Omaha is a wonderful place to network, grow your sphere of influence, and meet and deepen connections. Here are some of the opportunities to network in the Omaha area for the week of November 4th-10th, 2024. Rotary Groups You’re always welcome to visit a Rotary group in Omaha! These community service groups are perfect for those who want to meet others who want to make the world a better place. If you’d like to be a guest of our publisher Angela Chaney, text her at (402) 890-3406. She’ll be happy to host you or find a host for you at any of the groups. • Omaha Suburban Rotary: Thursdays from 12-1 pm at Legends Patio and Grill, 6920 Pacific St.--Suburban Rotary will also have a Keep Kids Warm Event Tuesday, Nov. 5th fr…

Jason and Michelle Hurt are the founders of Chariots4Hope. After living on Long Island, NY for several years, they felt called by God to move to Omaha where they became franchise owners of Christian Brothers Automotive, a repair shop. After leaving the fast paced corporate life in the Big Apple, it was a blessing to have several months of downtime while they waited for their business to be built. A few months after opening their small business, their hearts started being drawn to single mothers without transportation. They recognized a gap in the Omaha community and how challenging public transportation is. What started as serving families on the side engulfed their hearts and they took a leap of faith and left the business and jumped i…

3922 Farnam Street, Blackstone District Scripton Brewing Company opened its doors on December 1, 2014 in the heart of the Blackstone District at 3924 Farnam St. As a small production brewery, they are focused on their Tap Room. They sublet some of their space to Lazy Buffalo BBQ, which operates a small food/catering operation from within the confines of our Tap Room. Scriptown also runs an event venue, The Kaufmann Room, where they host corporate events, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal and baby showers, and any other type of event to increase their on-premise sales. Scriptown has also offered its venue to non-profits such as the Epilepsy FoundationRetrofest. Why did you decide to open a brewery in Omaha? One …

Completely KIDS serves more than 2,600 KIDS in 16 locations primarily throughout southeast Omaha. This includes public and parochial schools, homeless shelters and the Ronald McDonald House. We also provide services for family members of our KIDS to strengthen their support system. A high percentage of the children we serve are eligible for free or reduced lunch, an indicator of need. In 2019, the federal poverty level for a family of four was annual income of $25,750. Most of the families we serve fall below this. Completely KIDS focuses on a holistic approach to meeting the needs of children and families. This is why we provide nutritious meals and mental health services. Our adult classes help parents learn skills to improve the e…

Omaha is a wonderful place to network, grow your sphere of influence, and meet and deepen connections. Here are some of the opportunities to network in the Omaha area for the week of October 21-27, 2024. Rotary Groups You’re always welcome to visit a Rotary group in Omaha! These community service groups are perfect for those who want to meet others who want to make the world a better place. If you’d like to be a guest of our publisher Angela Chaney, text her at (402) 890-3406. She’ll be happy to host you or find a host for you at any of the groups. • Omaha Suburban Rotary: Thursdays from 12-1 pm at Legends Patio and Grill, 6920 Pacific St.• Rotary Club of Omaha West: Fridays, 12-1 at Charlie’s on the Lake, 4150 S.…

MurryConsult partners with small to medium-sized businesses to deliver tailored HR solutions that grow with you. Our signature 'HR in Box' subscription provides hands-on HR support exactly when you need it—from compliance and handbooks to strategy and employee relations. Often small businesses think they are too small for HR but professional HR management drives business success by boosting employee satisfaction while ensuring compliance. Below is an interview with Nichole Murry, founder and owner of MurryConsult. How long have you been in business and what was yourmotivation for starting the business? At MurryConsult's one-year mark, I am fulfilling my vision of bringing big-company HR expertise to small and med…

The Gabby Krause Foundation DBA Bags of Fun was started in Denver in 2004 in honor of Gabby Krause who passed away after an 18-month battle with a brain tumor. Gabby was diagnosed with brain cancer on her 5 th birthday. Her mother, a schoolteacher, wanted to make sure Gabby continued to play and learn throughout her treatment. It was Gabby’s bag of games, activities, crafts, books and comforting items that she carried with her throughout her battle that became the original Bag of Fun. It was Gabby’s wish that each child battling a life-threatening illness, like her cancer, get a Bag of Fun. In 2019, Gabby’s Aunt and Uncle, Amy and Andy Krause, brought Bags of Fun to Omaha. Bags of Fun Omaha has been going strong ever since…

For golf lovers everywhere, the idea of an indoor golf facility that’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with top of the line, full swing simulators and some of the most popular courses in the world sounds like a faraway dream. For golfers in Omaha, it’s now a reality, thanks to franchise owner Mercedes Fonte. This August, Mercedes opened Omaha’s (and the Midwest’s) first The Back Nine Golf in Regency and golf enthusiasts everywhere are rejoicing—and improving their game. The best part, according to some Omaha golf lovers, is being able to play during the winter. Before The Back Nine Before The Back Nine, Mercedes lived in Miami where she had two previous careers in the hospitality and finance industries. Her…

Omaha is a wonderful place to network, grow your sphere of influence, and meet and deepen connections. Here are some of the opportunities to network in the Omaha area for the week of October 21-27, 2024. Rotary Groups You’re always welcome to visit a Rotary group in Omaha! These community service groups are perfect for those who want to meet others who want to make the world a better place. If you’d like to be a guest of our publisher Angela Chaney, text her at (402) 890-3406. She’ll be happy to host you or find a host for you at any of the groups. • Omaha Suburban Rotary: Thursdays from 12-1 pm at Legends Patio and Grill, 6920 Pacific St.• Rotary Club of Omaha West: Fridays, 12-1 at Charlie’s on the Lake, 4150 S. …

When Jake Kannas was in college, he began an internship in the employee benefits industry and discovered he had a passion for helping people with their insurance and benefits needs. He excelled at learning the intricacies of the business, which led him to a career as an Employee Benefits Broker for Holmes Murphy after graduation. He specializes in small business health insurance and consults with small businesses in Nebraska and helps guide them through the confusing world of health insurance. Below is an interview with Jake: How has the business grown over the years? We all know that health insurance is becoming increasingly expensive and complex. This makes it essential for businesses to have a solution to navigate this …

Personal Stylist Tina Schwahn from Omaha is on a mission to help women and men over 40 feel good about themselves. Tina wasn’t always a Personal Stylist. Previously, she worked as a vocal music teacher, leading choirs and show choirs. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit and masks became mandatory and restrictions on singing were imposed, her job became quite challenging. After two years of struggling and "giving herself pep talks to go to work,” she decided it was time for a change. With the encouragement of a friend, Tina learned about blogging and how to monetize it. She then joined networking groups such as Center Sphere to connect with people. Tina talked to women about her ideas for a clothing detox and styling service and re…

So I like to gamble. Well, let’s amend that: I like to play games where you can win money. You might think that’s the same as gambling, but it’s really not. For example, I don’t like to play the lottery. That may be gambling, but there is no real game involved, so I don’t like it. The whole point of this useless information is to bring it around to the fact that I love Keno. There’s just nothing like sitting in a bar with a few good friends, having a beer or two, and waiting for your numbers to come in. Whenever someone asks me to go get a drink, I always try to make sure the bar we go to has Keno. Yep, I’m that person. You could say I’ve done a lot of ‘research’ for this article due to my love of Keno and my constan…

“To know us is to love us.” These are the confident words of Lloyd Elam, a businessman who believes in his company and his staff, and knows that each day, he’s making a difference for local businesses. Inherited Vision: The Legacy of DBS Burke Thirty years ago, Mr. Burke established a print shop upon a key principle: “Their success is our success.” This motto has helped DBS Burke build a legacy of satisfied customers, growing small businesses, and company success. Despite Lloyd Elam being the third owner of the company, it will always be DBS Burke, and the founding principle continues to guide every consultation and project he undertakes. To keep the legacy of DBS Burke alive, Lloyd knows he must always be thinki…

When Ryan Ousey of Omaha founded ROC Business Technologies nine years ago, it was with a simple and clear mission: To help Omaha small business owners with all their IT needs, so that they can focus on what they do best—grow their business. For nine years Ryan has done just that, and ROC has become a highly successful managed service provider for the Omaha community. Not only has Ryan solved one complex IT challenge after another, but he’s alleviated a lot of business owners’ stress and headaches along the way—a huge added benefit for outsourcing IT. photo by Lane Hickenbottom/Omaha Headshot Co. Who ROC Business Technologies Serves According to Ryan, ROC will serve small businesses who typically have anywhere from …

By day, Christian Roberts and Shane Peters were working their regular 9 to 5s. By night? One might find them crouched on a floor, covered in sawdust, sweat and stain, sanding away to expose a new, fresh layer of wood that would eventually become a homeowner’s cherished hardwood floor. It was a love for improvement, a passion for seeing the before and afters, and the joy on homeowners’ faces that ultimately led them to leave their jobs and join forces full-time. After a few busy years of working together “on the side” nights and weekends—and a quick creation of an LLC—it was official. Christian and Shane left their 9 to 5s and Blue Jay Flooring was born. The Beginnings: From Side Hustle to Full-Time According t…

When their doors opened in 1983, the goals of Hayes & Associates were to provide reliable, expert accounting and tax preparation services and to build relationships as their clients’ trusted finance advisors. Their commitment to the Omaha community combined with our team approach to client services has helped them serve their valued clients with integrity while allowing them to give back to meet the needs of their Omaha area neighbors. More than 40 years later, their focus remains on providing a team approach to accounting, tax preparation and planning, audits, and CFO consulting services. Their commitment to ethical business practices, continuing education, and innovative approaches to exceptional client service f…

Countryside Village on 87th and Pacific was Nebraska’s first planned shopping center when it opened in 1953. The 30,000 square foot building had air conditioning in each bay—something that was unprecedented at that time—and took just 18 months (and $250,000) to complete. In 1955, a second building was added due to the concept’s success. Over the years, the shopping center has welcomed and bid goodbye to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars, but continues to be a go-to destination for fine dining, unique bars, and locally owned shops. While there is certainly more to do than eat and drink in Countryside Village, I decided to start there because...well because I love to eat and drink. There. I said it. Here is an overview of s…

“We’re always looking for leaders.” They may drive a truck, repair a vehicle, or take customer service calls, but for Tom Cray and Tracy Mixan, who are out to establish Papillion Sanitation as the best garbage collection and recycling business in Omaha, their recruitment strategy sets them apart. “These are the guys who are going to lead the company in the future.” Career Opportunity While Papillion Sanitation may not be the first name people think of when considering great career opportunities, Tom and Tracy encourage job seekers to think again. “Our company culture is really unmatched,” Tracy confidently asserts. “We put our people first and we’re intentional about it.” Tom adds, “We emphasiz…

If you’re a professional football fan, you probably know that the best way to watch all your favorite games is to get NFL Sunday Ticket. However, it may not make sense for you to get it at home—or you may just want to spend a Sunday out with all your football-loving friends in an environment with plenty of drinks, great food, and all the games on at once. If you’re not sure where to go, we’re here to help you out! We checked out some of the best places in Omaha to go to watch the game and some extra info that will help you choose your favorite hangout. IceHouse Sports Bar: 10920 Emmet St. If huge crowds of rowdy fans is what you’re looking for, search no further! IceHouse Sports Bar, located right off 109th and …

There’s nothing like a good girls’ night out on the town! I’m lucky to have a great group of friends who like to explore Omaha and have fun as much as I do. So, when one of their birthdays rolls around, we always make sure we celebrate properly with a girls night out. One of our favorite places to go is Aksarben Village. With its multitude of bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect place to hop around and enjoy some bites and drinks. Herbe Sainte for Dinner To start our celebration, we all met up at Herbe Sainte, a New Orleans inspired bar and restaurant that always has top-notch service, delicious food, and tasty drinks. They also have a great happy hour from 4 to 6 with $6 house wines, $1 off beers, several cocktail…

Alison Tigges grew up as a very active dancer and athlete, so predictably, she experienced frequent injuries. During high school, the pain was interfering with doing what she loved, so when someone recommended she try yoga to help with her recovery, she listened. Alison’s very first class was a hot yoga session at One Tree Yoga in Dundee. She noticed how much better she felt after the class and welcomed the relief it provided. She was immediately hooked on yoga.    Over time, Alison had an epiphany of self-awareness. She noticed she was becoming calmer, more relaxed, and mindful in all aspects of my life. The realization sparked her curiosity. What was happening? She wanted to learn more, so she began doing some research. The r…

Written by: Angela Chaney, publisher of WhirLocalOmaha.com and partner at Pixel Fire Marketing There’s nothing better than a signature cocktail after a long day of work...or for happy hour...or with lunch! It really doesn’t matter when you have one, a signature cocktail is a fun way to try something new. Fortunately, Omaha has a huge selection of bars and restaurants that offer signature cocktails. While I’m not going to say the ones on this list are the best of the best, they’re certainly enjoyable and worth a try. Percy Pig Lemon Drop: Tipsy Pig If you haven’t checked out the Tipsy Pig on 1150 Sterling Ridge Drive (around 129th and Pacific), you’re missing out! This cool cocktail bar has fun waitresses, K…