As most professionals are well aware, being successful in the business world is rarely based solely upon individual merits but rather a collective effort that involves solid community partnerships and networking efforts. Generally speaking, there are organizations and associations for nearly every profession or area of interest and many have national, state and regional chapters that are available to join. Why consider joining an organization? The bottom line is that creating professional relationships truly is fundamental to your future success and joining an organization allows you to step outside of the office, meet new people and make new connections, have access to invaluable information and opportunities, and to support and help one another in reaching your professional goals.
You may even want to consider being a member of an industry-specific group as well as a general business organization. On one hand, you will be contributing to the growth of your industry and keeping up with advances in your field while learning from others who may have more experience or new ideas. On the other, you will have the opportunity to interact with people outside of your industry sphere who are involved in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Whether general business organizations are serving to provide networking for businesses in a specific geographic area or focusing on community service endeavors, being involved will greatly enhance your business profile and visibility in your community. It is also important to note that both kinds of organizations facilitate the connection between those seeking jobs and those looking to fill them.
We at Strictly Business feel that getting involved in a networking or trade organization is not only beneficial for your business, but absolutely essential in so many ways and one of the best investments you will ever make. Furthermore, we have not only made a vast amount of contacts from our involvement in local organizations, but we have made lifelong friends. There are many benefits of joining local organizations, many of which are seeking new members and would love to have YOU! We have featured a sampling of some of the best organizations in the area, including information about each organization and how you can get in touch with them to visit or get involved.
The Millard Business Association (MBA) was established in 2003, and today there are over 400 members. Joining this networking organization is great way to GROW Your Business. Members do not need to reside in Millard. The basic requirement is doing business or wanting to do business in the Millard area. Membership is only $100.00 per year. Some of the benefits include:
• Networking Lunches • Bagels & Business Meetings
• Business After Hours Meetings • Ribbon Cuttings
• Education Programs
• Access to 7 Referral Groups for Marketing Opportunities
• Listing on the MBA Website
• Listing in the MBA Directory (34,000 Copies Printed Yearly)
Apply for membership @ www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org.
For more information, contact one of the MBA Membership Chairmen:
Kenny Engelmeyer – (402) 981-3171
Ed Leistad – (402) 896-4387
Are you interested in connecting with other business women for the purpose of personal and professional development?
Executive Women International® (EWI) is a membership association dedicated to bringing business women together to enhance our community through the strong alliance and support of our member firms and their representatives.
EWI’s mission is to bring together key individuals from diverse businesses to:
• promote member firms
• enhance personal and professional development
• and encourage community development
The networking and leadership experiences are incredible as representatives have the opportunities to serve on our Chapter/Corporate Board, various committees and participate in community service projects. In addition, you will hear professional development speakers, have access to business webinars, and many other growth opportunities through EWI membership.
We encourage you to find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ewiomaha and contact us for additional information. EWI’s corporate website is www.ewiconnect.com.
Thank you for your interest in EWI Omaha Chapter.
Would you like to learn new skills outside the scope of your current job and expand your networking circles? The Nebraska Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD Nebraska) is an organization dedicated to today’s workplace learning and performance (WLP) professionals.
ASTD Nebraska is celebrating its 55th year as a local chapter of ASTD, the world’s largest association dedicated to WLP professionals. Our mission is to “enhance members’ abilities to train, develop and support clients and organizations and our local global communities.” We provide our 300+ members with quality resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.
By joining ASTD Nebraska, you also receive discounts on chapter events and other special discounts and offers for members. For more information, visit www.astdnebraska.org.
Discover the best kept secret in Western Douglas County!
Our 330+ Members serve western Douglas County including the communities of Bennington, Elkhorn, Waterloo, Valley and West Omaha, all of which have rapidly growing businesses and residential communities. Our purpose is to help businesses, organizations and communities prosper by promoting the business and civic interests of Western Douglas County Chamber members and residents.
Each event that we hold offers opportunities for members to network, meet area business leaders, connect with other business owners, learn business techniques and much more. Our events are open to members and visitors, to encourage guests to “try before you buy”. We firmly believe that once you attend one of our events that you’ll see we truly are an open, fun, interactive and personal Chamber.
Visit any of our upcoming events to check us out by visiting www.wdccc.org and see what makes us different.
Engineers bridge the gap between science, theory and practical application to design and implement the smallest consumer item to the largest industrial processes. The American Council of Engineering Companies of Nebraska is the voice of the engineering industry and the only organization devoted exclusively to the business and advocacy interests of engineering companies. Our members are engaged in a wide range of engineering projects that propel the nation’s economy and enhance and safeguard America’s quality of life.
Nationally, ACEC is a federation of 51 state councils. Member firms employ hundreds of thousands of engineers, architects, land surveyors, scientists, and other specialists responsible for more than $200 billion of private and public works annually. Member firms range in size from a single professional engineer to corporations employing thousands of professionals. For more information, contact Jackie McCullough at (402) 476-2572, by email at Jackie@acecnebraska.org, or visit www.acecnebraska.org.
The Wellness Council of the Midlands (WELCOM) is a local nonprofit organization serving the state of Nebraska. WELCOM was founded more than 30 years ago in Omaha, and has a mission to lead employers to create a workplace culture of health and wellness. As a membership organization, companies across Nebraska are invited to join WELCOM in order to obtain tools and resources that can assist with workplace wellness efforts. WELCOM members receive access to a members-only website, and free admission to educational trainings that provide a foundational understanding of the ways in which to strategically develop and enhance worksite wellness programs. Member companies also have the opportunity to apply for the Well Workplace Award, which is a nationally recognized designation as one of America’s Healthiest Companies. Overall, WELCOM serves to keep member companies on the cutting edge of best practices within the field of employee wellness. Visit www.wellnesscouncil.org or contact WELCOM for more information (402-934-5795; info@welcomomaha.org).
The Sarpy Chamber Young Professionals is a program of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce. The SCYP aims to attract and retain young talent to the Sarpy County area while developing its next generation of leaders. The SCYP offers a wealth of opportunities for young professionals to network, give back to the community and grow both personally and professionally!
If you are an emerging young professional let us help you take your career to the next level. Join the SCYP through our website www.sarpychamber.org. Then be sure to like us on Facebook, connect to us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @SarpyCountyYP and mark your calendars for SCYP hosted events on the first Wednesday of each month.
“We educate good employees to make their companies even better and elevate their city to its best. All with practical business ethics.” This is our motto at the Business Ethics Alliance. We are committed to proving that the right things work by furthering the level of ethics dialogue and education within Greater Omaha. As a non-membership, non-profit organization, we invite individuals of all ranks from small to large employers and associations to align with us. Attend our free monthly signature events. Arrange for an expert low and no-cost speaker (they’ll come to you!). Hire us to come in and enhance the success your business, no matter what industry. Learn more at www.businessethicsalliance.org. Register for our March 13th Networking Luncheon: Working With Stories, A Powerful Ethics Education Tool. We look forward to aligning with you soon to help you make profits with integrity at your place of business.
Celebrating 4 years of relationship building, Center Sphere is the choice for forming warm relationships and trusted networks. With over 280 members in Lincoln and Omaha, Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. Our members are trained and committed to creating alliances, partnerships and synergistic opportunities within your sphere of influence.
Our weekly meetings are built around forming bonds that make referral passing a natural reaction. Our monthly socials bring more resources together to connect with one another. And our recently launched Digital Referral Dashboard makes the referral process even simpler and instantaneous! Visit www.centersphere.com to learn more about how this affordable option is still the fastest growing network around.
BNI of the Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm networking foundation, to nurture referral partner(s). With 52 chapters, nearly 1300 members passed over 40,000 referrals which generated over $25 million in closed business in 2013 – an average of over $600 per referral and 38 referrals per member, making the average seat worth over $23,000…over 5000% return on investment!!!
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that carry your information with them, and when they meet someone who could use your products or services, they recommend you.
BNI provides a structured, supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which you develop personal relationships with other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you will have the opportunity to substantially increase your business.
For more information please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.
Accomplishing more. Together.
For our community.
Strong economic growth. New jobs and investment. Widespread prosperity throughout the region. That’s what drives us and our regional growth initiatives, aggressive advocacy for a business-friendly environment, and regional promotion of Greater Omaha to 120+ million people.
For you.
You want your business to succeed – so do we. That’s why we offer more than 100 business-boosting events and programs for you and your employees. Programs for young professionals, leadership development opportunities and free business assistance. From creating a business plan to planning for expansion, count on our expert staff for coaching, information and research, referrals, and personal follow-up. Our new THRIVE program delivers yet another layer of support – member provided, also free of charge.
The Greater Omaha Chamber.
Together, we can accomplish so much more than any one person or business can alone. To learn more, call (402) 346-5000 or visit omahachamber.org/join.
Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA)
• Omaha Home Show & Remodel Tour; Spring, Summer and Fall Parade of Homes, the Street of Dreams
• Focus on new construction & remodeling-both residential and light commercial
• An advocate in legislative topics, public/government affairs, including education for industry, code, and regulatory issues—monitored and partnered w/Home Building Association of Lincoln
• Free online advertising of open houses/developments; additional opportunities during public/industry events with attractive rate packages
• Free internet listing/recognition of your business and affiliation w/the most recognized home building trade association in the metro area
• Membership luncheons on the last Thursday of each month or other industry events with updates/relevant speakers and an opportunity to market your company through networking/sponsorships/vendor tables
• Members only section containing events, articles, meeting results and the annual area Building permit report each spring
Join us today and Experience the Benefits of Membership @ www.moba.com
With continued rapid growth of business and residents Sarpy County is still the fastest growing county in Nebraska. That growth will continue in the coming decade. As nice as it is for Sarpy County to be touted as one of Nebraska’s shining stars, our main focus is that the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce continues to be a dynamic leader in advocacy for business and economic prosperity in Sarpy County.
The team at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce will partner with businesses and organizations to educate, advocate, and lead. Keeping the focus on building an environment that promotes business and economic prosperity is what guides us when we are planning events, providing educational services to our members or when we envision the future growth of Sarpy County.
Join us and together we can forge Sarpy County’s future.