2015-03-01

What do you consider to be the most valuable assets available to businesspeople in the area?

One of the top answers for most seasoned professionals is highly likely to be a local organization they are involved in—which by definition is simply an organized body of people with a particular purpose. Being a part of a professional organization in your community is something that will positively influence the success you have overall in the business community for a few major reasons.

First, creating relationships with other like-minded professionals within your industry as well as with those in other fields are both valuable networking and community building opportunities that are among the goals of any worthwhile organization. Making these connections is the lifeblood of growing your professional network. Secondly, and similarly, they foster mentorship. Mentoring is the cornerstone of many professional organizations; among its members there will usually be industry veterans as well as the next crop of stars entering the workforce. This allows for interaction among all levels of businesspeople, which may not happen organically in the workplace. In fact, many professionals just entering their field of study out of college may never get in the same room with someone at the top of their field for a very long time unless they attend engagements as a part of a professional organization. Finally, being involved in an organization generally allows you exclusive access to training and skill building activities. Opportunities for professional development might include courses, workshops, publications such as monthly newsletters, and other materials that are available to members. So you’ll essentially meet new people, swap ideas, learn new skills, stay informed—all keeping your career moving in the right direction.

Whether your goal is to network, meet mentors, gain insights on the latest industry trends, learn more about your profession, or just to keep your finger on the pulse of the community, joining a local organization will help you get where you want to be and you’ll have plenty of support on the journey. There are many different types of organizations composed of all types of people. Some can be laser focused while others are broader in their scope. You’ll have plenty of options when choosing the best fit; most welcome visitors at meetings or events to get a feel for what they are all about, which is something to definitely take advantage of. Being an active member of a local organization (or as many as you can keep up with for that matter!) is the key to a successful future in the business world, and with all of the other great people you’ll meet, there’s not only the opportunity to make valuable connections but friendships as well. If you are looking for an organization to join in the Lincoln area, we’ve highlighted a few that are well worth checking into!



“We build leadership, strengthen organizations, and elevate Greater Omaha through positive, practical, business ethics.”  Along with our mission, the Business Ethics Alliance is committed to illuminating Greater Omaha as a beacon for business ethics by furthering 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 complimentary signature events, and hire us to enhance your business, no matter what industry.  Learn more www.businessethicsalliance.org.



We have the momentum.

For our community. Strong economic growth. New jobs and investment. Widespread prosperity throughout the region. That’s what drives us and our regional growth initiatives, aggressive advocacy for a business-friendly environment and regional promotion of Greater Omaha.

For you. Startup or established – you want your business to thrive – so do we. That’s why we offer events and programs to connect and educate you and your employees. Programs for young professionals, leadership development opportunities and free business assistance. Count on our expert staff for information and research, referrals and personal follow-up – dedicated to help your business succeed.

The Greater Omaha Chamber. Working together on bold initiatives to make a dramatic impact. Be part of the momentum.

Call (402) 346-5000 or visit OmahaChamber.org/Join.



The Nebraska Chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD Nebraska) is an organization dedicated to today’s workplace learning and performance (WLP) professionals. If the person who trained you at your job was exceptionally good at facilitating your learning, he or she might be an ATD member.

ATD Nebraska is a local chapter of ATD, the world’s largest association dedicated to WLP professionals. Our mission is to “enhance members’ abilities to develop talent, and support clients and organizations and our local global communities.” We provide our 250+ members with quality resources, networking opportunities, and continuing education.

If you are a WLP professional—perhaps you call yourself a corporate trainer, a mentor, or a coach—we can help you take your career to the next level… www.atdnebraska.org

Established in 2003, The Millard Business Association (MBA) is the heart of the Millard business community.  Now with over 400 members strong, MBA’s central role and purpose is to support local businesses.  Our members are not limited to the Millard area, but believe in supporting the small community.  Membership is only $130 per year.  Membership benefits include:

Networking Lunches • Bagels & Business Meetings • Business After Hours Meetings • Ribbon Cuttings • Education Programs • Access to 9 Referral Groups for Marketing Opportunities • Listing on the MBA Website

Listing in the MBA Directory (42,000 Copies Printed Yearly)

Apply for membership at www.MillardBusinessAssociation.org.

For more information, contact one of the MBA Membership Chairmen:

Kenny Engelmeyer – (402) 981-3171

Ed Leistad – (402) 896-4387

Have you ever been to a work event with someone who seems to know everyone in the room? Did you wonder how they know everyone? I bet if you were to ask them they would tell you they are members of a chamber of commerce. You might wonder what the connection is…

Well the connection is the chamber of commerce.

The Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce is here to help you grow and enhance your network of business connections. We offer multiple opportunities every month for you to network with other chamber members. This is important because they like you are invested in growing their business opportunities. This gives you a head start in that you have a common purpose with everyone in the room. That common purpose is the foundation of a strong and active business community. Being a part of a chamber community will enhance your business opportunities which will ultimately help your business growth.

Attending multiple networking events can seem overwhelming with the busy schedules that we are all trying to maintain these days, but the payoff is becoming that person who knows everyone in the room. Imagine for a second you had as many contacts and connections as that person who knows everyone in the room, just think of the ways your business could grow through those connections. Contact us at the Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce or visit us online at www.sarpychamber.org to find out how to become connected to your business community.

How can 23 people raise $50,000 to help “at risk” youth and have a party with 400 people at the same time? Members of the Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club have the answer!

Meeting in DJ’s Dugout, 180th & Q every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., the Southwest Omaha Rotary Night Club is a significant fundraiser for the Boys Town National Hotline. Each year, the club hosts a Wine Tasting and Auction to raise money for the Hotline. Auction items range from oil changes to vacations, premium concert tickets, autographed sports memorabilia and every imaginable item in-between. And, in the spirit of the event, a wide variety of wines are served satisfying every taste and budget.

If you Are looking to join a service organization but prefer a young, enthusiastic and FUN atmosphere then check us out on our website www.omaharotarynight.org or stop by and join us any Tuesday!

NAIFA – the National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors — is the only organization serving and representing insurance and financial advisors regardless of the products they sell or the focus of their practice.  With nearly 400 members, NAIFA-Omaha is one of the largest and most active NAIFA Local Associations in the country.  Whether you’re an insurance agent, financial advisor, multiline agent, a captive or independent advisor…NAIFA is YOUR professional association.

Regardless of whether you are new to the insurance industry – an established leader – or somewhere in between — NAIFA membership will help you to protect and grow your business. NAIFA offers a variety of programs and products to enhance your sales skills.  NAIFA’s legislative advocacy in Washington, DC and in Lincoln, NE is the best insurance you can buy to protect your business, which is at risk now more than ever. And, consumers know working with a NAIFA member means working with a professional who adheres to the highest standards.

For more information on the many benefits of NAIFA membership, visit www.naifa.org or www.naifaomaha.org.

West Omaha Business Executives (W.O.B.E.) is a TIPS / LEADS Exchange Group founded in 1989. W.O.B.E. is the BEST VALUE OF ANY NETWORKING GROUP IN OMAHA; every member of WOBE has either done business with a fellow member or received quality leads from a W.O.B.E. member(s).

W.O.B.E. meets in the party room of Charlie’s on the Lake on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month and begins at NOON; Annual Dues are $25.00, Members buy their own meal/beverage. Members begin arriving around 11:45 a.m. The meeting adjourns promptly at 1:00 p.m. Come early or stay late for additional networking opportunities! Additional networking activities are available throughout the year.

Want to attend a W.O.B.E. meeting? W.O.B.E. has several categories open; please contact Gary Baumert at (402) 612-6242 or email at: gbaumert@cox.net prior to attending to avoid a potential category conflict.

Celebrating 5 years of relationship building, Center Sphere is the choice for forming authentic relationships and passing quality referrals. With over 550 members in the Midwest, Center Sphere takes traditional networking to the next level. Our members are trained and committed to creating alliances, partnerships and synergistic opportunities within your sphere of influence. Our network also expands to Denver, Phoenix and St. Louis.

Our weekly meetings are built around forming bonds that make referral passing a natural reaction. Our monthly socials bring more resources together to connect with one another. And our Digital Referral Dashboard makes the referral process even simpler and instantaneous! Visit www.centersphere.com to learn more about how this affordable option is still the fastest growing network around.

The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors is in business to promote free enterprise within the construction industry and to serve as an advocate for merit shops throughout Nebraska. The organization’s main purpose is to provide member companies and their employees with an opportunity to succeed.

Whether a large or small company, joining ABC provides value because the group helps members win work and deliver it safely. ABC also offers training, continuing education courses and opportunities for networking and showcasing project successes.

For more information or to discuss joining ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Deb Hose at 402-477-4451 or debh@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.

BNI of the Heartland (Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Western Iowa) offers members the opportunity to build a firm networking foundation, to nurture referral partner(s). Last year alone, BNI generated more than 6.6 million referrals which resulted in over $8.6 billion dollars’ worth of business for its members – over 175,000. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $36.3 billion dollars in business for our membership!

Belonging to BNI is like having dozens of sales people working for you that 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.

For more information please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.

Your Power Network Is Here!

Aspire. Connect. Achieve! NAPW is the largest, most-recognized networking organization of professional women in the country, spanning virtually every industry and profession with over 600,000 members and over 200 Local Chapters. NAPW members have diverse backgrounds, beliefs, perspectives and lifestyles with one common bond – their ability to succeed.

Join NAPW for exclusive Local Chapter benefits, including:

· In-person professional connections at Omaha Local Chapter events.

· Networking opportunities at NAPW regional / national events.

· Promotional exposure for your business or brand.

· Mentoring and talent development opportunities.

· Educational tools and continuing education opportunities.

· Career Center resources to expand your professional success, and much more!

Join NAPW Today! Go to www.napw.com/joinnow.cfm

Enter Code: 1924-F.

The philosophy of Omaha Professionals United in Service (OPUS) is to provide benefit to each other’s businesses and to the community through volunteering, attending philanthropic events, and donating to charities. 90% of member dues are dispersed to various charities throughout the year. The remaining 10% is reserved for member related events.

The group is limited to one member per area of business. The members’ responsibilities are to drive revenue and referrals to the other members, participate in OPUS philanthropies, and educate each other on their business/industry. Guest speakers are often brought in to speak at our meetings. The guest speakers range from heads of non-profit organizations to experts on certain topics of interest to the group. When a guest speaker is not present, the members rotate speaking to the group on their choice of topics.

The group currently meets at Railcar Modern American Kitchen located at 144th and Blondo every Tuesday afternoon from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. For more information or if you’d like to visit the group as a guest, please contact Matt Brockmeier at (402) 697-5986 or matt.brockmeier@pinnbank.com. You can also visit www.omahanetworkinggroup.com to find out more.

WELLCOM, formerly the Wellness Council of the Midlands, was founded in 1982 in Omaha by the CEOs of Union Pacific Railroad, Mutual of Omaha, Valmont Industries, and Central States.  WELLCOM was the first nonprofit organization in the country with a focus on worksite wellness as a strategic business opportunity for companies of all sizes.  WELLCOM supports over 200 member organizations across Nebraska and Iowa who commit to creating a culture of health and well-being at the worksite, not only because of the positive business outcomes, but to support their most important resource; their people.  For more information about membership and other worksite wellness information, visit elevatingwellness.org.

Discover the best kept secret in Western Douglas County!

Our 330+ Members serve western Douglas County including the communities of Bennington, Elkhorn, Waterloo, Valley and West Omaha, all of which have rapidly growing businesses and residential communities. Our purpose is to help businesses, organizations and communities prosper by promoting the business and civic interests of Western Douglas County Chamber members and residents.

Each event that we hold offers opportunities for members to network, meet area business leaders, connect with other business owners, learn business techniques and much more. Our events are open to members and visitors, to encourage guests to “try before you buy”. We firmly believe that once you attend one of our events that you’ll see we truly are an open, fun, interactive and personal Chamber.

Visit any of our upcoming events or check us out online at www.wdccc.org and see what makes us different.

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