Joining Organizations in Omaha, NE – September 2018
Omaha is home to a vibrant, thriving business community, there’s no doubt about it. Among the contributing factors are the many fantastic professional organizations we have here. With excellent range among the collective group, if you’re looking to get involved in one, the odds of finding the perfect fit for your professional interests and ambitions are about as good as it gets.
Whether you’re seeking to expand your horizons by way of access to additional resources and educational opportunities, mentorship, the opportunity to meet new people in and outside of your profession/industry, getting involved in the community and outreach efforts as a part of a larger group initiative, or sharpening a particular skill that would prove useful to advancing in your career such as public speaking or networking, membership in a professional organization is the way to go.
The sayings “time is precious” and “time is money,” or any other variation, are exactly why you should consider joining a professional organization – it’s time well spent, that’s for sure. For your investment, the return is any (or all!) of the benefits above and likely well beyond. As a prime example, in terms of making connections in the community, it’s an environment rich with potential. Qualified is the key word – 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. In some organizations the membership will be limited to others in your same profession, or your industry in broader instances, while in others it will be like-minded professionals across all industries – the choice is yours. 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.
Similarly, as for career advancement, involvement in community organizations, both professional and nonprofit, are a must on any resume – and with good reason. In short, it is very telling of where one’s priorities lie. What are you doing with your precious free time? By devoting some of it to being a contributing member of a local organization, it shows that, outside of the confines of the workplace, you are invested in self-improvement, and that you have a willingness to learn, grow, and oftentimes to be of service to others. All of these things speak volumes to a person’s character, and in the end, you’ll get back what you put in and so much more.
Membership and participation in a professional organization is hands-down one of the best investments to make in your future. Furthermore, 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.
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 that are currently welcoming new members and would love to have you!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
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 training, 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 discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.
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!
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.
We build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics. In addition to this mission, the Business Ethics Alliance (www.businessethicsalliance.org) is committed to illuminating Greater Omaha as a beacon for business ethics by elevating the level of ethics dialogue and education within our community.
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 signature events or hire us to enhance your business–no matter what industry. Learn more at www.businessethicsalliance.org.
The Nebraska Restaurant Association (www.nebraska-dining.org) 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.
BNI Heartland (www.bniheartland.com) (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm referral program to nurture referral partner(s). Last year alone, BNI, with over 240,000 members in more than 8,600 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world in 73 countries, generated more than 9.3 million referrals, which resulted in over $15 billion dollars of tracked business for our members. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $100 billion dollars in tracked business for our membership! Even more important, our local chapters closed over $40 million in tracked business, creating an ROI of 700 times their investment!
Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of salespeople working for you who 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 during breakfast, lunch and happy hour meetings 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. BNI’s core values are 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.
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 | membership@OmahaChamber.org | (402) 346-5000
The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN; www.aaneb.org) 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.
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 West O Chamber (www.westochamber.org) has been serving the communities of West Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Valley and Waterloo since 1947. We are committed to making the West O Chamber a welcoming and inclusive community that attracts a talented and diverse workforce. Our goal is to be an ally for your business as you welcome, connect and engage with other businesses in the community.
In 2017, the West O Chamber added in over 150 new, active members and this year we will cross the 500 member mark for the first time in our history. Featuring monthly events including Coffee and Connections, After Hours, The West O Lunch and numerous ribbon cuttings, the West O Chamber has become one of the fastest growing networking groups in Omaha. Our next quarterly event is the West O Expo, which is set to take place on Tuesday, September 25 from 1 – 6 p.m. at Indian Creek Golf Course. We hope to see you at the West O Expo!
For more information on the West O Chamber, visit www.westochamber.org or contact our office at (402) 289-9560 / info@westochamber.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.
The Millard Business Association (MBA; www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org) 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.
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 Magazine, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!