2018 Business Award Winners

It’s important to recognize those businesses that go above and beyond to make our city what it is today and reward those that continue to provide for a promising future. At the 2018 Celebrate Business Awards Luncheon in late August, we handed out eight total awards to businesses and individuals in our community. Join us in congratulating this year’s winners.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – Strictly Business Magazine

Strictly Business was launched in Lincoln in 1993, as this year marks the publication’s 25th anniversary. As an established, trusted news source that provides relevant information to business people and consumers alike, Strictly Business is not only an effective marketing tool, it’s vital to our marketplace.

MANUFACTURER OF THE YEAR – Zoetis

As the world leader in animal health, Zoetis provides veterinary medicines and vaccines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and technical services. Its manufacturing site in Lincoln has round-the-clock operations and the facility employs approximately 650 highly-skilled colleagues, attracting a rich talent pool from local universities.

GREEN BUSINESS OF THE YEAR – SCHEELS

The new Lincoln SCHEELS will be a collection of entertainment venues, specialty shops and boutiques. The 220,000 square foot SCHEELS retail shopping experience will showcase Nebraska’s largest selection of sports, fashion and footwear under one roof. SCHEELS is an employee-owned, privately held business with 27 stores in 12 states. The new Lincoln store opens this September.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT – Don’t Panic Labs

Don’t Panic Labs enables sustainable business agility within their software systems. Its focus of “great software through great process” fuels lean company and product creation for both startup founders and corporate innovators alike. Its award-winning team shares their passion for software development, innovation and entrepreneurship through hands-on educational experiences.

TOURISM DEVELOPMENT – Lancaster Event Center

The Lancaster Event Center is managed by the Lancaster County Ag Society to promote agriculture. The Ag Society opened the LEC in 2001 to be home of the Lancaster County Fair as its needs outgrew borrowed buildings on the former State Fairgrounds. Over its 17 years, LEC has grown to be a nationally-recognized multi-use event. Recently, the LEC was chosen to host the National High School Finals Rodeo in July 2020 & 2021 bringing over $16 million of economic impact each year.

CORNERSTONE – Spreetail

Spreetail is one of the nation’s leading ecommerce companies. With a priority placed on great customer experience, helping their team have great lives and strengthening communities like Lincoln, they have continued to grow three times faster than the industry average. Spreetail plans to hire over 600 people in the next 12 months to support the growth coming and continue to advance their efforts forward.

ROGER T. LARSON COMMUNITY BUILDER – Scott Young

Scott Young became Executive Director of the Food Bank of Lincoln on September 10, 2001, after a 28-year broadcasting career, including a 20-year stint at KFOR in Lincoln.

Young serves on the Bryan Medical Center Board of Directors, the Feeding America Board of Directors and is a volunteer for Lincoln Public Schools. Scott and his wife JoAnne have three children, three children-in-law and four grandchildren.

BURNHAM YATES CITIZENSHIP – Rich Herink

Rich Herink has been in banking in Nebraska for over 40 years. Eighteen years ago, Rich established a banking presence in Lincoln for First National Bank and has led the Lincoln bank during this time. Rich serves as the current Chairman of the Board of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and currently serves as Board Chair of CHI Health Nebraska. Rich and his wife Lanelle have both been active in community involvement in Lincoln.