Joining Organizations

Community organizations shape Omaha—they contribute to the fabric of our economy by bringing industry leaders together, offering education and resources to their members, and partnering with other local entities to implement positive change in our area.

There are so many dedicated, passionate groups of like-minded individuals who are all committed to making a difference in their professional, cultural, and social communities. Joining these groups often results in forming new relationships that, in turn, lead to personal and professional growth and success. In terms of making connections in the community, professional organizations and local trade associations provide an environment rich with potential. By tapping into a network like this, in your industry or otherwise, you have access to a wealth of knowledge, referrals, helpful tips, potential job opportunities, a built-in support system, and so much more.

With a variety of community organizations in Omaha, it can be difficult to know which one(s) to join or get involved in. This is why, twice a year, Strictly Business puts together this Joining Organizations feature. We want to make sure that all organizations have a chance to get their name out there and share their current efforts, membership benefits, partnership opportunities, etc. with all our readers. Strictly Business is directly mailed to over 15,000 businesses in Omaha every month, so we feel that we have a responsibility to provide our readers with relevant information about what’s happening in and around the place they call home and, most importantly, how to actually be a part of what is happening.

The organizations highlighted in this feature have taken advantage of this opportunity to promote what membership or a partnership with them looks like. We encourage any of our readers who are looking for ways to grow their business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place, to read through the descriptions of the following organizations to find out if one or more of them would be a good fit.

Membership and participation in a professional organization or associations is one of the best investments of time and/or money a business person can make. If you’re an employer, you’ll reap all of the same rewards from supporting your employees to participate in professional organizations and encouraging those who are interested to do so as well. Regardless of your goal for joining a group like the ones highlighted in this feature, becoming involved in any organization is about developing meaningful relationships from which you will learn and hopefully grow your business.

Here at Strictly Business, we stand behind the hard-working organizations that continuously better Omaha and its occupants. We do this by offering discounted rates to these organizations and trade associations with local chapters so they can highlight their accomplishments, awards, members, staff, and opportunities for involvement. Don’t be afraid to reach out to any of these groups to ask about how you can get involved! It could be a life-changing turning point in your professional development.

Nebraska Hospital Association logoThe Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA) has been the guiding force of its members since 1927. The NHA serves as the influential voice of its members in the health care legislative and public arenas, promoting delivery of quality health care and influencing public opinion of hospitals and health systems. Our 90+ member hospitals depend on the NHA for support and assistance with advocacy, education, quality, and data initiatives.

Visit nebraskahospitals.org for more information.

Huskers look out for each other – in business, in the classroom, and in life. When you join the Nebraska Alumni Association you become part of a worldwide community that wants you to succeed! Our new online mentoring and career opportunity platform, “Husker Connect,” could lead to your next career opportunity, your next great employee or your next big idea. And we bring proud Huskers together to celebrate UNL’s achievements and aspirations, champion alumni interests, and strengthen the Nebraska tradition. No matter how far you get from your college days, joining the Nebraska Alumni Association will keep you engaged, informed and connected to the university we all love. Big things are happening at Nebraska. Be part of it by becoming a member of our official alumni family today at huskeralum.org/join.

Business Ethics Alliance-LogoThe Business Ethics Alliance builds leadership, strengthens organizations, and elevates Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics. We are committed to illuminating Greater Omaha as a beacon for business ethics excellence for cities around the world.

On October 22, 2019, we will host Omaha’s first-ever business ethics conference—EthicSpace. The inaugural event will inspire and equip attendees to build high-trust workplace cultures. Registration and event information can be found at ethicspace.org.

As a non-membership, non-profit organization, we invite everyone—from the C-suite to individual contributors and all in between—to join our cause. Attend our signature events or invite us into your business, no matter what industry or size. Learn more at businessethicsalliance.org.

The Nebraska Restaurant Association acts as the principal advocate for Nebraska’s hospitality industry and promotes the qualities of strength, unity and excellence in and of its membership. The Association is dedicated to serving Nebraska’s restaurant and retail beverage industries by providing comprehensive industry education, proactive representation, aggressive industry promotion and the highest quality member benefits.

Membership is a small investment with big rewards in the health of your business and the entire food service industry. It’s a big world out there and we will do all we can to make it a bit smaller! For membership information and to learn more about the Nebraska Restaurant Association, contact Brandy Nielson at bnielson@nebraska-dining.org or (402) 488-3999.

Nebraska Restaurant Association is on the web at www.nebraska-dining.org and facebook.com/NebraskaRestaurantAssociation.

Passionate about where we are from and where we are going.

We do more than live in this community, we imagine what it could be and push it to greater – harnessing vision, expertise, and the power of ‘we’ to raise our quality of life.

We know community and business needs are ever-changing. Nothing is permanent. Nothing is guaranteed. Except for this: We’ll be here to connect and catalyze, advocate and lead, creating new opportunities, shouting up our region, strengthening it by helping others succeed.

We won’t let up – and we won’t let down – because our work is too important, our pride is too deep and our community is counting on us.

We are the Greater Omaha Chamber. Be part of it. OmahaChamber.org/Belong | memberservices@OmahaChamber.org | (402) 346-5000

The Empowerment Network works together with the residents and leaders to TRANSFORM the ECONOMIC condition and QUALITY OF LIFE of African Americans, North Omaha residents, and citizens of the Greater Omaha area. The goal is to close long-standing gaps in employment, entrepreneurship, education, housing and other quality of life factors to transform Omaha into a great city, thriving and prosperous, in every zip code and neighborhood.

The Network CONNECTS the community on a common vision and mission; consistently COMMUNICATES key issues, solutions and priorities; COLLABORATES with individuals, groups and organizations on strategies, programs, policies and fundraising; and CREATES positive change through facilitation, advocacy, capacity-building and leadership development. The Network also generates and presents research and trends and hosts monthly and annual community meetings, summits and conferences featuring local, regional and national speakers. The Network model, recognized regionally and nationally, relies on each person and organization doing their part.

For more information about the Empowerment Network, please contact our office at (402) 502-5153, email info@empoweromaha.com or visit www.empoweromaha.com.

BNI Heartland-LogoBNI Heartland members enjoy unparalleled business growth. As the world’s largest referral network, BNI passed over 8.8 million referrals last year, resulting in more than $11.2 billion in business. More importantly, our area members throughout NE, IA, SD, and WY closed over $40 million in tracked business – creating a return of 700 times their investment – with much of that supporting local business. BNI Heartland is proud to say we have surpassed the $250 million mark of closed business locally over the last 10 years!

Members also increase their exposure to like-minded professionals, gain referrals from a local and global network, and sharpen their networking skills with exclusive member resources. Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of salespeople working for you.

BNI provides a proven structured system of giving and receiving business. It does this through an environment and support structure that cultivates more formal and deeper relationships with other professionals. Our members have the opportunity to substantially increase their business though BNI’s Core Values of Givers Gain, Building Relationships, Life-Long Learning, Traditions + Innovation, Positive Attitude, Accountability, and Recognition.

For more information about BNI Heartland, please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the rebranding of its young professional group to the Sarpy Chamber Modern Professionals. The purpose and vision of the Sarpy Chamber Young Professional group had grown well beyond its original mission of helping young professional establish roots and grow networks in their communities. Professionals of every age have been utilizing the dynamic energy of the group to learn and grow, and the rebranding better reflects the group’s identity.

The Sarpy Chamber Modern Professionals group is designed to support and strengthen you at pivotal moments in your professional life. Whether you’re starting a new career, settling into a new place, or beginning your journey, SC Modern Professionals meets you in your present to ignite your future.

For more information on joining the SC Modern Professional Group, contact chamber@sarpychamber.org. Visit www.sarpychamber.org/events to learn more about upcoming Modern Professional events.

For 65 years women in the construction industry have had a place to go for career development, networking, education, and mentoring. That place is the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). NAWIC gives women a place to develop their leadership skills and forge connections with other women in the industry.

NAWIC offers women a multitude of opportunities. With NAWIC you can:

  • Continue your education.
  • Establish a networking base.
  • Be a mentor or mentee.
  • Make a difference in your community.
  • Embark on a new career.
  • Invest in great friendships.

The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. Current information about upcoming meeting locations, topics and times is available on our website at www.nawicomaha.com.

logo-millard-business-associationThe Millard Business Association (MBA) was established in 2003 and is comprised of more than 350 area businesses who believe strongly in the free enterprise system. The MBA provides the catalyst for our new members to grow and prosper through a variety of events, opportunities, services, and programs.

Joining this thriving organization is great way to GROW Your Business. Members do not need to reside in Millard. The basic requirement is doing business or wanting to do business in the Millard area. Membership is only $130 per year. Some of the benefits include:

  • Networking and Exposure—“It’s not what you know but who you know.” Make all those important contacts through Networking Lunches, “Bagels & Business” Meetings, Business After Hours, and Ribbon Cuttings. Join one of our many active referral groups.
  • Government Representation—Attend one of our Government lunches, meet one-on-one with your local, State, and Federal representatives.
  • Educational Opportunities—Stay competitive, be productive! Our monthly “Lunch and Learns” offer expert advice for today’s economy.
  • Membership Directory—As a member you receive a free listing in the printed and online directory, which is distributed across the entire Millard area (30,000 copies printed yearly).

Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org.

For more information, contact the MBA Admin, Kim Jipp, at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.

Toastmasters International is a worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Headquartered in Englewood, CO, the organization’s membership exceeds 357,000 in more than 16,600 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. For information about local Toastmasters clubs, please visit www.toastmasters.org and follow @Toastmasters on Twitter.

Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas are served by Toastmasters District 24. District 24 is a grouping of 70 Toastmasters clubs and 1,100 members from Kearney, NE to Council Bluffs, IA. Learn more about District 24 and our upcoming meetings and events by visiting d24tm.org, www.facebook.com/D24TM, or www.meetup.com/District-24-Toastmasters-Meetup. Come visit us, because we believe that Toastmasters helps you build the confidence and skills to be a better you.

Logo-ABC-Cornhusker-Chapter-Omaha-NebraskaThe Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors continually strives to be the leading voice promoting free enterprise within the construction industry in Nebraska. The organization’s main goal is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed, winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work.

Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value. ABC offers apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education courses, and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes. Our mission affords us the opportunity to share the industry through student events to help build the workforce in Nebraska.

For more information or to join ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Chase or Anne at (402) 477-4451 or email chasew@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.

The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) is the local affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA). The NAA currently has over 170 affiliates and boasts over 8.7 million apartment homes globally. Founded in 2002, the Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln was created by a group of property managers and owners with a vision to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multifamily rental housing industry in the greater Nebraska area. On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the NAA. In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent their membership. Their members include multifamily owners and management companies, apartment communities, and the supplier members who service this industry.

In January of 2019, the AAN launched the Nebraska Maintenance Academy (NMA), a hands-on training academy for those wishing to secure a career in the multifamily industry as a maintenance technician. The first of its kind in Nebraska, NMA will offer vocational training to those most in need, including but not limited to non-college bound high school students, veterans, and any individual who desires a meaningful career change. The goal is to train 45 people per year at NO cost to the students and then to immediately place the students into careers.

The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska is to support, inform, and connect the multifamily community through education, legislation advocacy, and professional networking. For more information, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org.