There are a lot of talented and reputable professionals in Lincoln—so how do you stand out? The answer is getting involved. Find an organization that matches your interests and passions. Your commitment to your industry and/or community will shine through and set you apart. Professional 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.
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following organizations if you are looking for ways to grow your business or professional network, make a difference in the community, and gain valuable experience outside of the work place. Don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved!
Women in Sales & Business (WISB, wisblincoln.org) has a mission to encourage and develop the creative leadership of women. They are dedicated to promoting their growth through the accumulation and sharing of knowledge. They are women in various professions who meet regularly monthly for networking, engaging speakers, and leadership development opportunities. They also meet occasionally in a casual environment to get to know each other better, on a more personal level, and invite guests to join them. Please visit wisblincoln.org for more information or find WISB on Facebook!
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, 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 sales people to your team.
- PNG donates both time and goods back to the Lincoln community each year including over $1,600 to the Food Bank this past holiday season.
- 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.
The Nebraska Bankers Association (nebankers.org) is the voice of Nebraska’s $72 billion banking industry. Nebraska banks employ more than 15,600 people and safeguard over $67 billion in deposits. Banks support Nebraska’s economy with consumer, business and other loans.
Through the association, bankers explore issues that affect the banking industry’s day-to-day and long-range outlook. Membership in the NBA signifies a bank’s commitment to the principles of banking and the belief that much can be accomplished by working together.
The NBA welcomes associate members who provide a service or product to Nebraska financial institutions. Associate members are eligible to attend NBA events; receive the NBA newsletter and magazine; advertise in and produce articles for the Nebraska Banker magazine; and have the opportunity to exhibit, display and co-sponsor functions at the NBA’s conferences and annual convention. To learn more about the NBA, visit www.nebankers.org.
Are you interested in learning more about your community and connecting with community leaders? Then consider applying for Leadership Lincoln (www.leadershiplincoln.org)! We are currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 program year. Meet other people that want to make a difference in their companies, organizations, and city. Build relationships that will last a lifetime.
Leadership Lincoln develops strong leaders for a stronger Lincoln. We were founded in 1985 by business and community leaders, and there are more than 3,700 alumni who lead and serve in Lincoln and our state. From boardrooms to classrooms, from the Mayor’s Office to Washington D.C., Leadership Lincoln alumni make a difference.
Leadership Lincoln hosts five programs for a variety of individuals: Fellows, Executive, Advocates, Youth, and Alumni. Most programs meet one day a month from September to May.
More information is available on our website at www.leadershiplincoln.org.
The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC, www.nawicomaha.com) is a resource for women in the construction industry and offers its members education, support, and networking to help advance their careers in construction, build their technical skills, and become leaders. NAWIC Chapter #116 includes Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs, and the surrounding areas. Events are on the second Thursday of each month in various locations in the Omaha area. Guests are welcome.
NAWIC hosts a variety of events that serve the community, provides scholarships to men and women pursuing careers in the construction industry via a college education or trade-apprenticeship program, hosts educational Lunch-and-Learns for members, and more. NAWIC Chapter #116 was first chartered in 1966 and has 60+ members working in businesses whose primary focus is construction. For more information, visit www.nawicomaha.com or email nawicomaha@gmail.com to request information.
The Northview Lincoln Business Association (NLBA, northviewlincolnbusiness.com) has been living its mission to “promote, foster, and support growth in the north corridor of Lincoln” since 1999. NLBA does this by building a dynamic network of business leaders who are purposeful in crafting business opportunities across their diverse industries and creating community impact. The association hosts monthly meetings and quarterly socials designed to create meaningful connections.
NLBA member meetings are held every second Thursday of the month in the second floor meeting room of the HyVee at 1601 N 84th St. Networking and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. and the formal meeting is from noon to 1 p.m. Meetings include association updates, member spotlights, and an engaging featured speaker. Join NLBA as a guest during a monthly member meeting and lunch is on the association! Annual membership dues are $85. For more information about NLBA, visit northviewlincolnbusiness.com or connect with current president Emily Koopmann at northlnkbusiness@gmail.com.
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 us on social media at @TodayWithBBB.
To be a Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (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.
SCORE Lincoln (lincoln.score.org) needs YOU! Every year, SCORE volunteers help thousands of entrepreneurs start small businesses and achieve new levels of success in their existing businesses. 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.
Did you know? 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.
You can make a difference in the success of a new business and HELP MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE! All in a few hours a month (or as much time as you can spare). Take the next step in becoming a volunteer SCORE business mentor and visit lincoln.score.org to sign up. Want a little more info? Email infolincoln@scorevolunteer.org, or call (402) 437-2409 to learn more about SCORE Lincoln.
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. Because it is a free event, you can invite customers or vendors to attend and give them a chance 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 is where you have the chance to have lunch with hundreds of business and community leaders every month. While this event isn’t free, it is only $20, which includes admission, the chance to listen to the monthly speaker, and a delicious lunch.
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 Lincoln Young Professionals Group (Lincoln YPG, www.lincolnypg.com) is dedicated to empowering young professionals with educational, leadership, and networking opportunities. Serving 2,000+ members, the Lincoln YPG is the largest in the state.
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 info@lincolnypg.com or call (402) 436-2350.
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 almost 550 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 72-year old association.
Rotary (www.givingspirtseveningrotary.com) brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work impacts lives at local and international levels.
Locally, members of Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club are dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group of professionals who share your drive to give back.
Lincoln Giving Spirits Evening Rotary Club’s meetings occur every other week on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at JCMF Children’s Charities, 8445 Executive Woods Dr., STE B. Meetings feature a new speaker on topics of interest to Rotarians, the town, and general subjects. Rotary strives to provide an excellent program to keep members informed and enlightened on the world. The club accepts new members by invitation, but anyone is always welcome to attend a meeting as a guest. To learn more, visit www.givingspirtseveningrotary.com.
Lincoln Human Resource Management Association (LHRMA, www.lincolnhr.org) strives to be a first-class 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 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 • Scholarship programs • Community and diversity programs…just to name a few. For more information or to register for a meeting, visit www.lincolnhr.org.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC, www.abcnebraska.org) Cornhusker Chapter supports the commercial construction industry through apprenticeship and safety training, advocacy, and workforce development. In addition, they offer opportunities for networking, and their Excellence in Construction Awards allow them to showcase members’ project successes. The organization helps their members and their members’ employees with the opportunity to succeed, by winning work, and delivering that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. ABC strives to be the leading voice for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy of construction in Nebraska. They offer apprenticeship training through the NCCER Curriculum, continuing education, and leadership courses, not only to members, but also to anyone wishing to enter the construction industry for a bountiful career. For information about ABC Cornhusker Chapter, contact Anne Klute at (402) 477-4451 or annek@abcnebraska.org. Please visit the website at www.abcnebraska.org to learn more.