Joining Organizations in Lincoln, NE – September 2018
Lincoln 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)
ELBA (www.elbalincoln.com) is a group of enthusiastic businesspeople interested in strengthening and supporting East Lincoln through networking, promotion and representation. Lunch meetings are held the third Thursday of each month and include interesting guest speakers that cover topics from local government issues and workplace health, to marketing and entrepreneurship. The meetings are a great opportunity to learn and get to know your East Lincoln neighbors. Please join us at our next meeting! For meeting details and to learn more about our group “like” our Facebook page and please visit www.elbalincoln.com to learn more about our association, how to join and to RSVP for the next luncheon.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (www.lincolnypg.com) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 1,400+ members, the Lincoln YPG 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. The Lincoln Young Professionals Group believes members can make the difference they want to see, develop a career that is pleasing to them, and grow into the professional that they want to be.
To learn more about Lincoln YPG call Kayla Meyer at (402) 436-2369 or e-mail at kaylameyer@lcoc.com. For more information please visit our website at www.lincolnypg.com.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA; www.lincolnhr.org) strives to be 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 well over 400 Human Resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession all from the greater Lincoln area and welcomes new members.
The list of benefits to 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.
For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.
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.
Lincoln’s event networking group, EventLNK (www.eventlnk.org) is dedicated to bringing together Lincoln’s event professionals by providing education and resources to enhance and support professional growth.
Membership is open to event/meeting planners, coordinators and managers, along with industry professionals in catering, design, entertainment and hospitality.
Monthly meetings include site visits to various venues in the Lincoln area and presentations from vendors, suppliers, hospitality professionals and other related industry experts. Meetings also include topic-driven discussion time giving our members time to share ideas, experiences and resources.
In 2012, EventLNK was founded by five local event coordinators. The group was eager to find local educational opportunities for event professionals. After months of searching they discovered there was a need for such an organization. With the financial support of Union Bank & Trust, EventLNK held its first meeting in March of 2013. EventLNK has grown from 30 members to 200+, simply by word-of-mouth. We continue to look for relevant venues, educational topics and networking opportunities to help our members grow professionally. For more information, visit our website www.eventlnk.org or email info@eventlnk.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.
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 want to build relationships with friendly, determined, professional women, we’ve got a seat at the table for you. Each month we feature speakers who will help you grow your business and your professional network, as well as offer the opportunity to meet other businesswomen in the community. WISB meets the second Wednesday of the month at Venue Restaurant & Lounge (4111 Pioneer Woods Dr.) in their NE/Lancaster Room with lunch and networking from 11:30-11:55 a.m. followed by our meeting and speaker. We complete each meeting by 1 p.m. We welcome you to join our group of passionate and supportive women.
Want more information about Women in Sales & Business? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
Lincoln SCORE (lincoln.score.org) wants YOU! Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Volunteering at SCORE is a way for you to give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners, and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs in your community.
Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth, and SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential business advice. Most SCORE mentors have owned and operated their own companies or served in management positions. They understand business challenges because they’ve faced them too.
Please give back to the community and join the Lincoln SCORE volunteer team. You can make a difference in the success of a new business and HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! Take the next step in becoming a volunteer SCORE business mentor.
Please visit lincoln.score.org, email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org or call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about Lincoln SCORE.
To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (www.LCOC.com) member is to be our partner. We honor that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, providing commitment from our team and ensuring every business thrives. We aim for the best environment for your business and our 1,700 members. We understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and we’re here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.
To find our more about how to get your business engaged, contact Jaime Henning, membership director, at (402) 436-2366 or via e-mail at jaimehenning@lcoc.com. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.com.
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!
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 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.
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 Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA; www.amalincoln.org) serves as the resource for area marketers to learn, grow and connect through opportunities which promote marketing excellence. We offer education and networking events for seasoned marketing veterans to recent college graduates. From high-level strategic planning, to marketing fundamentals, our nationally recognized chapter can enhance your career.
AMA Lincoln members build their marketing skills through a variety of professional development opportunities designed to fit our members’ unique needs and busy schedules, including in-depth marketing boot camps called SkillSchools, monthly luncheons featuring industry experts, social media and nonprofit marketing discussion groups, book clubs, and more.
We invite all Lincoln marketers to become part of our valuable community of professionals who support each other’s career growth. AMA Lincoln will give you the support and opportunities you need to advance your marketing career.
To join AMA Lincoln, and to view upcoming events, visit: www.amalincoln.org
The Lincoln Independent Business Association (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 have a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month that is sponsored by Custom Blinds & Design. Also free to attend, this event is tailor-made for exchanging business cards.
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 Laurie Fraser about joining LIBA. They would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.