The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill Ventures into the Live Music Scene
The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill (The Matt) is pleased to announce that they have added live acoustic music to their offerings to appeal to a variety of audiences.

The Old Market and NoDo areas are already known for great music hot spots, and The Matt would love to be a favorite destination for all ages.  They are located “Just West of the Qwest” and offer a unique ambience in an enormous, fully restored historic building.  Their executive chef has created amazing appetizers and entrees for their customers, and drink specials are offered throughout the week.  So far they have had musicians such as Chris Saub, Stephanie Pilypaitus and Matt Whipkey – and they have been very successful in drawing listeners. 

The Matt opened its doors in November 2007 and has enjoyed entertaining customers throughout their first busy year in Omaha. The Matt has been an “Event Bar” on many occasions, due to their location near the Qwest Center.  They have welcomed patrons from all over the U.S. and numerous local customers as well. 
For more information, please visit www.themattomaha.com or contact Jenny Peters at 490-3787.
Cox Business Named Leader in Surve
Cox Business announced the company leads all providers of small and midsize business data solutions in customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Major Provider Business Telecommunications StudySM released this summer.

Cox ranked particularly high in the following categories: performance and reliability; sales representatives/account executives; billing; cost of service and customer service. Cox’s overall rating leads all other providers, including traditional telecommunications providers and other multiple system cable operators (MSOs).

Cox Business provides a full portfolio of voice, data and video services to more than 240,000 business customers in Cox markets across the U.S., including small businesses, multi-location enterprises, regional healthcare providers and federal, state and local government organizations. In 2007, Cox became the first multiple system cable operator to enter the top tier of U.S. business Ethernet providers, according to Vertical Systems Group. Cox was also recognized in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2006 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services StudySM – Data for highest customer satisfaction among small/midsize business data service providers in the nation.
The 2008 Major Provider Business Telecommunications Services Study is based on responses from 2,422 business customers with telecommunications data services at small/midsize and large enterprise businesses in the United States and includes evaluation of their data service providers. The study was fielded in March and April 2008.  For more information, please contact Kelly Sare at (402) 934-0468. Urgent Care Center to Open Third Location
Urgent Care Center of Omaha is proud to announce the opening of its third location in less than a year of service to the Omaha community.  The new facility will be in the Legacy Shopping Center at 177th and Center.  

“We continue to be excited about the response from patients and physicians in the community about the services and support we offer,” said Scott Cooney, General Partner.  Due to rising healthcare costs, people in Omaha are finding a real advantage to using urgent care services. Most insurance programs are accepted and there is always a doctor available, 7 days a week, from 7am to 10pm.   No appointments are necessary, making it easy for patients to stop in before or after work.  Darin Gregory, Medical Director, notes, “Our goal is to provide accessible, affordable healthcare while communicating all findings to the patient’s primary care physician.”

In addition to the third location, Urgent Care Center of Omaha is also offering a new concept in the delivery of medicine called HealthGap®.   HealthGap is registered with the State of Nebraska as a discount medical program.  The idea is to offer membership to people who do not have insurance or to those with high deductible plans.  HealthGap will be available at all clinics, including the other Omaha locations: 168th and Maple and 88th and Maple, and Norfolk location: 2024 Pasewalk.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Samson at (402) 547-3658. LaMar’s Donuts and Dunn Bros Coffee Hold Ribbon Cutting
LaMar’s Donuts and Dunn Bros Coffee held a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 30th in celebration of their grand opening. They are southwest Omaha’s first gourmet donut and coffee shop. Their donuts are made fresh every morning and the coffee is made from beans that are roasted on-site daily to deliver a more flavorful cup of coffee. They also offer free wireless Internet access, a drive-thru, and host monthly educational coffee seminars. Their goal is to enlighten Omaha’s residents with coffee knowledge that includes the artistry and complexity of freshly roasted coffee beans.
 
Founded in 1960 by Ray LaMar, LaMar’s Donuts made its debut in Kansas City. Based on the donut shop’s phenomenal success and widespread reputation, franchises began selling in the early 1990s for bistro-style donut stores. LaMar’s now has 29 locations in six states: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Additional information can be found at www.lamars.com.

Founded in 1987, Dunn Bros Coffee has successfully proven to its guests and competitors why fresh roasted coffee is the ideal. This award-winning coffee franchise has over 90 locations across the nation. For more information, visit www.dunnbros.com.
The newest LaMar’s & Dunn Bros location is at 17202 Audrey Street, west of 168th & Harrison Streets. You may reach them by calling (402) 933-7444.
All Makes Office Equipment Co. Adds First Moveable Wall Showroom in the Midwest
All Makes Office Equipment Co., the Midwest’s largest and most experienced office furniture dealership since 1918, has opened its redesigned 8,000 sq. ft. sustainable, adaptable showroom.  Located at 2558 Farnam St., the redesigned space showcases the company’s products and presents progressive new ideas in sustainable design, ergonomics, and adaptable workspaces. The redesigned space has earned high marks for efficiency, sustainability, and innovation in design.  

The All Makes’ showroom spans a total of 165,000 sq. ft. from the first to the fourth floor.  This project marks the seventh showroom major renovation that the company has made in the last fifteen years.  The showroom is open to the public Monday-Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.

All Makes is headquartered in Omaha, NE and has branch locations in Lincoln, NE and operations in Urbandale (Des Moines), IA.  All Makes opened in 1918 and has been recognized nationally as a “Top 50 Dealer” numerous times.  All Makes is a fourth generation, family owned company and is one of the country’s largest contract office furniture dealers with customers in all 50 states as well as several foreign countries.  The Omaha showroom is the size of half a city block and features the most extensive product selection in the industry.  For more information on All Makes Office Equipment Co. visit www.allmakes.com.

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Andersen Wood Floors Now Open
Andersen Wood Floors recently opened. The company, started by Jens Andersen, is a small company focusing on quality craftsmanship and building strong relationships with the customer. Andersen Wood Floors concentrates on solid sand, finished hardwood and pre-finished floors in existing homes and on new construction. They are capable of doing inlays, borders, and hardwood steps. Andersen Wood Floors concentrates on using a variety of “green” products such as low V.O.C. environmentally safe finishes and bamboo flooring. Andersen Wood Floors goes beyond traditional wood floor installation, creating unique and elegant wood floor designs, custom made, to match your individual style. Whether it is a medallion in the entry, borders around room perimeters, or a faux area rug, there are numerous options available for customers to choose from.

Andersen Wood Floors is a member of the Chamber of Commerce. To find out more information about Andersen Wood Floors, please call 402.690.5796 or visit them online at www.andersenwoodfloors.com.  WriteLife.com Provides New Way to Publish Online
Aspiring authors have a new resource that will make online publishing more accessible and affordable than ever before, according to Cindy Grady, managing director of WriteLife.com, a unique website that caters to fiction and non-fiction writers.

The company is dedicated to everyone who has ever thought they had a book inside them waiting to burst out.  There are no hidden fees for publishing a book, and the site is free to use.  Site members may choose to buy copies of their own book or purchase books by other WriteLife authors.  There are no purchase requirements.  Members may also take advantage of the free, integrated social networking tools in the WriteLife Coffee House.

WriteLife.com features writing tools for adults and young writers.  Any age will feel comfortable navigating the site.  With school starting in a few weeks, WriteLife is sure to be a useful tool both in and out of the classroom.

For additional information on WriteLife, please visit http://www.writelife.com/. Plain and simple...write about life!

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Nebraska Methodist College - The Josie Harper Campus Hosts Latina Leadership Program
The Josie Harper Campus Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) hosted two sessions of “Fiestas Patrias Queen,” a local leadership program for Latinas on Tuesday, August 5, and Thursday, August 7.  The event was held at NMC’s Clark Center. “Fiestas Patrias Queen” was designed to strengthen Latino leadership by enabling young Latinas to embrace their heritage and explore their leadership potential. NMC hosted tracks on women’s health issues. In addition to presentations on domestic violence and sexual health, attendees also got an overview of the programs available at NMC and heard a testimony from a current student. The program is supported by the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Omaha office of the Mexican Consulate and the Omaha Mayor’s Office.

Nebraska Methodist College – The Josie Harper Campus, established in 1891, is a fully accredited, private four-year degree granting health professions college. NMC provides approximately 600 students with excellent clinical experiences in facilities including Methodist Hospital and Jennie Edmondson Hospital, as well as in area medical clinics, extended care facilities and home care programs. NMC offers undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.  

For more information on the FPQ Leadership Program, please contact Patricia Castro at (402) 280-5851, or Yesenia Wilson at (402) 301-0358.

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Mid-American Music Festival Announced
RiverCity Productions, LLC announced performance confirmations for the first-ever Mid-American Music Festival that will take place in Omaha, September 3 – 7. The Mid-American Music Festival will showcase over 130 bands representing all music genres from blues to country, rock to folk. Artists from around the country have accepted invitations recently handed out by the MAMF selection committee. Performers will be showcased on ten different stages in the Benson area of Omaha. Participating venues include: The Waiting Room, The PS Collective, The Foundry, Barley Street Tavern, Mick’s, Musette Bar, Espana, Benson Grind and Mia’s Bongo Room.

The MAMF will also include educational seminars, guest speakers, networking opportunities, industry panelists and more.  

Single night admission to the Mid-American Music Festival will cost $10 per person and will require a wristband to access the multiple venues at one low cover charge. Multi-day passes and admission to seminars and other special events are available as well. Festival patrons can purchase a wristband in advance at any of the participating venues, Homer’s Music Stores, Russo’s Guitar Center and FastSigns located at 114th & Dodge. 

A list of performers can be found on the official MAMF web site at www.MidAmericanMusicFestival.com.  For more information regarding the MAMF, please contact Tony Lange at RiverCity Productions, LLC. (402) 290-8463. Or via email at: OmahaMedia@cox.net

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Omaha Royals Explore Options for a New Stadium
Omaha Royals president Alan Stein announced that he is pursuing his options in finding a new home for the team, outside of the new downtown stadium.  Following a meeting with MECA President and Chief Executive Officer Roger Dixon, Stein said the city has negotiated with the team in good faith but there are still some issues that have not yet been resolved.  The decision to explore other potential options and a home for the Triple A franchise was made to adhere to a strict timeline that is based on the eventual demise of Rosenblatt Stadium.

Stein said the final choice will be made based on good business sense for the organization and getting the right opportunity for the team’s success and the community. 

During the 2007 season, the Omaha Royals saw attendance grow to a five year record high.  Average attendance was 4,803, drawing 326,627 fans during 68 home games.  2008 attendance sat at 266,051 fans through 49 openings, an average of 5,430 per game, currently ranking ninth in the sixteen team Pacific Coast League.

For more information, please contact Martie Cordaro at (402) 738-5108.

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Omaha’s Only Economic Development Radio Show Receives Industry Award
Grow Omaha is pleased to announce they have received the Silver Award for “Service to Business, Industry, Government or Education” for radio in the 2008 Nebraska Broadcasters Association Awards of Excellence sponsored by the Robert H. Storz Foundation and the Nebraska Army National Guard.

Grow Omaha has been on the air for more than four and a half years.  Co-hosts Jeff Beals and Trenton Magid are grateful to their loyal listeners, their many expert guests and their partners at News Radio 1110 KFAB - all of whom helped make this recognition possible.  

Grow Omaha is the metro area’s news source for economic development, real estate and business expansion.  As Omaha grows, it’s becoming more cosmopolitan. The transition from “good” city to “great” city makes for a lot of exciting talk. That’s why you should tune in to Grow Omaha each Saturday at 8 a.m. on News Radio 1110 (AM) KFAB.

If you’re outside the Omaha area, you can listen to Grow Omaha live by going to www.kfab.com. If you ever miss an episode or want to hear it again, simply download the podcast (on the Grow Omaha page of www.kfab.com). Grow Omaha podcasts will be available by 12 noon each Monday. 

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Amazing Pizza Machine Wins Three Awards 
The Amazing Pizza Machine recently announced that they were named a 2008 Parents’ Pick in three of Nickelodeon ParentsConnect.com Parent’s Picks awards categories: Best Family-Friendly Restaurant; Best Indoor Playspace/Partyspace for Big Kids; Best Indoor Playspace/Partyspace for Teens. Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect.com Parents’ Picks Awards is an annual, nationwide online poll allowing parents to nominate favorite family resources in 52 major U.S. cities. All Parents’ Picks businesses are nominated based on recommendations from ParentsConnect.com local city editors that live and work in the cities they cover, in conjunction with ParentsConnect users’ feedback. Users’ votes and rankings ultimately determine which venues are selected as winners in their respective categories.

The Amazing Pizza Machine is a 60,000 square-foot family entertainment center, located at 139th and Millard Avenue in Omaha, Nebraska. They focus on creating events that are fun, fulfilling and amazingly effortless for everyone, from corporate event planners coordinating employee retreats to families arranging birthday parties and other celebrations. The Amazing Pizza Machine’s buffet features 100+ items, including pizza, pasta, salad and dessert bars and more. Four themed dining rooms offer big screen televisions showing sporting events, movies and cartoons. They have more than 140 games and nine wild rides and attractions. To find out more information please visit www.theamazingpizzamachine.com. 

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Metro Omaha Builders Association Announces the Street of Dreams Award Winners
The Metro Omaha Builders Association is proud to announce the 2008 Street of Dreams award winners. The 2008 Street of Dreams was held at the Estates of Cottonwood Creek, located between Omaha and Blair on Highway 133.

The eight homes were judged on five categories and a Best of Show category. Listed below are the award winners:

Best of Show: First Place Tie – Christensen Homes of Fremont and Curt Hofer Construction; Second Place – Franson Custom Homes; Third Place – The Calabretto Building Group.

Best Exterior: First Place Tie – Advance Design and Construction, Curt Hofer Construction and Christensen Homes of Fremont; Second Place – Franson Custom Homes; Third Place – The Calabretto Building Group.

Best Interior Design: First Place – Franson Custom Homes, Design Beginnings;

Second Place – Curt Hofer Construction, Interiors Joan and Associates;

Third Place - Christensen Homes of Fremont.

Best Landscaping: First Place – Franson Custom Homes, Lanoha Nurseries;

Second Place – Christensen Homes of Fremont, Mulhall’s; Third Place Tie – Curt Hofer Construction, Lanoha Nurseries and The Calabretto Building Group, Team Green.

Best Floor Plan: First Place – Franson Custom Homes; Second Place - Curt Hofer Construction; Third Place – Christensen Homes of Fremont.

Best Master Suite: First Place Tie – Christensen Homes of Fremont; Second Place – Franson Custom Homes; Third Place Tie – Curt Hofer Construction.

For more information visit http://www.moba.com or call (402) 333-2000 ext. 104. Maison Interiors Announces Opening
Vanessa Barrett and Pat Nichilo are pleased to announce they will celebrate the official opening of their interior design business, Maison Interiors, in September.  Together with her daughter Melanie, Pat Nichilo is the co-owner of the home furnishing store Le Marché, where Maison Interiors’ studio will be located.  Both Pat and Vanessa have extensive design experience, and are eager to share their excitement with their clientele.  Vanessa is the former owner of Barrett-Reed, a high-end fashion store.

Maison Interiors will officially open for business with an open house on September 18, 2008, from 6-8 p.m. All visitors are welcome.  Maison Interiors is located in Le Marche at 8710 Countryside Plaza.  For more information on Maison Interiors, Call (402) 614 3130, or visit their online store at http://www.lemarcheomaha.com.

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Local Businessman, Former iUniverse Executive, Joins National Partnership
B2B CFO (B2B), the nation’s largest CFO firm that provides services to small and mid-sized companies, announced that Michael J. Timmins has joined the firm as Partner.  Timmins will provide part-time CFO services to growth-oriented businesses in the surrounding Lincoln and Omaha area.  He is the firm’s second Partner in Nebraska.

Timmins brings over 20 years of financial and operational experience that includes cash flow and profitability improvement, implementations of cost-saving infrastructure technologies, and development of key financial plans and models that help CEOs and owners grow their business.  Prior to joining B2B, Timmins was Vice President of Finance and Human Resources at OFFWIRE.  Previously, Timmins was the General Manager and CFO at iUniverse, CFO at Snyder Industries and has held progressive management positions with leading companies including Quebecor, Inacom Communications and the Omaha World-Herald.  Timmins will focus his practice on providing onsite CFO and controller services to small and midsize businesses in Lincoln, Omaha and the surrounding area.

With headquarters in Phoenix, AZ, the firm was founded in 1987 by Jerry L. Mills.  B2B CFO is the nation’s largest CFO firm serving entrepreneurial, growth and mid-market companies with revenue under $75 million.  The firm’s partners have an average of 25 years of experience and each individual partner is a senior level executive with a broad range of expertise.  Please visit them online at www.b2bcfo.com.

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Methodist Hospital Pathology Center Earns Accreditation
Methodist Hospital Pathology Center has recently been accredited by the Commission on Laboratory Accreditation of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). The Pathology Center joins approximately 6,000 other laboratories nationwide as a CAP-accredited facility. The accreditation was based on results of a recent on-site inspection of the Pathology Center. Inspectors from CAP examined the records and quality control of the laboratory for the preceding two years, as well as the education and qualifications of the entire staff. They also reviewed the adequacy of the facilities, the equipment, laboratory safety, and laboratory management to determine how well patients are being served by the lab.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program began in the early 1960s. It is recognized by the federal government as being equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program. CAP is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world’s largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The organization is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care. To find out more information about Methodist Hospital Pathology Center please visit www.thepathologycenter.org.

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Omaha Residents Release Song for Natural and Man Made Disaster Recovery
Six Omaha residents with diverse backgrounds and an arranger and musicians from Argentina have joined together and released a song “Waves of Hands.”

The music and lyrics are designed to inspire the citizens of the world to help those impacted by natural and man made disasters.  All of the volunteers who are associated with the song are not soliciting nor expecting any revenue or income.

The song’s lyrics were written by Andy Greenberg, a sales and marketing executive.  Gaston Bogomolni wrote and produced the song.  Jonathan Rathsam recorded the song with Bogomolni using an arrangement by composer Norberto Vogel of Argentina.  He was joined at the piano and keyboard by fellow Argentinean musicians Oscar Kreimer who played the sax and Hernán Reinaudo on guitar.  JRC, a gospel trio, provided back-up.

For more information contact Andy Greenberg at 402-250-3895 (cell) or andy.g@cox.net Boesen Brings Home Gold
It may not be Olympic gold, but interior decorator Amy Boesen has brought home another first-place prize.

Boesen, of Omaha, won first place in the category of commercial design for her work in the office of a local counselor.  In just 185 square-feet (with five windows), Boesen created distinct spaces for office work and client therapy sessions, including seating for six.  National interior decorating franchisor Decor&You® awarded nine decorators for exceptional design work.  The awards were presented at the World Market Center in Las Vegas in July.

This is not her first time in the winner’s circle.  Boesen has won multiple awards from the group during her design career.

Amy Boesen is an award-winning decorator, college instructor and top representative of Decor & You®, one of America’s most prominent nationwide networks of professional interior decorators.  She has attained the certification of Certified Interior Designer (CID) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Textiles, Clothing and Design from the University of Nebraska.  As a former Vice President at First Fata Corporation, she understands the demands of professional life and how good design can set the right tone for office and home.

For more information, contact Brian Smith at 402-677-8631 or bs@BrianSmithMarketing.com. 

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Bellevue Travel Holds Ribbon Cutting
A ribbon cutting and open house was held on July, 24th at Bellevue Travel in celebration of their new location and new owners. Long time agent Julie Imgrund and her husband, Richard, bought Bellevue Travel on June 1st from Phyllis B. Meyer, who had the agency for over 25 years. The same three agents:  Julie, Mariann and Brenda, have been at the agency for over eleven years. Their new location is only about 100 yards from their previous location. They are now located at 1508 JF Kennedy Drive, Suite 101, Bellevue NE 68005. Their new office is larger, brighter, and updated. They believe this is a great start to the new ownership.

Bellevue Travel is a full-service, locally owned travel agency. To find out more information about Bellevue Travel, please visit www.bellevuetravelne.com or call Julie Imgrund at (402) 292-6600.

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New Omaha Wal-Mart Plans to Employ 450 Associates
Wal-Mart is hiring approximately 450 associates to work at the new Supercenter slated to open in Omaha this fall.  To facilitate applications, the retailer has opened a temporary hiring center at 6818 Grover St., Suite 200.

The hiring center will be accepting applications from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Interested applicants can stop by the hiring center or call 402-393-7137 for more information.

Wal-Mart benefits* – available to eligible full- and part-time associates – include healthcare insurance with no lifetime maximum.  Wal-Mart also offers a 401(k) plan and profit sharing contributions, whether an eligible associate contributes or not, store discount cards, stock purchase program and life insurance.  Additionally, associates are eligible for business performance-based bonuses.

The majority of associates will begin work in October to help prepare the store for its grand opening this fall.  For more information, contact Store Manager Jason Gregory at (402) 393-7137.
Lincoln, Destination Midtown Honored at Housing Summit
The city of Lincoln and Destination Midtown in Omaha received Groundbreaker Awards from the Nebraska Housing Developers Association at the Build Nebraska Housing Summit held July 30 at the Cornhusker Marriott in Lincoln. The two joined nineteen other Nebraska communities that have been honored with similar awards at regional housing summits held across the state this spring. The awards recognize local investment, community engagement strategies, and efforts to improve housing conditions.  

Lincoln was honored for a long history of investing in neighborhoods. City officials, neighborhood associations, nonprofit community development organizations, private foundations, schools, businesses and residents have joined forces since the 1970’s in a wide variety of activities to improve housing, enhance the urban environment, and build community pride.

Destination Midtown, a community development program that focuses on a 3.6 square mile area in the center of Omaha, was honored for its efforts to involve the region’s stakeholders in the planning process for revitalization.

The Summit brought together housing industry professionals, economic development officials, community leaders, bankers and policymakers to address the most critical issues affecting housing development in the state. Participants attending regional housing summits held this spring identified a wide variety of concerns, including the growing housing demands of Nebraska’s workforce, barriers to the demolition of rundown structures, financing gaps between the costs of development and appraisal values, the impact of rising energy costs on affordability, and the changing housing needs of seniors. The statewide event explored ways to influence local, state and federal policies to support successful housing and community development.

For more information, visitwww.housingdevelopers.org. Quality Computer & Network Adds Graphic Artist, Web Design/Site Hosting Services
Over the past few years Quality Computer & Network Services has built up a clientele by offering PC, Mac and network tech support at affordable rates. The business has now added Web Design and website hosting to its repertoire of services offered.

In response to skyrocketing fuel rates and in light of the convenience, time and, often, financial savings provided by on-line shopping and research, more people than ever are turning first to the Internet.  But the challenge for the businessperson is to be able to have a website without breaking the budget.

In response to this need Quality Computer & Network Services is now offering Web Design and hosting services. Because we are a small company with low overhead expenses we are able to do so at more affordable rates. We are also pleased to announce that Danica Burton, a professional graphic artist, is working with us to provide graphic art and web design services.

For PC, Mac or network support, for a new or upgraded website, or to learn more about our business or rates contact Randy McDonnold, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, at (402) 894-075, (402) 320-2162 – cell, info@qualitycomputer.biz or www.qualitycomputer.biz. AIM Institute Unveils IT Leadership Academy
The AIM Institute is pleased to unveil its IT Leadership Academy, a 7-month professional development program designed exclusively for current and upcoming Information Technology (IT) managers who want to develop and enhance their leadership skills.

The AIM Institute created this program to help local IT managers face leadership challenges that affect their industry.  Within organizations today, IT is no longer simply a department, it has transformed into a chief component of a company’s key business functions.  As a result, it is critical that IT managers possess the business intelligence common to most successful leaders in addition to the technical and communications skills unique to the IT industry.

The program runs November 2008 – May 2009 and consists of seven full-day sessions on Authentic Leadership, Global Mindset, Strategic Planning, Creativity/Innovation, Developing and Retaining IT Talent, Communication Skills and Self-Management.  It was developed by local IT professionals representing the AIM Institute, Gallup, First Data, First National Bank, OPPD, HDR, Omaha Public Schools, University of Nebraska–Omaha, Bass & Associates, Metropolitan Community College and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.

For more information on the IT Leadership Academy, visit www.aiminstitute.org/itleadershipacademy or contact Jean Munger at 402.345.5025 x158 or jmunger@aiminstitute.org. Downtown Omaha, Inc. Announces Monthly Meeting
Join members of Downtown Omaha, Inc. at the monthly membership meeting on September 9th. This month’s meeting will be held at the Gallup Organization located at 1001 Gallup Drive at 7:45 for registration and networking. The presenter will be Jim Clifton, GEO of Gallup.

Jim Clifton is best known in the polling and survey research field for leading the acquisition of The Gallup Organization in 1988, at which time he became CEO of the organization. Under Clifton’s leadership, Gallup has enjoyed a tenfold increase in its billing volume and has expanded from a predominantly U.S. based company to a global organization with 40 offices in 20 of the world’s largest nations.

Downtown Omaha, Inc. is a nonprofit, privately funded corporation dedicated to helping the downtown community continue to be a viable, healthy, growing segment of Omaha.  For more information, please call 341-3700. 

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Going Green Event Announced
“Going Green—What each of us can do on a daily basis” will be offered on Thursday, September 18th from 4-7 pm at EncompassC3, 10842 Old Mill Rd., Suite 2 (www.encompassc3.com).

Come and enjoy wine and hors d’oevres and the nature and travel images of Marea Bishop, Photographic Artist.  Inspired to preserve the natural beauty that she photographs, Marea has become a passionate recycler. She will share information on simple ways to conserve and preserve in our daily lives.

For more information, please call Marea at 293-7810 or 981-7780. Omaha Bariatric Medicine Opens

Kathleen B. Dylla, M.D. is excited to announce the opening of Omaha Bariatric Medicine at 3830 N. 167th Court in Omaha.  Dr. Dylla is a Board Certified Family Physician with training in Bariatric Medicine and is leaving family medicine to practice bariatric (medical weight-loss) medicine.  After years of family practice, she has realized that the health of an individual can be significantly improved with weight loss and exercise rather than the addition of more medications.  Weight loss not only improves appearance, it can improve diabetes, hypertension, arthritis and self-esteem.

Omaha Bariatric Medicine is designed to offer long-term weight management for patients who have obesity related medical problems, pre-surgical patients required to have diet and exercise prior to surgery, as well as management of post-bariatric surgery patients.   Omaha Bariatric Medicine is unique in that it offers a comprehensive/multidimensional approach to the treatment of obesity under the supervision of a Bariatric Physician.   

For more information, please call 402-681-2921.

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The Omaha Photo Booth Company Now Open
Omaha’s first mobile photo booth provider, The Omaha Photo Booth Company, is now open. They bring the fun of vintage photo booths to any function including: wedding receptions, graduations, and corporate parties.  They are dedicated to offering superior photos to help make your event even more memorable. A photo booth rental includes:  use of a photo booth for four hours; transportation, set up, and removal of the booth; unlimited photo sessions; a scrapbook; one digital copy of all photo sessions from the event; and one trained booth attendant present during the entire rental. Their photo booths are made from a compact and durable metal cabinet free of flimsy plastic. They have an exclusive, internationally patented “flash” system with easy maintenance in a chemical free process and ultra fast “10 second” developing times. The booths offer:  six random poses per sitting in black and white or color; award winning photo clarity; and they have all been market tested in the USA since 2002. The Omaha Photo Booth Company also offers other special services such as customization of the center of the photo strips.

The Omaha Photo Booth Company is owned and operated by Kate and Craig Olechoski. For more information please call (402) 215-1101 or visit www.theomahaphotoboothcompany.com.

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Alegent Health Home Care Announces New Name, Hybrid Cars
Alegent Health’s home care nurses log more than 800,000 miles a year taking care of patients. When they adopted the new name “Alegent Health at Home” they also decided to switch to hybrid cars. The new Toyota Prius they have switched to gets an average 48 miles per gallon, which translates into fewer stops at the gas pump and time saved for employees. In addition, the car has a generous amount of trunk space so employees can carry their medical equipment and supplies with them and patients will see the name Alegent Health at Home right on the cars, which is an added safety measure. Making the switch to a more fuel efficient car will save the department approximately $50,000 in the first year alone. In addition, the car’s lower emissions are also better for the environment.

Alegent Health is the largest not-for-profit, faith-based health care system in Nebraska and southwestern Iowa with nine acute care hospitals, more than 100 sites of service, over 1,300 physicians on its medical staff and 9,000 employees. Alegent Health is making healthcare better with an exceptional commitment to quality and by providing patient focused care for the body, mind and spirit of every person consistent with its faith-based mission. Alegent Health continues the health ministry begun by its sponsors, Catholic Health Initiatives and Immanuel Health Systems, more than a hundred years ago. Alegent Health can be found online at www.alegent.com or at 1-800-Alegent.

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Twiss Endorses Scott Price for District 3
Gretna businessman and community leader Bob Twiss has endorsed Scott Price for District 3 in the Nebraska Legislature.  Twiss joins a list of endorsers which includes Governor Dave Heineman, Attorney General Jon Bruning, State Treasurer Shane Osborn and several other elected officials and community leaders.

Scott Price, a retired Air Force Non-Commissioned Officer and former Bellevue businessman, is the Republican candidate running for legislature in District 3.  Scott’s platform includes reducing state spending and cutting taxes on Nebraska’s families and businesses.  Scott plans to work for greater economic development in order to grow Nebraska’s economy.

For more information, please visit www.ScottPrice2008.com.

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Okto’Beer’Fest Trip Announced
The 15th annual Okto’Beer’Fest will be held Thursday, October 9th from 6-9 pm at the Lancaster Event Center, 84th and Havelock Ave. in Lincoln.  The event will feature over 150 beers to sample as well as food and entertainment.  A VIP Limousine will be taking interested parties from Omaha to the event and back for a cost of $30, which includes the $25 admission, gas and tip for the limo driver.  Participants must be at least 21 years of age.

If you are interested in going on the trip, please contact Angela Lee at 689-8889.

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