Joining Organizations – March 2018
It’s no big secret that success in the business world is based just as much on who you know as what you know. Fortunately for individuals at all stages of their careers and lives, cultivating both areas at the same time is entirely possible by selecting a professional organization and getting involved.
Just a few of the numerous benefits of joining a professional organization, whether it’s specific to your industry, one with which you share common ground otherwise, or an opportunity to branch out from familiar territory, are as follows: Building your network will allow you to make important and lasting connections. Oftentimes you’ll gain a friend, mentor, or ally along the way. Expanding your horizons and trying something new that might be a little outside of your comfort zone, such as an after-hours networking event or presenting to a group, is a surefire way to put yourself in a situation where you’ll learn and grow. Getting together for a community service project or to attend a seminar or conference has the exact same result. Finally, there’s no better place to find out all of the need-to-know information than in a group of fellow business professionals. From sharing leads to facilitating the connection between those seeking jobs and those looking to fill them, the conversation between like-minded individuals naturally leads to the good stuff. Collectively, rest assured the return is well worth the time and effort you’ll invest.
All told, 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.
You may even want to consider being a member of an industry-specific group as well as a business-oriented organization with a broader focus and membership base. On one hand, you will be contributing to the progress being made in your respective industry and keeping up with advances in your field while learning from others who may have more experience or who will expose you to 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. Both will greatly enhance your business profile, personal brand, and visibility in your community, making you even more of an asset to your employer as well.
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 invaluable information and opportunities, and to support and help one another in reaching your goals.
If you’re looking to join an organization or want to know more about what’s out there, keep reading – we’ve highlighted some excellent options and encourage you to reach out directly to learn more about how you can get involved!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
Build up with the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce (www.sarpychamber.org)! Our advocacy in the community creates foundations for successful growth, while our members build knowledge, their networks, and confidence through our educational efforts and leadership opportunities.
The Sarpy Chamber connects you to an expansive network of professionals in Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Papillion, Springfield and the greater Sarpy County. This unique coalition of cities allows members to grow in and beyond their base at the same time.
Joining the Sarpy Chamber is building up to your best self, your biggest goals, and your business’ future.
For more information on how to build up with the Sarpy Chamber, contact us at (402) 339-3050 or visit www.sarpychamber.org.
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 & 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 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 workforce for 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.
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 Rotary Club of Omaha (Downtown Rotary) (www.omaharotary.org) is a place where new and emerging leaders meet and interact one-on-one with established leaders in our community. Our mission has always been the same: Leaders in our community working together to put service above self and the eradication of Polio. We do this by:
- Weekly Speakers – Dynamic, relevant and informative.
- Operation Hippocrates – We arrange for Omaha cardiac surgeons and hospitals to provide heart surgery and follow-up medical care for children in Belize.
- Eradication of Polio – In 1985, Rotary boldly launched the first global campaign to immunize the world’s children against polio.
- Outland Trophy – We co-sponsor the annual Outland Trophy award dinner for college football’s outstanding lineman.
- Community Service – We offer numerous opportunities for community service.
- People with Disabilities – We support projects for the disabled and we sponsor J.P. Lord School in the “Adopt a School Program.”
For more information about Downtown Rotary, visit our website, www.omaharotary.org, email info@omaharotary.org or call (402) 342-0281.
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.
BNI Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) (www.bniheartland.com) offers members the opportunity to build a firm referral program, to nurture referral partner(s). Last year alone BNI, with over 230,000 members, in more than 8,300 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world, in 73 countries, generated more than 9.3 million referrals which resulted in over $14 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 is locally our 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.
We build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical business ethics. In addition to this mission, the Business Ethics Alliance 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.
Invest in your career and be part of an international organization that’s thousands of members (and 80 countries) strong! When you join the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) (omaha.iabc.com) and its Omaha chapter, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Participate in our professional development luncheons to network and learn from a featured speaker, panel or roundtable discussion.
- Meet IABC Omaha members and fellow peers from areas including marketing, human resources, public relations, corporate communications and more.
- Learn how you can take your business communication skills and your career to the next level.
- Volunteer on one of our committees – or as a board member – and use your talents to keep our chapter relevant and fun!
For information about our annual membership dues and available positions for the 2018-2019 board year, email IABCOmaha.Info@gmail.com. You can also learn more about our chapter at omaha.iabc.com.
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.
Under the leadership of President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE, we are proud to celebrate 90 years. To find out more about NHA, visit nebraskahospitals.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.
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 that 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.
The West O Chamber (www.westochamber.org) has been serving the communities of West Omaha, Elkhorn, Bennington, Valley and Waterloo since 1980. 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 in 2018 they will cross the 500 member mark for the first time in their 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.
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 Statewide Arboretum (plantnebraska.org) is a nonprofit that inspires Nebraska gardeners to improve private and public landscapes through tree planting, garden-making and education. Our work, made possible thanks to members and donors, takes many forms:
Greener Nebraska Towns. NSA has assisted with 1,500+ projects, and passed through $9 million in funding, to meet community challenges like stormwater management, providing pollinator habitat, etc.
Our Horticulture Program grows and distributes beneficial under-planted native and adapted species.
Our unique network of 100+ public gardens empowers local citizens to create spaces that draw people together and demonstrate beauty and sustainability.
Our publications, web resources, social media outreach, monthly columns, workshops, tours and other events inspire people to improve their lives, their surroundings and their communities.
These are physical, environmental efforts that improve personal and social well-being as well.
You can make a difference. Plant ecologically. Become a member. Website: plantnebraska.org | Contact: (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@unl.edu.
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!