Leaders are on a quest. Competitors seek victory. Sometimes the quest lasts a day. Sometimes it lasts a lifetime. But every quest involves challenges and obstacles that require courage and determination to overcome. Some quests demand a whole new level of tough! WHAT IS YOUR QUEST?

The mission of VictoryQuest is to strengthen all people in heart, mind, body, and soul. Focusing on wellness, VictoryQuest offers customized services that help individuals and teams of all types—whether it’s sports, organizational or business teams—to accomplish greater strength, teamwork, communication, and camaraderie. VictoryQuest’s ideals emerged in 2004 when two fathers and their six skinny sons dedicated time to making themselves stronger in a basement weight room. But it quickly became much more. VictoryQuest believes that a holistic approach is necessary to achieve true greatness and personal success. This concept manifested into a summer boot camp program for youth aimed at developing strength in the four areas of their mission. They have grown over the years, and have formed local partnerships to offer corporate retreats including wellness and team building events, a variety of sports and fitness camps, as well as obstacle course training and special events. VictoryQuest has witnessed hundreds of youth and multiple organizations find success in their quest to be their best, and takes pride in connecting with their clients to facilitate those personal and group achievements. Co-founders Doug Barry and Doug Pfeifer, both of Lincoln, along with their wives Denise and Lisa, own and operate VictoryQuest with the assistance of their highly trained, motivational staff members.

VictoryQuest is proud to serve the Lincoln community, where they have found it rewarding to work with people who value relationships with others and the dignity of people over winning and profiting at any cost. They are actively involved with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Coaches Association, the Nebraska Sports Council, the Cornhusker State Games, and are members of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators. In addition, with their annual Quest for the Vets and Quest for the Heroes ultimate obstacle course runs hosted at Camp Gargano, they have benefitted local chapters of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. One of their most important achievements as a business has been the thanks they have received from veterans, coaches, athletes, and organizations that have participated in and benefitted from VictoryQuest programs.

VictoryQuest can create a customized wellness, teambuilding or retreat experience for your team, company or organization at your site or at the Camp Gargano facility, located just 20 minutes from downtown Lincoln.

As part of Nebraska’s wellness focus, VictoryQuest will host the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services “Run for the Fence” Fittest Facility Challenge on May 18th.  Also, on Memorial Day, May 27th, their second annual “Quest for the Vets” ultimate obstacle run will honor our veterans and celebrate our freedom.

Details for all events and more information about VictoryQuest can be found at:
victoryquest.com

As a part of West Gate Bank’s ongoing dedication to Lincoln, they provide sponsorship and support to local schools, charities, non-profits, and sports teams. The employees at West Gate Bank are not only industry experts, but also actively involved community members who are collectively involved in over 100 different local organizations and causes in addition to their partnership in giving with West Gate Bank.

West Gate Bank has recently become the first Lincoln company with over 100 employees to have five consecutive years of 100% employee participation in contributing to the United Way/Community Health Charities Campaign. Not only is the duration of consistent and unanimous giving by West Gate Bank employees commendable, in 2012 they had 150 employees participating in the campaign! This unprecedented accomplishment is a tribute to the philanthropic culture that has been developed through West Gate Bank’s leadership team.

The 2012 United Way/Community Health Charities Campaign had one of its strongest years in recent history, including the largest increase in giving since 1999. As reported to the Lincoln community at the United Way Annual Meeting, which was held on April 15th, the results totaled $6,739,560 which was an 8.79% increase over the 2011 campaign. The United Way fund distribution process is a volunteer-based initiative with focus on high impact needs of our children and those in crisis. Additionally, the proceeds assist those in our community with chronic health conditions through the partnership with Community Health Charities.

“The West Gate Bank United Way drive has been tremendous, and their commitment of five consecutive years with 100% participation is unprecedented with businesses in Lincoln over 100 employees. It is clear to us that West Gate Bank believes strongly in their community and exemplifies the spirit of giving through their United Way employee campaign and special events. We are grateful that West Gate Bank sees United Way as a key organization with which to express their charitable impact.” -Brian Wachman, Executive Director with United Way

In addition – Community Health Charities of Nebraska will be honoring West Gate Bank with their annual Lincoln Partner in Health Award at their annual meeting in August. This award will be presented to West Gate Bank for their outstanding United Way/Community Health Charities Campaign results over the past five years and for their demonstration of commitment to the value of creating and implementing work-site health and wellness programs. Lincoln is where we live, work and play. West Gate Bank understands the business decisions we make because they see the impact firsthand.

Through their seven branch locations and community outreach, West Gate Bank is committed to providing a strong foundation to build relationships that empower their customers, employees and members of our community to achieve their dreams.

Give us a call today & see how Lincoln’s Bank can serve you!
402-434-3456 • www.westgatebank.com

Interviewed: Michelle Spicka, D.P.T., Husker Rehabilitation Physical Therapist

Who are the owners/important executives? – Owners: Michael Zalman, Greg Cromer, Ryan Wade

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? – At Husker Rehabilitation, we listen and focus on the individualized needs of our patients.  Some of the areas that our Physical Therapists have specialized training in includes Postural Restoration, Graston Technique™, Sympathetic Neurologic Downtraining & Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.  We are all manually oriented which means we get our hands on the clients finding the source of pain and don’t just treat the symptoms.

Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement? – “To provide cost effective holistic rehabilitation and occupational health services which exceed our customer’s expectations and maximize functional outcomes in an attractive and caring environment, as well as to provide the opportunity for preventative care and continued self-rehabilitation through wellness center programs.”

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? – One challenge to health care is rising patient co-pays and cost of insurance.  Insurance companies denying a patient’s care for undefined reasons is also very frustrating for patients and healthcare providers both.  Each year, in general, personal health insurance costs and premiums rise substantially for individuals but reimbursement for services to health care providers decreases overall.

As a result we are seeing more clients being referred to our facilities because of our outcomes and the results the clients are getting.  It is important to control costs not only within our own company but also for the client.  People are much more aware of this than ever before with the ever changing health care system.

What do you see happening with the business in the next five years? – It is the goal of Husker Rehabilitation to continue to grow, both in location and specialized services provided by highly trained Physical Therapists and Physical Therapists Assistants. Lincoln is growing and we see ourselves growing with it.

What has been your most important achievement as a business? – My most important achievement as a physical therapist is completing the course work and tests to achieve my Certification in Pelvic Physical Therapy.

What was the biggest turning point in your business? – Being hired on by Husker Rehab, which allowed me to expand and make significant gains in the area of Pelvic Floor Health.  The support that I receive by the owners and staff is second to none.  This has allowed me to concentrate on what I need to do as a Physical Therapist and provide the best quality of care possible.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know? – Specialist practice in pelvic physical therapy is offered at the North Lincoln Husker Rehabilitation location.  Pelvic physical therapy includes treatment of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic floor weakness, pelvic and abdominal pain.

What is one goal for your business that you have yet to accomplish? – The expansion of the Pelvic Floor Health division is still a number one goal of the practice.  There are so many people out there, men and women, that are in need of our services.  We will continue to make people aware that there is help for them.  The more we can get the word out the quicker we can help these individuals in need.

Feel Better, Faster-call today!

North Lincoln: 402.477.3110 • South Lincoln: 402.261.4739
Fairbury: 402.729.6840 • Beatrice: 402.228.9292
www.huskerrehab.com

How long have you been in the Lincoln area? – UNICO has served the risk management needs of companies in Lincoln since the 1980’s.  We also have offices in Papillion, Kearney and Columbus.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? – UNICO is known for our professionalism and ethics. We offer solutions for our customers and our goal is to become their trusted advisors. We understand the importance of hard work, ethics, experience, and personal attention while combining them with innovative, professional solutions to resolve risk management issues. We are the only agency in Nebraska to have Certified WorkComp Advisors, and we are recognized for the resources we provide to our clients to help them improve their profitability. In fact, in 2010 we were named the National WorkComp Agency of The Year by the Institute of Work Comp Professionals. We speak at seminars all over the country on ways companies can improve their workers compensations costs.  In addition, we are a full service agency. We can handle all of the insurance needs for families, individuals, and businesses of any size.

What do you like about doing business in the Lincoln area? – UNICO is proud to work with great companies in Lincoln and the entire State of Nebraska. These companies share the same important work ethic and family values that UNICO has. We encourage our employees to be involved in the community and we often have “team building” events that help raise money for local organizations. Our employees serve on several boards in the area and participate in many fund raising activities.

What kind of community organizations/groups are you involved with? – We believe in encouraging our employees to be active in the community. UNICO is involved with many organizations in the Lincoln area including United Way, Rotary, Sowers Foundation of Nebraska, Sesostris Shrine Bowl Club, American Heart Association Heart Walk, Matt Talbott Kitchen, People’s City Mission, Friendship Home, Make a Wish, Leadership Lincoln, Better Business Bureau, Insurance Professional’s Association in Lincoln and Chamber of Commerce. We have employees that serve on many boards and serve as trustees. We take a lot of pride in our community involvement.

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? – We continue to see technology evolving in how we communicate and deliver products and services to our clients. We recently added a web-based risk management portal called ClientConnect. This is a great tool for our clients to have access to information to help with OSHA compliance, safety training, human resource questions, and wellness. In the last year we started offering a feature that enables our commercial clients to have their insurance policies in a CD format instead of the traditional policy booklet, and a service that allows our clients to issue certificates of insurance online. We continue to add content to our website and will remain proactive to provide our clients with innovative solutions.

What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced? – Currently, it is trying to stay on top of all the changes that companies are facing with the new health care reform. We are constantly updating our blog and holding seminars to make sure we are helping business owners understand the changes and challenges that they face.

What was the biggest turning point in your business? – UNICO Group recently formed a strategic alliance with Midlands Financial Benefits. The new company will be operating under the name of UNICO Midlands. This approach will allow us to leverage our combined resources from decades of industry expertise, our dynamic human capital and advanced technology to better serve the changing needs of current and future clients. The leadership teams from both firms are excited to build a cohesive force, one that exemplifies our continued commitment to provide client based solutions. This new team will provide our individual and business clients with additional services to address today’s challenges.

We Are Your Work Comp Expert. Call today.
402.434.7200
www.unicogroup.com

How long have you been in Lincoln? – We opened our showroom in February 2012.

Who are the owners/important executives? – Nick Vondrak is our owner, and Lisa Giesbrecht, Jessica Angst, and Rachelle Miller are our designers.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours? – Everything we provide our clients is taken from the customer’s words and ideas and developed into a unique concept, our customer’s unique concept.  The process of developing a customer’s kitchen is a discovery of what is possible.

What do you like about doing business in Lincoln? – Lincoln is a great community, where every client becomes a friend and a member of our network.  All of us at GV Kustom Kitchens are Nebraska natives, and we are very much a family business working for families.  Every project feels like a commitment to the residents of Lincoln to continue to make it a great place to live.

Do you have a business philosophy or mission statement? – “We are the Possibility People”

What changes have you seen in the industry and your company in the past few years? – We are a growing company that started in Norfolk, NE in 2011 and are now seeing expansion into Omaha with the opening of our fourth showroom.  We have seen our manufacturers and installers rise to the increased expectations of our clients who expect value for every dollar spent.  Our customers soon discover that our people and the products they represent are a tremendous bargain.

What is one of the biggest challenges that your company has faced? – A big challenge for any new company is to help your customers feel comfortable with doing business with a young company.  We feel that our customers quickly come to realize that we are honest, trustworthy and experienced in our field.

What do you see happening with the business in the next five years? – We are planning for more growth as the technology in our field improves and becomes more accessible, which helps to make us more efficient as a result.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about your business that most people don’t know? – We will provide every component necessary to successfully complete every nuance of your design and installation. We find that by developing close relationships with our clients, we can eliminate all the frustrations that often accompany a large-scale home improvement project. By working closely with you to manage your renovation from beginning to end, we find the construction process will happen smoothly and with your complete satisfaction.

GV Kustom Kitchens offers quality, outstanding service and guaranteed satisfaction. From our free estimates, in home measuring and three dimensional designs to our on time delivery and mistake free installation, we are the very best at what we do. By choosing GV Kustom Kitchens and trusting your dreams and ideas to our team of professionals you’re certain to enjoy every detail of your new space.

It’s time to discover the possibilities, call today!
402.805.4218
www.gvkustomkitchens.com

First Choice Roll Offs’ primary goal is to provide quality service for a fair price.  They feature quality, professional drivers who can make timely delivery and pick-up services.  They are focused on safety and are radio-dispatched to increase their timeliness.  They specialize in customer service and have developed a loyal customer base and repeat business.  In addition, they can support the customers with their technical knowledge and techniques and can save the customer money by delivering the right load to the right location.  For example, some loads of concrete can be recycled, saving the customer the cost of landfill fees.  Other loads can be diverted to the construction demolition landfill (if it qualifies), again saving money.  In addition, their drivers teach customers how to load the roll offs properly to avoid overweight fines and to avoid fines for debris falling out of the boxes and onto the roads.  They also educate the customers on the items that are banned from the landfill, such as white appliances and old tires, and provide them with alternative disposal options.

Cleanliness and recycling are also very important.  They strive to keep our city clean and protect our environment.  “Giving back to our hometown is also a labor of love and respect,” says Ryan Hatten.  They are long-term members of the Lincoln Independent Business Association (LIBA), the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the Lincoln Solid Waste Management Association.

For rate pricing please call their office at 402-464-8369 or complete a request for service form on the website at www.paragonsan.com/rolloff or firstchoicerolloffs.com.  Roll-off containers can be scheduled for on-call status or for routine pick-up depending on your needs.

For more information on roll-off containers, or other services offered by their sister company Paragon Sanitation, Inc., you can visit the website at www.paragonsan.com or call 402-464-8369.

Sound familiar?  You may think your problem is that you have no will power or just aren’t trying hard enough or don’t want it enough…but that usually isn’t the case.  Have you ever thought about the power of little changes?  How little am I talking about?  Well, according to Tom Connellan, author of Change Your World in 71 Days, the change you need to make is 1%.  Just 1%?? You might be thinking.  Yes, just 1%.  Because, with the power of compound interest, if you just improve on something 1% for 71 days, at the end of that time frame, you will be twice as good at it.  Don’t ask me to do the math, that isn’t my strong suit, but I believe that Tom has done his math and that by making this very achievable change, you really can turn your life around.

If you don’t believe me, pick up Change Your World in 71 Days and find out for yourself!  This is a quick little book to read and it shouldn’t take you more than a day or two to get through.  Instead of drily explaining his subject matter, Tom writes the book in story form from the perspective of Jack, a salesperson and family man who feels he is not reaching his potential in any part of his life and that he is slowly losing enthusiasm for a career he once loved and excelled at.  Now it’s obvious from the writing that Connellan’s not a fiction writer, but the story does get the point across and makes for an easy read.  We go through not only how the ‘Law of 71’ changes Jack’s career, but also how it affects his home life, his involvement in the community and how he shares it with others.  Through his help, his daughter improves her study habits and her grades, his wife is able to get her diet and exercise program back on track, his friends are able to improve their marriage, etc.  The examples might seem a bit reaching, but they are there to show that the ‘Law of 71’ can be applied to any part of your life and help you achieve improvement.

There are no earth-shattering revelations in Change Your World in 71 Days, it’s more explaining how small changes add up and the value of persistence.  However, page after page you are reminded that the longest journey begins with just one small step and that making just a 1% improvement every day will eventually lead to very large things.  This book is recommended for all those who just want to do BETTER and are willing to put in a little extra effort to get there.

Tom Connellan is a sought-after keynote speaker, executive coach, and consultant whose clients include such diverse organizations as FedEx, Sobeys, Neiman Marcus, RBC, Canadian Tire, Sony, Marriott, Home Depot and the military.

Two of the many focuses at Advanced Medical Imaging are MRI and Women Services. Continue reading to learn moreabout these two services.

MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams have become one of the fastest growing types of medical diagnostic tests in the United States, due, in large part, to its ability to provide non-invasive diagnostic images of soft tissues, bone, fat and muscles and to help in the detection and diagnosis of a variety of health conditions, including orthopedic injuries, breast cancer, neurological disorders and cardiac diseases. And now, Advanced Medical Imaging announces the installation of a 3T Open Bore MRI from Siemens Healthcare. In the past MRI exams have not always been  comfortable for or well tolerated by certain patient groups, including the elderly, obese (up to 550 pounds) individuals or those who experience claustrophobia, excessive pain or limited mobility. This is due to the relatively small doughnut-like opening where the patient lies, called the bore, and the long tube-like structure of the machine, which can feel confining.

However, the MAGNETOM Skyra’s large 70cm open bore – along with its short length (173 cm) can help reduce patients’ anxiety and help put them at ease.

The accommodating features of the MRI, combined with 3 Tesla (T) magnet strength – the strongest clinically available– means that Advanced Medical Imaging patients can now enjoy a larger array of imaging options with high quality images.

Advanced Medical Imaging’s new 3T MRI was installed in December 2012. To schedule an MRI exam, patients should call scheduling at 402-484-6677.

WOMEN’S SERVICES
There are some medical examinations that are typically performed only for women. The Women’s Center at Advanced Medical Imaging provides a private, warm and personal environment for patients. From the inviting waiting area to large changing rooms, we’ve made women’s needs a priority.

Our mammography equipment features the innovative Easy Compression System, which uses bi-directional compression to image all possible breast tissue and maximize patient comfort.

Advanced Medical Imaging also utilizes The Second Look System. This CAD (computer aided detection) system helps the radiologist provide better screening for breast cancer. Second Look gives you the benefits of a second opinion without any additional doctor’s appointments. It is simply part of the mammography reading process by our radiologists. Each film is run through a computer scanner. The computer then marks areas that may be of interest for the radiologist to evaluate.

The most unique feature about our Women’s Center is that we provide results while you wait. Once your mammogram pictures are taken, they are developed, run through CAD and then shown to a radiologist, all before you leave Advanced Medical Imaging. If there is a need for additional images or an ultrasound, it can usually be performed on the same day!

Mammography is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage. Early detection is an important key in staying healthy.

Call today for more information. 402-484-6677

7601 Pioneers Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68506 | www.amimaging.com
Not affiliated with Advanced Radiology of Grand Island, P.C.

Established in 2000, Wyuka Funeral Home is committed to preserving Wyuka Cemetery’s rich heritage and beauty. The funeral home’s 9,700 square feet offers you and your family complete funeral care services. Wyuka Funeral Home is located on cemetery grounds, so your family is able to make all arrangements from one convenient location at affordable prices.  For over 144 years Wyuka Cemetery has played an integral part of the lives Nebraskans. During that time its grounds have been host to family gatherings of all kinds. To this day, our visitors tell us stories of their visits to Wyuka for celebrating birthdays and family reunions and celebrating the lives of their loved ones in death. Wyuka is a Lakota Indian word meaning “to rest” and upon entering the grounds many tell us a “feeling of calm” comes over them. You are invited to tour the 140-plus rolling acres of trees, shrubs and flower gardens that make Wyuka Cemetery one of the most quietly beautiful places in our state.

What do you think makes you different from other companies similar to yours?
Our funeral directors welcome your questions about costs because the more completely you understand funeral costs, the less chance there will be for apprehension or misunderstanding. There are a wide range of funeral services from which to choose. Since each funeral is planned to meet the special needs of the family, it is difficult to speak in generalities about the “typical” funeral or “typical” costs. There are certain expenses basic to almost every funeral, but many are determined by the selections that are made, the services specified and the additional items requested.

Who are the employees in the business?
Mike Williams: President and Funeral Director; Philip Roewert: Funeral and Sales Director; Stefani Drew: Community Relations Coordinator; Cyndy Ricketts, Dale Sutter and Bruce Debus: Family Service Counselors. Diane Bohlken, Steve Matzen and grounds crew. Office staff: Kathy Clark-Klein and Holly Adams. Also, Board of Trustees Ron Busch, Robert Fitzsimmons, Faye Osborn, Lloyd Hinkley, Jeff Schumacher.

What has been your most important role as a business?
Thoughtful preparation can offer peace of mind not only to the one making the plans but also to those left behind. Preplanning is also a practical gesture because it allows you to make unhurried, informed decisions. Preplanning compels you to organize important documents your survivors will need later. With advance planning, you can choose a reasonable budget, and even set aside the funds over a period of time, to ease the financial burden to your family. There are several important things to consider when preplanning. You will want to consider any religious practices that are expected by your faith. You should consider your family members and their desire to participate in the service by not over planning ahead of time. Instead, make general suggestions that can be adapted or adjusted to make the funeral more meaningful to the participants. Refrain from impractical request. Your funeral director can discuss the many pre planned and preneed plans available, and help you select or design one suited to your personal needs. If at all possible, discuss these plans with your family, for the assurance your plans are appropriate, and for their cooperation in respecting them at death. Most people are financially prepared for accidents to their home and automobiles. Many are even financially prepared to handle long-term illness. However, few are financially prepared for their final place of rest.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A new addition to Wyuka Cemetery in 2013 will include two new community mausoleums.

Call today & let us know how we can help you!
402-474-3600
www.wyuka.com | 3600 “O” Street

Impacting over 35,000 individuals annually, our mission is to provide human care services that build and strengthen individual, family and community life. Services–ranging from prevention to intensive treatment–are as diverse as the people we serve. LFS’ programs and services are available to everyone regardless of age, race, religion or income. Nearly 90% of the people we serve are not Lutheran.

The work of LFS is supported by caring members of our community whose contributions help make services available for those unable to pay. In fact, 85% of all donations go directly to client services.

One focus of LFS is foster care.  Every year, hundreds of Nebraska children are removed from their families because of neglect and abuse. While these families heal, their children need a safe, loving, home-like atmosphere with minimal judgment and abundant patience.

A Team Approach

Foster parents have the most direct contact with the child; they are central to the planning team, which also consists of:

• LFS foster care staff;

• A Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services case manager;

• The biological parents; and

• Teachers, therapists, counselors and other professionals involved with the family.

The team works together in the child’s best interests:

A therapist provides the foster child´s treatment.

The foster parent initiates visits with the child’s biological family, insures visits occur, and may assist with supervising desired behavior changes.

Foster parents can mentor the biological parents.

The biological parents and child reunite after meeting certain criteria—if this is not possible, a guardian or someone willing to adopt a foster child is identified.

LFS provides emergency care for children in crisis, general foster care, plus specialized care for those experiencing emotional and behavioral problems.  The need for loving foster families is immediate and on-going, especially for older children.

If you would like to learn more about foster parenting through Lutheran Family Services, please call Children Services at 1-800-267-9876 or visit Lutheran Family Services at LFSneb.org