Chamber honors nine for business achievements
By JEAN ORTIZ/Lincoln Journal Star
Wednesday, Aug 15, 2007 - 05:14:35 pm CDT
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce lauded seven local companies and two individuals Tuesday at its 12th annual Celebrate Business awards luncheon at The Cornhusker Marriott.
Business is the backbone of the community and it’s important o recognize the way it has helped shape Lincoln, Chamber President Wendy Birdsall said in her opening remarks.
“It is the engine that makes our economy grow and prosper,” she said.
The city is poised to see significant business growth, Mayor Chris Beutler said, predicting a “renaissance” in the near future though he didn’t divulge any details.
Wednesday’s ceremony distributed nine awards, including:
Small Business of the Year — professional technology consulting firm Five Nines Technology Group, 6710 L St. Suite 110, took honors for dramatically increasing revenue and job creation over the past two years. The owners are James Bowen and Nick Bock.
Woman-Owned Business — Engineering Design Consultants, 2200 Fletcher Ave. Suite 102, the only female-owned engineering firm in the state that has grown by 20 employees in the last three years while net revenue increased 33 percent. Pam Dingman is the owner.
Minority Owned Business — Bosnian native Emsud Deumic took the award for Emsud’s Clothiers, 2801 Pine Lake Road Suite E, a men’s retail clothing and alteration store that opened in Lincoln in 1998.
Tourism Development Award — The chamber honored the Nebraska School Activities Association, which brings high school championship competitions to Lincoln and the tourists who spent millions of dollars annually.
Environmentally Conscious Business Award — The University of Nebraska-Lincoln was recognized for its efforts to increase environmental awareness on campus, including in the design and construction of its buildings, as well as its efforts throughout the community.
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — Human resource consulting firm Talent Plus, One Talent Plus Way, took honors for exemplifying creativity in the development of enterprise in Lincoln. The firm serves more than 200 clients in 20 languages and today employs 137 people.
Cornerstone Award — NEBCO, 1815 Y St., the construction industry company received the award for its efforts to add to the local* economic base and provide opportunities for others.
Former Lancaster County Commissioner Kathy Campbell and BryanLGH Health System Chief Executive Officer Lynn Wilson received the two awards designated for individuals.
Campbell was recognized with the Roger T. Larson Community Builder award for her extensive volunteer efforts and other involvements, including within child advocacy, that have helped shape the community.
Campbell commended the chamber for the creation of the Young Professionals Group, noting the group’s role in ensuring younger generations will seamlessly step into leadership roles in the future.
“I truly know the community builders are already in place,” she said.
Wilson, who has announced he will retire in March after 21 years with BryanLGH, received the Burnham Yates Citizen Award, which honors both his business and charitable contributions to the city. Wilson was recognized for his role in developing a state-of-the-art health care system as well as his involvements in a variety of community organizations.
