank, we truly pride ourselves on our connection to our customers and communities,” said Krejci. “That mission won’t change— we’re just taking it to the next level.” Online banking tools and current debit cards will work as usual and will be replaced with new i3 Bank cards upon expiration. Customers can continue to use current checks, which will be replaced with the new name and logo upon their next order. Online banking and mobile banking remain unchanged. Customers can call (402) 238-2245 for more information. i3 Bank is a full-service financial institution with consumer, commercial, agriculture, and mortgage loans and deposit products. Founded in 1928, the bank’s CEO Leslie Andersen carries on the fourth generation of the founding family’s legacy where professional personal service and courtesy come first. The bank has locations in Bennington, Omaha, Ashland, and Lincoln. Learn more at i3.Bank. 6 Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

A1 Cabinet & Granite Moves to New Location At the end of June, A1 Cabinet & Granite moved to their brand new location! Previously located at 1401 W Bond Cir., they’re very excited about their new location at 2170 Wildcat Cir. Stop by their new space to visit the vast showroom that showcases several complete kitchen, bar, and vanity setups and a large indoor warehouse connected to the showroom where they stock granite slabs. Take a look at high quality cabinets, sinks, and granite countertops. Customers can also hand pick their actual granite slab from more than 60 colors and 400 slabs at their warehouse! A1 Cabinet & Granite offers a variety of high quality countertop and cabinet options at an affordable price. Sister company of A1 Cabinet & Granite in Des Moines, IA, they opened a local location due to the large demand that exists in Lincoln. They have a mission to expand the business to share lower priced, high quality cabinets and granite to the greater part of Nebraska. On site designers and an installation crew are available to work with clients on their kitchen layout and selections. A1 Cabinet & Granite is open Monday – Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit a1cng.com or call (402) 474-0848.

Tuff Shed Expands Into Lincoln Tuff Shed, Inc., America's leading supplier of storage buildings and garages, hosted a grand opening celebration July 15-17 for its new Lincoln location. Grand opening festivities began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Tuff Shed offered attendees free ramps with the purchase of select building styles. The new sales and design center in Lincoln is located at 2211 Cornhusker Hwy. Customers visiting this location will be able to browse building displays and work with a sales and design consultant to design and purchase a Tuff Shed building. The Lincoln location becomes the second Tuff Shed factory-direct retail sales facility in Nebraska, joining the company’s manufacturing and sales facility in Omaha. General Manager Alan Marsh looks forward to serving the area. “We brought a Tuff Shed sales location in Lincoln to provide the best in customer service, quality, and value in storage buildings and garages on the market,” says Marsh. “We do build onsite and everything is customizable to fit our customers’ budgets and backyards, something that the Lincoln market has been waiting for.” Tuff Shed’s company footprint includes 52 production facilities across the country, and more than 150 brick-and-mortar retail storefronts. Tuff Shed also is a Service and Install partner for The Home Depot, offering an exclusive line of building products at all of the home improvement retailer’s stores in the lower 48 United States. Tuff Shed products include wooden storage sheds and garages. The company works with its customers to design and accessorize buildings, then pre-fabricates key building components at its manufacturing facilities so it can deliver and install buildings on the customer site. Over its 40 years, Tuff Shed has designed, fabricated, and installed more than 1.3 million buildings across the country. Contact Britton Green at bgreen@tuffshed.com / (531) 242-5045 for more information or go online to www.tuffshed.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

BUSINESS NEWS CountryHouse Residence Sells Cookbooks for the Alzheimer’s Association CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care at 70th and O Streets has put together cookbooks available for sale in order to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. The custom cookbooks are filled with delicious and filling recipes from family and friends of the CountryHouse Residence. The suggested donation amounts for each cookbook are $10 per copy. Free-will donations are also accepted via cash or check on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. The cookbooks are available to order through the end of August. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia—by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Keep an eye out for more information about the Alzheimer’s Association’s upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 10. CountryHouse Residence for Memory Care is devoted exclusively to assisting those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The community focuses on residents engaging together and sharing experiences with each other and their families. By triggering positive memories, finding common connections, and stimulating mind, body, and spirit, the most of each day is made for residents, staff, and families. To learn more, visit countryhouse.net or contact gbabcock@ countryhouse.net / (402) 421-2200.

SP Group Team Members Earn QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certiﬁcation Members of the SP Group team took part in a virtual “boot camp” to achieve certification through the Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program. Kelly Barada, Rachel Clymer, Clayton Peterson, Chris Robinett, Troy Stentz, and Erica Vossler completed this online training program. The ProAdvisor Program provides training on the most utilized features in QuickBooks Online and how to better support clients in all of their online accounting needs. Covering eight modules and over the course of 11 hours of training, these team members expanded their knowledge of this powerful software tool to help them better support small business owners.

Familiar Face, New Location! 3543 S. 85TH Street Suite 200 Lincoln, NE 68520 COME MEET YOUR EYE DOCTOR!

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Lincoln Chamber Hosts Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Stratum Productions’ Relocation The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting for Stratum Productions on June 24. Family, friends, and clients were all in attendance to support Stratum Productions’ new headquarters at 2645 O St. Roastbusters Coffee and Goldenrod Pastries provided fresh coffee and delicious pastries for the event. Chickfil-a on 48th and O Streets donated gift cards to the first 40 people that showed up to the event as well.

QuickBooks Online is a helpful tool to simplify the bookkeeping and tax preparation process for any type of business. With any of the online subscriptions, businesses are able to assign “Accountant Users.” As Accountant Users, their team members have access to a client’s QuickBooks in real time to help answer any bookkeeping questions and readily pull data needed to prepare a tax return.

Daniel Anderson and his wife started Stratum Productions over three years ago because they saw a need for event production in the community. It has always been a passion of Daniel’s since high school, and he finally made it happen! This is Stratum’s second relocation to a more functional space in the short time they’ve been in business and is one of many exciting developments that Stratum Productions has under their belts. The Lincoln-based company has added multiple new services to their extensive list of event production offerings, as well as new team members to assist their ever growing business.

SP Group, PC is a growing entrepreneurial accounting firm that serves growth-oriented companies and talented individuals in the Midwest. If you are looking to transition your current bookkeeping practice to QuickBooks Online or simply need assistance with your current subscription, contact the SP Group team members above to address your needs. To learn more about the SP Team, visit www. spgrouppc.com and follow them on Facebook (@SP Group, P.C.) and Twitter (@SPGroupPC), or call (402) 420-7758. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Stratum Productions is an audio/visual production company that specializes in professional audio and lighting for a variety of clients including corporate, nonprofit, house of worship, weddings, and concerts. Their goal is to see big productions become unique as they help clients communicate their message, captivate their audience, and connect with meaning. For a list of services, visit Stratum Productions at www.stratumpro.com or contact Daniel at (402) 313-1864 / info@stratumpro.com. AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 7

BUSINESS NEWS LIBA Foundation to Host Annual Golf Tournament on September 3

Acton Academy Reaches Full Capacity for Kindergarten and Elementary Programs

The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) Foundation will host their annual golf tournament on Friday, September 3, at the NuMark Golf Course (previously HiMark Golf Course) located at 8901 Augusta Dr. Registration is open for anyone who would like to participate, and individual and teams of four golfing options are available. Hole sponsorships are also open, in which a sponsor can provide free games, prizes, food, and/or drinks for the golfers at certain holes. Check-in time for the event begins in the morning at 8 a.m. and the tee time will start at 10 a.m.

Acton Academy is proving they are ready to bring on the new school year by filling every available spot in the kindergarten and elementary programs, and only three seats are open for middle school. Located in southwest Lincoln, the academy has tripled their enrollment available for the 2021-22 school year to foster more joyful, curious children by developing their individual passions. "We have been blown away by the response we have seen in Lincoln. Families were ready for an alternative option that puts the family back in the driven seat of their education. We never would have imagined we would have two full studios and a third that's almost full less than a year into this journey," said Zach Harsin, co-founder. "We are already exploring options for further expansion to serve even more families, so we encourage families to reach out and schedule a tour despite currently having a waitlist for everything but our middle school." Founded by Zach and Heidi Harsin, Acton Academy Lincoln serves families who want the best possible independent learning experience for their children, not hampered by an antiquated one-size-fits-all, grade-specific school system. For more information, to request an information kit, or to schedule a tour of the beautiful space, visit actonacademylincoln.com, email hello@actonacademylincoln.com, or call (402) 858-5151.

The LIBA Foundation strives to educate, strengthen, and support the Lincoln business community through youth education, charitable donations, entrepreneurial assistance, and perpetuation of the Lincoln Independent Business Association. Founded in 1996, LIBA works to promote its mission through several projects, including sponsorship of Student Vote, contributing to the LIBA scholarship program, and sponsorship of Junior Achievement. For more information, visit their website at www.liba.org. If you are interested in registering for the golf tournament, contact Bud Synhorst at (402) 466-3419 or by email at bud@liba.org.

Brace yourselves. i3 is making an impact. FINALLY, EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED IN A BANK.

i3 Bank is exactly what you’re looking for. We’re locally owned and have nearly 100 years of experience – right here in Nebraska. We take great pride in offering a higher level of personal service, unmatched expertise and innovative thinking that sets us apart from everyone else. We invite you to experience a better way to bank. LEARN MORE AT

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BUSINESS NEWS

A Full-Service Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Firm

Big Daddy’s Pizza Adds Menu Items for Customers Under New Ownership Eddie Carrera, who recently became t h e n e w ow n e r o f Bi g Daddy’s Pi zza, i s exc i t e d t o s h a r e new menu items for customers to enjoy! While he is just getting started as the new owner, Carrera has already made several changes to the menu and business as a whole. One item that Carrera will be adding to the menu is a breakfast pizza called “The Om Let”, which will include Sriracha, chorizo, sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, and cheese. He will also be adding a mustard-based Husker Hot Dog Pizza and Taco Pizza to the menu. Carrera is optimistic about these new additions and is hopeful that they will put him in a position to succeed as the new owner! Big Daddy’s Pizza is located at 3720 N 27th St. with business hours 12 p.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 12 p.m. – 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Sundays. Customers can enjoy freshly made pizza, pasta, salad, and more all with the click of a button! For more information about Big Daddy’s Pizza or to place an order, visit bigdaddyspizzaoflincoln.com or call (402) 904-8166.

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ComPro Holds 30th Anniversary Celebration with Partners, Clients, and Vendors The lively, fiesta theme set the perfect mood for fun to be had by all at ComPro’s 30th Anniversary Celebration that took place July 15. Over 100 guests were in attendance, representing a wide variety of people who have played an important role in ComPro’s success. These included referral partners, agents, clients, insurance carrier reps, vendors, friends along with all of Compro’s staff and their families. Muchachos Food Truck was on the scene serving up delicious tacos and queso and chips. Two friendly bartenders kept the beer and margaritas flowing. There was also, of course, a giant cake that read “Cheers to 30 Years” which was a welcome sight for dessert. Beyond the food and drink, there were yard games to play, such as Giant Jenga and Ladder Golf. To wrap up the evening, kids and adults alike took turns swinging a stick at the colorful burrowshaped pinata until at last a shower of candy spilled from its belly. There was something very special about this evening that went beyond the food, drink, and games—it was the sense of people enjoying being together. As ComPro’s Vice President Chris McPike put it, “People were really enjoying each other. No one was in a hurry to leave.” ComPro, founded by Brian and Chris McPike, works one-on-one with each of their clients to find health insurance solutions that satisfy the clients' unique priorities. The team is dedicated to quick and accurate responses to policy service or claims issues. For more information, visit comproins.com or call (402) 488-5100 to congratulate the ComPro Team on 30 years! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS

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Clearwater Counseling Celebrates Two Years since Second Location Expansion Clearwater Counseling, PC recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of opening its Omaha location. Since expanding its practice from Grand Island to a second location in Omaha in July 2019, Clearwater Counseling has formed many community partnerships to fill the growing need for mental health services throughout Nebraska. The practice has also continually developed its services to best accommodate clients, including the launch of a teletherapy option in the summer of 2019. The practice's team of therapists continues to expand as well in order to serve more clients throughout the area. CEO and co-owner Kayla Leddy, MS, LIMHP, LIPC, CA, and COO and co-owner Nikki Frenzen, MS, PLMHP, look forward to serving both the Grand Island and Omaha communities for years to come and appreciate the support they've received since establishing the practice. Clearwater Counseling works with clients who are struggling with a variety of mental health diagnoses including depression, relationship issues, stress, grief/loss/trauma, addiction and recovery, co-dependency, anxiety and phobias, parenting problems, sexual abuse and incest, physical abuse and violence, as well as various others. To learn more about staff, services, or resources, visit clearwatercounselingpc.org. To schedule an appointment with Clearwater Counseling, or for more information about mental health services, please call (308) 210-8487 or email info@ clearwatercounselingne.org.

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NAWIC Announces Annual Golf Tournament on August 24 at Indian Creek Golf Course The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Greater Omaha Chapter 116 and their partner, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) are excited to announce that their annual golf tournament is back! The tournament will take place on August 24 at Indian Creek Golf Course, located at 3825 N 202nd St. in Elkhorn. All funds raised will benefit construction trade related college scholarships, apprenticeship training, and industry activities supported by NAWIC. The event has sold out for the last three years so early registration, which is open to the public, is encouraged. Registration for the day of the event begins at 10 a.m., with lunch at 10:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11 a.m. Dinner and awards are to follow the end of the tournament. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who would like to participate in other ways. To learn more information about sponsorships or the event, contact Jody DuRee at jodyd@standardac.com or (402) 616-5472. To register, visit www.birdease.come/nawiccfma2021. NAWIC Chapter 116 based in Omaha also encompasses Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. First chartered in 1966, the chapter has over 60 members working in businesses whose primary focus is the construction industry. Meetings for the Greater Omaha chapter are on the second Thursday of each month in varied locations and are open to the public. To learn more about the National Association of Women in Construction Chapter 116, please visit www.nawicomaha.com. You can also reach out to Chapter President Ashley Meirose at (402) 836-9701 or ashley.meirose@unmc.edu with any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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402.904.6648 501 West A Street, Lincoln NE 68522 asiantastethairestaurant.com AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS HBAL’s to Host 50th Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show in February

Dr. Carla Ericksen from Beyond Vision LNK Starts Women in Healthcare Network

Exhibitor contracts are now available for the 50th Annual Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show to be held February 11-13, 2022 at the Lancaster Event Center located at 84th and Havelock Ave. Show hours are Friday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 50 years of history in Lincoln, it's a community favorite! Even with today’s online presence, most homeowners believe faceto-face contact is the best source of home improvement information. The Home & Garden Show, which is sponsored by the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, provides a great opportunity to have "facetime" with potential customers. With over 12,000 attendees, they are the largest show in the market. Professionals who display their products and services include: new home construction; remodeling; kitchens and bathrooms; pools and spas; heating and air conditioning; landscaping and water features; fencing; windows, roofing, and siding; and financial and professional services. Since 1951, the Home Builders Association of Lincoln has been working to promote the home building and remodeling industries in Lincoln. Exhibitor contracts are available online at www.hbal.org/builders-home-gardenshow/exhibitors or by calling the HBAL office at (402) 423-4225. For more information about the organization, visit www.hbal.org.

Dr. Carla Ericksen at Beyond Vision LNK has started a networking group for women in healthcare called Women in Professional Health-Lincoln. This new women’s organization is inviting all women across multi-disciplinary fields in Lincoln to join and become a member. Their mission is to promote women in the Lincoln health community, encourage their community involvement as trusted leaders in our local healthcare networks, and unite together to provide efficient, compassionate, full-body care to all Nebraskans. Events will be held monthly, with the next meeting on Thursday, August 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Rock n’ Joe’s. They are open to all women across all medical professions to work in concert to mentor, network, and support young girls and women across Nebraska in their goals to care for their families, those around them, and themselves. Beyond Vision LNK’s continued mission is that all people in the community experience healthy eyes and so that businesses are empowered with the freedom and knowledge of good eye-care options to #seelife. For more information about Dr. Ericksen’s business or new network, contact her at (402) 261-8699 or office@ beyondvisionlnk.com, or visit online at www.beyondvisionlnk.com/ contact. If you are interested in joining the organization, you can contact Dr. Ericksen directly to be added to the Facebook group, or search for them under ‘Women in Professional Health-Lincoln.’

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BUSINESS NEWS Center Sphere Academy to Host Member Sales Training August 25 As one of The Networ k’s educational initiatives, Center Sphere Academy is rolling out fresh learning opportunities with their Level Up Sales Training on August 25 at 12:30 p.m. This virtual course, led by Sandler Sales Executive Karl Schaphorst, will allow members to dive deeper into their sales process and development while they focus on creating and refining their prospecting script. This training opportunity is available to active members of Center Sphere as a part of their membership and all details can be found on the Center Sphere HUB. Through Center Sphere Academy, members experience powerful personal and professional development content and resources while growing their network. The time invested in the Academy will elevate members, their relationships, and their businesses. It is one of the simplest ways to strategically grow their leadership, expand their impact, and intentionally increase their success. Center Sphere is an established network of business professionals whose mission is to share referrals, ideas, and resources through genuine relationships. The Lincoln Network is currently made up of nearly 50 chapters and has access to members nationwide. For more information about Center Sphere or to inquire about attending a complimentary meeting or event, visit www.CenterSphere.com or connect with Lincoln Interim Area Director Lona Anderson at Lona@ CenterSphere.com or (402) 416-5700.

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Women in Sales & Business Announces Next Meeting on August 11 The next Women in Sales & Business (WISB) monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, August 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meeting will be hosted at Venue Restaurant & Lounge, located at 4111 Pioneer Woods Dr., STE 100 in the Lancaster/ Nebraska room. Following the regular business meeting will be a presentation from Dr. Jenna Pieper, an associate professor of management at the University of NebraskaLincoln. Dr. Pieper teaches human resources courses in the online MBA program. Her research interests are in the areas of strategic human resource management and workplace diversity. She studies the influence of human resources practices, such as compensation and recruitment, and diversity factors, such as gender and race, on employee outcomes. Guests are welcome and current members are encouraged to attend with a guest. The cost to attend in-person is $16 for members with lunch, $10 without lunch, and FREE for first-time guests. All women attending should be prepared to make a brief introduction of themselves and their business and are asked to register on the Women in Sales and Business Facebook page. Women in Sales & Business began meeting in 1987 to offer businesswomen in Lincoln the opportunity to network within an allfemale setting. Today, their goal is to encourage and develop creative leadership in women. They are dedicated to promoting growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge and are always looking for new members to join the group! To learn more or inquire about membership, call (402) 472-8675 or visit www.wisblincoln.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

OakElectricCompany.com ∙ 402-440-5969 Commercial ∙ Residential ∙ Industrial AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Tickets Now on Sale for Fall Sip Nebraska Festival, September 24-25

Midtown Body & Paint Updates Curb Appeal with New Parking Lot and Landscaping

Tickets are now available to purchase for Sip Nebraska’s Fall Wine, Beer, and Spirits Festival at Haymarket Park! On Friday, September 24 from 4 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, September 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., attendees can enjoy a full weekend of Nebraska’s best-produced wines, hard ciders, craft beers, and spirits. All are invited to spend the day playing lawn games, listening to live music from local bands, and touring food, artisan, and craft vendors. Sports fanatics can also watch the Nebraska v. Michigan State game on the 11’ x 11’ jumbo screen! Non-alcohol tickets are $25 Friday and Saturday and include parking and event entry. Tasting tickets are $45 Friday and $55 Saturday ($90 for a two-day ticket), and include parking, event entry, a tasting glass, and various tastings. Limited edition tickets are $65 Friday and $75 Saturday ($130 for a two-day ticket), and include all the features of the tasting ticket option plus award-winning wines, craft beers, and an event t-shirt. Make sure to purchase your tickets early, as tickets are $10 more at the door if not sold out! The event will be held rain or shine. Every year, Sip Nebraska brings together a community of local wine, craft beer, spirits, and their fans to celebrate Nebraska’s beverage industry. For more information about Sip Nebraska’s eighth annual festival or to purchase tickets, visit blurparties.com.

Midtown Body & Paint is very excited about the improved curb appeal to their shop after a few landscaping touches were made and a new parking lot was laid right outside the door. Complete Concrete Specialist LLC made Midtown Body’s parking lot a dream come true. After years of parking customers’ cars on a gravel lot, Midtown Body is thrilled to finally have a paved lot to better serve their customers’ car service and repair needs. In addition, new sod has been laid and Custom Scapes Landscaping put in a beautiful new burm. Midtown Body & Paint has served many customers with vehicle repairs since their beginnings in 1950. They offer a wide range of car services including collision repair, frame repair, full paint services, paintless dent repair, and glass replacement. Midtown Body’s CRT’s are trained I-CAR Gold Class experts that ensure your vehicle is repaired safely, thoroughly, and cost effectively, no matter how complex or diverse the vehicle design. Midtown Body & Paint is located at 332 S Antelope Valley Pkwy with office hours Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, visit midtownbodyandpaint.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Sebastian’s Table to Now Offer Lunch Service and Weekend Brunch Options Sebastian’s Table, one of Lincoln’s top fine dining restaurants, is excited to announce that they are now offering Lunch service and a unique weekend brunch! This new addition to the restaurant will allow customers to enjoy lunch service Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The lunch menu features some of their most popular tapas selections as well as a few new dishes, including sliders, flat bread tacos, healthy medibowls, and elegant takes on meatloaf and chicken fried steak. Weekend brunch offers three dining options: a five course tasting menu, à la carte for discerning palates, or full service “all you can eat” where you never have to get up and stand in line! Their regular dinner service still offers their popular Tapas Menu but now features larger, individual plates for those that prefer a single meal option. Sebastian’s Table is a true culinary destination that features locally sourced ingredients, exotic imports, and culinary staples that are used to create vibrant, unique dishes and fresh takes on classic menu offerings. Whether it’s the casual elegance of their midday service or the intimate, refined luxury of an evening out, Sebastian’s Table sets the perfect mood. Sebastian’s Table is located at 8340 Glynoaks Dr. For more information about menu items and hours, visit sebastianstable.com.

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FNBO Partners with Lincoln Children’s Museum on New Photo Booth Exhibit First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) is excited to partner with the Lincoln Children’s Museum on the launch of a new exhibit at the museum. An FNBO photo booth has opened on the upper level of the museum with exciting Husker-related backdrops where children can capture themselves in the middle of all the action.

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The formal launch of the new photo booth took place on Saturday, July 17. In addition to meeting both Husker cheerleaders and Herbie Husker, visitors were able to “snap” memories and even “score” a keepsake photo. “We are thrilled to be partnering on this fun opportunity as the official bank of Husker Nation and in support of the museum,” said Nathan McKown, senior director, commercial banking, FNBO. “Organizations like the Lincoln Children’s Museum are pivotal in creating and fostering an environment of learning today that will sustain our communities tomorrow.”

Over 20 Years Experience • Trusted Relationships Amazing Timelines

The Lincoln Children’s Museum is open Thursday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., with regular play as well as in-museum programming. Every visit, membership, donation, or in-museum purchase helps to support their mission of providing a safe place to create, discover, and learn through the power of play. For more information visit www.lincolnchildrenmuseum.org. First National Bank of Omaha is a subsidiary of First National of Nebraska. First National of Nebraska and its affiliates have more than $24 billion in assets and nearly 5,000 employee associates. Primary banking offices are located in Nebraska, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota, and Texas. For more information, visit www.fnbo.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

3035 North 35th St. | Lincoln, NE 68504 402-429-8412 | ZengGranite.com AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 15

BUSINESS NEWS Ribbon Cutting Hosted at Lincoln Airport, LNK to Celebrate Return of Delta Airlines

UNICO Group Named One of Lincoln’s Best Places to Work for Second Year

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on June 25 at the Lincoln Airport (LNK) to celebrate the return of Delta Airlines operated by SkyWest Airlines. The Lincoln Airport is optimistic about the return of Delta Airlines and is hoping that it’s a sign of things to come. Delta Airlines began flying again from Lincoln to Minneapolis back in May after shutting down operations at the airport last year due to the pandemic. Airport Executive Director David Haring stated that passenger numbers on the Minneapolis flight have exceeded both Delta’s and the airport’s expectations with planes at more than 80% occupancy. Rachel Barth, Lincoln Airport’s director of communications and customer engagement, stated that this is a big deal for the airport and passenger return. This is an exciting time for the Lincoln Airport after a rough year during COVID, and more passengers are beginning to return as restrictions ease and the pandemic weakens. LNK, a public/military airport located five miles northwest of Lincoln that delivers more than $1 billion per year in value to the economy, welcomes private planes, corporate jets, and aviation enthusiasts. For those flying in on non-commercial flights, they offer aircraft storage, fueling, major and minor maintenance, aircraft painting, and flight training through our general aviation partners. LNK is operated by the Lincoln Airport Authority. To learn more, visit lincolnairport.com or call (402) 458-2480.

For the second time in three years, UNICO Group has been named one of Lincoln’s best places to work, previously having earned the award in 2019. The award recognizes the efforts of creating an enjoyable company culture and work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for its employees. UNICO received the award in the “Large” category, referencing businesses with 50-149 employees. 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. “We enjoy recognizing and applauding our accomplishments within our teams throughout the year, but this celebration is extra special because it honors the entire organization, across all divisions, and recognizes that each and every team member plays an important role in the success of our award-winning workplace culture,” said Lori Gerdts, director of human resources. UNICO Group is a client-focused insurance broker headquartered in Nebraska. They offer a consultative and relational approach to their customized solutions for clients nationwide. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) organization, every one of their employees is a part-owner and gets to celebrate the company’s biggest successes as their own. For more information, visit www. unicogroup.com or call (402) 434-7200.

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BUSINESS NEWS Lutz to Host Excel Webinar on October 6

RETURN TO THE RUNWAY August 26-28, 2021

Lutz will host a webinar on Wednesday, October 6, from noon to 12:30 p.m. to discuss Excel, one of the most commonly used services from Microsoft. The platform is often the first choice for many consumers who are looking for data storage, calculation, and analysis, though it can be difficult to navigate for those who are new to Excel. The webinar, presented by Jack Moylan and Jessica Murray of Lutz Tech and Controller Matt Storm, will focus on the most common features of Excel, as well as tips and tricks to utilize some of the platform’s more complicated features so that users will gain the most benefit for their business’s data. The webinar will do a general overview of Excel, including the biggest benefits gained from using the service, as well as how someone can approach Excel as a beginner. Lutz is a business solutions firm for people looking for a partner to help energize and heighten their financial and organizational success. Their experienced team provides accounting, wealth management, recruiting, M&A, and technology services. Lutz wants to help your business find the right solutions that will help it thrive. For further information, contact Regan Szatko at (402) 496-8800 / rszatko@ lutz.us. Registration for the webinar can be found at www.lutz.us/106-21-office-365-spotlight-excel.

5 Elements Massage & Spa Celebrates 6 Years in Business Owner and Operator Erin McLenon of 5 Elements Massage & Spa is excited to hit the six-year mark of being in business! Erin has grown 5 Elements significantly, especially in the past year with the addition of team members and moving into a bigger studio in the Trade Center at 6201 S 58 St., STE A. The building accommodates two massage rooms, an upstairs couple's massage room, and a room for an esthetician. Through ups and downs, Erin feels so grateful to be where she is today. She is especially thankful for her loyal clients, supportive friends, her husband Nick, and her sweet daughter Colleen. Erin began 5 Elements in hopes to expand the power that massages have on people, whether it be for simple aches and pains to pain management. 5 Elements cares about each and every individual that walks in the door, adjusting massage therapy treatments according to an individual’s specific condition, physical limitations, and personal needs. Her dedication to their clients and easing their pain through massage therapy has helped create all that 5 Elements is today. 5 Elements Massage & Spa offers a variety of services, including Swedish and deep-tissue massages, prenatal, heated bamboo, sports, hot stone, reflexology, fire cupping, salt or sugar scrubs, chocolate wraps, and more. Therapeutic touch, when professionally applied in one of its many established forms, has the power to restore and activate the healing potential present within each individual. The certified massage therapists at 5 Elements restore mobility to those suffering with physical ailments and help clients overcome debilitating stress related conditions. For more information and operating hours, visit 5elementsne.com or contact Erin directly at (402) 617-7992 / erin@5elementsne.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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BUSINESS NEWS Valentino’s Aims to Grow Family Tradition with Franchises Across Nebraska

Kawasaki Motors Announces Increased Capital Spending, Employment Growth

With locations in 18 Nebraska cities, Valentino’s wants to add Hastings, North Platte, Scottsbluff, and more to the map. They’re looking for potential franchise owners to open new To-Go and Express locations.

Since 1974, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., U.S.A. (KMM), a subsidiary of Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), has been a proud member of the Lincoln community. KMM began with the Consumer Products division where Jet Ski’s, Mules, ATVs, UTVs, and RUVs are produced. In 2001, the Rail Car Division was added to make subway passenger cars for the East Coast. The Aerospace Division was added in 2017 to manufacture cargo doors for the Boeing 777X. Currently the facility covers approximately 2.4 million square feet and employs over 2400 employees. Over the next 18 months, KMM will spend an estimated $200 million in capital and tooling for the Consumer Products division. This capital investment will allow KMM to expand their assembly, paint, and welding lines in conjunction with automation of processes. Due to the low unemployment rate, Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp will add significant automation processes to compete in the global market, skill up current employees, and increase production output. KMM will add over 550 full-time employees not only to support the Consumer Products expansion, but also the Rail Car R211 project. Employment opportunities will include fabrication, welding, and assembly primarily for the side x side products and rail car projects. KMM is excited for the growth of the company to have a positive impact on Lincoln and surrounding communities. To learn more, visit www.kawasakilincoln.com.

Valentino’s To-Go and Express locations focus on carryout and delivery with express “pizza by the slice” options and family value packs. To-Go locations could be featured in business districts or busy intersections, while Express locations could be added onto existing businesses like convenience stores. As Valentino’s continues to pass on their family traditions and recipes, they hope to continue growing their franchises in Nebraska. “In 1957, Val and Zena Weiler opened a little pizzeria in Lincoln that would eventually grow into the respected regional chain Valentino’s is today,” said Anthony Messineo, Valentino’s vice president. “Your store could be our next success story.” Valentino’s success is a reflection of its owners and employees and their commitment to excellence. Valentino’s approach is a lot like the way of life here in Nebraska. It’s striving to always do the best job you can and carry on the tradition. To learn more, visit valentinos.com or contact Anthony Messineo at (402) 434-9327 / ajmessineo@valscorp.com.

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BUSINESS NEWS Immanuel Increases Wages, Beneﬁts for Frontline Workers Immanuel, the Midwest leader in retirement living and senior services, a n n o u n c e s wa g e benefit increases for frontline workers in its 14 retirement living communities and three Pathways PACE® (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly) centers across Nebraska and Iowa. All Immanuel care staff, dining servers, and other frontline positions will see increases in pay well above market and industry standards, a step towards the organization’s new workplace transformation efforts. “As we embark on our next generation of growth to serve more seniors, the community, and each other, we know our seniors and employees continue to deserve the best,” said Eric Gurley, Immanuel president and CEO. “Part of these efforts is ensuring all Immanuel employees are paid a wage that offers the opportunity to grow and develop at work and at home.” The pay increases are only part of Immanuel’s efforts to transform their work environment to further meet the needs of both senior residents, participants, and employees. Over the next year, the organization will be introducing career pathing opportunities, a robust leadership competency program, hospitality training, and more ways for employees to grow personally and professionally. This is in addition to Immanuel’s existing employee benefit program that includes continuing education assistance, paid volunteer time off, and their Helping Hands Assistance Fund, a unique program that lends a financial hand to employees experiencing an unforeseen hardship or challenge.

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“Our frontline and behind-the-scenes teams have gone above and beyond over the last year to protect the health and wellbeing of those we serve. That dedication has not gone unnoticed. We expect the best of our employees and are encouraging them to hold us to the same standard. When we’re all working at our best, that means incredible experiences for the seniors we serve,” said Gurley. The Immanuel team will significantly expand in the coming months. The organization recently announced the acquisition of two additional communities, Grand Lodge at The Preserve of Lincoln, and Deerfield of Des Moines, IA. Immanuel will assume ownership of these communities and further expand their reach in Nebraska and Iowa on August 1. “At Immanuel, we’re proud to be here for people, not for profit. We’re here to provide exceptional experiences to the seniors we serve and we’re here to provide an extraordinary work environment for health professionals to thrive,” said Gurley. Since 1887 Immanuel has been providing Christ-Centered Service to seniors, each other, and the community. As a not-for-profit, serving arm of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), Immanuel’s house of brands includes: Immanuel Classic Courtyards, Lifestyle Villages, Signature and Care Communities, Lakeside Lofts, Immanuel Pathways, Immanuel Community Foundation, and The Immanuel Vision Foundation. Immanuel owns and operates 14 55+ active living, independent living, assisted living, and long-term care retirement communities on nine campuses; Immanuel Pathways operates three PACE® Centers in Iowa and Nebraska; the Immanuel Community Foundation, a Resident Assistance Fund, provides financial assistance to independent living residents; and the Immanuel Vision Foundation extends financial support to nonprofit, charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that share purposes in alignment with Immanuel’s service centered mission. Learn more at Immanuel.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

BUSINESS NEWS Lincoln Chamber Announces 2021 Lincoln Business Expo on October 13

BBB Alerts Community on Who to Turn to When Dealing with Storm Damage

The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce proudly hosts one of the region’s largest trade shows—the Lincoln Business Expo. This year, the event will be held on Wednesday, October 13. It is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. More than 1,200 attendees eagerly come to the show floor to see the 130+ exhibitors the trade show attracts. Expo experts know trade shows offer high levels of visibility for vendors and sponsors. The Chamber works hard to make the Lincoln Business Expo as unique and memorable as possible so guests have a great experience from start to finish.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) responded to the severe storms in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa in July by educating the community on who to turn to—and who not to turn to—when dealing with storm damage. The Omaha Public Power District called the storms the worst for outages in recent history, with more than 170,000 customers reportedly experiencing no electricity. The BBB recommends checking your state agency responsible for registering and/or licensing contractors. Get references from friends and relatives. Be especially careful of door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit if sales people go door-to-door. Ask for identification and check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and license plates for your state or province. Also, ask for proof of liability, workers compensation, and licensing. Verify the contractor has the correct license to do work in your state. This protects you in case something happens while working on your property. Also, the Better Business Bureau says to not make any permanent changes to your property until you get approval from your insurance provider. They may not fully reimburse you for repairs made without their permission. Take photos of the storm damage to show your insurance company. Finally, make sure you get everything in writing. Demand a written contract from anyone you hire. Clearly written, detailed proposals that are broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate. Find businesses you can trust on BBB.org.

Expand on your company’s name, reputation, and marketing reach by registering for a both! Exhibitor booth cost is $500 (10x10 booth includes one skirted eight-foot table, two chairs, and a sign with company name). If you register your booth by August 13, you can receive $50 off. Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout on the Chamber's website. There are also sponsorships available. Contact Nichole Kaiser at nkaiser@lcoc.com to learn more. The Lincoln Chamber serves as Lincoln’s lead business organization, championing our innovative, bustling business community. The Chamber is a convener and collaborator who brings all voices together to grow the city and move it forward! To learn more, visit www.lcoc.com or call (402) 436-2350.

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ASK THE EXPERT: COMPRO (402) 488-5100 www.comproins.com

by Kayla Northup Senior Account Manager

HR Success for Small Business Owners Our Employee Benefits Team is passionate about helping small businesses design, implement, and carry out their employee benefits plans. We work hard to do the heavy lifting which allows our clients to spend more time in their field of work and less on benefits and human resources. HR360: One of the ways we assist small businesses is by offering HR360 free of charge! HR360 is a premier online human resources library that is designed with small business owners in mind. Here are a few of HR360’s many offerings: Steps to HR Success: HR360 presents all of the key responsibilities for human resources in “How To” interactive guides to give you a clear approach to understanding and managing important HR tasks. This simplifies the process and equips you to have success in this role. Performance Review Builder: This takes the pain out of preparing reviews. You can select an evaluation based upon the employee’s occupation or customize it based upon 20 performance categories. Total Compensation Statement Builder: A total compensation statement communicates the entire value of an employee's compensation package. This helps employees realize the value of their “hidden” benefits and can be eye-opening to see all that their employer is providing. Ease: This is another tool we offer at no cost to help small businesses. Ease simplifies benefits enrollment and administration, allowing an employer to say good-bye to paper. This is a cloud-based software that enhances both the employer and the employee experience by promoting better decisions, faster enrollment, and 24/7 access to benefit information. Employees make smarter decisions with copays, coverage, benefit summaries, and actual costs at their fingertips. Ease integrates with other systems including payroll vendors. We provide training and support so that our clients can get the most out of the system’s capabilities. Advocating: While software and programs are great, we know that oftentimes what a person wants most is someone on the other end of the phone who cares enough to help. That’s where ComPro really shines. Your problems are our problems. If an employee is having trouble accessing care or there is a plan level problem, we WANT to help. We understand that insurance issues can feel overwhelming to untangle on your own. We know the people and pathways to find the best solution. Education: To get the most out of your benefits plan dollars, employees must understand how the plans work and how use them. We run employee meetings and work with your staff on a one-on-one basis as needed. We’ve done the work of learning all about the insurance field and we know how to present it in a way that is understandable to your staff. The result? You make the most of your dollars spent by ensuring your staff knows how to get the most out of their benefits. For more information, contact ComPro at (402) 488-5100 or visit comproins.com. We also offer insurance plans for individual, family, and Medicare. Our office is at 1040 N Cotner Blvd. in Lincoln. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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STAR CITY SIX

KRISTINA

Kristina Hill

HOMESHIELD ROOFING & EXTERIORS LLC Meet Kristina Hill, co-owner/operator of HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors, LLC. Tell us a little about your business. - HomeShield Roofing & Exteriors was started in 2017 and is run by my husband Matt, and myself. We do residential and commercial, roofing, siding, window, gutters, and stone projects. How did you get started in the business? - When HomeShield first opened, my husband was full time and I was working a full-time corporate job, plus assisting as I could on the back end. Our company got to the point where we needed a second full-time person, so here I am! I never dreamed I’d be in the roofing/exteriors industry, but I’m truly loving operating and growing the business. It’s been exciting to see how much we have grown in that short amount of time. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - I’d have to say it was jumping head first into this industry! My background was heavily focused on business development, so I was able to take over that side of my business seamlessly, but the roofing world was all new to me. I just had to jump in and start doing things myself, asking lots of questions along the way. Now, I’m helping mentor other ladies who are just getting started in this industry. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Being asked to speak about running a residential roofing company to ladies from around the nation at the National Women in Roofing Conference this month. Tell us a little about your family. - Matt and I are a blended family with three kids: Chase (20), Autumn (17), and Atley (10). One of these days I’ll talk them into letting me have an office dog to add to our family. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I had my daughter at a young age and was a single parent. There were times I was working three jobs to make ends meet and to provide a life for my little family that I was proud of. Those early years were extremely difficult but taught me more about myself and my character than anything else. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with my family at the lake or just being outdoors. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - In 2010, I was the Miss Teen of South Dakota! Who inspires you? - My husband. Corny, right? But it’s true. He’s a saint. I might be biased, but he’s one of the best in the industry. I’m blessed to have learned a good majority of what I know from him. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - “Your smile is your business logo, your personality is your business card, and how you leave others after an experience with you becomes your trademark.” - Jay Danzie What local nonproﬁt organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? - I actually co-founded a local nonprofit called Hope for the Voiceless. Our mission is to combat child sex trafficking right here in the Lincoln community. Ultimately, our big-picture goal is to have a long-term safe home for children who have been impacted by sex trafficking. What is your favorite TV show? - The Ofﬁce, no questions asked. It would probably be an understatement to say that I’ve watched every episode 20 times. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 499-5165; kristina@homeshieldne.com; www. homeshieldroofingandexteriors.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

MELISSA

Sizzling Authentic Mexican Food! Now Serving Margaritas!

Melissa Pape

MIDTOWN BODY & PAINT Meet Melissa Pape, owner of Midtown Body & Paint. Tell us a little about your business. - Midtown opened in the 1950s by the Schwindt family and was originally located on 13th St. between K and L Streets. It was then purchased and moved to our current location by the Lococo family in the mid 80s. In 2015, my husband Dan and I purchased the business and have been repairing all makes and models since! We offer talented techs and a smalltown feel. Every car is repaired according to proper procedure and safety standards. We are also ICar Gold certified and PPG Certified What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? - Some would think working with my husband—but seriously that was the easy part! Learning the industry was the most challenging. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Learning how to successfully run a small business. It takes dedication, professionalism, and a great team to back you up. I run the financial side of the business—invoicing, accounts payable, taxes, etc. I was new to the industry so it definitely was a learning curve…but I did it! Tell us a little about your family. - Dan and I have been married for 18 years and have a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter. We also have two young dogs and an 18-year-old cat. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Purchasing our own business—hard work pays off! What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Float in a pool or snuggle with my family and watch a good movie. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - Dan and I were high school sweethearts. We started dating at 16 and got married at 21. Who inspires you? - My husband. He is the hardest worker I know. Also my dad. He knows everything! What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - "Consider the source and move on," – My mom. Also Matthew18:21-22 from The Bible which my dad constantly quotes. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Devoted. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - The Indiana Jones theme song. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Veterinarian. I used to work for a local vet and still miss working with animals. What local nonproﬁt organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Anything with my church or faith-based, also local shelters and the Lincoln Zoo. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – My favorite book has always been the Velveteen Rabbit. What is your favorite movie? – I probably have a favorite in every category, but I can tell you that my favorite actor is Harrison Ford. What is your favorite TV show? – Yellowstone or Last Man Standing. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - I would give anything to have dinner with my mom. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 474-4818; Melissa@midtownbodyandpiant.com; www. midtownbodyandpaint.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

STAR CITY SIX Custom-built cabinets for New Building and Remodeling projects

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

MICHAEL

Michael Wallace

FARRIS ENGINEERING Meet Michael Wallace, the president/CEO of Farris Engineering. Tell us a little about your business. - Farris Engineering designs the systems in a building that make the building work, such as heating, cooling, plumbing, lighting power, and communications systems. Project types we have experience completing include commercial federal, health care, higher education, K-12 education, and physical plant. At Farris, we understand that our clients are critical for project success. What we do is so much more than delivering projects on time and within budget, it’s working together to meet goals, sharing wisdom and insights along the way. How did you get started in the business? - In high school, I took some drafting classes. I liked designing buildings and figured people will always need buildings, so it should be a pretty secure job for the future. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Moving into the position I currently hold. Nothing I did in school prepared me for this position. I have picked up skills along the way that have helped, but it is very different from engineering. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - Passing the PE test and becoming a licensed engineer. It seems so long ago now, but it was a very significant milestone. Tell us a little about your family. - I’ve been married to my wife Amy for 18 years, and we have two boys, Nathan (16) and Joel (14). What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Getting married. Up until that point, it was all about me. After that it became all about my wife and the life we would build together. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - I lettered in college for three years as the coxswain on the rowing team. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Read everything you can get your hands on, but primarily non-fiction books. Even if you do not agree with what someone is writing, it gives you an education into how others think, process, and come up with their opinions. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Responsible. Which talent would you most like to have? - Communicator. As an engineer it is not natural for me, and yet in my position it is so important. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Commercial pilot. What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - The Rise of Carry: The Dangerous Consequences of Volatility Suppression and the New Financial Order of Decaying Growth and Recurring Crisis. It is a hard book to describe and covers so many financial areas that it is a difficult read, but it does have some valuable insights into how loans leverage and affect different markets and, in many cases, force the government’s hand when economic downturns occur. What is your favorite movie? - Planes. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? - Bob Hoover. Dinner would be great, but I would really have liked to fly with him. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 330-5900; mwallace@farris-usa.com; farris-usa.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

TINA

Tina Hoff

LINCOLN FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK Meet Tina Hoff, customer service supervisor at Lincoln Federal Savings Bank. Tell us a little about your business. - Lincoln Federal Savings Bank specializes in personal checking accounts, savings accounts, home mortgage, home-equity products, and commercial realestate loans. The Bank was formed in 1906 and is organized as a mutual holding company. This means we are essentially owned by the depositors of the Bank, meaning there are no outside shareholders. This structure allows us to offer highly competitive rates to customers on both loans and deposits as profits are not distributed to shareholders. It also provides the Bank with the opportunity to develop land to increase the growth of housing within the community. Lincoln Federal solely operates in Nebraska and is highly committed to giving back to the communities that we serve. We seek to provide our customers with personalized service, which in today’s age is frequently lost. How did you get started in the business? - I’ve been in the retail/ customer service industry for about 25 years. I just recently made the move to the banking side and am excited to help people with their financial needs. Tell us a little about your family. - My husband Jeremy and I have been married for 22 years. We have two daughters, Courtney and Jordyn. Both girls will be attending college in the fall. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - Having children changed my life in the best ways. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - Spending time with family along with watching Husker football and volleyball. Who inspires you? - I would say my husband inspires me to find a positive in every situation and to always give 100%.

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What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - Bloom where you are planted. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Kind. If you had a theme song, what would it be? - "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood. If you could have a super power, what would it be? - Teleportation so I could get to places fast since I don’t like airplanes. Which talent would you most like to have? - Singing. If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? - Athletic or personal trainer.

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What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? - I like to read a variety of books, mostly romance and suspense or mystery. What is your favorite movie? - The Proposal and How To Lose A Guy In 10 days are my top two. What is your favorite local restaurant? - Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 488-2233; thoff@lincolnfed.com; www.lincolnfed.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

KALI

Kali Klassen

LINCOLN FIRST REALTY Meet Kali Klassen, realtor with Lincoln First Realty. Tell us a little about your business. - As a realtor, I primarily focus on working with first-time home buyers. How did you get started in the business? - My parents have always been active in the real estate world. They owned a framing company, Bratrsovsky Framing, for many years and built new houses every few years for themselves. In 2012, they purchased a home for my grandparents in Malcolm and rehabbed it. That is where I fell in love with flipping homes. I officially started my real estate career in 2019, working with a local real estate investor. I decided to start my own rehabbing business and obtain my real estate license. I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of friends, family, and referrals I received to help those closest to me to buy their home. While I still maintain one or two rehabs at a time, my clients take precedence. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Taking the leap to start my own business was the biggest challenge I have had professionally. Once I jumped in, I couldn’t imagine ever looking back. What has been your most important achievement professionally? - When I moved my license to Lincoln First Realty, I was honored to receive New Agent of the Year. Tell us a little about your family. - My parents, Matt and Jen, are quite literally the best people I have ever met in my life. They are so incredible, and I would not be who I am today without them. I have three biological sisters and three sisters I gained by being adopted. I am VERY close with my grandma and grandpa. I think my grandpa is the coolest guy that there ever was. He helps me with my house-flipping projects. It is a way that I can get stuff done and spend copious amounts of time with him. What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? - I was adopted by my Aunt Jen and Uncle Matt. I had always looked up to my aunt. I am from small town Nebraska, and I remember thinking it was SO cool that she lived in Lincoln. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? - I truly enjoy traveling. If I get a chance to sneak away to the lake, I take it. I am also working on taking up golf as a hobby. What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? - When I was a kid, I raced four wheelers. If you knew me now, it would gravely surprise you. Who inspires you? - My Aunt Jen is the strongest woman I know. This woman was 27 years old, starting a family of her own, working on moving her career up at First National, helping my uncle run his framing business, and she took in a broken 14-year-old, and was able to help me see my worth. She taught me what it meant to be independent, strong, a phenomenal mother, an incredible wife, and a boss at taking control of my career. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? - The world doesn’t owe you anything. You get what you put in, better make it positive. If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? - Strong-willed. What is your favorite local restaurant? - I love starting at Alchemy and then having dinner on the patio at Leadbelly. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? - (402) 875-2006 (call/text); Kali@lincolnfirstrealty.com; www. lincolnfirstrealty.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

STAR CITY SIX

NEAL

Neal Chloupek

USHER CUSTOM CABINETS Meet Neal Chloupek, the owner for Usher Custom Cabinets. Tell us a little about your business. – We are a custom cabinet shop and have been around for 45 years. Our services are focused on residential properties. We complete a lot of kitchen and bathroom remodels, but have also done libraries, home theatres, bars, pantries, fireplaces and mantels, entertainment centers, display cases, curios, gun cabinets, and more. Whether you prefer styles that are more traditional, contemporary, or casual, we’ve got you covered. You can call us to discuss your project and then come see our hardware samples in-shop at 3521 N 40th St. How did you get started in the business? – I worked here for 17 years for Dean Usher, who started this company. I purchased the business from him in January of 2020. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Right now, it’s material. Material prices are changing fast and supply numbers are an issue. It’s been a very unstable market. What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Keeping the same crew and working with the same guys for a long time. We have an awesome team here at Usher Cabinets. Tell us a little about your family. – I’ve got four children, ranging from ages 7 to 16. They are heavily active in sports, and we’re always out on the baseball field. I can’t wait to be back on the grass to watch the oldest play football. My wife Heather is also a business owner of Studio Nine Six Eleven salon and spa, so we are both self-employed which keeps us very busy. What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spend time with my family. Who inspires you? – My dad and my uncles. We have a family that is almost all involved in the trades. My dad and his brothers had a construction company when they were younger. I was introduced to construction at a young age and been enjoying it ever since. What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Feast or famine. It’s open-ended. Get busy working and living, or get busy dying! If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Determined. If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I’d be able to predict the future. What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Well, you don’t get to where you’re at if you don’t use all your talents! If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I’d like to get paid to hunt. What is your favorite movie? – Tombstone. What is your favorite TV show? – Yellowstone. What is your favorite local restaurant? – The Isles Pub & Pizza. If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Gandhi. That would be a great conversation. He’s a thinker, and I like that kind of thing. Or Clint Eastwood in character, maybe. If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 466-8749; ushercabinets@gmail.com; www. ushercustomcabinets.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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531-500-4684 | 5025 Lindberg St. | Lincoln, NE AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

RESTAURANT EXPOSE

Authentic Tasting Thai Crunchy appetizers, beautiful sushi rolls, tasty noodle plates, and a wide variety of curry dishes…what more can you ask for when craving authentic Thai? Asian Taste Thai Restaurant is the go-to place to curb your cravings. Just located on West A, this restaurant serves dinein seating but is popular for its take-out options. Walking into Asian Taste Thai for the first time, we noted the family-friendly atmosphere and savory aroma of food being prepared in the kitchen. Greeted right as you walk in by friendly service, you can’t help but notice all of the beautiful and one-of-a-kind artwork decorating the walls. The restaurant was set up perfectly to cater the small space with dining set up in a layout of open rooms, one in a hidden hallway right when you walk in, and a more private room option around the corner. There are tables that seat up to seven people and smaller tables that can seat four to five, for smaller groups. The menu features many unique options so we took our time discussing and deciding what we were all interested in. While we were deciding, we went ahead and ordered the Thai Ice Tea and Thai Iced Coffee. The tea was sweet and creamy and slightly aromatic, our first favorite of the night! We started off the course with a Samosa appetizer and a few Sushis Rolls - chef’s choice - and let’s just give a shout out to the chef for picking some amazing rolls. They presented us with the caterpillar roll - which was a staff favorite, featuring eel and cucumber topped with avocado and eel sauce, presented in the shape and design as an actual caterpillar! Not only was the design creative and fun, but it was just as delicious, with the cucumber adding the perfect amount of crunch. When ordering Thai, pad Thai is a necessity. As a staple noodle dish amongst Asian restaurants - known for its wide rice noodles - we had to test it out. It’s rich and vibrant flavors exceeded all of our expectations. Next up was the Pad Ka Prow with Chicken - any of their meals containing meat can either be served with chicken, pork, beef, or shrimp. The pad kra pow is a spicy Thai basil chicken stir-fry - be warned that it is spicy! Once you get past the spice, however, the flavor of the chicken is unlike any other, nice and juicy. We highly recommend that everyone tries the curry at least once. We ordered the Panang Curry, Yellow Curry, and the Tom Kha, which is a traditional Thai coconut soup. All three were very strong contenders for a first place favorite, with the flavorful squash and red chili in the panang, sweet turmeric yellow curry, and creamy with a hint of that seafood flavor in the tom kha. Pretty sure we were all speechless at all three. The last item we ordered was the Yum Nam-Tok with rice. This was a nice finisher to the course as it was a lighter dish being a salad, and incorporated the freshness of the sweet basil, mint, and lemongrass, with the barbecued pork, creating the perfect balance of flavor. Everything from service, to presentation, to taste, and environment was Strictly Business approved, and yes, we will be returning to try out the rest of their menu! Recently named in the Top 3 Thai Restaurants in Lincoln by Three Best Rated, Asian Taste Thai Restaurant is serving authentic Thai food and a variety of sushi rolls to customers in the Lincoln area. Don’t just take our word for it, try Asian Taste Thai Restaurant today! Visit their website at www.asiantastethairestaurant.com for online order options.

Asiantastethairestaurant.com 28

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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PERSONNEL NEWS Kaden Dawe Joins Luxury Landscape Team Luxury Landscape is excited to welcome new hire Kaden Dawe to the team, who will assist with creating gorgeous landscapes! Originally from Ord, Kaden now lives in Lincoln and attends Nebraska Wesleyan University where he keeps busy as a member of the football team. He loves to compete in athletics and physical activities and is a fan of both college and professional sports. His love for the outdoors stems from growing up on a farm and ranch throughout his childhood. Kaden loves his new position at Luxury Landscape, where he learns something new every day that helps him contribute to the team. He also enjoys the satisfaction of completing a project and hearing from the customer that they couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Luxury Landscape offers an array of services when it comes to outdoor spaces, with their most popular being installation, design and consultation, landscape maintenance, and residential snow removal. The company began with Ken and Jackie Svoboda's passion for creating unique and creative landscapes, using their 40+ years of landscape experience and offering it to their clients. For more information about Luxury Landscape and the services they provide, visit luxurylandscape-llc.com.

Cory Callahan Expands Heritage Financial Services into Lincoln

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Heritage Financial Services is excited to announce their expansion into the Lincoln business community! Locally lead by Financial Advisor Cory Callahan, Heritage currently has two Nebraska locations: 1010 S 120th St. in Omaha and 314 North 5th St. in Norfolk. As a positive resource in developing, implementing, and maintaining business or individual financial strategy, Heritage is eager to assist Lincoln customers with all their financial service needs. Cory has over 17 years of training financial professionals, and he is determined to help families and small businesses understand their finances and set goals to help them prepare for a long, comfortable retirement and meet any financial goals that are important to them. “I feel clients receive the best value by establishing an ongoing relationship that is based on trust and mutual respect,” said Cory. "I have seen or been through many of the challenges that are encountered at almost every stage of life. With my professional and real-world experience, I am well positioned to help you and your family uncover your financial goals and create a strategy to address your needs. Whether it's growing assets for family needs such as college, retirement, estate planning, etc., or helping small businesses with business succession, employee retention, and retirement planning, my mission is to help my clients on their financial journey." Heritage Financial Services is committed to continually helping clients improve their financial prosperity with customized strategies that take into consideration their entire financial picture. For more information, visit heritagefinservices.com or contact Cory Callahan directly at (402) 558-6860 / ccallhan@heritagefinservices.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

PERSONNEL NEWS Dr. Dan Novak to Open Premier Vision in Lincoln this Month

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Lincoln optometrist, Dan Novak, is beginning to see patients at his new business, Premier Vision, starting this month. The new optometry office is located at 3543 S 85th St., STE 200, and will hold the following business hours: Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and the first Saturday of the month, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. “Premier Vision will strive to have a local, personal feel while using state of the art equipment and products to provide the highest level of eye care in Lincoln,” says Dr. Novak, who has been practicing in Lincoln for the past nine years.

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With his experience, Dr. Novak will be performing comprehensive eye exams for all ages, co-managing ocular surgeries such as LASIK and cataract surgery, treatment of ocular disorders such as glaucoma, dry eye, and macular degeneration, as well as ocular emergencies including corneal abrasions and eye infections. He will also be offering Myopia Management to help slow the progression of myopia or near sightedness in children, and his business will carry the most advanced eye glass frames and lenses to ensure optimal visual comfort and performance. By utilizing the latest techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, Premier Vision’s goal is to provide you with an exceptional eye care experience by treating their patients like a member of their own family. For more information, contact Dr. Novak at (402) 9867856 / dnovak@premiervisionlincoln.com, or visit their website at premiervisionlincoln.com.

Individual and group benefits

Life and Health Benefits

Nate Blum Partners with People’s City Mission to Fully Re-open Free Clinic Nate Blum, friend of the Mission and executive director at Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board, held a fundraiser with a goal to raise $40,000 by his 40th birthday specifically to fund People’s City Mission’s (PCM) Free Clinic. With that goal nearly met, he is now focusing on funding an endowment that will sustain free medical care for the needy in Lincoln indefinitely. PCM opened the Free Clinic in 2009 to provide quality healthcare to Lincoln’s homeless and working poor. Run by volunteers and receiving no taxpayer dollars to operate, the clinic quickly grew, becoming the third-largest free medical clinic in the country by 2016, with over 18,000 patient visits per year at the height of operation.

Jennifer Larabee

Jennifer@fumafinancial.com Kevin Harrington Mark Kavan 402-560-0047 kevin@fumafinancial.com mkavan@fumainsurance.com 402-253-6926 402-421-1921

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Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

As costs skyrocketed, they made the difficult decision in 2019 to limit services to dental, podiatry, chiropractic, and mental health only. However, the need for medical care for the poor remains. Thousands in Lancaster County have no health insurance. Not having sufficient funds to pay for their medical treatment, many people go without the medications they need for conditions and often only find treatment only through hospital ER visits for which they can’t pay. People’s City Mission was started in 1907 by local churches, offering food and shelter for transient and impoverished men, women, and children. In 1987, PCM moved to their current location and now houses 350 men, women, and children nightly in their emergency shelters and the Curtis Center transitional housing program. For more information, visit www.pcmlincoln.org or call (402) 475-1303. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

PERSONNEL NEWS Nebraska LTC Pharmacy Promotes Kiara Oswald to Ofﬁce Manager

Lincoln Arts Council Executive Director Deb Weber Announces Retirement After 20 Years

After just three months with Nebraska LTC Pharmacy as an administrative assistant, Kiara Oswald has been promoted to office manager. Originally being hired to assist the pharmacist with daily tasks, Oswald took on much more responsibility, going out of her way to help with whatever she could.

Deb Weber, executive director of the Lincoln Arts Council for the past 20 years, has announced her retirement effective November. Deb’s passion for art has helped create all that the Lincoln Art Council is today. In 2001, she brought the Lincoln Arts Festival to life, which has now become a premiere event in Lincoln that celebrates artists in the area and their work. Deb is also responsible for the creation of upstArt, a program that gives children, teenagers, and young adults access to the Arts, and for creating a partnership with LPS Pathfinder which works with incarcerated youth at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center. Deb worked with many public Art projects including Tour de Lincoln and Stories of Home, and also worked with four Lincoln Mayors during her tenure which have helped fuel the Arts in Lincoln.

“She has taken on a lot of responsibility, jumping in and doing what needed to be done to make things center in the office. She is very motivated, driven, and can see what needs to be done,” said new patient consultant, Gayleen Bradley. Oswald was born and raised in Lincoln and is a 2018 Southwest High School graduate. Prior to coming to Nebraska LTC Pharmacy, she worked in a psychiatric office and has been able to transfer many of those skills to the pharmacy. She has always had a knack for customer service, communicating with both customers and employees, and has a bubbly personality with a huge smile that lights up a room. Nebraska LTC Pharmacy is a locally owned pharmacy that provides a wide array of services in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. They provide individualized patient care that increases safety and prolongs customers’ independence at home. Their Lincoln pharmacy is located just off of 40th and Normal Blvd. Their goal is to offer the “small town” level of customer service while providing the highest level of care for their patients. To learn more, visit neltcpharmacy.com or call (402) 328-0231.

Jasmine Kingsley Elected to Union Bank & Trust Board of Directors Union Bank & Trust has announced that Jasmine Kingsley, senior vice president, legal /people and general counsel at Hudl, has joined the Union Bank Board of Directors. Kingsley’s legal career began in private practice at law firms in Silicon Valley, where she focused on technology and intellectual property transactions. She joined Hudl as General Counsel in 2015 and currently leads the company’s global Legal & People Operations teams. Active in the community, Kingsley is vice chair of the Rabble Mill Board of Directors and serves on the boards of the Lincoln Community Foundation, the Cooper Foundation, and the Lincoln-Lancaster County Board of Health. She also served as chair of the local business strategies subcommittee of the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Task Force in Lincoln. “We are honored to have Jasmine on our Board of Directors,” said Angie Muhleisen, Union Bank President and CEO. “Her extensive legal experience, combined with her passion for community and people, make her the perfect addition to help shape the future of the bank.” Kingsley received a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to earn her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Union Bank & Trust is a privately owned Nebraska bank offering complete banking, lending, investment, and trust services, in addition to serving as program manager for Nebraska’s NEST College Savings Plan. The bank has 38 full-service and loan production offices in Nebraska and Kansas. It is the third-largest privately owned bank in Nebraska, with bank assets of $5.7 billion and trust assets of $39.9 billion as of December 31, 2020. Learn more at www.ubt.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

In 1968, the Lincoln Arts Council began when a small group of community members gathered together with a common passion for the arts in Lincoln. With a mission of championing the arts, connecting people, and changing lives, the Lincoln Arts Council strives to create a community that offers rich arts opportunities for all. For more information, visit artscence.org or their Facebook page (@LincolnArtsCouncil).

Aimee Middleton Chosen as Future Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Leader for AHCA/NCAL The Nebraska Health Care Association (NHCA) announced that Aimee Middleton, regional executive director of Good Samaritan Society, has been chosen by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) as a national, future leader in long-term and post-acute care. Middleton will join AHCA/NCAL’s Future Leaders program, a year-long program that offers training and guidance for industry professionals. Middleton has taught gerontology at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and Omaha for the last four years. She is the current treasurer for the Nebraska Nursing Facility Association Board of Directors. American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living developed the Future Leaders program in 2004. Selected participants demonstrate both leadership potential and represent the interests of state and national long term care providers. The program covers the latest theories and practical applications in quality management, customer satisfaction, and leadership. The year-long program kicks off with a two-day symposium held each year in Washington, D.C. This year’s symposium will take place September 28-30, 2021. Learn more at www.ahcancal.org. The Nebraska Health Care Association is the umbrella organization for the Nebraska Nursing Facility Association, Nebraska Assisted Living Association, Nebraska Health Care Learning Center, and Nebraska Health Care Foundation. NHCA serves the needs of 423 nonprofit and proprietary skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities across Nebraska. Visit nehca.org for information. AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 31

PERSONNEL NEWS Renee Sobotka of True North Technologies Among 2021 Forbes Next 1000

Brian Carlson Joins the Team at Christian Record Services As Digital Media Manager

Nebraska native Renee Sobotka is honored to be recognized among the 2021 Forbes Next 1000, an annual initiative which highlights standout entrepreneurs across the United States. Renee is the founder and CEO of the digital marketing firm True North Technologies, which offers custom websites, mobile apps, branding, SEO, content writing, and social media management for small- to medium-sized businesses. Despite the onset of the pandemic last year, Sobotka invested $100,000 by growing her team from three part-time employees to nine mostly full-time employees in six months. By November, True North partnered with multimedia messaging service TapOnIt to help local businesses and restaurants promote their food and services.

Christian Record Services is pleased to announce Brian Carlson has joined the Mission Advancement Department as Digital Media Manager. Throughout his career, Carlson has had a passion for technology as a communication tool and brings valuable skills and experience to the team, having previously served at College View Academy and Pius X High School, including experience teaching photography, web design, and multimedia applications. Besides his Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership and Bachelor of Science in English Education, Carlson earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications with an emphasis in public relations. "Brian has built a foundation of experience for the role he will take on, including coordinating marketing and public relations efforts, creating content for social media, the design and content of websites, and communication strategies for various key audiences," said Diane Thurber, president of Christian Record Services. As he transitioned into this position, Carlson said, "It is a blessing for me to serve in this role. I started my work career with Christian Record Services over 20 years ago, and I am honored to be called back to this important ministry." The ministry continues to move forward with its mission to “empower people who are blind to engage their communities and embrace the Blessed Hope.” For more information, please visit www.christianrecord.org.

Beginning in 2020, the Forbes Next 1000 list is driven by public submissions and is open to all United States small business founders and owners who have been operating for a minimum of one year with a maximum of $10 million in annual revenue. Sobotka considers this award a win for all women, and she hopes to lead by example while inspiring others to follow in her footsteps and find their own “true north.” True North Technologies makes technology simple with website and mobile app development, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), branding, and social media marketing. Learn more online at www. go-tnt.com or call (402) 420-5101.

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PERSONNEL NEWS Christine Bartels Hired as Retirement Living Advisor at Legacy Retirement Communities Legacy Retirement Communities recently hired Christine Bartels as an addition to their team of retirement living advisors at their Legacy Estates location. Christine grew up in Chicago and has called Lincoln her home for over 40 years. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in human resources and family science. “I know Lincoln’s retirement community well, as my parents moved here from Florida several years ago,” says Christine. “As my husband and I were trying to determine the best place for them to live, we both immediately recognized the caring and personal touch of this local, familyowned business. We knew we had found my parents’ new home in independent living at the Legacy.” Though her father unfortunately passed away a few years ago, her mother continues to live at the Legacy. “The care that my parents have received over the years has just been fantastic,” Christine continued. Legacy Retirement Communities continues to provide Lincoln with award-winning elegance, superior care, and countless reasons to live an enriched life. Independent living and assisted living are offered at three locations: The Legacy at 5600 Pioneers Blvd.; Legacy Terrace at 5700 Fremont St.; and Legacy Estates at 7200 Van Dorn St. Memory care is offered exclusively at Legacy Arbors at 3777 N 58th St. Learn more at www.LegacyRetirement.com.

Katie Patrick Named Executive Director of Catholic Social Services Bishop James Conley has appointed Katie Patrick as the new executive director of Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, effective July 1. Patrick was named CSS interim executive director March 15 when Bishop Conley appointed previous director Father Justin Fulton as vicar general of the Diocese of Lincoln with administrative oversight-strategy and mission for CSS. Previously, Patrick was CSS regional director since March 2019. She is the first woman, wife, mother, and laity to lead the organization. A 2002 graduate of Pius X High School, Patrick earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2006. She then received a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations in 2010 from Seton Hall University. Patrick’s experience includes being a refugee case manager at CSS, four years at the Colorado African Organization in Denver, and work at the Asian Community and Cultural Center in Lincoln. She also started a nonprofit organization in 2014. Totogna Bomoi provides sewing, training, and business education to female entrepreneurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Even with her extensive education and experience, Patrick trusts in God and her staff in her new leadership role. Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska provides food pantry services, emergency services including rent and utility assistance, disaster relief, refugee and immigration services, St. Gianna Women’s Homes, and a clinical and family counseling program. Founded in 1932, CSS serves all individuals across the 24,000 square miles in southern Nebraska, regardless of faith. For more information, visit www.csshope.org or call (402) 474-1600. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Toastmasters District 24 Elects New Leaders This Spring, Toastmasters District 24 voted on the elected leadership team for the upcoming Toastmasters year running July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. The elected leaders are as follows: Cindy Jenkins, district director; Keith Jones, program quality director; Pamela Hughes, club growth director; and Melinda Johnson, Louis Lester, Amy Hense, and Amelia Bowen as division directors (not pictured). C i n dy w i l l o ve r s e e o p e ra t i o n s o f Toastmasters and support clubs, members, and other leaders across the entire District. Keith and his team will manage the leadership and educational program, including speech contests, and provide training to Toastmasters members. Pamela and her team will work to build clubs by working with corporations looking to enhance their training programs and individuals within communities wanting to improve their communication and leadership skills. The division directors will provide support to a subset of clubs and other leaders within the District.

Cindy Jenkins

Keith Jones

Each year, the incoming District Director chooses a theme for the year ahead. Cindy’s theme for the 2021-2022 Toastmasters year is “District 24: Alive and Strong!” In the words of Cindy. “This theme embodies the essence of District 24,” Cindy said. “The world changed for all of us last year and District 24 stood up to the challenge. We have all had to learn, grow, and thrive in the virtual world we now live in.”

Pamela Hughes

Toastmasters District 24 congratulates these newly-elected district officers on their new leadership positions and thanks Immediate Past District Director Mark Fegan for his leadership this past year. District 24 is comprised of more than 60 clubs and 1,000 members across Nebraska and Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more at d24tm.org or on Facebook (@D24TM). AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 33

PERSONNEL NEWS Michelle Birkel Announced as New Executive Director of SCC’s Educational Foundation

The Arc of Lincoln Recognizes Lindsay Stanley’s Positive Efforts in the Community

Michelle Birkel of Lincoln has been named the new executive director of Southeast Community College’s (SCC) Educational Foundation. Birkel replaces Dr. Jack Huck, who spent seven years in the same role and is now serving as president of the Foundation Board.

Lindsay Stanley, a board member for The Arc of Lincoln for over four years, brings experience on different types of behavior support and therapies that parents can utilize for their loved ones within the community. Lindsay has been an extremely helpful component when it comes to supporting families with loved ones with special needs by referring them to The Arc of Lincoln to find opportunities in the local area. Being an active member in the community, she is also the owner and clinical supervisor of the Autism Family Services of Lincoln and is dedicated to helping families in the community. By having a successful woman owned and operated business, Lindsay is a great role model for young women within the community, especially for her two daughters. She involves her husband, Jeremy, and their two daughters in The Arc of Lincoln events which also helps bring community inclusion into their events.

Birkel has extensive fundraising experience at the Pius X Foundation, Catholic Social Services, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lincoln/Lancaster County. She is eager to bring in more scholarship dollars and to advance the mission of the Foundation. “My goal is to become familiar with the great history of SCC and to meet current staff and faculty,” she said. “Evaluating and implementing a comprehensive advancement program that includes planned and deferred giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate, and foundation gifts is something I am looking forward to as well.” Originally from Bellwood, Birkel graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a business degree. She and her husband Paul have four children and two grandchildren. To learn more about Southeast Community College, visit www. southeast.edu or call (402) 437-2600 (Lincoln) / (402) 228-8214 (Beatrice) / (402) 761-8243 (Milford).

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Incorporated by a group of parents in 1967, The Arc of Lincoln encourages and provides opportunities for those with developmental disabilities to lead productive lives and achieve their full potential. Their vision for the future is to live in a caring, inclusive community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are embraced and offered encouragement, support, security, and opportunity. For more information, visit advocacypartnership.org or contact Michelle Johnson at (402) 421-8866.

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PERSONNEL NEWS West Gate Bank® Promotes Elyssa Mendoza Health at Home Consultants Adds APRN to Operations Specialist Renata Richardson to House-Call Practice West Gate Bank ® has announced the promotion of Elyssa Mendoza to the title of operations specialist. Mendoza joined West Gate Bank in June 2015 at the West O branch location. She was promoted to several roles at the location, including assistant branch manager in February 2018. Later that year, she joined the operations team as an operations assistant. She recently completed the Nebraska Bankers Association’s Operations School. With her promotion, Mendoza will continue working on operational needs, such as overseeing all wire transactions, Bank Secrecy Act review, risk management, and research and subpoena requests.

Health at Home Consultants, founded by Jamie Peters MSN, APRN, recently welcomed Renata Richardson to their awesome staff of APRNs. Renata is originally from Brazil but has been in the United States for the past 20 years. She has been married for 15 years and has two children, Lucas (9) and Sofia (5). Renata’s nursing experience dates back to 2008. She’s worked as a hospice nurse and as an adjunctive faculty nurse for the Nursing Program at Union College. Initially, she worked in long-term care as a charge nurse. After completing her BSN, she worked at a hospital in Lincoln on the medical/oncology floor. Renata recently graduated from Maryville University in the FNP program this year. Now, she is fulfilling her true passion as a hospice nurse.

Elyssa Mendoza is located at West Gate Bank Center at 6003 Old Cheney Rd., and she can be reached at (402) 323-8936 / emendoza@westgate.bank.

“Providing care for patients in the end of life is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had,” said Renata. “I also enjoy being an adjunctive and seeing my students grow is gratifying.”

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

The Health at Home Consultants team has found a perfect business niche in homecare. They can perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays, flu shots, pneumonia vaccines, and all other injections; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and injuries; prescribe medications and other treatments; and manage a patient’s care while maintaining continual communication with the primary care physician. To learn more, visit healthathomeconsultants.com or contact Jamie at (402) 875-2500.

Marcia Ksionzek Joins Pemberly Place Team as Hairstylist Pember ly Place brought on a new hairstylist to their team in March, Marcia Ksionzek. Marcia comes from an extensive background of styling/cutting hair, being in the cosmetology industry for over 44 years after attending beauty school in Grand Island. Marcia is from Loop City, and moved to Lincoln in 1977. She has celebrated 42 years of marriage with her husband and they have two daughters and seven grandchildren. Marcia loves to be active, participating in marathons, kickboxing, or anything that just keeps her moving—but will always take the time to watch her grandchildren! Marcia stays busy when she is not at Pemberly Place, running her own beauty shop in her home called Naturally Yours Salon. Throughout Marcia's career, as her clientele got older, they were slowly moving to retirement communities, but she has often kept in touch or has taken that extra step to go to these communities to continue to do their hair. Marcia found Pemberly Place thanks to one resident that was going to Naturally Yours Salon and had asked her to apply at Pemberly Place, knowing that with her talent and experience, she would be a great addition to the team. She strives to continue to keep her clientele feeling confident with a strong sense of well worth. Marcia lives by a quote her dad used to tell her: “Whatever you decide to do in life, make sure it makes you happy.” Pemberly Place is known throughout Lincoln for their creative service planning and attention to each resident’s individual needs. Locally owned, the community offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care options. To learn more, call (402) 4139770 or visit www.pemberlyplace.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Record-Breaking Give to Lincoln Day Raises Goodwill to Host Back-to-School Electronics Nearly $8M for Local Nonproﬁts Drive on August 7 The 10th annual Give to Lincoln Day on May 25 raised a recordbreaking $7,928,241, almost $1 million over the previous record set last year. The funds are designated to help support 456 local nonprofits that serve Lincoln and Lancaster County. All participating nonprofits will receive a proportional share of a $500,000 match fund based upon the organization’s percentage of the total dollars raised, thanks to many generous sponsors including the Presenting Sponsor, West Gate Bank. Nearly 30,000 donations were received for the event, which has raised more than $40 million for local nonprofits in its 10-year history. “We’ve seen from the past 10 years that when Lincoln comes together, records can be broken,” said Barbara Bartle, Lincoln Community Foundation president. “Our nonprofits have been on the front line serving our most vulnerable for over a year. To surpass last year’s record-breaking event shows the compassion of our community.” The Lincoln Community Foundation, established in 1955, strives to continually enrich the Lincoln community by promoting and achieving perpetual philanthropic support. The foundation has distributed more than $168 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that have improved the lives of thousands of residents. For more information, visit www.LCF.org.

TeamMates Mentoring of Lincoln Celebrates 30 Years

To celebrate the upcoming school year and promote responsible recycling, Goodwill is hosting a Back-to-School Electronics Drive on Saturday, August 7. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., donors can bring their extra electronics and small appliances to the Goodwill truck at 4555 Vine St. Every person who donates to Goodwill’s Back-to-School Electronics Drive can enter a raffle to win a variety of prizes—including free school supplies and Goodwill gift cards. Goodwill makes the most of all electronic donations, no matter the brand or condition. Working electronics will be sold in Goodwill’s retail stores in Lincoln and York, where the revenue helps support job seekers of all backgrounds and abilities on their journey toward employment. Other electronics will be refurbished or responsibly recycled thanks to Goodwill’s partnership with Dell Reconnect. Instead of trashing the donations, Dell carefully breaks down electronics and uses the individual parts to create new technology. In 2020 alone, Goodwill Industries Serving Southeast Nebraska diverted 61,630 pounds of electronics from the local landfill. Goodwill accepts most electronics and small appliances but does not accept microwaves or televisions. Donors who cannot attend the event can drop off their electronics year-round at Goodwill’s six retail locations during store hours. For questions or more information, call (402) 742-8456, email donate@lincolngoodwill. org, or visit www.lincolngoodwill.org.

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TeamMates Mentoring is celebrating its 30-year anniversary since being founded in 1991 by Dr. Tom and Nancy Osbor ne in Lincoln. The sc hool-based program provides one-to-one mentors to students in grades 3 through 12. Husker football coach Osborne believed the athletes in his program could support and encourage middle school students, and in 1991, 22 football players began meeting with middle school students in Lincoln Public Schools. Lincoln’s original TeamMates chapter remains the program’s largest, present in 70 public and parochial schools across the city. Despite the challenges, over 1,300 Lincoln matches continued to connect during the last school year. There are now 180 additional chapters, as TeamMates has expanded across Nebraska and into Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, and South Dakota, serving 43,000 youth over the years. While the goal is to see youth graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education, TeamMates matches focus on cultivating and applying the student’s strengths, which in turn positively impact grades, attendance, and behavior.

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“While we do see tremendous tangible outcomes, our most important indicator of success is students reporting higher levels of hope,” says Lincoln TeamMates Director Jim Bennett. To start your mentoring journey or to become a community partner of TeamMates Mentoring, please visit www.LincolnTeamMates.org or call (402) 436-1990. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS Wear Yellow Nebraska's 18th Annual Wear Mourning Hope to Host In-Person Support Yellow Ride, Run, and Walk Set for August 14 Groups this Fall Wear Yellow Nebraska is presenting its 18th Annual Wear Yellow Ride, Run, and Walk on Saturday, August 14 at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland beginning at 7 a.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds support Wear Yellow Nebraska’s cancer fighting and cancer patient assistance programs. This event specifically supports the Wear Yellow Cab Ride Program and the Wear Yellow Grant Program. The cost to register is $45, which is open through to the day of the event. From a short cruise down the highway to a scenic loop over hills and countryside, you can experience the very best of summer in rural Nebraska. Distances offered include: 25, 35, 45, and 55 mile options for those craving roads, a new 27 mile beginners gravel option and 53 mile experienced gravel option for the less formal roads, and a 5K run and walk through Mahoney State Park. Wear Yellow Nebraska is a 501(c)(3)( nonprofit organization with a clear focus on niche initiatives that offered cancer survivors support in ways that were not being addressed and for people who would otherwise fall through the cracks, truly caring for an individual’s special circumstances. To learn more or register for the event, go to www.wearyellownebraska.org or contact (402) 965-1699 / contactus@wearyellownebraska.org.

After grand opening events at their new 15,000-square-foot facility this summer, the Mourning Hope Grief Center will be ready to welcome bereaved c hildren, adults, and families for in-person support groups beginning in early September. These peer-based grief support groups help participants find hope and connection. Available for all ages, the diverse programs include: family groups for children, teens, and caregivers; young adult groups for ages 18 to 30; adult groups for ages 30+; survivors of suicide groups; and school-based groups. For those who prefer an online experience, Mourning Hope will continue to offer grief support groups via Zoom as well. Each person grieves in their own way, and at their own pace. By coming together with others who have experienced similar loss, participants can offer support and learn from one another. The new Mourning Hope Grief Center is located at 1311 S Folsom St. The space enhances group support dynamics, complements families with children of different ages, and offers places to gather, play, and heal. All of Mourning Hope’s grief support programs and services are available at absolutely no cost to participants. Complete details and registration are available online at mourninghope.org/programs/groups.html.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Youth For Christ Sells Peaches to Fundraise for Teen Parent Ministry

Junior Achievement to Celebrate 50 Years with Golden Anniversary Dinner and Auction

Youth For Christ has collaborated with fruit growers from Palisade, CO to sell produce from their orchard. The proceeds will go towards Youth For Christ’s ongoing ministry to teen parents. Peaches are sold by the lug, approximately 20 pounds, for $40. Pears are also available at $28 per case. Pick-up dates are tentatively scheduled for August 18 and September 1, depending on when the fruit ripens. The pick-up location is at the Campus Life house, 6401 Pine Lake Rd. Orders can be made online at www.yfcpeaches.org up until the deadline of August 11.

Junior Achievement of Lincoln is turning 50 and is honoring this significant milestone by holding a festive evening with the people who have made it possible. The JA Golden Anniversary Dinner and Auction will be held Friday, September 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott Hotel. The evening will include great food, a fun atmosphere, a silent auction, and a high-energy live auction featuring vacation packages, one-of-a-kind art, fine dining, and, of course, Husker tickets and VIP experiences.

Youth for Christ Lincoln Area is a non-denominational, nonprofit organization serving youth in the Lincoln community and surrounding areas. They engage youth through three ministries: Campus Life to teens in high schools and middle schools, Juvenile Justice to jailed teens, and Parent Life to pregnant teens. Through regular programming and special events, Youth For Christ Lincoln Area works with over 2,400 local youth with the goal of engaging them in a healthy relationship with mentors, friends, and God. For more information, visit yfclincoln.org or call (402) 420-7475.

Local Businesses and Individuals Sponsor Matt Talbot’s “Feeding the Soul of the City” Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach hosted the annual Feeding the Soul of the City fundraising event on June 17, at Junto Wine. Because of the generosity of 50 corporate and individual sponsors, the 225 guests who attended, and the many who gave donations prior to the event, Matt Talbot raised a gross amount of nearly $140,000 to support day-to-day hunger relief and homeless prevention services. The organization would like to recognize the following sponsors: Substance Use Program Sponsors—Ameritas, Bridgepoint Investment Banking, Rick and De Costello, Microtel Inn & Suites, Greg and Darla Ernst, Nelnet/ALLO, Vince and Brenda Sutton, Farmers Mutual of Nebraska, MBA Apartments, and Watts Electric Company. Landlord Liaison Project Sponsors—Mary Jo Bousek, CIP, Lincoln Journal Star, RBC Wealth Management – The McEwen Group, Reina Day/Remax Concepts, and Union Bank & Trust. Street Outreach Sponsors—ACCESSbank, Assurity, Bluestem Health, Bryan Health, Jim and Judy Cada, Edward Jones, Forest Lake Lawn & Landscape, General Excavating, Larsen and Associates Auctioneers, Lincoln Federal Savings Bank, LincOne Federal Credit Union, Gail Lorenzen, Jim and Jane Maly, Dr. Ameeta Martin, Platte River Arts, Inc./J. Devlin Glass Art, and Sid Dillon. Life Skills and Tenant Education Sponsors—BKD - CPAs and Advisors, Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, Tom and Deb Cabela, ComPro, DuTeau Chevrolet-Subaru, Eagle Printing & Sign, FNBO, Charles and Carolyn Gregorius, HBE LLP, Hoppe, Inc., Scott and Elizabeth Krause, Lincoln Surgical Hospital, Bill and Pat Lundak, Mike and Janice Nelson, Oak Creek Plants & Flowers, Pinnacle Bank, Sapp Bros., and Watts & Hershberger. Guests in attendance also viewed an inspiring video about Matt Talbot’s Street Outreach Program which features former clients and staff members. The video can be seen on Matt Talbot’s website or Facebook page (@mtko.serves). For more information about the organization, visit mtko.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Tables and sponsorships are on sale now, and Junior Achievement is also searching for auction packages. If you would like to purchase tickets, tables, or sponsorships, or donate an auction item, contact Special Events Manager Kim Pramberg at kpramberg@jalincoln. org or (402) 467-4479. Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement Lincoln has been impacting students’ lives for 50 years and empowers kids to believe in themselves and have a sense of purpose so they can achieve their highest potential. For more information about the nonprofit, visit lincoln.ja.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS HopeSpoke Needs Audience Participation at Foster Care Closet Reaches Give to Lincoln Ignite Lincoln on August 19 Day Campaign Goal HopeSpoke is proud to have been selected as one of this year’s Ignite Lincoln nonprofits, and audience participation can help HopeSpoke win donations to provide mental health care in our community! Ignite Lincoln is an evening of fun and fast presentations by 11 members of the community on a variety of topics. Ignite Lincoln 13 will take place Thursday, August 19, at 7 p.m. at the Rococo Theatre, located at 140 N 13th St. in Lincoln. For event tickets, or to donate to the nonprofit you want to win, visit www.ignitelincoln.org. HopeSpoke is one of five Lincoln nonprofits selected to receive 100% of the proceeds from sponsorships and ticket sales. Each participating nonprofit will have 140 seconds to present onstage to the live audience, who will vote for the nonprofit they believe deserves the largest donation. On behalf of HopeSpoke, Executive Director Katie McLeese Stephenson will share how audience and sponsor support can help children and families in Lincoln seeking mental health counseling. Additionally, HopeSpoke Board President Kelley Peterson is one of this year’s presenting speakers, along with Chubs the pug. HopeSpoke provides behavioral and mental health care for children, youth, families, and adults across their lifespan. For more information about HopeSpoke’s services, visit www.hopespoke. org or call (402) 475-7666.

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Foster Care Closet is excited to announce that they have reac hed their Give to Lincoln campaign goal of $36,000 from 115 donors. These donations will be used to update The Foster Haven space to include a dedicated workspace for caseworkers to use between court cases, as well as visitation rooms designed for biological parents working towards reunification. The Foster Haven space is already established for children to rest, eat, and play in a safe environment while their caseworkers can take the time to find the best placement, and these additions will further help the process to go over more easily. The mission of The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska is to help restore dignity to children entering foster care. They provide 24/7 opportunity for children. As they remain in the care of their caseworker, Foster Care Closet works in the background to meet their physical needs. Instead of waiting in a cubicle, conference room, or hallway at DHHS, hungry, and maybe in need of a shower and clean clothing, children are able to get cleaned up, dress in new clothes they pick out for themselves, and eat a meal as they wait in a comfortable space for their placement. This service allows them to enter their new foster home with dignity, fed, clean, and clothed. To learn more about The Foster Care Closet of Nebraska, visit www.fostercarecloset.org.

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NONPROFIT NEWS Fallbrook YMCA to Host Youth Triathlon on September 6 The Fallbrook YMCA will be hosting its 5th Annual Youth Triathlon on Monday, September 6, in support of the YMCA Annual Campaign-Strong Kids. The Youth Triathlon route will start at 9 a.m. and end at the Fallbrook YMCA with the race route throughout the Fallbrook neighborhood. The race consists of a swim, bike, and run with designated distances based on age (open to kids ages 5 and up). All skill levels are encouraged to participate in this fun, untimed event. The registration fee is $20 per participant and will include t-shirts for all those registered prior to August 16. “This event is a great way to give kids a taste of the triathlon setting in a fun and non-competitive environment,” commented Kelly Fink, health and wellness director for the Fallbrook YMCA. “It’s a great opportunity to promote fitness and activity while also giving back to a great cause.” All proceeds from the event will go to the YMCA Annual Campaign-Strong Kids, which provides youth programming and services for children in need who would not otherwise be able to participate due to financial limitations. For registration information and additional details on the YMCA Youth Triathlon, visit YMCALincoln.org/YouthTriathlon.

Nonproﬁt Association of the Midlands Calls for Help from Nonproﬁt Sector With more than $3 billion allocated to the State of Nebraska by the federal gover nment’s American Rescue Plan Act and over $1.8 billion of that being discretionary funds, the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands (NAM) has asked Governor Pete Ricketts, state senators, and the Nebraska Legislature Appropriations Committee for nonprofits to have the opportunity to provide input on the distribution and use of $1.8 billion of discretionary funding. “All units of government that receive ARPA funds should work with local nonprofits and their communities to ensure critical programs and services are accessible to all Nebraskans,” said Anne Hindery, CEO of NAM. “Nonprofits provide services the private sector cannot.”

Angels Among Us’ Perfectly Paired Wine Event Returns August 29 Angels Among Us has brought back its annual premier wine tasting event, Perfectly Paired, which will take place at Omaha Prime on Sunday, August 29, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is located at 415 S 11th St. in Omaha, where you can find tastings from Omaha Prime’s best and most special wines. Wine will be paired with delicious charcuterie tastings that will be sure to enhance the flavor and fun. This open-house style event will be full of mingling, learning about unique wines, and supporting pediatric cancer families in Nebraska and western Iowa. Tickets are on sale now for $60 at www.myangelsamongus.org and include all you can taste wine and charcuterie, as well as a special gift from Omaha Prime. Angels Among Us is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide financial and emotional support to any family whose child is battling pediatric cancer living in or being treated in the state of Nebraska. For more information about ways to make an impact and get involved in Angels Among Us’ mission, please contact Aly Theilen at alyssa@myangelsamongus.org or visit www. myangelsamongus.org.

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Serving as first responders to meet the urgent needs of communities throughout the pandemic, nonprofit organizations have seen firsthand the effect it has had on the lives of Nebraskans. They helped provide urgent resources in response to escalating needs, including food insecurity and hunger; health care; safe and affordable housing; quality and affordable childcare; lack of technology and internet access; and much more. NAM is hosting virtual roundtables Tuesday, August 3 and Wednesday, August 11 to identify solutions and gather crucial input from nonprofits to address areas where there is an immediate need for COVID-19 relief funding through the ARPA. Visit www. nonprofitam.org/events/ to register for an upcoming roundtable. Nonprofit Association of the Midlands is a state association that represents the more than 13,000 nonprofit organizations in Nebraska. For more information, visit their website, www.nonprofitam.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS The Bridge Behavioral Health Thanks Donors for Their Help to Replace HVAC System The Bridge Behavioral Health, a nationally-accredited substance use treatment center, raised $137,575 of their $200,000 goal to replace their second floor HVAC system. This large, industrial unit was installed in April, and took a crane to place it on the roof of the building. A special thank you to their large donors for supporting the fundraising efforts: Ameritas Foundation, Cooper Foundation, Pinnacle Bank, Abel Foundation, Union Bank & Trust, The Lee and Debbie Stuart Foundation, Cornhusker Bank, Mark and Marjorie Seacrest, and an anonymous donor. The Bridge Behavioral Health has served as an essential part of the Lincoln community’s safety net since 1984, connecting people suffering from addiction and related mental-health issues with support and treatment. The Bridge provides caring substance use, trauma, and mental-health treatment services. The individuals seeking safe passage from addiction to sober living find it at The Bridge through a variety of support and treatment options, including medically supervised detoxification, substance use and mental health respite, residential treatment, and a variety of recovery support services. To learn more, visit thebridgenebraska.org.

Friendship Home Prepares for 19th Annual Safe Quarters October 3 Friendship Home is hosting their 19th annual Safe Quarters Event on Sunday, October 3. Over a thousand volunteers will head out to Lincoln and surrounding neighborhoods for Safe Quarters with the goal of knocking on every household door to collect financial contributions for victims of domestic violence. Safe Quarters is Friendship Home’s largest annual fundraiser. Over $100,000 was raised in 2019, and as a result, Friendship Home was able to save and change the lives of over 1,500 victims of domestic violence. Teams of volunteers are needed to walk Lincoln neighborhoods. A team generally consists of eight to 12 members and all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers will receive t-shirts and collection buckets for the drive. You can help provide “safe quarters” and save lives. To register a volunteer team, visit www.friendshiphome.org. For questions and/or more information about Safe Quarters, contact Dani at danib@friendshiphome.org or (402) 434-0167. Funds collected during Safe Quarters go towards Friendship Home’s mission to provide safe, confidential shelter, crisis services, and ongoing support for families who have experienced domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives. To access safe emergency shelter and services, call Friendship Home’s helpline at (402) 437-9302. Learn more about services and how to get involved by going to www.friendshiphome.org.

Leadership simulcast COMING TO LINCOLN, NE Friday, October 8, 2021 | Location announced at a later date Live2Lead is designed to deliver the very best leadership content to inspire and motivate you and your team. Plus, connect with other leaders in your community and expand your business network with relationships that produce tangible results.

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NONPROFIT NEWS American Cancer Society’s Big Dig Omaha Event Set for September 12

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JDRF One Walk on October 10 in Ashland Omaha and Lincoln’s JDRF One Walk is being held Sunday, October 10, in Ashland at Mahoney State Park, located at 28500 W Park Hwy. The One Walk aims to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and to fundraise to accelerate T1D research breakthroughs. To encourage participants to fundraise, JDRF is offering incentives such as One Walk event t-shirts, an online reward catalog, and V1P status, which is offered exclusively to the top 5% of fundraisers. By participating in One Walk, you can help families affected by this autoimmune disease, such as Jenny and Jared Hensley, 2021 JDRF One Walk Event Chairs, whose daughter Ruby has T1D.

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JDRF will be releasing the team walk times very soon, as teams will walk alphabetically. They will keep crowds to a minimum in order to keep the immune compromised community safe, especially young children who cannot yet be vaccinated. Though the Omaha and Lincoln walks are being combined into one single event, they still have separate event websites. The location specific links are walk.jdrf.org/lincoln and walk.jdrf.org/omaha. JDRF is the leading global organization funding T1D research. Their goal is to progressively remove the impact of T1D from people’s lives until we achieve a world without T1D. JDRF collaborates with a wide spectrum of partners and is the only organization with the scientific resources, policy influence, and a working plan to better treat, prevent, and eventually cure T1D. For more information, visit jdrf.org/nebraskaiowa, or for information about the event, contact Chris Dunn at (402) 2140638 or cdunn@jdrf.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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NONPROFIT NEWS CBMC Business Connection Luncheon Videos Now Available Online David Watson and Brian Wolford, both prominent business leaders from the Lincoln community, were featured speakers in two recent Business Connection luncheons held by CBMC Lincoln. The videos of their talks are now available on the CBMC website (lincoln. cbmc.com/lincoln-media) for all to enjoy, learn from, and be motivated by. David, founder and CEO of RentVision, spoke about “seeing God’s goodness intentionally.” As a young child, he was faced with a very serious disease that could have easily taken his life had not God intervened. He also faced the same life-threatening disease several times as an adult. In addition, the challenges of starting and growing a business have tested David’s faith to trust God and recognize His goodness. Brian, market president at Midwest Bank, spoke at the June luncheon about “finding joy in the journey.” He shared about circumstances and decisions that have shaped his life, family, work, and most importantly, his eternal destiny. Not all of them were welcomed or joyful at the time, but many turned out to be unexpected blessings. CBMC Lincoln is part of a global ministry in over 100 countries that encourages men toward spiritual development, personal integrity, principled leadership, and a desire to impact others. For further information, connect with them on Facebook (@cbmclincolnne), visit lincoln.cbmc.com, or call (402) 540-1093.

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Nebraska Children’s Home Society is pleased to offer once again the opportunity to gather in celebration and support of their mission to provide safe and loving care to children of all ages through the Husker Hometown Tailgate at the Midtown Event Center in Norfolk on Saturday, September 18. Show your support through a business sponsorship and help cheer on the Nebraska Cornhuskers during their game against the Oklahoma Sooners. This event is held to build awareness and raise funds to support the children and families they serve through seven offices located throughout the state, including Norfolk and the surrounding areas. Sponsorships are available at different levels so that you can show the community that your organization puts children first by supporting their vision of “a safe and loving family for every child.” All sponsorships receive tickets in relation to their sponsorship levels and are tax-deductible. To become a sponsor for Husker Hometown Tailgate and to provide safe a loving care to children of all ages, fill out the Husker Hometown Sponsorship form at www.nchs.org. Nebraska Children’s Home Society is focused on educating children and families, facilitating adoption, supporting foster parents and children, and walking beside families through every need and stage. Since their earliest days, children have been their inspiration and their central priority. For more information, visit www.nchs.org or call (402) 451-0787. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

NONPROFIT NEWS Fresh Start Marks 30 Years with Celebration Fresh Start is celebrating 30 years of service to women experiencing homelessness in our community! They have been working to strengthen our community, one woman at a time, since 1991. To commemorate this milestone, they will be hosting a celebration at James Arthur Vineyard on Thursday, August 26. Reception with the Board of Directors will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and a program. The program will feature a Fresh Start alumna. The event is open to the public, including all past and present supporters. Tickets are $45 with additional sponsorship opportunities available. Visit www.FreshStartHome.org or contact Monica Zinke at (402) 4757777 to reserve your space or for more information on the event. Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that helps women experiencing homelessness to change their lives as they utilize their strengths to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. Fresh Start has assisted over 1,800 women during the past 30 years. Event proceeds will support the essential services offered, such as food, shelter, case management, and much more. Proceeds also will support shelter facility costs, such as much needed renovations. Help Fresh Start maintain its safe and secure home for the next 30 years! Get involved or learn more by visiting their website at www.FreshStartHome.org.

Nebraska Community Foundation Receives Grant from Kauffman Foundation T h e N eb ra s k a C o m m u n i t y Foundation in Lincoln received a grant from the Kauffman Foundation as part of their Cental Standards RFP program. The total grant portfolio is $1.34 million. The second group of grantees in this portfolio will be announced later this year. This grant provides matching funds to build connections between entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) operating in Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. The program will also help encourage collaborations with ESOs outside the region. The Nebraska Community Foundation partnered with the Valley County Community Foundation Fund and will support Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems—a cohort of twenty rural Nebraska communities that provide customized entrepreneurship education programs and facilitate peerbased entrepreneurship support best practices. This program provides critical support to underserved Heartland entrepreneurs, who are too often overlooked as centers of innovation. Startup growth across the Midwest has been unprecedented in recent years with billions raised by new companies. With that momentum, ESOs across the Heartland are thriving as they collectively work to address the challenges and barriers for entrepreneurs and startups as they grow and scale their businesses. Headquartered in Lincoln with employees working from hometowns in every corner of the state, Nebraska Community Foundation provides financial management, strategic development, donor education, and training in partnership with 1,500 volunteers serving 272 hometowns in 83 Nebraska counties. Since 1994, NCF has reinvested $393.1 million in Nebraska’s people and places. For information, visit NebraskaHometown.org or call (402) 323-7330. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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HEALTH NEWS LIVE Hydration Spa Announces Grand Opening at Lenox Square Location in Lincoln LIVE Hydration Spa at Lenox Square is excited to announce a grand opening celebration on Friday, August 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Owner Jeremy Brummels invites prospective customers to attend, RSVP encouraged. There will be giveaways and tours. This brand new spa, located at 7121 Pioneers Blvd., STE 120, will feature a unique IV Therapy that is proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve overall wellness. Their IV nutrition programs can be specifically designed for boosting energy, hydration, immune system improvement, improving circulation, decreasing inflammation, and improving mental focus and concentration. The spa will also offer other services including Botox, vitamin injections, Lipolean injections, ionic detoxification foot baths, and lab testing. Jeremy is excited to start serving Lincoln residents as early as August 14. At LIVE Hydration Spa, promoting better health by means of hydration to enhance the immune system, reduce fatigue, and treat other chronic conditions is what they are all about. IV Therapy is the most effective way of hydrating, delivering vitamins, nutrients, and fluids that the body needs to give the feeling of complete wellness and feel like the best version of yourself. For more information about LIVE Hydration Spa and their services, visit livehydrationspa.com or call the new Lincoln location for details at (402) 413-2042.

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American Heart Association Shares Tips for Healthy Eating on a Budget Many of us want to eat healthy, but it can be difficult when we are also trying to save money. Thankfully, the American Heart Association has tips for healthy eating when on a budget. Start by thinking about what kinds of foods you like, and then envision the healthiest version of them. For example, if you love French fries, try a baked potato seasoned with herbs, or if macaroni and cheese is your go-to meal, boil pasta and sprinkle it with olive oil, fresh herbs and spices, and just a little cheese. They also suggest taking the time to learn how to cook; if you are always buying food that is at least partially prepared for you, you’re likely going to spend a lot more money on food than necessary. Plan your meals out before you shop, as it can save time in the kitchen and money at the store. If a whole week is too intimidating, start with just workdays, or just one meal a day. This also ensures that you hit all the healthy food groups you need each day. Another great trick is doubling the size of a meal you make and freezing half, knocking out two meals in the time it takes to make one. This lets you take advantage of grocery sales and eliminates the excuse to grab something unhealthy in a rush. The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. To learn more tips for healthy eating on a budget, or for more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

HEALTH NEWS Nebraska Safety Council/WorkWell Offers Training September 10

Tobacco Free Lancaster County Launches Anti-Vaping Campaign

The Nebraska Safety Council/ Wo r k We l l i s inviting people to par ticipate in a four hour training on addressing emotional wellbeing in the workplace on Friday, September 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. By attending the training, participants will learn more about how to support their employees, including providing resources, cultural environment changes, creating policies, and physical environment changes, as well as how to identify the steps needed to take to tailor their wellness program to meet their organizational needs.

The back-to-sc hool season brings opportunity to grow, learn, and try new things. To b a c c o F r e e L a n c a s t e r County (TFLC) is working to educate students, teachers, and parents in Lancaster County of the risks of vaping while providing resources to help those that want to quit.

For additional information, or to learn about group discounts, call (402) 483-2511 ext. 115. Course fees are $99 for NESC members and $142 for non-members. Space is limited, so it is encouraged to register ahead of time by September 3. The Mission of the Nebraska Safety Council is to provide education and leadership to empower Nebraskans to live safe and healthy. They offer comprehensive programs, training courses, events, and services that are designed to improve employee care at a desk, on the production floor, behind the wheel, and on the job. To learn more or to sign up for a membership today, call (402) 483-2511, email nesc@nesafetycouncil.org, or visit www. nesafetycouncil.org.

TFLC, as part of the LincolnLancaster County Health Department, has been working with Lincoln Public Schools to create messaging to discourage vaping among middle and high school students. Messages are designed to engage students where they are often tempted to use e-cigarettes: on bathroom mirrors at school. Information for help quitting and resources for adults to support quit attempts will be available. Messaging will also be available for community organizations that work with youth and schools in Lancaster County. Funding for Tobacco Free Lancaster Country is provided by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement. If you are ready to quit tobacco, call 1-(800) QUIT-NOW for free confidential help getting started. For more information about vaping or resources to help educate your staff, contact Sophia Yelkin at (402) 441-4108 or syelkin@ lincoln.ne.gov or visit www.tobaccofreelancastercounty.org.

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One of Lincoln Medical Education Partnership’s (LMEP) programs, the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program, is excited to be able to offer their residents the opportunity to be involved in clinical studies through a partnership with Meridian Clinical Research. Their residents will be involved in all aspects of conducting clinical studies that will help to develop better therapies for their patients, as well as people around the world! This exciting opportunity to help conduct clinical research is a huge benefit when completing your residency training with the Lincoln Family Medicine Program. Clinical research is critical for the development of new medicines, vaccines, and cures. Clinical trials provide a higher level of training and experience for their residents, giving them an environment where they can learn more about illnesses, protocols, and how to provide the best practices, should they have a patient who could benefit from participating in a clinical trial. LMEP has evolved into a multi-dimensional organization offering a variety of healthcare programs and services. Programs include the Lincoln Family Medicine Residency Program and Clinic, the Lincoln Behavioral Health Center, Nebraska Cancer Research Center, School Community Intervention and Prevention (SCIP), Training for Addiction Professionals (TAP), and the Stepping Stones for Families program. LMEP works in close collaboration and is funded in part by Bryan Health, CHI Saint Elizabeth, The University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln Public Schools, United Way, and many other funders and donors in the region. For more information about LMEP or their programs, visit www.LMEP.com or call (402) 483-4581. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

HEALTH NEWS Right Foot Forward Fitness Partners with 3D Nutrition to Offer 1st Phorm Supplements Jeff Madsen with Right Foot Forward Fitness is thrilled to announce the studio’s partnership with 3D Nutrition, allowing the training practice to put 1st Phorm supplements on the shelves for their clients. Right Foot Forward Fitness, which is located at 6201 S 57th St., STE G, tailors workouts to their clients’ needs and believes that these new products will help those who are training see improvement and find satisfaction with the results. "3D Nutrition has been a great partner on a personal level and I'm excited to bring their expertise and the 1st Phorm product line to our personal training clients,” says Jeff. Right Foot Forward Fitness is the premier provider of individualized personal training in Lincoln. Whether you are an athlete, a master’s athlete (40+ years of age), seeking to lose weight, or looking to gain muscle and size, they can help you achieve those goals so you can live the active, engaged life you want. For more information, visit rightfootforwardfitness.com or contact Jeff at (402) 202-4555 or jeff@rightfootforwardfitness.com.

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Choices Treatment Center Prepares for National Recovery Month in September C h o i c e s Tr e a t m e n t Center is preparing for National Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ( S A M H S A ) , i n September. Recovery Month promotes the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders; celebrates people in recovery; applauds the contributions of service providers; and enforces the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Choices will take this opportunity to further educate the Lincoln community that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. Choices offers many resources on their website and upon request. They will also continue to hold Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meetings on the first Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Bryan LGH Medical Plaza, 1500 S 48 St. (Classroom 1B). Choices Treatment Center offers a 24-hour helpline staffed by licensed counselors, individual and group counseling, and education sessions. Their counselors are certified with the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program. This program allows them to provide, at no charge to the client, assessments for problem/pathological gamblers, consultations/interventions for problem gamblers and their families, fi nancial counseling, and individual treatment. Choices staff is also available for presentations to schools, community groups, churches, and businesses on the problems of gambling/gaming. Counselors are dually credentialed to provide mental health assessments, family counseling, marriage counseling, substance abuse evaluations, DUI/DWI education program, anger management education, and budget and finance counseling. Learn more at www.choicestreatmentcenter.com. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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STRICTLY BUSINESS UPCOMING EVENTS Last Month Recap Our July Friends4Lunch was extra special. For one, we were able to dine at a brand new restaurant in town—El Potro Mexican Restaurant. Their menu did not disappoint! Our attendees were able to try a variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including Fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, taquitos, the chimichanga, Arroz con Pollo, tortas, and much more. The margaritas were tasty as well! Everyone really enjoyed themselves. We were also able to honor our dear friend, Don Miltner, Jr. Don recently passed away, and he left behind a big empty chair at the table—one that will never be filled quite like he was able to. Don was very involved in community organizations. Those who had the opportunity of meeting Don know how enthusiastic he was, and we were blessed to have his energy at each Friends4Lunch event for over three years. He really was the ultimate "friend for lunch".

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Call today to learn how you can save with a Hunt Irrigation Water Smart Design! 402.438.8151 | www.HuntIrrigation.com |

UPCOMING: Friends4Drinks at Shotguns Bar on August 6, 4-7 p.m. Giddy on over to Shotguns Bar, located on 13th and P St., for our August Friends4Drinks event. We'll be hanging out and networking on Friday, August 6 from 4 p.m. on, which means we'll be there for happy hour! For many, this will be the first time checking out downtown Lincoln's newest country-themed bar. We're so excited! The bar often features live music and they have an extensive list of signature shots. You can expect a fun, lively atmosphere. This event is open to anyone who's interested in gaining more connections in the community!

HuntIrrigationInc

Celebrating 6 years of Selfcare this August!

make selfcare a priority today! UPCOMING: Friends4Lunch at Venue on August 13, 11:30 a.m. A favorite dining spot in Lincoln is Venue Restaurant & Lounge, so we're excited to return to Venue for our August Friends4Lunch event on Friday, August 13. Venue serves award-winning cuisine that is handmade from scratch ingredients, including the freshest farm-to-table products from Nebraska farms and exquisite seafood from all around the world. Our group will be seating in one of their private dining rooms. This event is free to attend, you only have to pay for what you order. We encourage our friends and clients to join us, and bring friends!

Swedish • Deep Tissue • Prenatal • Reflexology • Sugar / Salt Scrubs • Heated Bamboo • Vibration Therapy • Hot Stone • & More!

RSVP is encouraged for these events. Please let the Strictly Business team know if you plan to attend by calling (402) 466-3330, emailing editor@strictlybusinessomaha.com, or marking yourself as “Going” on the Facebook event pages. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

6201 S 58th St., STE A | Lincoln, NE 5elementsne.com | (402) 617-7992

self care isn’t selfish! when was the last time you got a massage? AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

A Home for Residents, a Lifesaver for Families

CountryHouse is a memory care residence that cares for those who are facing memory loss and dementia. They strive to create a welcoming environment to enhance the quality of life for all their residents. Triggering positive memories, ﬁnding common connections, and stimulating mind, body, and spirit allows residents, staﬀ, and families make the most of each and every day. Making residents feel at home is what CountryHouse is all about. Residents are invited to bring their own furniture and mementos to personalize their space and truly make it their home away from home. By doing so, the staff at CountryHouse is able to learn each resident’s story and truly have them be a part of the community. CountryHouse understands the toll that Alzheimer’s and dementia can take on families, so when the care is left to them, families can truly be families once again. They pledge to support each resident’s family by being their partners in care and helping them cope through every step of the way. At CountryHouse, we believe activity and engagement are the keys to quality of life – especially for those living with memory loss. We’re proud of our commitment to whole person wellness through our in-house wellness program, LifeCycles, which focuses on social, intellectual, spiritual, and physical wellness. Our Life Enrichment program, Seasons, helps ensure that each day at CountryHouse brings new opportunities for interaction, connection, and delight. Our goal is to create moments of joy each and every day for those in our care. We even help families who are not yet ready to place their loved one in a community. We provide free education and support groups, geared to help families give the best care possible themselves. We also offer day stay services and respite care. These solutions can be helpful for families who are primary caregivers, but need to work, travel, or simply take a short break.

CountryHouse features: • Beautiful and spacious living areas. • Gorgeous outdoor courtyards. • A variety of resident activities including outings, daily drives, baking, crafts, and more. • Delicious homemade meals. • An in-house salon for cuts and styles. • Resident spas featuring whirlpool baths. • Free transportation to local appointments and activities. • Private and companion room options. CountryHouse has three different Lincoln locations that all provide exceptional services and amenities for every resident that walks through their doors. 6616 South 84th St. | (402) 421-1300 Located just across from the Pine Lake Golf Course, and near shopping, The Nebraska Heart Hospital, churches, and all that southeast Lincoln has to oﬀer.

240 South 70th St. | (402) 421-2200 Exceptional memory care in a beautiful, historic setting. Their oneof-a-kind memory care residence was carefully designed to complement the adjacent Veterans Administration buildings and grounds.

5720 South 25th St. | (402) 421-1160 A part of the eminent Knolls Country Club neighborhood near shopping, banks, and medical services, and is the perfect location for an Alzheimer’s alternative.

“When I walked into the building, I knew my search was over. The knowledge and compassion CountryHouse shares made me know I can trust them. As much as I miss having my wife home, I feel relieved that she is being treated with the utmost care.” – Richard, Husband of a CountryHouse Resident CountryHouse is a member of the Agemark family of senior living communities that believe in Treating People Like Family. Providing a safe, enriching, and home-like environment with respectful, personalized care for all residents is what sets CountryHouse apart from other senior living communities. By striving to help and care for those with memory loss ﬁnd joy in the reality of the moment in which they are living, families can trust CountryHouse to care for their loved ones that need it most.

www.countryhouse.net 52

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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LINCOLN INDEPENDENT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION by Bud Synhorst, President

(402) 466-3419 • www.liba.org

Advocating for Lincoln Forty-one years ago when LIBA was founded, a group of local business owners wanted to make sure small businesses had a voice when it comes to local issues, which have an impact on our local business owners and the community. To this day, we continue to be your advocate and voice for small business. We continue to take on issues at the local, state, and federal levels to help business owners. Over the course of the summer, we have been involved in some issues where we have made an impact while helping our business owners and the community. During our budget evaluations, LIBA held discussions with Lincoln Public Schools about their budget plans and hosted a budget presentation by LPS for our members in July. During our meetings, one thing we asked was for them to consider reducing the bond levy on our property taxes. Because of bond payments schedules and rising property valuations, LPS agreed to decrease their bond levy this year, ultimately saving money for business owners and citizens because of the large valuation increases. Earlier in the summer the Lincoln City Council was taking up an ordinance on “short-term” rental properties. These are properties which are rented for short time periods, traditionally for less than a month. Some people use these on vacation while others may use them when traveling for business. Property owners will rent out their property and while people are traveling, they have more of an “at home” feeling. The Council was considering a restriction on the proximity in which two property owners may offer these “short-term” rentals. In our testimony, LIBA suggested the Council use caution when addressing the ordinance in front of them. Primarily there is a state statute which may have put the City in violation had they adopted the ordinance as written. Along with several property owners who showed up, the Council amended the ordinance as presented to them to remove this restrictive language. I was pleased to see the citizens who showed up to testify at the Council meeting. I often advocate for the citizens to be watchful and to show up to offer perspective to the members of the Council. We need to continue to pay attention to what is happening at all levels of government and share our voices. Through the budget discussions with committees at LIBA, we have been reviewing the budgets for the City and County and continue to raise questions. We are submitting letters and testimony regarding both of their budgets. For instance, the City’s bond property tax levy is going down, while raising the general fund levy and there is a significant projected increase in sales tax revenue. Our questions will focus on where the increases in the budget will exist and how that will impact our members. At the County, we have and will continue to advocate for infrastructure investments. Make sure to continue to be involved and watch our political subdivisions. We can make a difference. LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help infl uence our local government decisions. LIBA studies and promotes these types of issues that are important to businesses and our community. If you have an interest in joining, please call LIBA at (402) 466-3419. LIBA membership is not restricted to just businesses. We also have “individual” memberships for those who want to help influence our local government decisions.

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Stop by our location in Legacy Square today! 8101 O St., Suite 302 • AccessFamilyMedicine.com • 402-858-1510

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Rising Cost of Building Materials and Insurance Claim Expenses Client-focused insurance and financial services provider UNICO offers a consultative and relational approach to provide customized solutions for clients all around the nation. Striving to create connections that are personal, compassionate, and fun are what makes UNICO a trusted provider of various financial services. Being a client-focused company, UNICO is doing their part to inform their clients of the surge in household construction costs that have been confirmed by the National Association of Home Builders. The rise is directly tied to soaring building material expenses, with current lumber costs up 340% from 2020 and an additional 67% since the beginning of 2021. The reason for the increased expenses stems from both Covid-19 and the presence of historically low interest rates which have contributed to a rise in home purchases and renovation projects. The increased demand has been met with supply shortages throughout the construction industry, directly causing building material prices to soar. This surge in costs could potentially pose consequences for homeowners across the nation. Increased building material and construction prices could lead to higher homeowners insurance claim expenses. Homeowners could discover that their existing policy no longer offers adequate protection, leaving them financially vulnerable in the event of a loss. Insurance carriers may also increase policyholder’s premium costs to account for the risk of elevated claim expenses. With these ongoing concerns for homeowners, it’s important to respond accordingly.

Homeowners should consider taking the following measures: Review your policy Be sure to fully understand your homeowners insurance policy and take note of whether you have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value coverage. Ensure your policy provides a correct replacement cost or overall value for your home.

Consider Coverage Adjustments Consult a trusted insurance professional to help you determine whether you need to adjust your policy to have sufficient coverage in the event of a loss. This may entail changing your policy’s valuation method, increasing your current limits, obtaining specialized coverage, or implementing a policy endorsement.

UNICO takes pride in expertise and knows that trust can’t be assumed, it has to be earned. Building relationships with you, your family, your business, their employees, and the communities they serve are what UNICO values the most. They take pride in a vibrant work culture that is contributed by each of their team members living out a shared set of core values.

Communicate with your insurance carrier or advisor L a s t l y, m a ke s u re to i n f o r m your homeowners insurance carrier whenever you conduct renovations or implement other improvements in your home Update your policy as needed.

Craig Marmie RICP, LUTCF Director of Personal Insurance Lines

Visit us online at unicogroup.com 54

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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DOWNTOWN LINCOLN ASSOCIATION Transform Your Outdoor Space by Todd Ogden, President (402) 434-6900 • www.downtownlincoln.org Fortune Brings Touches of Traditional Chinese and Korean Cuisine to Downtown Lincoln

An unexpected move emerges Fortune, a New Authentic Asian Food Restaurant to 14th St. After Thai Garden's 13th St. departure, owner Song Feng and his head chef relocate and rebrand to Fortune only a block away. If you’re hungry for some American Chinese food classics, like General Tso’s Chicken and Kung Pao Beef, then Fortune is the place for you.

I've known Tom for a long time! Always courteous and professional. Our new trees look great!!!! - Scott Mausbach

Start your outdoor transformation today! 402-781-9337 | www.EagleNurseries.com

A Women’s Fai� Event

Fortune has many options for American Chinese food but also has options for more authentic and traditional Chinese and Korean food. Located on 14th St. in the building where Jersey Mike’s once stood, Fortune is bringing their flavor of Chinese and Korean cuisine close to the university. They have all the comforting classics of American Chinese food but are focused on broadening guests’ horizons. There are three different menus offered: a lunch menu, a dinner menu, and a traditional Chinese and Korean cuisine menu. “We focus on American style Chinese food, and traditional Chinese and Korean food,” partial owner, Song Feng said. “Traditional Chinese food means that the materials, flavor, and cooking methods are the same as in China. This makes us special compared to our peers.”

Date: August 21, 2021 Location: Embassy Suites Hotel, Lincoln, NE Time: 9am-3:30pm Cost: $59 Per Seat (Includes T-Shirt) WWW .R ISE S TRONGER G ROUP.COM

Feng used to own Thai Garden before closing its doors to focus on their new project, Fortune. You can still get some of their popular dishes from Thai Garden here, but their focus has shifted to traditional Chinese and Korean food. It is a popular spot for college students after classes, especially international students. “International students love it here, it reminds them of home,” Feng mentioned. “They will come in and sometimes come back and watch us cook their food when they hang out.” The chef has worked at Thai Garden and other local restaurants for over 15 years and has ample experience making these tasty classics. “A couple of our most popular traditional Chinese dishes are the Crispy Chicken and the Spicy Crispy Chicken,” Feng said. Many can vouch that the Spicy Crispy Chicken is a must-have here. Named after the infamous fortune cookie, Fortune opened its doors on May 17 operating with only a handful of employees. Fortune is on most food delivery services, including DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Starve Bird. “I am confident that we are the best traditional Chinese restaurant in Lincoln,” Feng said. Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing 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 supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. For a complete listing of downtown businesses, events and residences visit downtownlincoln.org. ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/downtownlincoln.

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AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Commercial Leasing for Any Business For over 30 years, Krueger Development has contributed to Lincoln’s residential and commercial marketplace by developing residential and commercial communities, retail centers, and multi-family residences. Family owned and operated, Krueger Development strives to bring long-term value to its clients and community. At Krueger Development, they offer a variety of lots and floor plans for commercial and residential development. Their specialty is listening to our clients and using their feedback to transform their spaces into exactly what clients had in mind. Whether it's commercial buildings, residential lots, or apartment plans, Krueger Development has a place for you and your business to call home. Allison Santana, Krueger Development’s commercial property manager, is an expert at matching clients’ needs with Krueger spaces. Whether a client is looking to lease or purchase, Allison works alongside our clients to find the right location, design the space, and build off an approved floor plan. With over 25 years of experience, they will help find the location that suits each client's unique business.

Woodlands Enterprise Center

The Lincoln Trade Center

Located in the heart of South Lincoln, this area is perfect for almost any business venture. With a variety of floor plans, many businesses will benefit not only from the resourceful layouts, but also from the central location. The Lincoln Trade Center is home to Rexius Nutrition, Edward Jones, Family Dental, and Potter’s Apprentice, to name a few.

These lots can accommodate up to an 11,000 square foot building with associated parking; build to own or build to lease. All businesses in the Enterprise Center will belong to the nonprofit owners’ association. The association will maintain the landscaping, snow removal, and oversee other building quality maintenance. Check out the new location of a full service interior design studio, Fritz + Lloyd Interiors, just off 84th and Yankee Hill.

Sierra Suites

Located just south of 14th and Pine Lake Road, Sierra Suites offer 14th street frontage exposure for your office or retail business. Current tenants include Schrock Innovations, Hair Lounge, and popular clothing boutique, Ash & Ash.

South Ridge Village

Trade Center West

Located on the southeast corner of 27th and Pine Lake, South Ridge Village is filled with stores, offices, fitness centers, and restaurants. This location offers tenants a fun and busy lifestyle with its bustling Starbucks and Chipotle locations, and recent openings of Wingstop and Master Lee’s Taekwondo.

Everything that the Lincoln Trade Center has to offer, with the option of open garage space. Consolidated Supply, Lincoln Winlectric, Home Shield Roof & Exteriors, Generation V, Pockets, Family Hair Salons, Moving Forward Auto, Right Foot Forward, can all be found off of 56th and Highway 2.

Yankee Hill Business Center

6th & Van Dorn

Just off of HWY 77 this location offers easily accessible warehouse space for businesses such as Lincoln Winair, Lincoln Storage, and Foreign Auto

Located at 14th and Yankee Hill, the Yankee Hill Business Center is full of places to customize, dance, create, build, and most importantly, get the job done. This area is full of office suites such as the Department of Education, Department of Disabilities, Flatwater Group, and is excited to welcome DTX Digital Theater Experts and Corn Coast Brewing to the center.

47th & Old Cheney

Just south of HWY 2 this location is an easy spot to reach for customers. You can find popular nail salon, Venus Nails & Spa, as well as Bagels & Joe, at this central location.

For questions regarding Krueger Development’s commercial leasing information, visit www.kruegerdevelopment.com/ commercial or contact Allison Santana at asantana@kruegerdevelopment.com or call (402) 423-7377.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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LINCOLN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE by Wendy Birdsall, President

(402) 436-2350 • www.lcoc.com

Hitting the Right Notes The sweet sounds of your favorite band or artist filling the night sky. The familiar strum of a guitar, range of a lead singer’s voice, or drum solo with thousands of your closest friends, hanging on every note. I have missed it terribly and I know so many of you have as well. Which is why we are so excited for August and the months ahead as we welcome some of our favorite entertainers back to Lincoln with the return of concerts. Lincoln is set to host numerous national acts in the weeks and months ahead, resuming the incredible entertainment options that we have grown accustomed to over the years. On the heels of the great success of the National High School Finals Rodeo and an overall increase in visitors to Lincoln over the past few months, we are once again seeing Lincoln provide excellent entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This extends to events of all kinds coming back to Lincoln, from group tours to large concerts, which will dominate August in particular. The week of August 9 will set the tone for the rest of our 2021 events in Lincoln. The Avett Brothers and Willie Nelson take to the Pinewood Bowl stage, Zoofest returns to downtown Lincoln, and Dropkick Murphys and Rancid all entertain Lincoln that week. This of course leads up to Garth Brooks, who will entertain 90,000 plus fans at Memorial Stadium for a one-of-a-kind event that will be talked about for years to come. The fact that Brooks’ concert sold out in roughly 90 minutes is a true indication of not only his popularity but also how excited Lincolnites and those from surrounding areas are for live music events. It goes without saying that not only the Garth Brooks concert, but all concerts and performances have an impact on our local economy, with hotels being booked up, restaurants patronized, and local businesses welcoming more people through their doors. Some estimates suggest Brooks’ appearance in Lincoln could generate more than $10 million for the local economy. “It is a huge weekend for Lincoln and essentially another Husker home game in terms of dollars spent in our community,” according to Jeff Maul, executive vice-president of the Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The immense impact of events like this helps boost our hospitality industry from motels and hotels to restaurants and other attractions around Lincoln.” We continue to hear from interested groups and events that are thinking about coming to Lincoln for the rest of 2021 and into the years ahead. Early interest has beat industry projections for similar cities and even exceeded our initial projections for 2021. Lincoln has traditionally weathered widespread economic uncertainty better than many peer communities and this appears to be the case in a post-COVID-19 landscape as well. With Husker home football games and volleyball matches also returning to full capacity this fall and basketball in the winter, the rebound will continue with tourism driving a number of visitors to our local businesses. August will be a time to sing along and celebrate the incredible strides we continue to make as a community, including through the support of local

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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 at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org.

kay.stockcreative@gmail.com (402) 499 9415 www.kaystockdesign.com

INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO Tastings + Music + Food and Artisan Vendors

8th Annual Sip Nebraska Celebrating Nebraska Wine Craft Beer and Spirits

Join us! September 24-25 Haymarket Park

www.sipnebraska.com

Fun on The Platte River!

Private Tours Birthday Parties Company Picnics Team Building Events

Graduations

Family Reunions CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TOUR!

Find us on Facebook

Your Guide Kyle Kern

(402) 699-4489 RiverLifeTours.com AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT

Know Your Water Aqua Systems of Lincoln will fix your household water problems with our one-of-a-kind line of water softeners and reverse osmosis systems. Aqua Systems is a family-owned, full-service water treatment company, in business for nearly 60 years. We treat City and well water for residential and commercial applications, including water softeners, reverse osmosis, and commercial, bottleless drinking systems. At Aqua Systems, our customers are the motivation to keep producing the best product offering possible. From making our own SmartChoice water softeners, and PureChoice reverse osmosis systems right here in the U.S.A., to a 90-day money back guarantee, we understand quality. Our mission is to improve the quality of drinking water using a variety of methods. In addition to having a variety of filtration systems available, we at Aqua Systems want to help our clients spend their precious leisure time on leisure. Some companies are reluctant to give out a price on water treatment equipment, unless they come to your home for a 60- or 90-minute sales presentation. We offer clear and simple pricing which is available on our website, over the phone, or in the showroom. Whether its City or well water, untreated water in any home can be hard on pipes, appliances, and you. By drinking un-purified water, you may be putting contaminants in your body you just don’t want. Local City water usually contains higher- than-normal levels of calcium and magnesium, (hardness), which will cause problems around the house. And if you wonder how to improve your drinking water, or how to make your water taste better, our reverse osmosis system purifies water at the molecular elemental level, guaranteeing water that’s healthy and safe to drink!

“I cannot thank you enough for the no BS water softener! The contract is straightforward and the installer was on time, super professional, knowledgeable. and respectful. I will recommend Aqua Systems to all. This was so smooth and I appreciate you very much.” – Stephanie M.

“Your technician was so nice. I didn’t have time to clean things around where he would be working so he helped me move things around, he wiped the floor where he worked, he was so helpful, pleasant, and thorough. Your filter system has done wonders for my health and it’s much cheaper to pay you to change out filters than it is to pay doctor bills.” – Rosemary Z.

Phone: (402) 810-7415 Address: 5501 N 58th Ct., STE 100, Lincoln Contact Aqua Systems today and invest in a ﬁltration system that is healthier for you and the environment. Go online to www.ilovemywater.com to learn why nine out of 10 people who talk to Aqua Systems, work with them! 58

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

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back to school It’s hard to believe, but it is already that time of the year—back to school! Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, preparing to return to the classroom is a very busy time. It’s easy to forget the essential “to-do’s,” and it becomes even more difficult to finish off that checklist after classes resume. From tasks such as updating your student’s sports wardrobe to getting in that crucial annual eye exam, there isn’t anything that can or should be left out. To help you get ready to go back to school, we spoke to some local experts and discussed how you can be fully prepared to open those textbooks again. Restocking the Locker Returning to the classroom can involve a lot of projects and tends to create a rather large to-do list, and one of the biggest items to check off is back to school shopping. From backpacks to school supplies to clothes, the shopping list can be bigger to tackle than

the to-do list itself, especially when sports are involved. Diane Hesson with Play It Again Sports is here to help you find everything you will need to replenish your child’s sports closet without breaking the bank. Her business can help you find new or like-new gear and equipment for any sport your children participate in. “With the onset of back to school and fall sports, we are geared up and ready to outfit your athletes. Soccer, football, Diane Hesson basketball, softball, volleyball - the Play It Again Sports shelves are full and we’re eager to help you check items off of your back to school list,” says Hesson. She wants to be here to ensure you get all the necessary items for your child’s return to sports. “With help from

Ready to look your best for the 2021 school year? Refer a friend and you both get a $50 credit!

It’s time to Share A Smile! Family Dentistry • Restorative Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry • Emergency Dentistry 4525 S. 86th Street, Ste. A | Lincoln, NE 68526 starcitydentalne.com | (402) 489-7806 #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

running, walking, or just moving in general. Along with shoes, Ringlein’s store holds a variety of other products. “We’ve got everything you need to be active this school year – shorts, tops, socks, headbands, Bluetooth headphones, Garmin watches,” Ringlein said. “We don’t stop there – we can keep you going through the winter, too! Our products include thermal layer clothing, jackets, vests, gloves, and hats, too.”

ready for the 2021 season?

We Buy, Sell, Trade Quality New & Used Sports & Fitness Equipment Make sure you have everything checked off on your back to school list! Pens, Pencils, Paper Notebooks and Calculator Soccer Ball and Cleats? Football and Mouthpiece? 402.483.7447 • 48th & Vine PlayItAgainSportsLincoln.com • Mon-Thurs 10-8 • Fri-Sat 10-6 • Sun 12-5

our staff, we can get you all the items you need to hit the court or storm the field.” Play it Again Sports is also the perfect place to go if your child is interested in a new sport as a hobby, but you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment and gear just for a test run. They carry gear for nearly any sport you could think of: golf, ice hockey, racquet sports, water sports, roller blading, fitness, and more. Play it Again Sports is a great chance for your child to discover a new favorite sport or game on a much more affordable level. In addition to finding new and like-new sports gear for your child, it is also the perfect opportunity to clean out the good-quality athletic items that your child no longer needs or uses. These items can be used to build credit at Play It Again Sports, further making it easier to clothe your children in their athletic gear. If you’re not sure what kind of equipment and gear they will accept, visit their website, where they have a complete list of items they will put on their shelves. Hesson and her team at Play It Again Sports are ready for life to get back to “normal,” where kids are running on every field in Lincoln and sports are an everyday thing. She believes that physical and social activities are a great place to start, especially for children. “Whether you’re playing the game or watching from the stands, we are all ready and excited to breathe in some fresh air.” We all know that kids are constantly on the go, and there is no slowing down when school starts up again. To help your kids lead this active lifestyle, make sure they are fitted with a great pair of shoes from Ann Ringlein at Lincoln Running Co. Lincoln Running Co., which has been locally owned and operated by the same family since 1976, is committed to helping the community find the right shoes and gear to be fit and active, whether that’s by

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

Ann Ringlein

Lincoln Running Co. Lincoln Running Co. is open every day and is active within Lincoln’s running community. They’ve been named one of the top 50 Best Running Stores in America three times, and though they are proud of that, they are especially proud of their relationship with their customers. Ringlein and her team want to help you find the best shoes and gear for your active kiddo before the busyness of school begins, so give them a visit today!

Finding the Right Routine We all remember as children the dread of getting back into a regular sleep routine as the beginning of school approached towards the end of our summer vacations. For many parents, they feel similarly about it as they did as kids. With warmer weather and evenings with sunlight, it can be difficult to transition children into a consistent sleep routine for the school year. Heidi Harsin, co-founder of Acton Academy, places emphasis on the importance of finding the balance of a healthy amount of sleep for a child and the time they spend outside.

Heidi Harsin Acton Academy

“One of the most overlooked components of a happy, healthy child is time spent outdoors and sleep,” explains Harsin. “In the summer it is easier to get outdoors, but also harder to keep kiddos in a normal sleep routine. As we prepare to send our children back to school, I encourage parents to be aware of these two variables. Sleep and time spent in nature are vital for both the physical and mental health of your child. They need a more consistent sleep routine headed into school and you will want to be sure they are spending plenty of time outdoors as they transition back to the classroom.” Heidi co-founded Acton Academy with her husband Zach after searching for education options for their own children. They wanted to bring Acton to Lincoln to share the option of a nontraditional model with other families who were searching for the right educational fit. With the demand for alternative, independent-private school options for children on the rise, Acton strives to provide just that while giving their students the best education they possibly can. They offer a different approach and move beyond the traditional tools of lectures, homework, high stakes tests, and grades by letting their students learn in collaborative classrooms of multi-age learners. They are inspired through real-world projects, are given the opportunity to learn about potential careers they may be interested in, and develop lasting, life-long skills such as the ability to work as a team, develop creative solutions, and to set and crush goals. Acton’s goal is to maintain a community of like-minded families seeking a modern approach to education that will help equip children for the 21st century. “At Acton, the physical and emotional health/growth of the child is just as important as the academic advancement,” says Harsin. “We strive to spend more than an hour outside each day with our learners, we spend every other Friday at a local park, and allow them to freely move as needed throughout the day!” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Physical Health Our physical health is built up of many different areas, and vision is not one to be forgotten. According to the Medical Eye Center, 80% of what we perceive comes through our sense of light, so it is essential to protect our eyes in order to reduce the chance of blindness and vision loss. Eye exams are also important to keep up on, as in just one short eye exam, it is possible to catch diseases such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Dr. Carla Ericksen with Beyond Vision LNK Dr. Carla Ericksen wants to remind parents that yearly eye Beyond Vision LNK exams are critical between the ages of three to nine years to catch the risks of myopia and developmental vision problems early on. “A school or pediatric screening does not test for poor visual skills that have been correlated to poor Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores. Parents should be aware their child’s habits, diet, stress level, and medications can contribute to delay in ability to scan across a page rapidly, hold gaze on a book/device for long hours, and create blur shifting from book to board. Frequent blinking, light sensitivity, eye rubbing, dry eyes, avoidance of near work, and poor posture can all be symptoms of your child’s visual system inhibiting activities,” says Dr. Ericksen. As her patient, a parent will have access to valuable benefits, including glasses packages starting at $79 for frame and polycarbonate lenses, daily disposal contacts less than market prices, vision performance evaluations, and a non-invasive retinal photo included in the comprehensive exam. Along with the shift in the education system caused by COVID-19, Dr. Ericksen has also seen a change of pace in her own business. With many children spending more time in front of a screen for online school, Dr. Ericksen readjusted her business’s ability to see their young patients frequently. “Due to increasing screen time and dry eye in children, we have implemented the ability for parents to bring children in any time when they need seen, multiple times throughout the year in a cost effective way,” said Dr. Ericksen. “Our Beyond Vision Works Plan gives parents access to me for virtual evaluation for eye injury or concussion concerns, and I’m available to work in concert with school IEP’s and para teams for learning. Redness, blur, concussion – we re-evaluate!” She also understands that prolonged time spent on homework cuts into valuable hours spent with family. In order to give families this time back, Dr. Ericksen can teach you and your child successful visiual skills that take the stress and tears out of learning. She can create individualized plans that work uniquely to your family. “My commitment to the community is to bring education about your eyes and visual system in sports and school,” says Dr. Ericksen. “We are teaming with local sports clubs, parent groups, and schools to do screenings and talk about how your eyes lead performance in sports and school, risks of concussion visual symptoms, and injury. If you would like to unite with me in youth visual awareness, have your sport’s team or group email office@beyondvisionlnk.com. I look forward to working with you!” Just as important as our vision is our oral health. While daily brushing and flossing can keep bacteria under control, the Mayo Clinic cautions that a lack of proper oral hygiene can allow the bacteria to turn into an oral infection, such as gum disease. Oral health is also linked to other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, and osteoporosis. Because of the severe consequences that can come with poor oral hygiene, it is important to have your children get into the habit of good oral practices at a young age, and before they can develop any oral issues that could continue to affect them later on. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

An innovative, mixed-age program where students can discover their unique passions & calling.

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DARING MINDS THERAPY “We believe healing is a collaborative endeavor that requires honest caring without judgment, and we cooperatively assist clients in clarifying their goals for treatment.”

Individual, Family, and Couples’ Counseling + Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) + Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Substance Use/Mental Health/Co-Occuring/Trauma Evaluations

531-289-1005 DARINGMINDSTHERAPY.INFO The team at Star City Dental strives to ensure that your children are receiving top-quality care amid the busyness that comes with returning to school. Star City Dental believes that by starting kids on the path to good oral habits early on, they will be set an excellent precedent that will auger well for their future overall health. Even for young children who still have temporary teeth, it is advised that they attend regular checkups. How they handle the care of their temporary teeth will have a strong impact on what will happen with the permanent ones. “Our pediatric dentists have gone through an additional two years of training in order to be well-prepared and educated in children’s oral health issues,” explained Dr. Meghan Hungerford. “We are also trained in handling the anxieties that can come with a trip to the dentist so that we can make your child’s visit go as comfortably as possible. By giving children a positive experience, they are encouraged to pay more attention when being taught about good oral habits.”

Dr. Meghan Hungerford Star City Dental

For children that have started school, their first visit to Star City Dental will include a dental exam with possible cleaning and fluoride treatment. Their team will also go over oral hygiene practices with your child and help them pick out a new toothbrush. Star City Dental recommends twice-annual checkups for children with healthy teeth and more frequent visits for those with periodontal or orthodontic challenges. Now is the perfect time to book an appointment with them, while also encouraging you and your child’s friends to partake in good oral habits: their Share a Smile program is ongoing, in which you and your friend will both receive a $50 credit when you make a referral. Star City Dental encourages you to schedule an appointment with AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 61

Walk-ins welcome. No appointment necessary.

BENEFIT FROM A FULL RANGE OF SERVICES

Common Illnesses

Minor Injuries

Preventive Medical Care

Occupational Health

Coughs, Runny nose, Watery eyes, Fever, Body aches, Sore throat, Ear aches, Infections, Rashes

Cuts, Scrapes, Sprains, Strains, Bruises, Broken bones (fractures)

Flu shots, Sports physicals, COVID-19 testing

Work-related injuries, Drug screens, Flu shots, Tetanus shots, X-Ray services (27th St. location only)

COME SEE US TODAY! 27th & Capitol Parkway 965 S. 27th Street Lincoln, NE 68510

402-477-3505

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them in order to make sure your children are having pleasant experiences at the dentist.

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Early Childhood Learning These days, it is common for children to start their educational career at a very young, even as young as six weeks. By enrolling your young child into an early learning center, they are able to learn and be socially engaged, even as infants. This experience is incredibly important and can impact your child’s future; in the research study titled “The Early Catastrophe: The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3,” it showed that much of the most important brain development in children occurs before they reach kindergarten. It can be virtually agreed upon that there is a wide array of benefits to be gained from enrolling your children into early childhood learning programs. If you are thinking about allowing your child to gain the benefits of early childhood education, World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool provides a safe and supportive learning environment for your young children that are not yet of school age. The early learning center has two locations at 8310 Wendell Way and 4001 S 17th St., allowing you to have access to phenomenal childhood development wherever you are at in Lincoln. They focus on a variety of educational skills, including math, science, creativity, music, and literacy, as well basic life skills, such as motor and social skills, expressing feelings, sharing, caring, and communication. By enrolling your young kiddos at World of Knowledge Child Development Center and Preschool, you will be investing in their future and opening up endless opportunities for a fruitful life. Mental Health Mental health plays a crucial role in our well-being and, after the significant changes brought on by COVID-19 inside and outside of the classroom since early 2020, it is changing in children. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the pandemic has taken a toll on the population’s mental health, with more than 25% of high school students reporting worsened emotional and cognitive health, and over 20% of parents with children ages 5-12 reporting similar conditions for their kids. When mental health issues are not addressed in children, they can worsen as that child grows and can ultimately have a heavy impact on their adult life. Thankfully, we have local experts in the community who can help us identify and improve mental health issues in our children. Daring Minds Therapy offers a variety of services to help your child’s mental health with classes beginning again, including childparent psychotherapy (CPP). CPP promotes and strengthens a close, safe, and nurturing relationship between a parent and their child who is age five and under. CPP is aimed towards children who have experienced a traumatic event and, as a result, are experiencing challenging behaviors, attachment issues, and/or mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This therapy involves close observation, guidance, and coaching so that parents can gain a better understanding of the needs of the child. Ultimately, CPP helps restore a child’s sense of safety and attachment and improves their cognitive, behavioral, and social functioning by fostering a stronger, more supportive child-parent relationship. Strengthened relationships between parents and children, as well as a child’s sense of security, can benefit their mental health going into the new school year. With the first full school-year during the pandemic behind us, many schools are gearing up for the fall by facing the mental health crisis that is challenging our kids. Some schools are going to have more counselors and social workers available to help address and treat the mental health problems that have risen in school-aged children, such as anxiety, social isolation, trauma, or depression. Counseling can have a great impact on the lives of children after a life-changing event like the pandemic, and can help them navigate difficult situations in life. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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FALL MEANS CROSS COUNTRY Lincoln Running Co. Has The Perfect Shoe For Your Season!

Come see us for the perfect fit for training, racing, and even spectating shoes! That's the Lincoln Running Co. experience! Stop in to get your new cross country shoes today! 1213 Q St.• LincRunningCompany.com • 402-474-4557 Clearwater Counseling prioritizes the mental health of your children and works to provide treatment for a wide variety of mental health diagnoses. The business acknowledges that many people will experience mental health struggles at some point in their life, and these battles may vary from anxieties, behavioral, life transitions, depression, and stress, many of which are currently affecting our children. “These battles can affect our mood, thoughts, and behaviors, which is why we are available to help guide you through these life changes,” said Nikki Frenzen, COO. “Our goal is to help you identify the positive change that is happening in your life so that you can find peace within you.” They also offer teletherapy, or therapy through a live online video connection. With just an email address, your child can work through their anxieties or life transitions Nikki Frenzen with their therapist through the computer. Teletherapy is convenient because of the Clearwater Counseling flexibility it offers, as your child can use their service from the comfort of their bedroom or living room. It also allows them to stay at home when they are ill, or if your family is taking precautions to not get sick. Clearwater Counseling strives to help your child through any difficult life events and the battles they may be fighting because of those challenges. Back to school is a big event for everyone, whether you are a student or a parent. Businesses in Lincoln have been in those shoes before at some point in their lives, and they want to do their best to help you transition your children (or yourself!) back into the classroom. We recommend these businesses to help you with all of your school needs. AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

Buying a Home Communities Two Available Communities! 35th & Superior 93rd & Old Cheney

Several Models available to choose from! It’s good to be home!

To reserve your lot contact Jayson Becker at Bancwise Realty 402-610-1013 | Jbecker@bancwise.com Gardenviewcommunities.com 64

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The housing market is currently all in favor of sellers but proving difficult to many buyers. According to realtor.com, as of this summer, the average listed price of a house in Lincoln was trending upwards 34.5% year-over-year, and they have been selling for about 21.05% above the asking price. As a buyer, it can be a scary yet exciting commitment to make, and thankfully, Lincoln has many professionals that are here to help you through the process and comfort you during this new milestone. Talk to an Expert Realtors are here to help you navigate the home buying process and find you the perfect home, despite the intense market. When it comes to finding a realtor, the options can be overwhelming, but experience is a good factor to start with. Deb Wagner with Woods Bros Realty has been in the real estate business for nearly 19 years and works with both buyers and sellers in existing homes, new construction, acreages, and lots. With her market knowledge, she is familiar with the Deb Wagner trends and can advise you on how much to Woods Bros Realty offer for the home you want to purchase. “Negotiating is a big aspect of the home buying transaction, but it’s not always the easiest,” said Wagner. “As your realtor, I can help you create an offer that is reflective of both the market and your budget.” With her experience and practice in the real estate field, you are sure to have an easier time finding the best home for you and your family in today’s market. Sometimes there are factors that greatly influence your decision to buy a home or perhaps challenge your home search, such as the location of the best schools. Jayson Becker with BancWise Realty understands the importance of these factors and wants to help you find your dream home while also maintaining priority on the “musthaves” list for your house. As one of Lincoln’s top producing real estate agents, he works primarily off of referrals from family, friends, and past clients. Jayson Becker “My goal as your realtor is to create BancWise Realty a warm and welcoming home buying experience for you and your family,” Becker said. Becker has become an exceptionally well respected agent in the Lincoln community, not only for his track record with clients and his unique sales and construction background, but for being a friendly and honest family man who goes above and beyond to ensure his #PrintProudDigitalSmart

clients’ success. By working with Becker at BancWise Realty, you will have options for solutions to all of your real estate problems. Client satisfaction is a priority of Ben Bleicher with Professional Realty Group of Woods Bros Realty, and he isn’t satisfied until you are. He strives to assist you with nearly every real estate need, whether it’s finding a home or choosing the best loan. “In order to best serve you, I am available all hours, seven days a week, and can give my critical opinion on any houses you may look at to protect you from buyer’s remorse,” said Bleicher. Ben Bleicher Professional Realty Group Bleicher also offers resources that allow of Woods Bros Realty you to find listings before the general public is aware of them, alleviating competition and over paying. He wants to show you how fun house shopping can be – the way it should be! For a realty experience that strives to always put the customer first and proves this philosophy through the actions of their realtors, visit Brad Hulse with Lincoln First Realty. Hulse is the managing broker of Lincoln First’s Williamsburg branch, and as an active member of the REALTORS® Association of Lincoln, he possesses a wealth of practical and technological real estate expertise. “Having served the local area for 15 years, I am well educated on the local Brad Hulse market and have a seasoned knowledge Lincoln First Realty of the community, which allows me to help you find the perfect home in Lincoln,” Hulse said. Preparing to Purchase Buying a home is a thrilling time, but it can be a bit overwhelming when considering all of the information that a buyer needs to know and understand when preparing for the big investment. Kaye Krause, vice president of mortgage loans at Union Bank & Trust, gave some insight as to how a potential home-buyer can ready themselves to purchase a house. “It is important to start by meeting with a mortgage loan officer to get prequalified. This is a free process where Kaye Krause we can make sure you are prepared Union Bank & Trust to purchase a home for when the right house comes along. During this stage, we will check your credit, review your income, and talk to you about the different options available to you for a down payment on a home,” says Krause. “Wanting to purchase another home before selling the home you are currently residing in? No problem! We can also explain how bridge loans and cash-to-close loans work if you are trying to make a non-contingent offer that is not subject to the sale of your current home.” Krause suggests to people thinking about buying a home to ensure that they are educated on what they can afford when they negotiate the potential purchase of a home, especially as the historically low rates in today’s seller’s market is encouraging homes to move quickly and receive multiple offers. She also wants buyers to understand how important their credit score is to this process, as it does not only affect your interest rates, but the rates on the monthly private mortgage insurance, as well. First-time homebuyers also have additional options for assistance when navigating this process. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Now Booking Interiors for Winter! Check out our calendar on our site to reserve your spot!

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“If you are a first-time homebuyer, there are additional options for you to potentially take advantage of as well! NIFA (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority) loans are another option that can allow for less money to be put towards a down payment with their HBA (Homebuyer Assistance) second mortgage option,” says Krause. “However, these programs do have limitations on the purchase price and your income.” Krause wants potential homebuyers to know that her business is here to help. Union Bank & Trust offers traditional loan programs such as veterans affairs, federal housing administration, and conventional loans, as well as bridge loans and cash-to-close loans. They also offer lot/land financing, along with loans for construction, for those who want to start from the ground up. “One of the many great benefits that Union Bank & Trust offers on Conventional Loans is we service the loan right here at UBT,” Krause explained. “We have many experienced mortgage loan officers that can walk you through every step of the process from getting pre-qualified to when you close on your new home. I personally have more than 30 years in the business. Even if you have questions about your loan after your closing, you can always give UBT a call to answer whatever questions you may have. We are here to help you!” Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is also available with options to help your home-buying process go smoothly. They offer fixed conventional loans, low down payment loans suc h as USDA, veterans affairs, and federal housing administration loans, jumbo loans, adjustable-rate mortgage loans, NIFA, Jim Toof and bridge loans. Loan officer Jim Toof Lincoln Federal says they have stayed steadily busy with Savings Bank borrowers, despite the pandemic. AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 65

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“The activity level as of late has been steady with very little slow-down due to the pandemic. I anticipate there could be more activity but due to the shortage of supply we are seeing a little less than normal. Nonetheless, borrowers are still eager and placing competitive offers – sometime even multiple times,” says Toof. Though there are many places to choose from when taking out a loan for your new home, Toof says Lincoln Federal Savings Bank is unique because of their personal and creative approach. “We are ranked #1 by loan origination volume in Lancaster County based on public submissions of 2019 HMDA Data,” says Toof. “We have maintained this title over the course of four consecutive years. Our competitive edge is twofold; we can offer very competitive rates and fees as well as creative solutions so that our buyers can secure the financing for the home of their dreams.” With the high amount of buyers in the market right now, Toof says they typically see two types of buyers: move-up buyers and first-time buyers. Move-up buyers should understand the current market, timing, bridge loans, and escalation clauses before they decide to transition into a larger home. First-time buyers are advised to set up a consultation with a local lender who can walk them through each step of the process and explain in detail how realtors and lenders work together to get them in the home of their dreams. “The most important piece of advice I can offer is to choose a local lender,” says Toof. “We can help you through the entire process on a personal level and give you the confidence that an online lender cannot.” If you’re new to the home buying process and the idea seems intimidating, you probably want to have some face-to-face interaction with a lender so you can discuss your wants and needs and be fully informed and assisted throughout the process. The mortgage lenders at West Gate Bank can do just that! Their mortgage lenders will meet with you personally and listen to your individual goals, recommend a loan structure that meets your goals, help you complete a loan application, and keep you informed during the application, approval, and closing stages. Some of their loan options include conventional, veterans affairs, federal housing administration, USDA rural development, and NIFA. West Gate Bank also has the Mobile Mortgage app, in which you can work side-by-side with a lender through every step of the mortgage process using either the mobile app or online at mobilemortgage.westgate.bank. You can feel comfortable knowing that a mortgage lender is always nearby to answer questions and offer guidance throughout the entire lending process. Be Ready to Act Quickly Managing Director of First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) Mortgage, Michael Fecht, wants potential homebuyers to understand that in today’s market, it is important to be prepared to act fast. “Once you find the home you like, you probably won’t have a lot of time to think it over as many other buyers will be looking at it, and possibly putting in their own competitive offers. Many sellers in today’s market may also require you to show proof of pre-approval before they Michael Fecht will accept an offer,” says Fecht. “You may First National Bank of have to prepare yourself to offer and Omaha Mortgage pay more than the asking price. While this does not always happen, it is occurring more frequently with the limited inventory of houses on the market.” In order to be able to act quickly and potentially offer more than originally planned, a buyer should ensure that they are prepared for the process, allowing them to have peace of mind and confidence when entering the home-buying process. Fecht #PrintProudDigitalSmart

suggests having a thorough understanding of your credit report and speaking to a local mortgage lender, who can help connect you to a realtor if you do not already have one. “A good lender will answer all of your questions honestly and let you know what steps you need to take to get approved. Additionally, and this is important for all buyers, you should work with a realtor that can best serve your needs. If you do not already have a realtor, your lender can likely refer someone who specializes in first-time buyers, a certain area of town, or your particular financial situation,” says Fecht. “Your realtor can provide you with guidance when it comes to the sale or purchase of a home.” FNBO can help potential homebuyers with their complete and competitive set of products and services that are designed to best suit a buyer’s needs and situation. Their lenders will present options based upon the buyer’s financial position and provide expert advice. Fecht says their lenders live and work locally, and his business’s part in the community for more than 163 years plays an important role in helping homebuyers make the best decision in the buying process. “Being an integral part of the community means that we understand our market and how to best serve our customers and we put our customers first. We provide expert advice and guidance and help people not only buy a home, but build personal wealth through homeownership. We want to create a partnership that will carry on for years and generations to come,” Fecht explained. The Importance of an Inspection With the challenges buyers are already facing in the current market, inspections are starting to become less of a priority for many. Randy King with King’s Home Inspections wants to remind homebuyers that inspections are important in the home buying process so that you don’t risk spending thousands of dollars in future repairs and that you can sleep peacefully knowing your house is in good condition. “You should always negotiate having a whole house inspection, including termite Randy King King’s Home Inspections inspection, radon testing, and sewer line video-scoping prior to purchase. These inspections can potentially save you from thousands of dollars in repairs and a lot of grief or buyer’s remorse,” says King. “Many buyers are opting for “informational purposes only” and foregoing the ability to bring items of concern back to the table for repair or negotiation...that again places all the risk on you, not the seller.” While there is the option to purchase a Home Warranty that will cover the failure of major appliances, it does not cover bigger expenses and problems such as a damaged roof, high radon levels, a termite infestation, or a damaged sewer line. Homeowners insurance does not cover these issues either, as you take on the risk of something going wrong when you accept a house in “as-is” condition. An inspection is an investment into your home. When you decide to make the big decision to purchase a house, you are going to want someone who is well experienced in inspections to help you ensure that your house is in good condition, or caution you of future expenses in order to maintain the house. The age of the house does not increase or decrease your need for an inspection, either; whether it is a newer house or an older home, the potential for problems is present in both. “Newer houses can have just as many problems as older ones, even a house only 10 years old is potentially ready for a water heater replacement, can have siding starting to fail, guttering coming loose, fireplace chimneys in need of cleaning, all sorts of issues,” says King. “Brand new houses, even those with “radon resistant new construction (RRNC)” features can be high in radon. Most #PrintProudDigitalSmart

builders don’t have the homes tested after finishing construction; there is no guarantee that their RRNC features are working as desired or wholly mitigating high levels of radon from the home. The only way to know is to test.” A seller must fill out a disclosure sheet, in which they list any known defects, claims on the title or property, or other flaws. Sometimes these forms cannot be accurately filled out, such as when the home belonged to an out-of-state seller’s parents who have passed and have no knowledge of the house. Situations like this further emphasize the need for a thorough home inspection before buying. “While it is tempting in this time of frenzied buying to forego inspections, it is almost always never a wise choice,” says King. “Call a reputable home inspector and get inspection work done prior to purchase to protect yourself and your investment.” For the Downsizers If you’re looking to downsize your home and need somewhere to store your extra furniture and belongings during the moving process, rent a storage unit with Store It All. The self-storage facility has several options for unit sizes, including units with doors on either end or an outdoor storage pad site. They also allow for easy rental and payments with the option to create an account online at their website, storeitalllincoln.com, where you can select your rental unit and make the monthly payments online. For those who have never used a storage unit before and are wondering if they should make the investment, read their incredibly helpful online blog on their website. Personalize Your Home Many people want to add their own personal touch after buying a house, and what better place to do this than in a room that the entire family frequents – the kitchen! For as much use as your kitchen gets, it deserves to be in prime condition, looking its best. Jason Krueger with Kitchen Tune-Up can help you remodel your kitchen into your own personalized space.

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Ben Bleicher is the only person I trust to help me with my real estate purchases. He is truly exceptional! His communication is simply amazing: always answers the phone, always responds to text messages, kept me constantly updated throughout our recent home buying process.

Ben worked hard for me and literally saved me thousands of dollars during the negotiations. He negotiated a large plumbing job in the house I bought and a furnace replacement in the one I sold.

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“Whether you want to update the look of your kitchen or transform it to showcase your interior taste, our team at Kitchen Tune-Up can do it for you,” Krueger said. Their services include the Original TuneUp, in whic h they will restore your stained, scuffed, or worn cabinets into a like-new finish; cabinet redooring; cabinet painting; cabinet refacing; custom cabinets; organization; and countertops. They also offer multiple payment and financing options to pay for your kitchen Jason Krueger makeover (subject to credit approval.) For Kitchen Tune-Up those who want to remodel their kitchen, but aren’t sure about which countertops they would like with a certain cabinet color, Kitchen Tune-Up has an online design tool that lets you customize your kitchen with the click of a mouse. If you’ve been putting off remodeling your kitchen because you thought there wasn’t an affordable option, Kitchen Tune-Up can make you rethink! If you have a spacious backyard and are looking to better utilize it by adding a patio or building a deck, get in touch with Jonathan Cur tis with Jonathan Curtis Design. His business specializes in building decks, patios, pergolas, and sunrooms, as well as kitchen and bath remodels and additions. Curtis and his team strive to listen to their clients’ ideas and take into account their needs while also offering their own insight curated from years of experience. Jonathan Curtis Jonathan Curtis Design “When you first work with Jonathan Curtis Design, I will meet with you to understand your goals and prepare a budget before designing a final look and implementing the project,” Curtis explained. Sometimes it’s hard to even know where to start, but Curtis has an outstanding online portfolio that can help you figure out exactly what look you are going for, all while knowing that he and his team can execute it. For a business that can both design your remodel or addition and also bring it to life in your home while listening to your goals, look no further than Jonathan Curtis Design. Home Features You’ve bought your home and moved your family and all of your belongings in – now it’s time to protect it. From high-tech doorbells that capture the image of every visitor to floodlight security cameras that shine light on any movement detected, there is a wide array of options to choose from. Simply Smart Homes understands the importance of choosing the best security option for you and your family, which is why they offer a lineup of different products and packages that include more than one security feature. They provide the latest generation Ring doorbell, Ring outdoor security camera, Ring floodlight camera, and the Schlage smart deadbolt. Their smart technology doesn’t just end at security. Simply Smart Homes also offers wi-fi and wiring, utilities, and entertainment. Have you ever sat down on the couch just to see the remote control lying across the other side of the coffee table, just out of reach? Now imagine if you could just speak out loud to your Amazon Alexa, and have the lights dim while the TV begins playing. Simply Smart Homes can help you transform your house into a functional smart-home that is run just from the sound of your voice.

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Buying a home is an exciting milestone that can be done smoothly with the right help. Take some stress off your shoulders by utilizing your local business professionals and experts. They can easily help you ﬁnd the right house, take out a loan, and remodel and refurbish your new home. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

To Buy or not to Buy? Before deciding to buy a business you need to do your homework.

Cruise & Associates can help guide you through the process. We can assist with: • Interpreting financial documents • Reviewing tax returns • Discussing the pros and cons of the purchase

We Work For People Who Work Tax • Payroll • Accounting 402-466-1969 | Cruise-Associates.com 70

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business Buying or selling a business is a big venture, and whether you are the buyer or the seller when it comes to this milestone, it is an important transaction to not cut corners on. A business is a significant investment to dive into or hold onto and there is much more to the process than many realize. The Lincoln community is full of valuable assistance that is here to support you through the sale of a business and help both parties gain the most benefit.

“First, be sure you understand the current owner’s role in the business and his/her key relationships and knowledge. This will help you properly assess the risk to the business without the seller’s involvement. Second, make sure that you determine the proper amount of compensation (salary) for this role when calculating the amount of money the business makes. You do not want to end up ‘buying a job’!” says Kenedy.

Know Your Options

Kenedy believes the current market for businesses that are looking to sell remains very strong. Bank financing is readily available for good businesses, and small business administration (SBA) loans continue to be an excellent way to finance the acquisition of a small business. For larger businesses, Kenedy says strategic buyers and private equity interest remain strong, and valuation multiples are at very high levels. This creates a great time for business owners who are seeking a third-party buyer as their exit plan.

Lutz Consulting and M&A Shareholder, Bill Kenedy offered the variety of ways that Lutz is able to help someone who is interested in buying or selling a business. From accounting and financial help to tech assistance, Kenedy is confident that his team will make your business sale go smoothly. “Our Lutz accounting and financial teams can help you not only manage but optimize your financials so that you can focus on what truly matters, running your Bill Kenedy business. The talent division can help Lutz relieve your staffing burden by searching, vetting, and hiring the top talent your business needs, and the tech team can provide your startup with everything from managed network and IT services to custom software and application development to help your organization optimally function,” says Kenedy. He also suggests utilizing their M&A group for assistance with middle-market businesses up for sale, recapitalization, or new investment, with senior-level attention reserved for larger companies. Finally, Kenedy suggests meeting with the Lutz consulting division if you are a small to mid-sized company looking for business consulting solutions from risk assessment to data analytics, litigation support, business transitions and exit planning, and more. Buying a business for the first time is a huge decision, and Kenedy offers his advice through some key issues one should consider before they invest.

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Creating a Great Future Rob Cruise with Cruise & Associates understands the excitement that comes with buying a business, but cautions that a buyer should ensure they are well educated before they dive in. “Before you get too excited, slow down and do your homework. It is always important to weigh the pros and cons. Be sure to have a business valuation completed to determine how much the business is worth. A good idea might also Rob Cruise be to shadow the business for a period of Cruise & Associates time to make your own assessment of what it is worth,” says Cruise. “If you are about to buy a business, you’ll want to know exactly why the business is up for sale. It could be something as simple as they just want to retire or something more worrisome like there is a problem with the business.” Cruise’s business can help a potential business buyer with properly interpreting financial documents and guiding the buyer to determine the full costs of purchasing and operating the business. He says to remember the need to review documents, including the AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

letter of intent, confidentiality agreements, contracts and leases, financial statements, tax returns, and sales agreement. Finally, after reaching a purchase price, make sure you understand the written agreement before signing. “Don’t leave any ambiguities that could cause trouble at closing or even after the sale has gone through,” Cruise says. “Choosing to buy an existing business is a valuable entrepreneurial feat and will impact your life for years to come. With the right connection and a lot of hard work, you can be the perfect person to turn a good business buying opportunity into a great future.” Accounting Regardless of if you are on the buying or selling side of the sale of a business, it is helpful to have guidance when determining the value or purchase price of the property. In order to receive the best help when forming these numbers, call the team that knows numbers best: SP Group, P.C. We spoke to Jason Hardy, CPA at SP Group, and took some of his advice for those who are thinking about buying or selling a business. Jason Hardy SP Group, P.C.

“When buying a business, a buyer should gather as much information as possible, including prior year’s financial statements and tax returns. Past performance is no guarantee of future results, but it is a good indicator of the future, which can help determine the value of the business, and in turn, can help determine a purchase price,” Hardy explains. “In addition to providing guidance regarding the purchase price, SP Group can help assist in the allocation of assets in the purchase of the business. Asset classification in a business purchase is often overlooked, but can be vital in helping

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

the new business owner with depreciation and amortization in the early years of business ownership.” Hardy says that these key factors are equally as important to the seller when conducting the sale of a business, and they can lend help on either end of the transaction. “At SP Group, we have assisted our clients with selling their business, and just like with buyers, purchase price and asset classification are key in the transition. Decisions with asset classification can determine the tax obligation related to the sale of the business. Another key factor is the collection of the sales proceeds. SP Group can assist the seller with the decision to collect the proceeds in one year or over a period of years,” Hardy says. Buying a business could have a lasting impact on an individual and their family, which is why Hardy stresses the significance of taking the appropriate steps in the buying process. The process will involve professionals for different matters, and you should expect to stay connected to these professionals for years to come. “With such a major decision, one of the first and most important steps is to hire trusted professionals for legal matters, tax and accounting, and for commercial lending. These individuals can help with the purchase of a business, but you should plan on using their services for years to come. The purchase of a business should be the start of a professional relationship that lasts through the life of the business and beyond,” Hardy advised. Hardy also explained how the pandemic has affected businesses differently across the spectrum, and how a business owner looking to sell can market their value, regardless of the effect the pandemic had on them. He said that even if your business had a negative effect from COVID-19, there is still a chance to have a successful sale by focusing on the strengths.

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“For sellers with thriving businesses, the pandemic has highlighted the strength of the business and should be an asset when trying to sell,” said Hardy. “For sellers with struggling businesses or having down years, the key to selling will be in the historical financial records and tax returns. Years of accurate financial information can help potential buyers in accessing the long-term impact of the pandemic.” Accounts Receivables Before you decide to make the big decision to buy a business, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the company’s receivables before signing the papers. If you are looking for real answers that yield real results, visit the team at AR Solutions. They can help you analyze the assets and liabilities that you are considering purchasing and determine what those liabilities are, along with the likelihood that you will collect them. As a collection agency, AR Solutions can have a different skillset to offer to you compared to other accounting professionals when evaluating a business. For those who are selling, they will work closely with you to determine the reason for any nonpayment of receivables and find out how you’ve communicated with your customers to collect. Then they’ll help figure out what you might expect to bring in from them. “For potential business purchasers, it’s important to understand that not all of the billings a business sends out are going to be paid, and it’s good to know that up-front and create a policy for handling those cases of nonpayment,” suggests Aaron Newell, owner of AR Solutions.

Aaron Newell AR Solutions

AR Solutions can act as an extension of your new company and is tasked with conducting direct communication with your clients. Their competitive fees are also contingent upon collection, so you do not pay unless they collect.

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When deciding to buy or sell a business, there are many questions that need to be answered. While it may seem easy enough to answer these questions yourself – especially if you are well experienced with the business – it is best to reach out to professionals to ensure that the conversation is attending to all questions either party may have. SCORE Lincoln is a great place to start when entering into the sale of a small business. “When considering the sale of your business, you need to consider its value, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. There are several companies that specialize in business sales, but SCORE Lincoln can help you start the conversation, know what questions to ask, and better prepare for the sale,” says Diane Siefkes, SCORE Lincoln Outreach. SCORE Lincoln has mentors that are available to help you through your small business journey. Offering free, confidential small business Diane Siefkes advice, they will pair you with a mentor SCORE Lincoln based off of your industry, location, expertise, or even business question. Asking questions is important in this process, even if you are asking them to yourself. “Before buying a business, ask yourself several questions: Have you worked in a similar business? Are you passionate about the business? Is this business new or has it been operating for a period?” Siefkes suggests. “Check in with SCORE Lincoln to get free mentoring to help you sort through the answers, ask more questions, and discover if it’s a good move for you.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Siefkes also says there is no perfect time to buy or sell a business, and understands that there may be challenges related to the type of business a buyer is interested in, such as evaluating the revenue stream and government dollars that a business may have received. These potential problems may seem intimidating, but she emphasizes that SCORE Lincoln is here to help you navigate through the process. Commercial Realty At Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC, their primary focus is helping business owners make the best decisions they can about commercial real estate. Cathy Kottwitz, CPM, explained why her business is a great option to help your own. “We have experience working with both businesses selling real estate alongside their operations, as well as entrepreneurs buying businesses who may need to Cathy Kottwitz negotiate a new lease for the business,” Guiderock Commercial Kottwitz explained. “And if the business Realty LLC you bough has grown and needs more room or another location, we can help you find the right fit.” In addition to commercial real estate sales and leasing, Guiderock Commercial Realty LLC offers other services that may benefit your business and can connect you with trust partners for other business needs. Whether you are buying or selling your business property, between the years of experience among the Guiderock team, you are sure to have it done smoothly and efficiently. Another local company you can turn to when trying to find the perfect space for your business is Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate.

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

They work to understand each client’s unique circumstances and objectives to tailor a strategy designed to accomplish their goals. With their experienced group of professionals and established track record, you’re guaranteed to receive valuable help reaching your goals for both your business and the community. Take advantage of their brokerage service and receive professional support through all the phases of property or site acquisition, disposition, and tenant representation. Greenleaf Commercial Real Estate also offers consulting and development services, as well as property management, which includes both facilities and asset management. Their team can offer to you extensive knowledge to whatever industry your business falls in, whether it’s in office, retail, warehouse, or industrial. At HIP Realty (Holroyd Investment Properties), you will receive five-star services that today’s sophisticated commercial market requires. They are a full-service commercial and apartment real estate sales, management, and leasing firm, offering personalized real-estate services while employing the highest ethical standards. They also have HIP OffiCenters, or office suites that come with additional services such as receptionist services, paid utilities, phone system, free parking, mail pick-up, janitorial services, complimentary coffee, a conference room, and more. They can assist with any new or established businesses by not only leasing them office space, but with all of these additional services that come along with it. “We can attribute our success to our accomplished, detail-oriented team, and we keep an emphasis on maintaining close relationships with our clients through quality service,” said founder Michael Holroyd. “Our property managers take a proactive approach to onsite inspections and the follow-up of details, and we hold an expert in-house accounting team. We also possess one of the strongest and most qualified maintenance teams in the industry.” Michael Holroyd HIP OffiCenters offers a wide range of HIP Realty (Holroyd lease terms to meet your commitment Investment Properties) level, as well as a variety of office sizes and styles – they can even furnish it for you! HIP OffiCenters are a great way to promote a professional image to your clients and customers without breaking the bank. For new business owners, Holroyd recommends exuding confidence and professionalism to your new clientele.

“New business owners need to be sure their office is convenient to find and that sufficient parking is available,” suggested Holroyd. “And first impressions matter. Be sure your office appears professional to portray confidence and success to your customers, and that anyone representing your company is providing excellent customer service.” After the Sale You’ve bought your business, and now you need to prepare for the grand opening. The best way to ensure a truly “grand” opening is by marketing your new business to the community, and this is where Austin Friesen with Relentless Merch comes in. Offering a variety of promotional options to market your business, you can be sure that success is on the way with their products. “We can help with promotional materials Austin Friesen and custom apparel,” Friesen said. “We Relentless Merch also have a graphic artist on our team that can do affordable graphic design. Custom printed and embroidered apparel is our primary focus. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Right now we're doing a lot of custom socks, water bottles, coolers bags, koozies, and kits that have a mixture of a few items.” Friesen said that it is important for a new business to execute good marketing strategies into the community, as it will help them identify and remember you.

Simplifying real estate for your business

“Having printed apparel really adds legitimacy to a business when networking,” Friesen explained. “Handing someone something that helps them remember you will greatly increase the chances of them contacting you in the future.” If you need help marketing your new business to the community, contact Austin Friesen and his team at Relentless Merch for all of your promotional needs. One of the best ways to promote your new business to the community is through useful items that we all use every day. Visit Flicker Promotions to browse their wide variety of promotional items, including mugs, socks, sunglasses, stickers, and much more that you can use to build brand recognition in the community.

1530 S. 70th St., Suite 102 | Lincoln, NE 68506 (402) 421-7474 | cathy@guiderockrealty.com

Cathy Kottwitz, CPM

“Flicker Promotions can help you get your brand anywhere. For example, we can customize the perfect koozie that will allow you to continue to promote your business wherever that koozie is at: drinks at home with friends, a concert, Husker tailgate, or a lake day,” suggested Owner Amy Doele. Writing utensils are another great mar keting oppor tunity that Flic ker Promotions provides. Think about all of Amy Doele the people that use pens daily, whether in Flicker Promotions an office, serving in a restaurant, or taking notes. You never know when a pen with your brand is going to end up in a potential customer’s hands! Flicker Promotions doesn’t just stop at koozies and pens. They go even bigger, and can supply you with t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, coolers, shopping bags, backpacks, tech products, and more. If you are looking to promote your new business the community, Flicker Promotions is one of the best marketing opportunities around. Looking to go even bigger when placing your logo? Work with the team at Sign Pro to invest in signs, banners, and vehicle graphics! Sign Pro has a variety of signage solutions to fit any project or budget. They offer interior and exterior signs, as well as yard signs to help you best advertise your new business. Signage is crucial to a business; 8 in 10 consumers enter a store or business they had never visited before based simply on its signs, while 60% said that the absence of signs deters them from entering a store or business. Signage for your new business is an important investment! If you don’t want to go with a sign quite yet, options like banners and flags can be created with Sign Pro, and their line-up includes retractable banner stands, x-stand banner stands, and feather flags. They can also give your company vehicle a new look using vinyl lettering, partial wraps, or full wraps. Regardless of which route you want to go with when advertising your new business, Sign Pro can help you find successful promotion. Buying or selling a business is a life-changing decision, which is why Lincoln has specialists with careers speciﬁcally designed to help you with every step of the way during the process. Reach out to our local experts and let them help you with all of your questions and give you professional advice based on their knowledge and experience. The best way to successfully transition into or out of a business is with some expert guidance! #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Unforgettable Experience; Undeniable Style 5505 S 16th Street, Suite 300 Lincoln, NE 68512 402.261.5615 www.BlushBridalNE.com

Wedding Planning Wedding season is in full swing, and after the whirlwind year that was 2020, countless soon-to-be married couples are eager to be planning their big day without limitations. For many, having to push back a wedding date only adds more pressure to the special day, and with so many weddings occurring now that restrictions are being lifted, wedding planning can be an especially stressful time right now. Thankfully, there are experts in every sector of what makes a wedding that are here to help you create your perfect day. We spoke to several professionals in Lincoln on how their business can support you in bringing your dream wedding to life. Finding a Dress One of the most exciting parts of the wedding planning process, fi nding the perfect dress to walk down the aisle in can also be an intimidating task with so many options to choose from. Emmy Gorman with Blush Bridal knows how important it is to brides to have the dress of their dreams, which is why her business has curated its own customizable collection. “We offer Nebraska’s most customizable gown shopping experience,” Gorman Emmy Gorman explained. “We have our own private Blush Bridal collection that we recently launched called Sweet Nothings by Blush Bridal. These gowns are created by us, and exclusively sold in our store. We customize 80% of our gowns for our brides, and we love that we can offer this to them!” In addition to their own unique collection, Blush Bridal also assists brides by hosting their own events, such as Sip & See, where a variety of wedding vendors are available to offer their services to brides. “Not only do we sell bridal gowns and accessories, but we also host many events throughout the year,” Gorman said. “We host Sip & See events every quarter for newly engaged brides who want to see what Blush Bridal is all about. They can browse our collections while meeting various wedding vendors who set up throughout the store. These events are helpful for brides to know where to start with wedding planning.” Gorman knows that shopping for a wedding dress is more than just the dress – it’s about the time spent with your closest friends and family. “We believe that gown shopping is not only about buying a dress,” Gorman said. “For us, it is about the experience. It is a very special time when you are planning a wedding, and gown shopping should be no different. We are honored to be a part of our brides’ love stories. Our relationship with brides starts before they even come to our store, and many times our stylists become friends with their brides!”

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For an intimate and customizable wedding gown shopping experience, visit Emmy Gorman and her team at Blush Bridal. Choosing a Venue

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US

Justin Fuchs with Robber’s Cave says that their three unique spaces between two levels offer flexibility and the opportunity to experience different locations and feeling throughout the evening. “We offer an outdoor ceremony location in the Dakota Theater that can hold up to 400 people. Weddings will have their ceremony outside in the theater, move into a cocktail hour on the main level, and then head to our main ballroom for dinner. Moving your Justin Fuchs guests through the building keeps things Robber’s Cave fresh and creates unique experiences,” Fuchs explained. The distinctive features of the venue don't end there. “The most unique part of Robber's Cave is the actual cave beneath our event space. Wedding parties are able to take spectacular photos in the cave as well as offer tours to their guests. This again creates an experience unlike any other venue in the Midwest. When was the last time you went to a wedding and were offered a tour of a historic cave from 1864?”

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Weddings are often taking between a year and a year and a half to plan due to COVID-19 pushback, while many are planning faster than ever before. Fuchs says that couples that may have been waiting to host their weddings are choosing to pull the trigger as soon as a venue is open and plan quickly. With so many brides either rescheduling their big day or booking as soon as their favorite venue opens back up, it has created an incredibly hectic year for weddings. Many who had the time to ponder on that decision before may not have the luxury now, Fuchs says. However, Robber’s Cave is available for those who are still looking for that perfect, unique venue. “Robber's Cave assists and can accommodate every type of event, from weddings to bridal parties to rehearsal dinners. With a mix-use space of both interior and exterior seating, Robber's Cave offers a unique perspective on event layout and planning. People who first tour Robber's Cave may have an idea of what they are looking for, but after seeing the space and the opportunities it can accommodate, they tend to shift their event into something more unique and creative than once originally thought,” Fuchs says. Robber’s Cave holds opportunity for the bride and groom who want to try something different and change scenery throughout the evening to keep their guests entertained and engaged while celebrating their special moment. If you are having moments during your wedding planning where you wish you could purchase everything in one package deal, it’s been made possible. To help you take some stress off of yourself for the big day in the 2022 wedding season, the Talon Room has created the preferred vendor wedding package. Working together with other local vendors, this includes venue rental, bar staff, a catered two-entrée dinner buffet, wedding décor, DJ #PrintProudDigitalSmart

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Renting your venue from Fuchs is an entertaining and beneficial experience. Fuchs says he enjoys watching people be creative and come up with ideas that represent their likes and interests. He relishes the opportunity to help couples create their special day while also finding ways to think outside the box. An example of this is the change in wedding trends that he has been seeing, with many brides and grooms opting to not follow tradition and instead go a more creative route in order to combat the challenges they’ve faced from COVID-19 causing an overflow of booked venues. “Some of the best are a more ‘come-and-go’ style of reception rather than a traditional sit down event and dinner. This creates a more party-like atmosphere and everyone is able to just enjoy the company and have fun. With the use of indoor and outdoor space, it has been a refreshing change,” says Fuchs.

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Doorstepdiner.com

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service, photo booth, engagement and wedding day photography, flowers, and more. If you’re not looking for the entire package, the Talon Room also offers catering for food and beverages. Their team is available to help you with your wedding day needs so that you can enjoy your day with family, friends, and your new spouse. What’s for Dinner? With many weddings being postponed due to the pandemic, some caterers are recommending that brides and grooms book early to ensure that they will be served only the best food on their special day. Laurie Fraser with Doorstep Diner Catering says that she receives new inquiries daily, and because many brides have had an additional year to save after postponing their weddings, they are going all out on the catering for their receptions, keeping her business very busy.

Laurie Fraser Doorstep Diner “We are also seeing a trend towards full Catering service versus food being dropped off,” Fraser explained. “Doorstep Diner Catering is a full-service caterer that offers a contactless buffet. In fact, we've offered it since 2015, so when COVID-19 hit and caterers were required to provide this service, our staff was ready to go. We are there to provide an amazing experience, serve fantastic food, and assist in any way we can to make it a perfect day.” When a bride books her reception with Doorstep Diner Catering, they offer their event space at no cost for anything related to the wedding. This can be for a bridal shower, gift opening, or rehearsal dinner. The business is also Lincoln’s only thematic caterer, staging their buffet in the wedding colors for a seamless visual experience. Fraser spoke about an upcoming tropicalAUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 77

themed wedding that her business will be catering at, and that their wardrobe doesn’t stop there. “We have an upcoming wedding with a tropical theme and the buffet line will be staged with tropical flowers, runners, and shells. Our staff will be in Hawaiian shirts and tropical dresses. Did I mention we wear dresses? We do! Your experience and the experience of your guests is incredibly important, and we take it seriously and dress up for our brides. We've served Rockabilly, Great Gatsby, 1950s, and other themed weddings, and we love when brides think outside the box and let us have fun with their menu!” Because her business is always booked for weddings, Fraser is able to easily keep up on the latest wedding trends. She says weddings as of late include plenty of gold, wood, eucalyptus, and hexagonal shapes for decoration. Bohemian themes are also a popular choice for many brides. Fraser says that while brides are influenced by these current trends found in magazines and online sources, they are also deviating from these ideas to find a look that is purely their own. Doorstep Diner Catering knows that though there are other factors in hosting the perfect wedding, they want their performance to exceed the bride and groom’s expectations. Fraser and her team use their experience and knowledge to advise the bride when planning out the reception dinner and work to build a relationship with their clients. “At Doorstep Diner Catering, we tell brides that their life is a book, their wedding is a chapter, and though we are but one paragraph on a page, we want to make sure that paragraph is well written,” Fraser explained. “We take the stress out of planning. When a former teacher becomes a caterer, we use that background to educate brides on common mistakes, things overlooked, and best practices to help them in their planning process. We love working with them from start to finish, and we end every event with a selfie! We build partnerships and use our expertise to answer

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any and all questions, even about flowers, cakes, DJs, and more to help them navigate planning an event in which they may not have experience. Watching them enter the reception, cut their cake, eat our amazing food, and have their first dance...we get to be there from the beginning and it's amazing to see both the event pull together and the smiles!” The Best of Both Worlds Some wedding venues in Lincoln also include their own catering service, allowing you to mark two things off your wedding planning list at once. Venue Catering & Events of the PILLAR Restaurant Group offers brides and grooms unique locations of different sizes and spaces. With options ranging from modern to historic, and ballrooms built in the 1900s that are listed on the national register of historic places, Venue Catering & Events has anything you could desire for your wedding ceremony and reception. They also have an experienced team available to help you plan each detail of your big day.

Lisa Petersen Venue Catering & Events

“Our uniqueness in the industry is three-fold: our team’s years of industry experience, the uniqueness of our ballrooms, and our commitment to staying on top of the trends,” says Lisa Petersen, event coordinator for Venue Catering & Events. “Our Venue planning team has a combined 50+ years of experience helping couples plan every detail of their wedding day. This experience level helps to provide couples and their families with what they want most—peace of mind. Peace of mind that every detail is going to be taken care of. We want couples to enjoy their beautiful day.” When customizing your wedding with the PILLAR Restaurant Group, it doesn’t stop at the venue. With catering available that offers a variety of entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including casseroles, build-your-own bars, and home-made desserts, Venue Catering & Events can fulfill the desires of every guest’s taste buds. Even if you don’t see something you are looking for within their seemingly-endless menu options, their talented chefs will do their best to create menus that suit your needs and cravings. Furthermore, the gluten-free certified establishment understands that some of your guests may have dietary restrictions, so they are available to accommodate to the best of their ability with ample notice. If you are looking for a variety of options of delicious food to adorn the tables at your reception, Venue Catering & Events is the place you’re searching for. Sweet Treats When great food is available, everyone wants to fill their plate a little extra – but make sure you save room for dessert! Your wedding cake is perhaps the most important centerpiece at your reception, so choosing the right bakery is crucial. Nothing Bundt Cakes can satisfy both that after-dinner sweet tooth craving, as well as the look of a beautiful wedding cake. Offering 8” and 10” bundt cakes, as well as a combination of the two to create a tiered cake, Nothing Bundt Cakes will give you the perfect cake to cut into with your spouse. They also offer Bundtinis®, or bite-sized bundt cakes, by the dozen for your guests. Several different flavors are available among the classic vanilla and chocolate, including red velvet, white chocolate raspberry, and pecan praline, as well as two different icing options. For the perfect cake that everyone is going to be talking about long after your wedding, Nothing Bundt Cakes is the bakery for you. Looking to ask your closest friends to be a part of your special event through a gift? Or perhaps you want to prepare for your big day with a hot cup of tea or coffee. The Chocolate Season (TCS) can meet these wants through their handcrafted selections of espresso, tea, or chocolate drinks, or choose gifts from a multitude of chocolate confections and #PrintProudDigitalSmart

desserts all made in-house. They offer everything you need to satisfy your chocolate craving, including customizable gift boxes and artisan chocolates. TCS loves offering treats for any age group, including GF puppy chow, rocky road popcorn, edible cookie dough, glacé oranges and chocolate-covered strawberries or specialized desserts. Looking for something salty to balance out the sweet? TCS crafts their signature caramel corn and loves making chocolate-covered potato chips, as well as a specifically designed “Sweet n’ Salty” gift box or bacon toffee and chocolate pretzels. Needing a space for a bridal shower or brunch for gift-opening after the wedding? You can rent out their whimsical space for any occasion or just have a girls’ day at one of their infamous Waffle Weekends. You can even “bring the party to you” by renting their Coffee and Treats Truck, BonBon, for your reception or family pre or post party. Don’t Forget Your Wellness Everyone wants to be at their best when they’re standing at the altar, but staying on top of exercise and healthy eating can be diffi cult, especially when your mind is occupied with wedding planning. LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox is available to support you in feeling confident on your wedding day by helping you stay on track with your fitness routine through the use of IV therapy. “We can help people achieve their health goals in the months leading up to the wedding so that they are looking and feeling their best on the big day!” says Mandy Brummels of LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox. IV therapy doesn’t just stop at the idea of reaching fitness goals, however. “We have IV treatments to support beauty, energy, weight loss, and other wellness goals,” she explained. They have packages available for nearly whatever you are looking to achieve, including improved skin health, stronger athletic performance, less stress, or an immune system boost. They even have a package available for those bridal parties who had a little too much fun on their last night out. Mandy Brummels LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox

“We also help with recovery and hydration after the events, such as bachelor/bachelorette parties, after the reception, and so on. Our team can come to the location to provide services to make it even more convenient for small groups!” says Brummels. IV therapy is a great and easy way to boost your energy and feel your best. The team at LIVE Hydration Spa Lenox is here to help you feel the most confident leading up to and on your wedding day.

Erin McLenon 5 Elements Massage & Spa

It’s no secret that wedding preparation can cause quite a bit of stress, and sometimes the best way to handle it is through a relaxing massage. Massages are proven to reduce muscle tension, stress hormones, and anxiety while also improving circulation, skin tone, and alertness. If you need to take some time off of wedding planning to unwind and recharge, or just enjoy a day with your closest friends, 5 Elements Massage & Spa is at your service. We spoke to owner Erin McLenon about how her business can help you relax for your big day.

“Relaxing before the big event is very important to most people,” McLenon said. “Finding ways to do that varies on the crowd. Massages can help clear the head of any "fog brain" that people get when over worked, anxious, or tired. A massage could be a type of meditation, where before you get on the table, your mind is running wild with all sorts of things! However, once you lay down and the therapist starts the soothing movement of a massage...things start to slow down and eventually turn off.” #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Life is a journey make it amazing!

402-889-3870 Tailoreddreamslimousines.com tailoreddreamslimousines@gmail.com

Rustic, Urban Charm IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN LINCOLN

From event setup to a full-service bar, the Talon Room will meet all of your event needs to go above and beyond.

Let us execute the event of your dreams. Call Matt today to book your event! 402-641-0943 ∙ www.TalonRoom.com ∙ 230 N. 12th St. #1 Lincoln, NE

In order to take advantage of this service for your wedding, you should ensure that you are booking early. McLenon says that early reservation is important to allow for enough preparation on their own side for your wedding day. “The sooner you can look into the future with any plans, whether it be a spa day for the bride or groom, or a bachelorette party, the better,” McLenon explained. “Just making sure that the location of your choice will have the room for staff makes things so much easier for the planners. I know from experience as a business owner that even if you look a month in advance, you might not be able to combine enough therapists together because someone thought further in advance before you. So depending on what you want in your wedding, reserve as soon as you can. Changing dates is easy to do later if it's far enough ahead.” McLenon wants to make the bride and groom’s time with her business not only relaxing, but memorable. “If I were to know ahead of time that a party is wanting to book for a function, I would be more than delighted to set up a theme for them,” McLenon said. “I love going out of my way to make it that much better, if I know of the colors being used in the wedding party, or can offer trays of food or drinks to make everyone feel special or included.” Arrange ahead of time to relax and de-stress on your wedding day by booking an appointment with Erin McLenon and her team. Whatever you are looking for to help you feel ready to walk down the aisle, 5 Elements Massage can help you prepare. There can be a lot of pressure put on planning a wedding, but that’s why Lincoln has professionals who can help you create your perfect day. We recommend these experts to support you with any and all of your needs for your wedding as your start your new life with your spouse! AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

Employing Lincoln

Don’t worry, we’re not looking for tree experts. We’re looking for people with a passion to serve and a desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. Nestled in Nebraska City, NE, is Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm (arborday.org/careers)— where our mission truly comes to life. Here our purpose is to create genuine, impactful experiences through our story by providing service excellence for visitors to the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure and guests at Lied Lodge. Hotel Director of Sales, Housekeeping Manager, Assistant Director of Rooms, Front Desk Staff, Banquet Servers, Housekeeping, Tour Guides, Line Cooks, and many more all work in harmony to ensure an inspiring experience for all. The Arbor Day Foundation offers an excellent work environment, an attractive benefits package, and the rewarding opportunity to work in a hospitality setting while also facilitating environmental stewardship. If this sounds like a great fit for your talents and interest, please apply online at arborday.org/careers. Make Work Life Better! At FNBO, we care about the wellbeing of our employees and their families. It’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package for both full and part time employees. We are also proud to offer many unique benefits, including a variety of remote, onsite, and hybrid locations, that we truly believe differentiate FNBO’s employee experience! Because banks are intertwined in people’s lives, integral to their communities, and have the resources to create change, FNBO is committed to intentionally and proactively creating pathways to success for historically underrepresented populations, regardless of, but not limited to, their age, race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or military status. FNBO is a force for good in the world. In every action taken, from a teller greeting a customer, to our leadership formulating the next step for our company, we strive to do the right thing. We are independent and family-owned, and focused on the long view, instead of the next quarter. It’s been the recipe to our success for over 160 years. See how you, too, can contribute to FNBO’s belief of looking beyond ourselves and embracing a larger role in the world, here! Learn more online at www.fnbo.com/careers. EO | AA | Veteran | Disability Employer | Member FDIC. 80 Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

When the first Agemark Senior Living community opened in the 1980s, the owners made one promise: to create a place where everyone felt like family. That’s still the promise today, for residents and employees. From chef-prepared meals at no cost each workday, great flexibility, and health, dental, and vision insurance to PTO (even for part-time employees), Agemark has amazing benefits for their staff! Whether you’re new to the field and wondering, “What is a CNA?” or a veteran in the field who loves what you do but asks yourself, “Are there better assisted living jobs near me?” reach out to Agemark where they’ve got some facts, figures, and encouragement for you. The future in senior care careers is going up, up, up! From 2018 to 2021, Agemark Senior Living has been named one of the Great Places to Work in Aging Services by FORTUNE Magazine and the Great Place to Work Institute. Agemark has three CountryHouse communities in Lincoln, two in Omaha, and one in Council Bluffs. Another Agemark community is the The Meriwether in La Vista. To learn more about careers at Agemark, go to www.agemark.com/careers. The clean you expect and the service you deserve. Proudly serving Lincoln since 1990, ServiceMaster employs experts who are trained, screened, and tested to ensure topquality ser vice. Their professional cleaning services will not only leave your business looking spotless, but also will enhance its overall appearance for employees, customers, and clients to enjoy. With the move back to in-person work, businesses and homeowners are finding themselves in need of an array of cleaning services. ServiceMaster is now offering COVID-19 cleaning and disinfection services, on top of their office, healthcare, industrial, and postconstruction cleaning services. In order to provide squeaky clean business, ServiceMaster needs skilled employees. They offer great pay, flexible schedules, benefits for full-time, $150 hiring bonus for some positions and opportunities for tremendous growth to keep only the best on their staff. The potential to quickly become part of the supportive management team is in your hands at Service Master. Visit www.smpbm.applicantpro. com/jobs for a listing of open positions, or call (402) 476-2194 and speak with Brittani in recruiting with any questions. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

At Pillar Restaurant Group, we know that our success begins with our people, and we build our teams with highly talented individuals who are passionate about great service. From the front of the house to the back of the house and everywhere in between, our employees are community focused, energetic and positive, passionate about hospitality, and dedicated to providing outstanding food, drink, and service to each of our loyal guests. Our award-winning concepts are designed to fit every appetite: Venue Restaurant & Lounge, Piedmont Bistro, Cactus by Venue, Venue Catering & Events, and Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs. We are excited to be selecting talented people for several positions at each of our Lincoln locations, and we look forward to welcoming our next team members at www.prgnebraska.com/apply. When we talk about who we are as a company, we talk about our team. From the topdown, our team has a genuine passion for people. What you get with ALLO (www. allofiber.com/careers) is a group of people who have been disrupting the old way of business for more than 15 years. Our teams are empowered to always do more for each other and our customers. Our upload speeds will blow your mind, but our people are the ones truly making the difference each day. ALLO team members get FREE service. generous vacation time, a 401(k) match program, and health benefits that kick in after just one day on the job. Plus ALLO was just recognized as one of the best places to work in Lincoln by by Woods Aitken LLP, the Lincoln Journal Star, and the Lincoln Human Resource Management Association. Check out their open positions at www.allofiber.com/ careers and apply online today. Besides offering the best fence and netting design and installation services in town, Empire Netting and Fence is an amazing place to work. Matt Warner, owner of Empire, is committed to making the work experience an environment where each person can use their God-given talents and strengths to contribute to the team. Developing culture begins with building a strong company purpose, in which each member of team is valued and not limited to how far they move up within the company. Empire Netting and Fence is always looking for individuals that are highly motivated. They require a positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment. Offering competitive compensations plans including 401(k), health, dental, and life insurance, Empire has an entrepreneurial environment where hard work and ambition are rewarded with promotion and opportunities. Empire is always in need of crew members and foremans. If you like to build and can read a tape measure, there is a home for you at Empire. Empire Netting and Fence has grown nationwide as a go-to company for sports netting and field construction. Whether it is baseball, softball, soccer, or golf; indoor or outdoor; little league or major league; Empire is the company for you! Empire services the Lincoln, Omaha, and surrounding areas in residential and commercial fence installations. Also servicing nationwide for commercial fencing and netting. For questions about career opportunities, contact (402) 682-7658 / info@empirefence.com or visit www.empire-fence.com/join-our-team. #PrintProudDigitalSmart

A strong and thriving Lincoln business fo r m o r e t h a n 2 5 years, TELCOR is an innovative company providing healthcare software and service to more than 2,700 hospitals and medical laboratories across the United States and Canada. TELCOR solutions include billing software and a billing service for laboratories as well as point of care middleware for hospitals. With more than 270 people working in the office and remote, we are proud of our strong culture. We are always looking for dedicated, innovative people to join our team as we continue to experience significant growth. With a culture of integrity and acceptance, employees are part of something special that has a positive impact on people’s lives. For information on joining TELCOR, visit telcor.com or call (402) 489-1207. Your money has above and beyond people — Union Bank & Trust is not only recognized locally for this catchy (and tr uthful) campaign that resonates with its customers and employees, but is also nationally recognized for both its customer service and great culture. With a family-first culture, community focus, and genuine interest in the well-being of its employees, UBT is comprised of authentic, talented people who really care. From salaries and benefits to time off and wellness initiatives, our work environment keeps our employees engaged, challenged, and rewarded. Are you ready to join the UBT family and see for yourself that you belong here? Visit the Careers page at www.ubt.com/careers or email careers@ubt.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. Member FDIC. At McGill Restoration, they live by their culture! Dedication, honesty, hard work, knowledge, and loyalty are what makes their teams succeed. McGill Restoration has been named one of Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies for four consecutive years. They plan to grow exponentially in the coming years, and they could not do it without their excellent employee base. Aside from their culture, they also value development and training. McGill Restoration offers in-house training to their employees continuously and pride themselves on promoting from within whenever possible. They are constantly on the lookout for driven individuals who align with their values and yearn to advance themselves along with the company. Benefits that they offer include 401(k) with match, health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as company-paid life insurance and disability plans. Check out open positions at mcgillrestoration.com/careers. Legacy Retirement Communities is committed to improve the way we age and how we perceive aging. Celebrating 25 years as a locally owned, family owned and operated company in Lincoln, the values of family, compassion, integrity, community, and quality remain at the center of everything we do. As an employee, each day offers purpose and fulfillment as you walk life alongside those who call our communities home. You can discover where your purpose in life leads through a variety of career opportunities including nursing, culinary, fitness, enrichment, administrative, and more. We believe our teams thrive by recognizing and learning from each other’s individual talents. We’re at our best when we can identify our personal values and goals, allowing for our careers and lifestyle to complement each other. If you share our commitment to honor aging and enrich the life of each person in our community, let’s connect. Learn more at careers.legacyretirement.com or call (402) 417–7292. AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business 81

Save the Date Friday, September 10, 2021 5:30 - 9:00 p.m.

Strictly Business, 9200 Holdrege St., Lincoln, NE 68505

• • • • • • • • •

9 Party in the

Food Vendors Vodka Bar Beer & Cider On Tap Local Wines Herb-Inspired Cocktails Live & Silent Auction Live Music & Entertainment Free massages from 5 Elements Gardening fun with Earl May

th Annual

Garden

Benefitting Domesti-PUPS

Domesti-PUPS is a Lincoln-based organization that utilizes inmates in prison to train service dogs for people with disabilities. These dogs alert to diabetic lows/highs, assist with balance/mobility, and provide potentially life-saving measures for persons with Epilepsy. Domesti-PUPS specializes in service dogs for children. DomestiPUPS also provides pet therapy visitations for corporate events, the elderly in assisted living, and children in classrooms.

THANK YOU TO OUR CURRENT SPONSORS:

TICKETS & TABLES CAN BE RESERVED AT DOMESTI-PUPS.ORG - (402)AUGUST 466-3330 82QUESTIONS Strictly Business 2021

| EDITOR@STRICTLYBUSINESSOMAHA.COM #PrintProudDigitalSmart

Add safety, security, and privacy to your residential or commercial property!

Receive an Instant Quote at empire-fence.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart

402-682-7658

AUGUST 2021 Strictly Business

f o t r a p a u o y ’s y r Are n e H n h o ! J ? s e b u th l C p i h s r Membe Plumbing Membership Club Security Whole Home Plumbing Systems Inspected by Professionals Check bathroom plumbing systems, toilets, showers, drains, sinks Add on options to meet your needs Check kitchen plumbing systems, disposal, and faucet Check outside systems, hose bibs, sprinkler including water heater, sump pump, softener, drinking water system, washing machine hoses

Heating & Cooling Membership Club Security Clean Burners

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Inspect Heat Exchanger for Cracks

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Monoxide Levels

Inspect Electrical Connections

Inspect Compressor & Refrigerant

Inspect Ductwork & Air Flow and Much More!

Call or Text Us At Your VIP Number: 402-432-1754

Strictly Business AUGUST 2021

Request work online at: www.jhlincoln.com #PrintProudDigitalSmart