Joining Organizations
Twice a year, Strictly Business puts together a Joining Organizations feature. This “glorified index” is a way to highlight many of the amazing professional organizations available to individuals who are striving to stay active within the business community and/or their industry network. We want to make sure that these organizations have a chance to get their name out there and share their current efforts, membership benefits, partnership opportunities, etc. with all of 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.
With a busy career and social life, we can’t get involved with all the organizations we might be interested in. So, 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.
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.
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 with local chapters so they can highlight their accomplishments, awards, members, staff, and opportunities for involvement. There are organizations and associations representative of nearly every profession, industry or special interest group and many have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.
Ultimately, why consider membership in a professional 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 workplace, meet new people and make new connections, gain access to helpful information and opportunities, and to support one another in reaching your goals.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following organizations if you are looking for ways to grow your business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
Do you struggle with navigating important complex topics, or potentially controversial current events within your workforce, customers, and community? The Business Ethics Alliance is the voice that helps Omaha create space for difficult, but needed, conversations.
The Business Ethics Alliance provides solutions to companies of all sizes and for employees across all levels, from C-suite to entry-level, to conduct their businesses and professional lives with accountability, integrity, and moral courage. When you attend our Signature Events, you elevate personal leadership, your organization’s financial vitality, and ultimately the entire community.
To learn more about business ethics training and growth opportunities, visit businessethicsalliance.org.
For Omaha to prosper, we need to build a connected community that supports business growth, employment and quality of life. As a member, you aren’t just building your business, you’re investing in the future of our city.
To connect with other professionals; to grow your presence in the community; to develop your skills and experience; to ignite change and serve as a catalyst for economic growth. These are just some of the reasons to invest yourself and your business into the Greater Omaha Chamber.
We won’t let up. We won’t let you down—because your work is too important to go it alone. Join 3,000 other businesses and be part of the movement toward greater.
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 in the Greater Omaha region. The goal is to close long-standing gaps in employment, entrepreneurship, education, housing and other quality of life factors to transform Omaha into a thriving and prosperous city, in every zip code and neighborhood.
The Empowerment Network (EN) is recognized as a backbone organization supporting the key functions of its collective impact partners. The EN excels in the capturing of data; capacity-building; leadership development; advocacy; civic engagement; and fundraising to support specific initiatives identified by the community. The Network model, recognized regionally and nationally, relies on each person and organization doing their part. Visit empoweromaha.com or call (402) 502-5153 to learn more.
The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a resource for women in the construction industry for leadership opportunities, community outreach, networking, education and more! NAWIC Chapter #116 based in Omaha, Nebraska, encompasses Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas. First chartered in 1966, the chapter has members working in businesses whose primary focus is the construction industry.
- NAWIC Core Purpose: To strengthen and amplify the success of women in the construction industry.
- Core Values: Women-focused, Courageous Leadership, Commitment to Inclusion and Growth, Anticipate Change
They welcome you to join them! 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 or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information.
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.
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 upcoming meetings and events by visiting d24tm.org, www.facebook.com/D24TM, or www.meetup.com/District-24-Toastmasters-Meetup. Toastmasters helps you build the confidence and skills to be a better you.
The 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.
The Associated Builders and Contractors Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy and workforce development. In addition, we offer opportunities for networking and our Excellence in Construction Awards allow us to showcase members project success. We help our members and their employees with the opportunity to succeed, winning work and delivering that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. We offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education and leadership courses, not only to our members, but to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry, for a bountiful career. For information about ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Chase or Anne at (402) 477-4451 or email chasew@abcnebraska.org. Please visit our website at www.abcnebraska.org to learn more.
The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the creation of the new B.U.Y.S. Group—“Beef Up Your Sales!”
The B.U.Y.S. Group is focused on refining your sales skills and training. This group will provide opportunities for sales professionals to share best practices, techniques, and strategies. Guest Speakers will present expert insights into sales tactics and business development at monthly events. B.U.Y.S. Group membership is exclusive to members of the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce.
The group’s inaugural event on March 9th will cover “Rejections, Objections and Stalls.” Future topics will focus on crafting an effective elevator pitch, overcoming high prices, selling like a doctor, and more!
For more information on joining the Sarpy Chamber B.U.Y.S. Group contact grow@sarpychamber.org. Visit www.sarpychamber.org/events to register for upcoming B.U.Y.S. Group events.
BNI members enjoy unparalleled business growth. As the world’s largest referral network, BNI passed over 12 million referrals last year, resulting in more than $16 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 celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and has proudly been helping Nebraska businesses grow for over 20 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. Their 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 the regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com, or visit their website at www.bniheartland.com.
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, Judy Suarez, at (402) 707-2827 or email info@millardbusinessassociation.org.
Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your professional organization to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the local resources available that could make an impact on their personal and professional growth.
If you are a local professional organization that is interested in participating in the next JOINING ORGANIZATIONS feature in Strictly Business, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!