Joining Organizations in Lincoln, NE – March 2018
It’s no big secret that success in the business world is based just as much on who you know as what you know. Fortunately for individuals at all stages of their careers and lives, cultivating both areas at the same time is entirely possible by selecting a professional organization and getting involved.
Just a few of the numerous benefits of joining a professional organization, whether it’s specific to your industry, one with which you share common ground otherwise, or an opportunity to branch out from familiar territory, are as follows: Building your network will allow you to make important and lasting connections. Oftentimes you’ll gain a friend, mentor, or ally along the way. Expanding your horizons and trying something new that might be a little outside of your comfort zone, such as an after-hours networking event or presenting to a group, is a surefire way to put yourself in a situation where you’ll learn and grow. Getting together for a community service project or to attend a seminar or conference has the exact same result. Finally, there’s no better place to find out all of the need-to-know information than in a group of fellow business professionals. From sharing leads to facilitating the connection between those seeking jobs and those looking to fill them, the conversation between like-minded individuals naturally leads to the good stuff. Collectively, rest assured the return is well worth the time and effort you’ll invest.
All told, there are organizations and associations representative of nearly every profession, industry or special interest group and many have national, regional, state and/or local chapters who would love to have you as a member.
You may even want to consider being a member of an industry-specific group as well as a business-oriented organization with a broader focus and membership base. On one hand, you will be contributing to the progress being made in your respective industry and keeping up with advances in your field while learning from others who may have more experience or who will expose you to new ideas. On the other, you will have the opportunity to interact with people outside of your industry sphere who are involved in other fields, which can be an eye-opening experience. Both will greatly enhance your business profile, personal brand, and visibility in your community, making you even more of an asset to your employer as well.
Ultimately, why consider membership in a professional organization? The bottom line is that creating professional relationships truly is fundamental to your future success and joining an organization allows you to step outside of the workplace, meet new people and make new connections, gain access to invaluable information and opportunities, and to support and help one another in reaching your goals.
If you’re looking to join an organization or want to know more about what’s out there, keep reading – we’ve highlighted some excellent options and encourage you to reach out directly to learn more about how you can get involved!
(Click on a thumbnail below to jump to an organization or continue scrolling to read about each)
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 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.
Under the leadership of President Laura J. Redoutey, FACHE, we are proud to celebrate 90 years. Visit nebraskahospitals.org to find out more.
Helping Nebraska work better by linking people, learning and performance.
We provide a wide range of learning and development events, easy access to online resources, networking, volunteer and leadership opportunities within our community and ATD Lincoln (www.atdlincoln.org).
We strive to offer relevant and purposeful programs to support the personal and professional development and continuous growth of our members. Our focus is to continue to grow our membership by increasing member engagement throughout the entire year and to understand what our members need and want – then deliver it. The profession of talent development is a rapidly changing environment with limitless possibilities for our professionals to learn how to better connect with employees and impact the bottom line of their businesses.
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.
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.
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 230,000 members, in more than 8,300 chapters throughout every populated continent of the world, in 73 countries, generated more than 9.3 million referrals which resulted in over $14 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 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, go to www.hbal.org for a membership application and to see the many services of this 67-year-old builders association.
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 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.
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.
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 13 at Wilderness Ridge,1800 Wilderness Woods Place. Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. features “Breaking the Status Quo in Today’s Healthcare Landscape,” presented by Adam Hall and Travis Martin.
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 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” event every month too. 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 Val Bartunek or 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.
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.
The Apartment Association of Nebraska (AAN) (www.aaneb.org) is the local affiliate of the National Apartment Association (NAA). The NAA currently has over 170 affiliates, and boasts over 8.7 million apartment homes globally.
Founded in 2002, Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln was created by a group of property managers and owners with a vision to help create and maintain a high level of professionalism in the multifamily rental housing industry in the greater Nebraska area. On October 5, 2002, the AAGOL received its charter from the NAA. In 2014, the name was changed to the Apartment Association of Nebraska to better represent their membership. Their members include multifamily owners and management companies, apartment communities, and the supplier members who service this industry.
The mission of the Apartment Association of Nebraska is to support, inform, and connect the multifamily community through education, legislation advocacy and professional networking.
For more information about the Apartment Association of Nebraska and their upcoming events, be sure to visit www.aaneb.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 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 Drive) 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 (WISB)? Reach us at info@wisblincoln.com or find us online at www.wisblincoln.org or www.facebook.com/wisblincoln.
For 65 years women in the construction industry have had a place to go for career development, networking, education, and mentoring. That place is the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) (www.nawicomaha.com). NAWIC gives women a place to develop their leadership skills and forge connections with other women in the industry.
NAWIC offers women a multitude of opportunities. With NAWIC you can:
- Continue your education.
- Establish a networking base.
- Be a mentor or mentee.
- Make a difference in your community.
- Embark on a new career.
- Invest in great friendships.
The Greater Omaha Chapter meets on the second Thursday of each month at various locations in the Omaha area. Visitors are welcome to attend. Current information about upcoming meeting locations, topics and times is available on our website at www.nawicomaha.com.
The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum (plantnebraska.org) is a nonprofit that inspires Nebraska gardeners to improve private and public landscapes through tree planting, garden-making, and education. Our work, made possible thanks to members and donors, takes many forms:
- Greener Nebraska Towns. NSA has assisted with 1,500+ projects, and passed through $9 million in funding, to meet community challenges like stormwater management, providing pollinator habitat, etc.
- Our Horticulture Program grows and distributes beneficial under-planted native and adapted species.
- Our unique network of 100+ public gardens empowers local citizens to create spaces that draw people together and demonstrate beauty and sustainability.
- Our publications, web resources, social media outreach, monthly columns, workshops, tours and other events inspire people to improve their lives, their surroundings and their communities.
These are physical, environmental efforts that improve personal and social well-being as well.
You can make a difference. Plant ecologically. Become a member. Website: plantnebraska.org | Contact: (402) 472-2971 / arboretum@unl.edu.
Don’t Miss Out! This is an excellent opportunity for your professional organization to gain exposure among our readers, as well as for our readers to familiarize themselves with the local resources available that could make an impact on their personal and professional growth.
If you are a local professional organization that is interested in participating in the next JOINING ORGANIZATIONS feature in Strictly Business Magazine, please call (402) 466-3330 or email Office@StrictlyBusinessOmaha.com today!