Newsletter
Transcription
Newsletter
LIBA LIBA L I N C O L N I N D E P E N D E N T B U S I N E S S A S S O C I AT I O N BOARD Chairman Steve Hughes Chairman-Elect Bill Lien Vice-Chairman Paige Zutavern Secretary Matt Fox Treasurer Doug Wyatt Directors John Berry, Jr. Jim Christo Robin Eschliman Darlene Fletcher Robert Panzer Charlotte Ralston Ray Stevens Corrine Sturdy Kent Thompson Ross Von Minden Jack Zohner Past Chairmen David Pauley Mark Hunzeker Joe Bolubasz Tim Cox Doug Carey Connie Hilligoss Dean Hoag John Hoppe Jr. Tom Klein Peter Katt Jeff White Richard Meginnis Connie Jensen Steve Bowen Randy Harre Hub Hall Larry Anderson Pat Kahm Joe Hampton Russ Bayer Debby Brehm Ron Ecklund Bruce Bailey Fred Duven Arlene Sorensen Bob Bryant Ron Lockard Scott Stewart Hank Buis Marty Miller Dan Roth Ken Wentz Bob Sikyta Jack Lorenzen President & CEO Coby Mach General Counsel Jerry Pigsley COMMITTEE CHAIRS Advisory David Pauley Budget Monitoring John Baylor Convention Steve Hughes Foundation Paige Zoz Government Caucus Jason Christensen Membership Debby Brehm PAC Bruce Bailey Public Relations Phil Young School Liaison Wanda Caffrey Legislative Action Ken Svoboda Youth Dustin Lottman DECEMBER 2015 Luncheon Program Speaker of the Legislature, Galen Hadley, will be our guest speaker. Galen Hadley Monday, December 21, 11:30 am Holiday Inn Downtown, 9th & P As always, the monthly LIBA LUNCHEON is open to all LIBA Members and their guests with no advance reservation required. The buffet line will open at 11:30 am, the meeting begins at 12:00 noon and ends promptly at 1:00 pm. The luncheon cost is $12.00, but there is no charge to just attend the meeting. There is free parking in the Holiday Inn garage while it lasts. LIBA Luncheon Host: Kenl Inn Downtown Meet and Greet with 16 Senators at the December Luncheon: Adam Morfeld Al Davis Laura Ebke Mark Kolterman Beau McCoy Mike Gloor Dan Watermeier David Schnoor Nicole Fox Patty Pansing Brooks Jim Smith Roy Baker John Kuehn Kate Bolz Tommy Garrett Rick Kolowski Let LIBA Members Know Who You Are. Consider advertising in this newsletter. For a wide range of rates & details call 466-3419. www.liba.org Dear LIBA Members: No doubt it is that time of year when you are planning your Christmas and seeing many family and friends you miss throughout the year. It really is a special time of the year. I want to take this time to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We as LIBA members, have had many challenges before us, but with these challenges there are ample examples all over America of what works and of what does not work, in promoting free enterprise and lessening taxes and regulation on small business. The success story I am about to tell you took place in our neighboring state of Kansas. Under the leadership of Governor Sam Brownback, the state of Kansas cut income taxes by 30 percent. About 71 percent of that went to families and individuals and 29 percent went to small business. Nearly every county in Kansas saw improvement in net income between 2012 and 2013, due to the Brownback income tax cuts. One of the headlines read: “$486 Million In Growth Later, Kansas' Historic Tax Cut Should Set Example For Neighbors.” Rex Sinquefield contributor to Forbes and the Adjusted Gross Income increased by $486 million. We just happen to be one of the neighbors they set the example for and what a great example they are. Recently released figures show that, in 2013 alone, more than ten thousand taxpayers moved from Missouri to Kansas. According to Sinquefield, The jump in net income per tax return averaged $17,467 per return, meaning the people who are heading to Kansas have more money to spend, save, and invest there. I saw this same thing happen when we lived in South Dakota. Under the leadership of Governor Bill Janklow in the 1980's, companies from Minnesota moved their businesses across the border in droves to save enormous amounts of money in lower taxes and less regulation. So the people of Kansas are finding themselves in a more promising economic climate, with an individual income tax rate of 4.6 percent and a small-business income tax rate of zero. Johnson County alone pulled in an additional $26,701 per individual income tax return! 2 So yes, revenues are increasing but there is a problem, government spending is increasing even more. You can't cut taxes without cutting government spending. Remember, spending is the main problem. According to the WSJ, the governor is filling those gaps by moving money from highway projects and delaying some public pension contributions. He has also proposed raising cigarette and alcohol taxes and pausing some of the tax cuts still scheduled to take effect. But the Governor insists that the state will maintain a balanced budget and at the same time “continue our march to zero income taxes.” Also, state revenues grew and continue to grow more than two years following the historic tax cuts. According to Secretary Jordan, the State of Kansas brought $70 million more in 2015 than it did in 2014. This tax-cut plan for Kansas is bringing more people to the state, growing the Gross Domestic Product and state tax revenues, growing jobs, and offering increased opportunities. The year the tax cut became law, Kansas welcomed 8,666 first-time tax filers These success stories do not happen without tremendous resistance. I just finished reading Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky where he spells out the agenda for the left to divide America to destroy our free enterprise system. Our leaders are hearing from them, and that is why we need to continue to grow LIBA so they also hear how the issues affect small businesses. Coby Mach and the LIBA staff are representing us at the City council and State legislature. The biggest stick we can give Coby is more members which gives him greater influence. Coby doesn't give testimony before them on behalf of himself, but for the 1,340 members he represents. Our goal is to have 1,400 members, but we cannot get there without your help. Please visit www.LIBA. org. Steve Hughes, Chairman December 2015 NEW MEMBER PROFILE Adam Cook Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial 5539 S27th Malcom Ne 68512 402-430-5483 When did the business start, what is your role and what needs/services does it provide to the community? Modern Woodmen of America was founded in 1883, as a Financial Representative for a fraternal financial services organization I provide services and products to help clients reach their dreams and goals through a needs based planning. Through our fraternal programs we aim to improve the quality of life for our members. What do you enjoy best about your job? The best thing about my job is being able to help individuals on such a personal level and finding the best plan that fits their situation. Also impacting the community for the better and knowing that you’re making a difference. Any background info: Where raised, college, past work experiences, family, hobbies, involvement with other organizations, associations or volunteer work? I was raised in a small town of Malcolm, Ne and enjoy playing basketball, volleyball and softball recreationally. I have been involved with volunteering at the YMCA, Tabitha, Lancaster manor, Light house and Peoples City Mission. Why/How did you hear about and Join LIBA? I was told and got to experience all the great benefits of LIBA from Janell Folkerts. December 2015 3 HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE: THE NAUGHTY LIST By Jerry L. Pigsley and Kelly M. Ekeler WOODS & AITKEN LLP LIBA General Counsel Unlawful harassment is a form of employment discrimination characterized by unwelcome behavior based on a legally protected characteristic such as age, race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, disability, or national origin. Harassment is unlawful where enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment, or the conduct is severe enough to create a hostile work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating or abusive. Although a large percent of employment discrimination charges never make it to court, for those pursued in court the median judgment is $200,000. See 2015 Hiscox Guide to Employee Lawsuits; EEOC FY 2014 Enforcement and Litigation Statistics. It is estimated that 19% of charges not pursued to court nonetheless result in average settlement costs of $125,000. Id. In addition to expense, time is also a factor. Even a charge not pursued in court takes an average of 275 days to resolve. Id. Thus, once an employee makes a charge, the company can expect to be involved in defending against the charge for at least the next 9 months. The employer is automatically liable for harassment by a supervisor that results in a negative employment action such as termination, failure to promote or hire, or loss of wages. If the supervisor's harassment results in a hostile work environment, the employer is liable unless it can prove it took reasonable remedial measures and the employee failed to take advantage of such measures. In summary, “naughty” supervisors expose the company to expensive risks. Memorable supervisors on the naughty list include: • Just One Touch – A temporary employee filed a harassment charge alleging the CFO blocked her path, commented he wouldn’t “mind” taking her away, and loitered around her work area. The temporary employee also claimed that on one occasion, he came up from behind as she stood in a doorway, grabbed her waist, and pushed himself against her. The judge allowed the charge to proceed to trial and reasoned that while the balance of the conduct was not severe enough to constitute harassment, the alleged physical touching in the doorway may constitute harassment. See JO HN • Horrible Bosses – A waiter alleged his manager harassed him after he rejected her romantically. According to the waiter, the manager retaliated against him by imposing harsh discipline and giving him bad table assignments. The waiter also alleged the manager pursued him with unwelcome conduct, including: putting her hands in his pockets and grabbing him, pressing herself against him, asking him to kiss her, leering at him as he changed uniforms, and telling him she missed seeing him naked. See Turner v. The Saloon, 595 F.3d 679 (7th Cir. 2010). The court found the conduct was severe enough to constitute harassment and the waiter could pursue a harassment claim against the restaurant. • (Not-So) Fatal Attraction – An insurance sales manager alleged his supervisor harassed him by: complimenting his appearance, clothing, and cologne; touching his back and buttocks to demonstrate back pain; directing him to participate in a body-fat contest and requiring him to wear a speedo as part of the contest; and repeatedly asking him to join the supervisor for drinks at a company event. See McElroy v. American Family Insurance No. 14–4134 (10th Cir., Oct. 30, 2015). The court concluded the conduct was not severe enough to constitute harassment and affirmed dismissal of the manager’s harassment claim against the company. LIBA members can reduce your company’s exposure to a harassment charge by updating your workplace harassment policy and providing meaningful harassment training to all employees, including management, on a regular basis. Editor’s Note: This article is not intended to provide legal advice to our readers. Rather, this article is intended to alert our readers to new and developing issues and to provide some common sense answers to complex legal questions. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel or the authors of this article if the reader wishes to obtain a specific legal opinion regarding how these legal standards may apply to their particular circumstances. The authors of this article, Jerry L. Pigsley and Kelly M. Ekeler can be contacted at (402) 437-8500 or [email protected] or [email protected] or at Woods & Aitken LLP, 301 S. 13th Street, Suite 500, Lincoln, NE 68508-2578. give security . HE NR Y ’S 435-5555 No Overtime - 7 days a week - 7am-7pm 24 hr. service is available “Request Work Online at www.jhlincoln.com” 4 Jones v. Family Health Centers of Baltimore, No. JKB–14–762 (D. Maryland, Sept. 28, 2015). Join us. unitedwaylincoln.org December 2015 RELEASED: 1st Half 2015 Market Report THE RIGHT ADVISOR. A DIFFFERENCE MAKER. Market Insights Get the latest, in-depth information and analysis of Lincoln’s commercial real estate market. Our research and professionals are on top of all the latest trends and intel to look beyond the numbers to help you make faster, better-informed real estate decisions. To learn more, call 402 441 5800 or visit www.naifmarealty.com. LIBA_9-2015_Ad.indd 1 December 2015 DOWNLOAD REPORT 8/25/2015 2:45:44 PM 5 If technology isn’t your business, make it ours. As your business grows, it will become more reliant on technology. If technology isn’t your business, it can be difficult to determine what your business really needs, or the costs may seem to outweigh the benefits. Contact the pros at P&L Technology. We’ll apply our nology to your business and provide a higher level of service for a flat, affordable monthly subscription. 100% Accountable Tech Support Microsoft Office 365 Deployment Network Management & I.T. Consulting Software & Server Updates Service Desk/Help Desk Back Up Management Cloud Services Antivirus Protection & Network/Firewall Security Remote Access & Monitoring Spam Filtering & Email Services Server Management & Hardware Procurement Disaster Recovery & Encryption NO SURPRISES – JUST RESULTS. Our technology solutions will work for your business. pltechnology.com/liba1 NOLOGY. It’s so much more than tech. Lincoln 402.742.0118 | pltechnology.com/liba1 | marketing@ pltechnology.com 6 December 2015 Kenl Inn Downtown is Lincoln’s premier doggie daycare, grooming, and training center – all conveniently located along Antelope Valley in Downtown. Kenl Inn has been proudly serving Lincoln’s pet population since 1988 – and Downtown since September 2014. Our brand-new, state of the art facility was built from the ground up for the safety and security of the dogs trusted to our care. When your family’s dog stays for doggie daycare Downtown, he’ll get to experience over 10,000 square feet of play area – both indoor and outdoor. Our outdoor play areas include all kinds of toys, water features, and even playground equipment for a tail waggin’ good time! Our team of courteous, friendly, professional pet care specialists is skillfully trained to provide your family’s dog with the highest quality care. Our specialists maintain a clean, safe, fun environment for dogs (and their humans!) to enjoy. This year the Kenl Inn family was honored to receive the Best of Lincoln Award for pet boarding and grooming. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence & encourage you to visit us Downtown and see what makes doggie daycare at Kenl Inn the Best of Lincoln. From All Of Us At Kenl Inn Downtown, Yappy Holidays! December 2015 7 THE RIGHT TO JURY TRIAL Perry A. Pirsch, Esq. BERRY LAW FIRM November 22, 2015 Groucho Marx said, “I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.” All kidding aside, for business owners, when are jury trials available and are they always beneficial? The Seventh Amendment guarantees a right to jury trial in civil suits where the value of the controversy exceeds 20 dollars – about $550 adjusted for inflation. Similarly, the Nebraska Constitution provides the right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. By Nebraska statute, a party in most cases, even a business entity, may demand a jury trial. Some examples include contract disputes, the value of attorney services, a contested garnishment, and liability and damages in personal injury cases. Nebraska courts have also found no right to jury trials in equitable actions, such as enjoining defendants, workmen's compensation cases, foreclosure actions, contempt proceedings, the removal of guardian, probate proceedings, specific performance cases, etc. (Also note jury trials are rejected in criminal cases arising from local ordinances, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of 6 months or less imprisonment.) We didn’t want her to have to work again.” You cannot separate emotion from a jury. A tremendous amount of research has been conducted whether certain persons make more sympathetic jurors than others, based on gender, religion, or level or education. Attorneys work with clients to determine whether it’s the clients’ best interests to waive a jury trial, or to determine what types of juror demographics are beneficial for their case. Attorneys also work with clients to select the most beneficial jury instructions, and assist clients with both peremptory challenges and challenges for cause, to rid a jury panel of potentially problematic jurors. Finally, even when a jury verdict is reached, it is not beyond scrutiny. The Court may set aside a verdict so clearly excessive or inadequate as to induce the belief that it must have been found through passion, prejudice or mistake. Where the right to a jury trial is provided, a party may waive his right; however, if a jury is paneled, it will have exclusive power to determine any controverted facts and, as instructed by the judge, apply the law to the facts. How jurors reach their determinations is generally not subject to review, unless a juror: 1) was exposed to extraneous evidence; 2) received improper influence (bribe or threat); or 3) made a mistake on the verdict form. Thus, while uncommon, jurors are at liberty to ignore judges’ instructions to follow their conscience, known as jury nullification. There are good reasons to believe a jury may be more sympathetic than a judge, even when contrary to law. I once polled a juror after an employment discrimination trial, who said, “We felt sorry for the defendant, who didn’t have any education and couldn’t find a job. 8 December 2015 December 2015 9 Welcome our new members to LIBA! A-J Roofing & Waterproofing Co. Alan Jacobsen 550 West P Street Lincoln, NE 68528 Fundamental Athletics Academy Ann Erickson 8400 Cody Drive Lincoln, NE 68512 402-730-3539 Angela Isom Portraiture, LLC Angela Isom 6033 S. 78th Street Lincoln, NE 68516 402-890-3807 BigShots Indoor Range LLC James & Teresa Clark 399 Sun Valley Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68528 402-432-2812 Blown Marcie Morris 801 R Street, Suite 3 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-840-1284 Cigarz Lounge Dave Warneke 1906 Gunnison Drive Lincoln, NE 68521 Farm Bureau Financial Services Katie Rawson 5225 S. 16th Street Lincoln, NE 68512 402-421-4737 FuturesOne David Fiala PO Box 85205 Lincoln, NE 68501 402-434-2170 Here's Your Sign Matt & Kim McKee 2432 N. 12th Street Lincoln, NE 68521 402-429-4247 Integrity Exterior Solutions Tom Buck 1524 Pioneers Blvd. Lincoln, NE 68502 402-730-3077 Lincoln Escape Room Jake Jensen 3700 S. 9th Street, Suite D Lincoln, NE 68502 402-432-7306 Milan Laser Hair Removal Rondee Traylor 8550 Andermatt Drive Lincoln, NE 68526 402-327-0001 Modern Vintage M. Leanne Mulligan 3645 Woods Ave. Lincoln, NE 68510 402-853-4665 My Bridge Jill Hitchcock 3335 Van Dorn Street Lincoln, NE 68506 402-560-4687 Realty Works Matt Kirkland 847 S. 48th Street Lincoln, NE 68510 402-483-1214 Restore A Muscle Car Dave Hall 11850 N. 56th Street Lincoln, NE 68514 402-465-5756 Securitas Demetrius Ross 233 S 13th Street #1555 Lincoln, NE 68505 402-488-9011 tbrock, inc. Tony Brock 5625 O Street #109 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-467-3303 The Funky Sister Debbe Andrews 3544 S. 48th Street #B Lincoln, NE 68506 402-304-0093 The Happy Raven Matt Myers 122 N. 11th Street Lincoln, NE 68508 402-742-0004 Watson's Auto Service Troy Watson 3030 N. 33rd Street Lincoln, NE 68504 402-325-0139 New Member Phone Correction Black Oak Builders and Russell Remodeling, LLC 402-890-5510 10 December 2015 Why? I gain an hour. Both directions. Yep. Less time on the road. I love our hometown airport. SHARE THE L VE. Check LNK every time you fly. L I N CO L N A I R P O R T. CO M December 2015 11 all things Apple. all things Local. 235 S. 70th St. Lincoln, NE 402.483.6400 12 December 2015 New Lincoln Fire Chief Must Commit To Keeping a Promise By Coby Mach The LIBA Board of Directors has become very concerned about the city keeping a promise regarding a new tax. A few weeks ago, Mayor Beutler announced finalists for the position of Lincoln Fire Chief. As the hiring process continues, the Lincoln Independent Business Association would like to remind the Mayor that this administration’s actions related to fire department management and expansion will be watched closely throughout the coming year to ensure that taxpayers are not the losers in a drawn out political chess match. Whoever is hired for the position must be someone who will keep the city’s previous promise to the taxpayers regarding our staffing needs. Our concern grows from another of Mayor Beutler’s recent press conferences outlining the administration’s top goals and priorities over the next year, during which he informed the community that we need to hire more firefighters. Mayor Beutler’s proclamation that the City of Lincoln must hire additional firefighters was met by serious disbelief from many of our members. Just a year ago, the Mayor went to the Lincoln City Council and Lincoln taxpayers asking them to approve an increase in the city sales tax to pay for updates to the city’s 9-1-1 system and the construction of four new fire stations. At the time, members of the Beutler administration December 2015 repeatedly and unequivocally declared that although new fire stations would be constructed, no additional firefighters would need to be hired. A little more than three months after the close of the polls, and after receiving the endorsement of the Lincoln Fire Fighters Association in that race, Mayor Beutler now suggests that alleged “public safety challenges” require “increasing the number of firefighters.” In support of this assertion, the Mayor cites rising numbers of medical and fire incidents “over the past decade.” It is puzzling that a need for additional firefighters based on the past ten years of statistics did not exist during the campaign for an increased city sales tax this year. The fact that this need arises so quickly after the Mayor’s reelection and on the heels of the fire union’s eleventh-hour endorsement is appalling. As the administration works to address a number of changes in the Lincoln Fire Department related to its leadership and begins the construction of new fire stations, the Mayor’s proposal for the hiring of additional firefighters at direct cost to the taxpayers will not go unchallenged. LIBA voiced support for the recent sales tax initiative based in part on the assurances of the administration that no new firefighters would be needed. These types of political games where officials play hide the ball, are not what Nebraska politics is about. Lincoln taxpayers deserve better. 13 14 December 2015 December 2015 15 LIBA Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to LIBA Members Jethro Hopkins and Jason Wollen. They just opened their new business, No Coast Business Advisors at 4316 S. 48th Street, Suite 1! Please mark your calendars and join us for our next ribbon cuttings: • Friday, December 18th at 10:00 a.m. at Edge Men’s and Women’s Apparel, 1501 Pine Lake Rd #11, Lincoln, NE. If you’re opening a new business or relocating and are interested in a ribbon cutting, please call the LIBA Office, 402-466-3419. Press Release Berry Law Firm Attorneys Serving on Criminal Defense Board On October 17th, John S. Berry concluded his one year term as the President of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association at a banquet at Pasta Amore in Omaha. During that meeting, Berry Law Firm attorney Justin Kalemkiarian was announced as a Board Member for the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and the Membership Chair. Past Presidents of the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association include attorney John Stevens Berry, Sr., who was a founding member and served his term in the 1980s. Berry Law Firm represents individuals charged with felonies and other serious crimes. The firm was established in 1965 by John Stevens Berry, Sr. 16 December 2015 December 2015 17 18 December 2015 Renewal Members Remember to do business with LIBA Members! ABC Supply All Care Inc. Art F/X Barry's Bar & Grill Berry Law Firm Berry Law Firm Berry Law Firm Charter Title & Escrow Services Inc. CJ Burleigh Real Estate, PC Commercial Investment Properties Communication Works Company Care Complete Cabling Solutions Copple Insurance Agency, Inc. Crown Global Consulting Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP Directions EAP, LLC Edge Men's & Women's Apparel Emerald Communities: The Independence House & The Autumn House Erickson & Sederstrom, P.C. Erickson Sullivan Architects/FOODLINES EyeCare Specialties Headsetters Heads-Up Hocking & Reid, LLC Home Real Estate Home Real Estate Inspirmedia Interim HealthCare of Lincoln Kaplan University Kidwell Inc. Krueger Development LaRue Coffee LeadBelly Livingston Investments Mainelli Wagner & Assoc. Inc. Mattson, Ricketts, Davies, Stewart & Calkins Midlands Mechanical Mosier/Timperley Chiropractic Clinic National Pharmacy Nebraska Cigar Festival NeighborWorks Lincoln New Horizons Enterprises, LLC Outdoor Solutions Paul Davis Restoration Paychex Inc. Petal Creations Prairie Creek Inn Bed & Breakfast Precast Products & Landscape Village RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts REAMS Red Thread Rembolt Ludtke Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center Sartor Hamann Inc Schrock Innovations, Inc. Security First Bank Sportscasters Bar & Grill Truck Equipment Service Co. Tuscany Townhomes Whitehead Oil Company WRK, LLC Yankee Hill Veterinary Hospital Youth for Christ/Campus Life December 2015 Don Bell Steven Busboom Kevin Sherrill Kevin Duffy John Berry Michael Koberlein Perry Pirsch Kim Northey Connie Burleigh Tom Schleich Carol Bowen Joanne Bartels Matthew Innis Arnie Johansen Paul Berggren Tom Obrist Kari Hasemann - Herbert Nikki Saathoff 8200 Fletcher Ave. 1080 Saltillo Road 7400 Crosslake Ln. #1 235 N. 9th Street 2650 N. 48th St. 2650 N. 48th St. 2650 N 48th St 6333 Apples' Way, Suite 115 3140 Browning Street 8525 Executive Woods Drive 1540 S 70th, Suite 101 5000 N. 26th St, Suite 200 701 South Coddington Ave 1640 L St, Suite A 6221 S. 58th St., Suite F 1248 O St # 500 3930 South St., Suite 101 1501 Pine Lake Road, Suite 11 Lincoln, NE 68507 Roca, NE 68430 Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68508 Lincoln, NE 68504 Lincoln, NE 68504 Lincoln, NE 68504 Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68512 Lincoln, NE 68506 Lincoln, NE 68521 Lincoln, NE 68522 Lincoln, NE 68508 Lincoln, NE 68516 Lincoln, NE 68501 Lincoln, NE 68506 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-477-7300 402-421-3779 402-421-2611 402-476-6511 402-466-8444 402-466-8444 402-466-8444 402-435-1244 402-770-8960 402-436-3400 402-480-3152 402-475-6656 Ext.347 402-416-6777 402-475-3213 402-817-0123 402-479-9300 402-434-2900 402-328-0151 Marsha Stork Alan Wood Dave Erickson & Scott Sullivan Austin Mackrill Suzy Steinke Gary Thies Bruce Hocking, CPA Chuck Waldron Bernard Divis Phil Grimpo Mark Helling Jason Lemon Justin Peppard Rick Krueger Verlyn L'Heureux Mike Martin Mary Jo Livingston Mark W. Mainelli J.L. Spray Gil Balboa Dr. David L. Timperley Lyndon Leitner Stacy Griffin Michael A. Renken Heather Piersol John Hendricks Lorrie Struve Joan Kurtenbach Stacy A. Griffin Bruce Stahr Jim/Sue Crawford John Grady Jeni Meyer Bryce Bousquet Adam Kroft Andy S. Pollock Kim Moore Rick Hamann Thor Schrock John Daubert Dave Moreland Debbie L. Cole Blake Collingsworth Mark Whitehead Linda Hubka Will Scott Michael Brown Matt Schulte Larry Hudkins, County Commissioner Dan Roth Troy Hawk Mary Ellen Hook Jack Schneider D.D.S. Brock Smith Steve Bowen P.O. Box 85321 301 S. 13th St, Suite 400 209 S. 9th St. 7930 O Street 7758 Cass Street 2134 S. 56th Street 5757 S. 34th St, Suite 100 2128 N. 67th Street 5120 S. 67th Street 461 N. 66th Street, Suite 3 6040 S. 58th St. 1821 K Street 3333 Folkways Cir. 8200 Cody Dr, Suite F 2631 S. 156 Circle 301 N. 8th Street 1230 O Street, Suite 105 6920 Van Dorn St. Ste A 134 S. 13th St, Suite 1200 5931 Gillan Road 4645 Normal Blvd, Suite 200 3306 A St. 5310 S. 56th Street, Suite 2 2240 Q St. 1201 D Street P.O. Box 22189 3641 S. 6th Street 2637 South 158th Plaza, Suite 100 5310 S. 56th St, Suite 2 2400 S. 148th Street 1010 S. Coddington Ave. 7524 Blanchard Blvd 7921 S. 97th Bay 6001 S. 57th St 800 P Street, Suite 201 3 Landmark Centre 1128 Lincoln Mall, Suite 300 555 S. 70th St. 1150 O Street 2801 Pine Lake Rd, Suite A 5505 Red Rock Ln 3048 N. 70th Street 800 Oak St. 9435 Hollow Tree Ct. 2537 Randolph 440 N. 8th St, Suite 140 2829 Jamie Lane 6401 Pine Lake Road 555 So. 10th St 1125 Lamplighter Ln. 1821 St. Michaels Rd. 6500 Taylor Park Drive 5310 S. 56th St, Suite 3 4760 Union Hill Rd 8934 Lammle Cir Lincoln, NE 68501 402-475-7755 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-476-1000 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-475-1787 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-420-2020 Omaha, NE 68114 402-572-0350 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-730-0641 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-441-0140 Lincoln, NE 68505 402-202-7552 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-432-8723 Lincoln, NE 68505 402-483-7433 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-421-7920 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-474-5315 Lincoln, NE 68504 402-475-9151 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-423-7377 Omaha, NE 68130 402-333-9099 Ext. 105 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-261-8849 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-792-2108 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-421-1717 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-475-8433 Lincoln, NE 68505 402-817-1412 Lincoln, NE 68506 402-483-6633 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-476-6231 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-6500 Lincoln, NE 68503 402-477-7181 Lincoln, NE 68502 402-261-8130 Lincoln, NE 68542 402-420-1477 Lincoln, NE 68502 402-474-1414 Omaha, NE 68130 402-881-9178 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-6500 Walton, NE 68461 402-488-8822 Lincoln, NE 68522 402-477-2255 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-450-5826 Lincoln, NE 68526 402-770-6624 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-0120 Lincoln, NE 68508 847-544-8628 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-475-5100 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-219-7700 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-476-8561 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-9595 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-323-8045 Lincoln, NE 68507 402-466-6679 Lincoln, NE 68521 402-476-3225 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-730-5838 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-435-3509 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-477-6767 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-421-8111 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-420-7475 Lincoln, NE 68508 402-796-2254 Lincoln, NE 68510 402-489-6123 Lincoln, NE 68512 402-416-7796 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-467-1264 Lincoln, NE 68516 402-423-2900 Lincoln, NE 68516 816-726-4986 Lincoln, NE 68526 19 LIBA Foundation End of Year Letter Dear LIBA Member, The challenges of business are great, so it is more important than ever to have a strong and effective business association like LIBA as your partner. Along with your business, the LIBA Foundation supports LIBA’s efforts to look out for the best interest of your business. LIBA wants to ensure our business community is not left behind in the global marketplace of ideas, jobs and economic prosperity and the LIBA Foundation is helping in that effort. Since its creation in 1996, the LIBA Foundation’s mission has been to educate, strengthen and support the Lincoln business community through youth education, charitable donations, entrepreneurial assistance and the perpetuation of LIBA itself. The LIBA Foundation has directed key resources to assist with Lincoln Public Schools Student Vote to help fund 11 annual scholarships awarded by the LIBA Youth Committee and to provide funding for other programs in which LIBA members can participate. The LIBA Foundation is proud to have helped fund LIBA’s fully equipped conference room, which is available for all LIBA members to use. Contact the LIBA office for more information. With the end of the year quickly approaching, now is an excellent time to make a donation to the LIBA Foundation. You’ll receive your tax benefit this year and be confident you’re donating to a cause that supports your business, our youth and our local businesses. As a 501(c)(3) organization, donations made to the LIBA Foundation are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. Have a safe and happy holiday season and remember that with your help, the LIBA Foundation will continue to make Lincoln a great place to do business! With appreciation,  Paige Zoz Foundation President 20 December 2015 School Liaison Committee The School Liaison Committee discussed the focus of its legislative agenda this month. A number of ideas were considered, and the committee forwarded a few of those to the Board of Directors for consideration to incorporate them into LIBA’s legislative agenda for the 2016 session of the Nebraska Unicameral. The Committee will be continuing to monitor LPS matters over the coming months. At both the direction of the School Liaison Committee and the LIBA Board of Directors, LIBA staff testified at a Unicameral hearing related to the funding of education in our state and our heavy reliance on property taxes. LIBA staff provided testimony asking the Revenue and Education committees to look at ways to adjust the current formula for providing state aid to school districts so that they will not be incentivized to maintain their maximum levy. If school districts were given just a little more leeway in adjusting their property tax levy without the threat of decreased funding, it would be easier for them to be responsive to local taxpayers. Legislative Action Committee The Legislative Action Committee met this month to determine its proposed legislative priorities for the 2016 session of the Nebraska Legislature. The committee’s proposed agenda was then submitted to the LIBA Board of Directors for final approval. LIBA’s final 2016 Legislative Priorities will be announced at this month’s LIBA Luncheon on December 21st. December 2015 Budget Monitoring Committee The Budget Monitoring Committee met this month and was able to discuss both city and public school issues with a few elected officials. Notably, Matt Schulte of the LPS Board reported on the district’s recent decision to complete an audit of the special education program. The audit will be conducted over the upcoming year and will focus on both financial and performance evaluation, allowing the district to better determine how it is meeting the needs of our special needs students. Tom suggested that donations be made to local charities that can better provide the care and services needed to help people get back on their feet. City Councilman Jon Camp also met with the Committee and explained a few of the issues the City Council is currently considering. The most recent issue Councilman Camp has been working on is an Ordinance which would require council approval of city contracts of a certain amount. Under the current process, the mayor’s office can spend money on contracts for goods and services without council approval unless the amount exceeds $250,000. Councilman Camp has suggested that contracts valued at more than $50,000 be approved or be shopped out to at least three firms for “bids” or “quotes” to determine the most effective and affordable option for completion. GP Customs Coffee & Contacts P & L Technology will host LIBA members at their location at 4001 S. 8th Street, Suite 101, for our GP Customs Coffee and Contacts on December 16, 2015, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. This networking event is free to attend. Bring a guest and come enjoy coffee and company. Government Caucus Our Government Caucus met with Pastor Tom Barber of the People’s City Mission to discuss issues related to homelessness and panhandling throughout Lincoln. Pastor Barber provided good insight into how he believes providing panhandlers with loose change fails to help homeless individuals. Rather than simply providing panhandlers with money, Pastor Bizco Biznet Our next monthly Bizco Biznet will be held December 10, 2015, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Joysticks at their location in the Railyard at 350 Canopy Street, Suite 230. Join us for free food and a great networking opportunity. The event is free and open to all LIBA members. LIBA Luncheon This month’s LIBA Luncheon is scheduled for December 21, 2015, at the Holiday Inn Downtown. The lunch presentation will focus on the upcoming legislative session, and will feature an unveiling of LIBA’s 2016 legislative priorities. Our keynote speaker will be Senator Galen Hadley, Speaker of the Nebraska Unicameral. There will be a number of State Senators in attendance. Lunch is $12, begins at 11:30 a.m., and is served buffet style. If you do not wish to eat, the luncheon is free and open to the public. Parking is also free in the Holiday Inn parking garage as long as it is available. 21 DOES YOUR BUSINESS NEED A NEW LOOK? COMMERCIAL BLINDS SCREEN ROLLER SHADES FREE MEASURE, QUOTE AND INSTALLATION EFFICIENT TURNAROUND FIRE RATED MANAGE LIGHT/HEAT GLARE CONTROL S P E C I A LT Y S H A P E S MOTORIZATION Sherri Tafoya Susan Hall Rhonda Cash LINCOLN 6101 S. 56th St | 402.730.2000 22 December 2015 December 2015 23 Lincoln Independent Business Association 620 North 48th Street, #205 Lincoln, NE 68504 (402) 466-3419 FAX: (402) 466-7926 Presort Std. U.S. Postage PAID Lincoln, NE Permit No. 1122 Address Service Requested December-January MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1415161718 Budget Monitoring Committee, LIBA Office, 7:30 a.m. Convention Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Advisory Committee, Nebraska Club, 11:45 a.m. 2122232425 LIBA Luncheon, Holiday Inn Downtown, 11:30 a.m. No Government Caucus Meeting No Public Relations Committee Meeting Happy Holidays! 28293031 JANUARY 1 45678 Membership Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m.. School Liaison, LIBA Office, 11:45 p.m. Convention Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Legislative Action, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Foundation, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. 1112131415 Youth Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Convention Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Board of Directors, Nebraska Club, 11:30 a.m. 1819202122 LIBA Luncheon, Holiday Inn Downtown, 11:30 a.m. Budget Monitoring Committee, LIBA Office, 7:30 a.m. Convention Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Advisory Committee, Nebraska Club, 11:45 a.m. 2526272829 Government Caucus, Golden Corral, 11:45 a.m. Convention Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. Public Relations Committee, LIBA Office, 11:45 a.m. 7950 O St. 402-323-4800 Lincoln, NE 68510 FAX 402-323-4848 www.bizco.com