Founded in 1870, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (www.LCOC.com) is a membership organization that provides services and programs to help businesses grow and thrive in our local economy. The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce promotes a positive business climate in Lincoln, serving as the primary advocate for business growth along with being a constructive community partner that works with government and education entities. Jaime Henning is the Director of Events and Corporate Relations for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
Tell us a little about your role at the Chamber. – I lead the Membership Development efforts along with event marketing and communications for the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, which is Lincoln’s leading business organization with over 1,600+ businesses and one strong voice for business advocacy and growth. I also work with the Lincoln Partnership for Economic Development and Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau. I serve as the lead for the Lincoln Young Professionals Group as well, which empowers young local leaders and boasts over 900 members, one of the largest in the country.
How did you get started in the organization? – I have a degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications so it wasn’t a leap to work for a business organization. A friend told me the Chamber may be a good fit and I called our president, Wendy Birdsall, and the rest is history.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – More hours in the day to do everything I want to pursue, accomplish, and be inspired by.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I’m proud to be one of only two in the state and 520 in the country to receive my Certified Chamber Executive (CCE), the highest designation in the country for Chamber professionals. I’ve also served on the U.S. Chamber Board of Regents for Winter Institute and have been part of the Five Star Accredited Lincoln Chamber team for over 15 years.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to be outdoors hiking and camping with Carey and my lab Ranger. Most people who know me from my day job wouldn’t guess that I am so “outdoorsy.” I also like to cook (my mom is a chef) and golf when I get a chance.
What are you the most proud of? – I am a great lover of my city. My ability to connect with people in a meaningful way and connect them to any new project I am passionate about is something I am proud of. Working with our team on the Lincoln Branding Project, Guardians of Freedom Airshows and our entry in the Guinness Book of World records for our Lincoln Logs project were some of the high points.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – I love to DJ; I have many Spotify playlists and music is a great passion of mine.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – I work with incredible businesses that make a difference in Lincoln every day, but I’m passionate about animal rescue and the people who have hearts dedicated to that cause.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – I am an avid reader so here is my latest list: Radical Self Love by Gala Darling; The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Gullibeau; Thrive by Arianna Huffington; and Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor by Sylvia Ann Hewlett.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 436-2366, via email at jaimehenning@LCOC.com, our website at www.LCOC.com. I am also on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.