Joining Organizations 2016
Lincoln is home to a thriving business community, and in support of the growth of the professionals who keep us continuously moving forward, there are many fantastic local organizations that are an important part of the process.
Among the key benefits of membership in a professional organization are access to career resources and educational opportunities, mentorship, meeting new people and expanding your network of contacts, and the opportunity for community involvement and outreach as a part of a larger group initiative.
What do these benefits all have in common? The answer is making valuable connections. Connections are essential to success in any industry, and joining a local organization is not only a way to unite with like-minded individuals but also to foster relationships with those in similar industries, or in many cases, across several inter-connected industries. This provides critical access to potential customers and employees but also creates an environment that’s rich with referrals, giving you trusted sources to do business with and vice versa. Think of it as a major career catalyst, with many parts working together to move everyone involved forward.
Fostering development and engagement on both a personal and professional level in addition to building mutually beneficial business relationships, there’s no doubt that participation in at least one professional organization will leave you in a better place than where you were when you arrived. Lincoln in particular has a wealth of fantastic organizations so take your pick, because you’re guaranteed to find the right fit for your goals and area(s) of focus. Nearly every profession, interest area, or cause has a corresponding national, state, regional or local organization one could join.
Getting involved with a local organization shouldn’t merely be a bullet point on your resume. In the vein of you reap what you sow, this is the perfect example of putting in the effort to be a part of a group of professionals in our community, contributing your time and talents to the whole, and enjoying the plentiful return on that investment.
Above all, being involved in an organization is about developing meaningful relationships and being exposed to opportunities and events from which you will learn and grow, both personally and professionally. 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!
Christian Business Men’s Connection (lincoln.cbmc.com): Most men struggle with areas of their life that hinder them from becoming all they can be. During the past 84 years, CBMC has been meeting business and professional men, where they are, and assisting them to become all God designed them to be. Effective Small Group Topical Studies, Leadership Development, Roundtable Discussion, Networking, Relationship Building and 1-on-1 coaching to develop successful life-applications that equip men to succeed in the most significant issues of their lives: Walking With God, Living Their Faith, Marriage, Raising Children & Teenagers, Money, Sex & Moral Purity, Work, Going Through Hard Times and Making Life Count.
Perhaps you are finding it increasingly difficult to function in a moral and ethical way when so many others around you have another agenda. Receiving support and encouragement from fellow business people is an important part of Christian Business Men’s Connection.
Go to lincoln.cbmc.com and let us know how we can help.
BNI of the Heartland www.bniheartland.com (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, with over 191,000 members, in more than 7,300 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world – 68 countries, generated more than 6.9 million referrals which resulted in over $9.3 billion dollars of tracked business for our members. Cumulatively, since 1985, BNI has generated over $45.6 Billion dollars in tracked 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 about BNI of the Heartland please contact our regional office at (402) 880-6311, email info@bniheartland.com or visit our website, www.bniheartland.com.
The Nebraska Alumni Association (huskeralum.org/join) connects alumni and friends with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and with each other, for the advancement of UNL. Our family includes more than 25,000 members of all ages, professions and walks of life from around the world. Some are UNL graduates; some are not. But one thing unites them – their love for the university. Please consider becoming a member! Your support, combined with the collective support of our membership, will help strengthen UNL. And, you will have access to a vast network of fellow Huskers no matter where you live, work or travel. Plus, you will love our exclusive membership benefits including our quarterly magazine, career and professional development programs, nationwide discount program and access to athletic, arts and entertainment tickets.
Learn more and join The Nebraska Alumni Association at huskeralum.org/join.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (www.lincolnypg.com) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. Serving 900+ members, the Lincoln Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the country. Lincoln keeps its young professionals here by fostering a collaborative community enriched with a bolstering economy, connectivity and endless opportunities for its people to flourish.
To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Jaime Henning at (402) 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.
Lincoln South Rotary Club (www.lincolnsouthrotary.org) lives up to Rotary International’s motto “Service Above Self”. Our members are a diverse group of community leaders, from a wide variety of professions, united to improve our community, our nation and our world.
Lincoln South has a strong leadership that is active at the District and International levels of Rotary. Our Club has earned many awards and members have received District as well as International recognition.
Community service includes dictionaries for fourth grade students, food pantry collecting, delivering meals to shut-ins, college scholarships for high school students, mentoring college students through UNL Rotaract and leadership training for high school students. We actively participate in Rotary’s worldwide effort to eradicate Polio and have been involved in other International projects.
We meet Fridays at Noon at The Venue at 70th & Pioneer in Lincoln. We have a tradition of providing informative and interesting speakers on timely topics. Find out more about Lincoln South Rotary Club at www.lincolnsouthrotary.org.
At the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (www.LCOC.com) , our goal is to make doing business in Lincoln, Nebraska the very best it can be. We provide advocacy for your business and opportunities to help you grow. It’s important that we ensure every member business thrives. Our members are the best and brightest companies in the region who are investing in Lincoln’s future. We can accomplish so much more together.
For more information on how to get your business engaged call Jaime Henning, Membership Director at (402) 436-2366 or e-mail at jaimehenning@LCOC.com. For more information please visit the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce website at www.LCOC.com.
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 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 or facebook.com/NebraskaRestaurantAssociation.
The Cornhusker Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (www.abcnebraska.org) 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 by helping 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 Ann Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. You can also visit www.abcnebraska.org to find out more.
The roles of training and development professionals today are much broader and deeper than ever before, and they have become a critical business partner in organizations across all industries. The Association for Talent Development (ATD, www.atdlincoln.org) – formerly known as the American Society for Training and Development or ASTD – is the world’s largest association dedicated to those who develop talent in organizations. ATD Lincoln chapter members make valuable local connections, gain knowledge at learning events and workshops, and enjoy access to nationally recognized certificate programs. Members have full access to a website packed with resources, job postings, and more. In addition, through ATD Lincoln you can connect with ATD’s 125+ U.S. chapters as well as professionals from over 120 countries via an ATD national membership.
For more information about the Lincoln chapter of the Association for Talent Development (ATD), to become a member, to learn about and attend learning events and workshops where you can network with others for knowledge, skills and attitudes about talent development, or to find resources including the job bank, visit us at www.atdlincoln.org.
Leadership Lincoln (www.leadershiplincoln.org) was founded in 1985 by civic leaders who wanted to ensure Lincoln a pool of well-trained, educated community advocates prepared to assume leadership positions in the community. Thirty-one years later, the mission is still relevant as Leadership Lincoln continues to develop, sustain and support civic engagement through diverse leadership—giving all members of the community the ability to make a difference in strengthening and transforming Lincoln.
Since its creation, nearly 3,000 individuals have graduated from one of Leadership Lincoln’s programs: Fellows, Lincoln Executive Series, Youth Leadership Lincoln and Project A.L.L. (Academy for Local Leadership). Our alumni have volunteered over 722,000 hours of time, resulting in an economic benefit of more than $15.1 million to Lincoln and Lancaster County. Today, one would be hard pressed to find a local organization that does not have Leadership Lincoln alumni involved in some manner.
At the conclusion of the first program in 1986, one of the agency’s Founders, Robert Duncan stated, “Leadership Lincoln participants are truly one of our city’s most valuable resources. They represent Lincoln’s future. Because they want to be involved, that future can be a bright future indeed.”
Those words still ring true to this day.
Learn more and find applications for the 2016-2017 programs on the Leadership Lincoln website: www.leadershiplincoln.org.
The Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL, www.hbal.org) is a visible, effective and respected trade association which promotes home building through professional education, member communication and civic participation, and which represents builders and associated professionals in community, governmental and industry forums.
With more than 700 members, HBAL proudly promotes the Nebraska Builders Home & Garden Show, Spring & Fall Parade of Homes and Tour of Remodeled Homes. These events not only benefit our members, but also the public. Whether it is to earn an industry designation or to be better prepared for an OSHA or EPA inspection, HBAL offers education and training to its members.
To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln (HBAL), go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 65-year-old builders association.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA, www.lincolnhr.org) is the go-to resource on people management for the community. LHRMA connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders, and leads change for our industry. The organization is comprised of 400 Human Resources professionals from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members.
Benefits of membership include:
• Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers
• Professional networking • Career development
• Sharing of HR information • Monthly newsletter access
• Membership directory • Professional certification study groups
• Committee work with peers • Legislative updates
• Scholarship programs • Community and diversity programs
Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 8thth, at Hillcrest Country Club. Luncheon 11:30 – 1:00 “Leading, Coaching, and Educating: Change your Mindset to Them”. Workshop 1:15 – 3:15 “Communication and Learning: The Foundation for Changing your Focus to Them” presented by Dr. Dave Gosselin, author of Focus on Them: Leading the Mindset Revolution for Coaches, Educators and Business Leaders.
Annual membership is $50. Become a member of LHRMA in March and mention this ad to receive a $15 coupon for a FREE Monthly Luncheon. For more information or to register for a meeting visit: www.lincolnhr.org.
Women in Sales & Business (WISB,www.wisblincoln.org) has been empowering professional women to grow their businesses and the community since 1987. Networking is a powerful and cost effective advertising tool. If you are looking to build relationships with friendly, hardworking, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. At WISB meetings you will have ample opportunities to share information about your business or the company you represent, hear speakers about better business practices and make new friends along the way. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at Hillcrest Country Club with lunch and networking from 11:30-11:55 a.m. followed by our meeting and speaker. We wrap up at 1 p.m. We welcome you to join our group of passionate and supportive women.
Want more information about Women in Sales & Business (WISB)? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com, call (402) 937-8872 or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
A lot of networking groups suck. They are stiff and boring and they are too formal to really get to know people on a personal basis. At PNG (www.PNGLincoln.com) one of the biggest compliments we get is that people feel welcomed and they love our laid back meetings. Don’t get us wrong, we are there to pass and gain business. That being said, over ten years later we have passed tens of thousands of referrals surpassing over $1.5 million dollars in business. However, we know there are numerous ways to get that done and we have had a ton of success in growing our five groups in Lincoln by building an enjoyable culture first and knowing that the business will follow.
For more information about PNG and a complete list of our groups, locations and times visit www.PNGLincoln.com.
Lincoln Center Kiwanis has been volunteering to improve the lives of children in Lincoln since 1919. We stay involved with current, relevant needs of kids with many projects small and large involving our members in volunteer efforts to fit their interests and schedules.
Examples include work with the Children’s Zoo and Museum, 4H programs, after school leadership programs and reading to children. We keep informed with excellent programs at our weekly meetings on Friday noon at the top of the downtown US Bank building. We fund our projects from this annual Golf Outing, a Pancake Festival, football parking, and grill rentals.
Lincoln Center Kiwanis is vibrant, active, diverse, and enthusiastic in meeting community needs. We are well organized with a hundred members working within an active committee structure. We welcome prospective members. Contact Gary Muckel at gmuckel@neb.rr.com for further information.
LIBA (www.liba.org) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly Bizco Biz-Net events are free to attend with complimentary food and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. The people who attend Biz-Net are eager to have a discussion about your business. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance to grow their businesses too.
While the Biz-Net is an after-hours event, we also have a morning “GP Customs Coffee & Contacts” every month. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards. The LIBA Referral Networks (LRN) offer a more personal method for you to expand your sales team by educating other LRN members about your business. These groups do more than just exchange business cards, tips and leads. They also offer marketing ideas that get results and discuss events in Lincoln’s business community.
Yes there is more, including the monthly LIBA luncheon where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. We would like to add your voice to our organization.
Call (402) 466-3419 and talk with Janell Folkerts or Kay Petersen about joining LIBA. They would be happy to visit your office and answer all your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.
American Advertising Federation of Lincoln (www.aaflincoln.org) has been a part of the Lincoln community for over 60 years, providing a platform in advertising and marketing. The club is recognized by the American Advertising Federation and club members receive affiliation and benefits with the AAF through their local membership. If your business advertises, membership in American Advertising Federation of Lincoln could assist you as the changing scope of reaching consumers evolves. The club hosts nationally known keynote speakers each month along with offering seminars and workshops benefiting college students and professionals alike.
The club focuses in several advertising areas including Education, Legislation, Cultural Diversity and Public Service. AAF Lincoln brings events such as Winterfest to our community in their fundraising efforts. Each year a non-profit is selected to benefit from the organization’s experts in meeting the individual needs of the recipient. AAF Lincoln is currently accepting applications from non-profits for the upcoming year.
You can read more about the American Advertising Federation of Lincoln, its initiatives and membership benefits at www.aaflincoln.org.