River City Six: Connie Van Nostrand
Situated on 260 acres in Nebraska City, Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm is a full-service meeting facility with 140 fully-renovated guest rooms and suites, 14,000 square feet of adjustable meeting and banquet space, and a host of luxury amenities for guests to enjoy along with the natural beauty of the property. Connie Van Nostrand is a Marketing Specialist for Lied Lodge & Conference Center at Arbor Day Farm (www.liedlodge.org).
How did you get started in the business? – I worked in radio for 15 years and then had an opportunity to move into a copywriter role at a Lincoln advertising company. It was a great opportunity that allowed me to use my advertising skills and broadcast experience in a new way. It was a creative agency environment encompassing all media where I worked for 16 years. When the opportunity with Lied Lodge presented itself, I was excited to again switch gears to focused promotion of one organization.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I think it goes back to the transition from being a radio personality to a copywriter in an agency environment. Working with many clients in diverse industries, you’re changing gears constantly. I was a young mom at the time, so it was very good training for me!
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Progressing in my career to a management position and succeeding in that role. It’s about guiding your team and empowering them to do the great work they want to do. I’ve received many compliments from staff who have worked for me, and that probably means the most.
Tell us a little about your family. – I am married to my husband Kevin, and we will celebrate 30 years in August. We have three adult sons and a daughter-in-law.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to cook! I am always in the kitchen.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – My background in radio always comes as a surprise to people. I also did some professional voice work.
What are you the most proud of? – My family. My husband and sons have achieved some amazing goals that they have set for themselves. They live and work with integrity. Servant hearts. I feel very blessed to have them in my life.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Worry doesn’t change anything.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Nursing. I admire nurses so much. I think they are some of the most kind-hearted and caring people. They also are willing to do a lot of jobs that other people are unwilling to do.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Arbor Day Foundation; that is one of the wonderful things about working for Lied Lodge and Arbor Day Farm. Our ultimate mission is to positively impact our world. Planting trees is something everyone can get behind and do themselves.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Chef Ina Garten. I love her recipes and she seems very laidback, so I think we would have fun!
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You are welcome to contact me by email at cvannostrand@arbordayfarm.org. Or, visit our website at www.liedlodge.org.