Lincoln has made headlines over the past few years with its top ten rankings and nation-leading low unemployment rate. Along the way, we’ve pointed to the Lincoln business community as the leading factor in attaining this national spotlight. The business community’s commitment to maintain a sustainable economy avoided the pre-recession bubble and the following economic downturn.
Our outstanding business community is also committed to maintaining a strong Chamber of Commerce.
I’m proud to report the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce has once again achieved a Five-Star Accreditation status from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This is the highest level of achievement awarded by our national organization.
As stated by the U.S. Chamber:
Accreditation with the United States Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities.
Currently there are 7,077 Chambers in the United States, 207 of those are accredited and only 82 receive a 5-star designation.
By earning Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a chamber shows its dedication to:
• Reviewing, improving, and promoting strong business practices
• Recognizing leadership and outstanding contributions to the community
• Supporting the principles of free enterprise and promoting pro-growth policies at federal, state, and local levels
• Establishing best practices and staying in-step with industry changes
On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am honored to receive this great recognition. Our thanks go out to you, our members and our investors. Without your dedication and support, we could never achieve this elite accreditation.
The Chamber isn’t alone in earning national honors.
The Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development was also recognized in November by the International Economic Development Council. The Council is the leading voice in the industry today with over 4,500 members across the globe. It’s safe to say their opinion matters.
The Partnership took home three awards they give out annually for Excellence in Economic Development. There are 34 awards given by I.E.D.C in total and they honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive change in urban, suburban, and rural communities. Winners are recognized at the organization’s Annual Conference.
The recognition comes from marketing campaigns used by the Partnership to sell Lincoln to potential employers across the country:
• Inc. 5000 Billboards – General Purpose Print Promotion
• 2013 Lincoln Economic Dashboard – Special Purpose Print Brochure,
• SelectLincoln.org – General Purpose Website
Both the Accreditation status and the Economic Development awards mark a year of success for Lincoln. I always tell people we have something special going on here, it’s nice to know the leading voices in our industry feel the same way.
Have a safe and happy holiday season.
by Wendy Birdsall, President
Lincoln Chamber of Commerce
402-436-2350
www.lcoc.com
LCOC New Members
Center Sphere
Center Sphere, LLC was founded in January of 2010 in Omaha, Nebraska. Its purpose is to help business professionals get positive business exposure, expand their sphere of influence, build personal relationships, receive warm referrals and gain self-confidence. The mission of Center Sphere is to provide a network of local support for businesses through trusted, profitable, and proven relationship building. For more information about Center Sphere, LLC, please visit www.centersphere.com or call (402) 889-5439.
Body Nouveaux Spa
Body Nouveaux Spa is a day spa located at 5600 S. 48th St. Suite #118. Services include facials, body waxing, chemical peels, massages, Slender Body Wraps and Spray Tanning. They are the only Suddenly Slender Body wrap provider in Lincoln and also utilize their own line of spray tanning solution. Body Nouveaux was voted 2014 Lincoln’s Choice Winner in Massage and Runner-up for Aesthetics. For more information about Body Nouveaux Spa, please call (402) 476-7855 or visit www.bodynouveauxspa.com.
GP Customs
GP Customs was founded in 2006 as a Window Tinting business. Since then we have grown into one of the largest automotive restyling businesses in the Midwest. We specialize in Window Tinting, Car Audio/Video, Remote Car Starters, Vinyl Graphics, Vehicle Paint Protection, Car & Truck Accessories, Vehicle Lift Kits, Leather Seat Repair/Replacement, Spray-on Bedliners, In-Car Breathalyzers and much more! At GP Customs we try to accommodate all of your vehicle needs under one roof; we pride ourselves in being “Your One Stop Shop.” For more information about GP Customs feel free to visit our website www.GP-Customs.com , find us on Facebook.com/GPCustoms or call the shop at (402) 421-0888.