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 Lincoln 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 Lincoln, 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 Lincoln, 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 Lincoln community will shine through and differentiate you from other local businesses.
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 over 500 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 the members, but also the public. HBAL offers networking, education and training to its members, along with representing the industry at Local and State levels of government.
To learn more about joining the Home Builders Association of Lincoln, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 73-year old association.
To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (LCOC) (www.LCOC.com) member is to be a partner. The Chamber honors that partnership by creating opportunities for growth and development, while advocating for the best environment for Lincoln businesses to thrive. They understand each member has unique ideas and ambitions in mind, and they are here to provide the best opportunities for you to get the most out of your membership.
To find out more about how to get your business engaged, contact Derek Feyerherm at (402) 434-5344 or via email at dfeyerherm@lincoln.org. For more information about the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, visit the website at www.LCOC.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 of Lincoln, 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.
SCORE Lincoln (lincoln.score.org) has openings for volunteers. If you want to make a lasting impact in your business community, then SCORE may be for you. SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. Small business owners receiving three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth.
Most SCORE mentors own or have owned and operated their own companies or served in management positions. They understand business challenges because they’ve faced them too.
Volunteer with SCORE and give back to your community, connect with fellow business owners and pass on your knowledge and expertise to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
SCORE is America’s premier source of free, confidential business advice.
Take the step to become a SCORE volunteer mentor. Visit lincoln.score.org to sign up. Want more info? Email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org or call (402) 870-1821 6451 to learn more about SCORE Lincoln.
The Lincoln Young Professionals Group (Lincoln YPG) (www.lincolnypg.com) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership and networking opportunities. 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, please visit www.lincolnypg.com, email Mia Wilken at mwilken@lcoc.com or call (402) 436-2355.
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).
Lincoln HR (www.lincolnhr.org) strives to be a first-class resource on people management for the community. Lincoln HR connects professionals to solve every day workforce problems, provides quality education, collaborates with community leaders and leads change for our industry. The organization comprises a large network of human resources professionals ranging from senior level executives to those just entering the profession and welcomes new members monthly.
Benefits to membership include:
- Monthly meetings with learning events and professional speakers
- Professional networking events
- Career development
- Collaboration of HR information
- Monthly newsletter resources
- Membership directory
- Professional certification study groups
- Legislative updates
- Community and diversity programs
For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.
The Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA) (www.liba.org) offers numerous opportunities to network with other Lincoln business leaders. LIBA’s monthly BizNet events are free to attend with complimentary snacks and beverages. This provides a great place to meet other local business people and City Council members. Many of the people who attend BizNet are eager businessmen and women who are ready to learn more about your business. It’s free to attend and you can invite customers and vendors to give them an opportunity to grow their businesses as well. While BizNet is an after-hours event, LIBA also has a morning “Coffee & Contacts” every month that is sponsored by Custom Blinds & Design. Also free to attend, this event has breakfast snacks and coffee. With this event being early in the morning, it is a wonderful way to start off your day by networking and exchanging business cards. Lastly, the monthly LIBA luncheon features the opportunity to meet dozens of business owners and community leaders each month. For $20, you can eat a delicious meal, network with likeminded leaders and listen to a special guest speaker.
Call (402) 466-3419 and ask about joining LIBA. A membership staff would be happy to visit your office and answer all of your questions. You can also visit www.liba.org for more information.
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 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.
Leadership Lincoln (www.leadershiplincoln.org) is at the forefront of building tomorrow’s community leaders.
Open to everyone in the Lincoln area, Leadership Lincoln invites applications every spring. With classes launching in August and September, participants join a nine-month immersive experience, aligning with the academic year. This program connects members with prominent figures across Lincoln’s business, education, government and nonprofit landscapes, empowering them to take an active role in their community.
In addition to the core leadership program, Leadership Lincoln presents regular public “Hot Topics” sessions. These forums provide valuable insights into pertinent issues, from candidate selection to pandemic management, healthcare inequalities, low-income housing, park development and more.
A standout feature of the program is the Poverty Simulation exercise, a unique experience that reveals the intricate challenges of living in poverty.
Leadership Lincoln is not just an organization; it’s a thriving network. With over 4,000 alumni actively enhancing their communities locally, statewide and nationally, Leadership Lincoln continues to shape the future.
Discover how you can be a part of this transformative journey. Visit www.leadershiplincoln.org for more details.