Joining Organizations in Omaha, NE – March 2019

There are many reasons to get involved in a community organization or association. Not only do they allow you to build your network and take advantage of continued education opportunities, they serve as a platform for giving back to the local community. Omaha is home to a vibrant, thriving business community. As such, there are many professional organizations available to individuals who are striving to stay active within the business community and/or their industry network. Of course, with a busy career and social life, how do you decide which organizations are the right fit? You have to think about your objectives in terms of how your service helps fulfill your own professional development goals, your employer’s desire to bring in and keep business, and the kind of service you want to give.

In terms of making connections in the community, professional organizations provide an environment rich with potential. By tapping into a network of professionals, you have access to a wealth of knowledge and solid referrals, whether it’s helpful information a colleague passes along, a great job opportunity, getting connected with the best job candidates, trusted sources to give your business, and a way of populating your own pool of potential clients. Who doesn’t want to help grow their firm, acquire new customers, and even find great staff for their company? In some organizations, the membership will be limited to others in your same profession, or your industry in broader instances, while in others are comprised of like-minded professionals across all industries. When you think of it as a Venn diagram, many will opt for involvement in both types as there are distinct benefits to each as well as the shared ones. Above all, the power of networking is not to be underestimated; in fact, no matter what your career aspirations may be, building these types of relationships and various contacts will be instrumental to your success.

Membership and participation in a professional organization is hands-down one of the best investments to make in your future. If you’re an employer, you’ll reap all of the same rewards from supporting your employees who participate in professional organizations and encouraging those who are interested to do so as well. Regardless of your objective, becoming involved in any organization is about developing meaningful relationships from which you will learn and hopefully grow your firm or business.

It’s never too early or too late to get involved, but before you leap headfirst into making a commitment, first identify your objectives, do your research, and ask for recommendations. If you’re looking to join a professional organization, we’ve highlighted some wonderful ones right here in our community with membership and professional development opportunities.

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 Business Ethics Alliance (businessethicsalliance.org) 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.

The Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com) 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.

The 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.

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; www.nawicomaha.com). 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.

The Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants (www.nescpa.org) is a dynamic association of 2,600-plus professionals dedicated to advancing the accounting profession and furthering the knowledge, competence, and performance of its members. The Society offers nearly 100 opportunities each year for CPAs to meet and exchange ideas with fellow professionals and develop leadership skills. Want to prove your abilities to a partner in a CPA firm? Join a Society committee to network with the profession’s leaders. More than 40 Nebraska CPA firms are represented on Society committees. Don’t work in public accounting? Dozens of industries are represented. In addition, the Society provides live and online Continuing Professional Education (CPE), state and federal legislative representation, and technical and professional information to help CPAs better themselves and the profession. We also offer college scholarships and mentoring to help build a better Nebraska. Make your next important career move and join the Society. Visit www.nescpa.org today!

BNI (www.bniheartland.com) 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 Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abcnebraska.org) 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 Katie or Anne at (402) 477-4451 or email katieg@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce (www.sarpychamber.org/events) 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.

The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN; www.aaneb.org) 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, 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 about the Apartment Association of Nebraska and their upcoming events, be sure to visit www.aaneb.org.

The Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA; nebraskahospitals.org) is a statewide voluntary membership health care trade association representing Nebraska’s hospitals and health systems.

The health care industry touches many aspects of public policy. The NHA monitors a broad spectrum of issues on behalf of its members. This year, the NHA was deeply involved with legislation affecting credentialing, provider payment models, workforce development, insurance, taxation and health care program funding.

Public policy and advocacy priorities are driven by a vision that every Nebraskan has access to affordable, safe, high-quality health care. Through effective leadership, member participation and collaboration with policymakers and other partners, we seek to develop a unified voice to establish effective health care policy. We also provide members with trend and regulatory information, educational programming, communication, data reports and special services.

Visit nebraskahospitals.org for more information about the NHA.

In today’s changing real estate industry, the one influential voice for the commercial building professional is the Building Owners and Managers Association of Omaha (BOMA Omaha; bomaomaha.org). Formed on August 14, 1911, BOMA Omaha is a federated member of BOMA International, which was founded in 1907 as the National Association of Building Owners and Managers. BOMA International is a primary source of information on office building development, leasing, building operating costs, energy consumption patterns, local and national building codes, legislation, occupancy statistics, and technological developments. The mission is to help members improve property performance through education and advocacy.

Membership in BOMA Omaha provides you with access to timely information, advanced notice of legislative and advocacy issues, extensive research, timely publications through BOMA International, and access to a variety of educational and networking opportunities. Membership dues are paid by calendar year. Local dues include access to the full range of resources offered by BOMA International. If you are interested in attending any of BOMA Omaha’s current events or would like information about membership, please contact bae@bomaomaha.org or go online to bomaomaha.org.

The mission of the Papillion Community Foundation (www.papillionfoundation.org) is to identify, develop, and support community programs that enhance the quality of life in Papillion. Like many Midwest cities, Papillion is a traditional community—a cozy downtown area, historic building, and hometown high schools with championship sports teams. This community, however, mixes the small town feeling with emerging high-technology and telemarketing jobs and mixes the farming community with the military community at the nearby Offutt Air Force Base. We are currently thrilled to be part of the Veteran’s Park project and Pantry for Our Patriots, both of which are community initiatives to support those who have served in the military.

Right now, we are preparing for the 72nd Annual Papillion Days, a weekend-long celebration attended by almost 60,000 people each year. Papillion Days 2019 will be Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, with opening night on Wednesday, June 12.

The Papillion Community Foundation aims to balance the various needs of the community by supporting projects which enhance the quality of life for those living in the community. Learn more online at www.papillionfoundation.org or call Laura Schwartz, executive director, at (402) 331-3917.

Joining Organizations in Omaha, NE – March 2019