Twice a year, in March and September, Strictly Business puts together a Joining Organizations feature. 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 and anything else the community should be aware of.
Community organizations 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.
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 so they can highlight their upcoming events and meetings, accomplishments, awards, members, staff and opportunities for involvement. In Omaha, you will find organizations and association representing nearly every profession or industry – many of which have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.
With countless reputable and talented professionals in Omaha, it can be difficult to stand out. One of the best ways to stand out and become a household name in the community is to get involved in every way you can. By finding an organization or association that matches your interest, passions and goals, your commitment to excellence in the Omaha community will shine through and differentiate you from other local businesses.
The Empowerment Network (empoweromaha.com) works together with residents and leaders to TRANSFORM the ECONOMIC condition & QUALITY OF LIFE of African Americans, North Omaha residents and citizens of all races and cultures living in poverty within the Greater Omaha area.
The goal is to close long-standing gaps in employment, entrepreneurship, education, housing & other quality of life factors to transform the Omaha region into a thriving & prosperous area, in every zip code and neighborhood. The Network is recognized nationally for measurable collective outcomes and results in empowering youth and adults to be self-sufficient and economically stable through a holistic, comprehensive and collaborative approach. Visit empoweromaha.com or call (402) 502-5153 to learn more.
The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) (nebbiz.org/vboc) Program supports transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and others with military ties in starting or growing small businesses. It offers key services, including Boots to Business, business training and counseling, assistance with business loans, help with veteran’s business certification and referrals to resource partners. This comprehensive program provides vital resources to help military-affiliated individuals succeed in entrepreneurship. Learn more today: nebbiz.org/vboc. 
The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC) (nawicomaha.org) is a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs and the surrounding areas. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Guests are welcome.
NAWIC hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade apprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 60+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit nawicomaha.org or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information.
The Business Ethics Alliance (businessethicsalliance.org) elevates and inspires leaders, organizations, and communities through positive, practical business ethics education. We understand navigating complex topics and current events can be challenging; that’s why everything we do promotes an environment where ethical discussions are not just encouraged—they’re expected.
Our Signature Events, including Executive Breakfasts, Leadership Luncheons, Mind Candy Dialogues, and the annual EthicSpace Conference, provide vital spaces for discussion and learning across all organizational levels. Our Trustee Partner Program, featuring over 250 local leaders, plays a crucial role in expanding our reach and deepening the impact of our ethical dialogue across all sectors. We offer custom workshops, community collaborations, and an ethics podcast and video series to tailor ethics education to you and your organization’s needs. This ensures ethics and ethical decision-making are central to our workforce, from the C-Suite to entry-level employees!
To engage with us, visit businessethicsalliance.org for event information or email development@businessethicsalliance.org to discuss partnership opportunities.
Let’s succeed together.
For Omaha to prosper, we need to build a connected community that supports business growth, employment, and quality of life. As a Chamber 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 (OmahaChamber.org/Belong).
Join 3,000 other businesses and be part of the movement toward greater: OmahaChamber.org/Belong | memberservices@OmahaChamber.org | (402) 346-5000.
Better Business Bureau (BBB) (BBB.org/nebraska) has been assisting U.S. consumers and businesses since 1912. It is a private, nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Nearly 400,000 BBB Accredited Businesses support BBB’s mission of advancing marketplace trust, and their dues and contributions allow BBB to offer its information and services to consumers at no charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, over 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting the marketplace.
People today are overwhelmed with choices – and often unsure about where to find verified, unbiased information. There are more than 32 million businesses in North America alone, and hundreds of thousands of sites around the world where people shop online. Also, thousands of free and subscription websites offer a range of information, including: reviews, reports, directories, listings and gripe sites. BBB is the resource where you can find trusted, verified information. Go to BBB.org/nebraska, call (800) 649-6814 and follow on social media (@BBBMidwestPlains).
The Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) (nebbiz.org) fosters sustainable growth for small businesses across Nebraska and Southwest Iowa. As a Community Development Financial Institution, NEF focuses on supporting underserved communities by offering business development services, training, and mentoring. With a focus on cash-flow financing, NEF has over $25 million in revolving loans and serves a diverse range of businesses. Through these efforts, NEF promotes a robust small business ecosystem in the region. Learn more today: nebbiz.org.
The Sarpy Chamber (sarpychamber.org) is your unwavering advocate. As business owners, neighbors and friends, we are Sarpy. Our whole hearts are into making a better future for all of us. As a connector of solutions and a helping hand to members, Sarpy Chamber provides knowledge and opportunities that empower local business.
If you share our vision, talk to us about joining and opening doors to a wide range of networking events, professional groups, workshops, and other activities, all with the aim of connecting business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Reach out at (402) 339-3050 or visit sarpychamber.org.
The Metro Omaha Builders Association (MOBA) (www.moba.com) was chartered in 1946 and is a not-for-profit organization that was established to promote and protect various aspects of the home building industry. MOBA is an organization of individuals and firms involved in residential and light commercial building and development and related industries. The organization is also known for the Remodel Omaha Tour, Outdoor Living Tour, Spring and Fall Parade of Homes and Street of Dreams.
Experience the benefits of MOBA by joining now! For more information, visit www.moba.com.
At Professional Networking Group (PNG) (pnglincoln.com), they are all about relationships. It’s the bread and butter to making a business successful. Through PNG’s five Lincoln groups, and one Omaha group, bi-weekly meetings, quarterly socials (all groups are invited to an evening networking with a guest) and donations back to the community, they’re constantly working to network and build relationships with the best and the brightest around town.
Join this networking community and watch how you can impact the bottom line on your business like never before. If the thought of creating a new network makes you a little nervous, take a look at why you should take the plunge:
- Each group averages over one referral per person per meeting. That equates to over 1,600 referrals per year.
- Every year, each group refers over SIX FIGURES worth of business.
- Automatically add 18–25 salespeople to your team.
- PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year, including over $5.2K last year.
- The membership cost of $250 is less than half of competitors’ costs.
- The group culture actually allows you to laugh and have fun as you are doing business, all without the use of a stopwatch.
For more information, please visit pnglincoln.com.