Pictured from L-R: Miller Derr ( NRF Chair), Mark Oppegard (NE Book), Amanda Tangeman (NE Book),  Eric Preston  (NE Book), Nebraska Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Steve Clemente (NE Book), Jim Donetelle (NRF Immediate Past Chair).  Nebraska Book Company is a shining example of what a business can accomplish from Nebraska.  Starting in 1915 with a single bookstore near the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, they now operate over 280 college bookstores and sell textbooks through some 2,500 other college bookstores nationwide.  Nebraska is privileged to be their home and the Nebraska Retail Federation is privileged to honor Nebraska Book Company as our 2010 Retailer of the Year.
http://www.nebook.com/

Retail Pioneer
Schmitt’s Clothing – Beatrice
http://www.tuxwear.com/schmitts/

Customer Service
Eakes Office Plus – Grand Island
http://www.eakes.com/our-company/locations/grand-island
Four Star Drug – Four Star Card & Gift - Lincoln
http://www.fourstargifts.com/Gifts/Home/Pharmacy_News.php

Innovative Marketer
Kent’s Mens Shoes – Lincoln
Gary Michaels Clothiers - Lincoln
http://www.garymichaels.com/

Community Gem
Erwin’s Jewelers Co. – Bellevue
Prairie Floral – Gering
http://www.prairiefloralne.com/
Wright’s Jewelers – Lincoln
http://www.wrightsjewelers.com/
Styles of Evolution – Omaha
http://www.stylesofevolution.com/
Teacher’s Corner – Scottsbluff
http://www.teacherscorner.zteachercatalog.com/
Hobbytown USA – Southpointe – Lincoln
http://www.hobbytown.com/Store/Profile/NESP
Yanda’s Music & Pro Audio – Kearney
http://www.yandasmpa.com/

Your Nebraska Retail Federation Worked Hard For You In The 2010 Session Of The Nebraska Legislature

The 2010 session of the Nebraska Unicameral is now underway. We have already been influential on two significant issues that impact Nebraska retailers.
Drivers License Scan – Presently Nebraska is the only state in the Union that does not allow retailers to scan the bar code of a driver’s license to determine eligibility for age related sales and to populate credit applications and retain the information. LB 261 was introduced to change that. Multiple Senators had unwarranted concerns about this bill and its potential to increase opportunities for identity theft. We were able to mitigate those concerns and get the bill advanced from General File to Select File (round 1) with the understanding we will address the concerns of various members prior to Select File consideration (round 2).

Forced Rebate Checks – Senator Avery introduced LB 720. If passed, it would force businesses to issue rebate checks upon customer request instead of rebate gift certificates or gift cards.
We have been in communication with Senator Avery and his staff over the last several weeks concerning this. As we understand it he received a rebate on a purchase (we believe it was a cell phone) in the form of a prepaid Visa debit card and was frustrated in his attempt to use the entire amount of the card when it got down to a small amount. He originally was thinking the bill needed to apply to ALL GIFT CARDS given as incentives or rebates. We explained that gift cards issued by retail stores are not the problem as retailers apply the remaining small amount to larger purchases. In fact, one of the primary advantages to retailers is that the card gets customers in the store and people usually spend more than the value of the card. The last thing the retailer would want to do is not honor the entire value of a store issued card. We also explained that the cards he wanted to impact were already defined in Nebraska law as “general use prepaid cards” and we got that definition to his office prior to the bill being drafted. The result is that the bill he introduced applies only to “general use prepaid cards” which are defined in Nebraska law as: “a plastic card or other electronic payment device usable with multiple, unaffiliated sellers of goods or services” and does not impact store gift cards at all. In short, we solved the problem before the bill was introduced.

We were also effective in the 2009 Session:

Sales Tax Holiday – We were successful in stopping a “faux sales tax holiday” effort that had the sales tax still due but the retailer paying it instead of the customer. Our efforts to pass a true sales tax holiday were not successful due to the very tight budget.

Limits on Spray Paint Sales – We were successful in stopping legislation that would have prohibited spray paint and “industrial marker” sales to minors.

Changes to Workers Compensation – We were successful in stopping changes to workers compensation that could have resulted in higher work comp rates for business owners.

Electronic Recycling – A bill requiring manufacturers to be responsible for recycling costs of computers and televisions was introduced but did not pass. We do not oppose this effort as long as the responsibility is on the manufacturer and does not require the retailer to collect a point of sale recycling fee.

Sales Tax Collection Allowance – In these very tight budget times, we were not successful in getting an increase in the amount paid to Nebraska Retailers for collecting sales tax. We will continue this effort until we are successful.

Assistance for Rural Retailers – We thank Senator Deb Fischer for introducing legislation recognizing that retailers are vital to rural communities. Although it did not pass, hopefully the discussion will result in favorable action over time.

Immigration – The body passed an immigration bill that requires state agencies and most state contractors to use E- Verify in their hiring practices. We worked to insure that it has no negative impact on Nebraska Retailers.

Paid Leave Restrictions – Legislation was introduced that would restrict employers on how they allocate paid leave. We opposed the broad reach of this bill and were successful in limiting it so it does not impact Nebraska Retailers.

Employee Termination – We were successful in stopping legislation that required an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination. We opposed this effort as it could have impacted both employers and employees negatively.

Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – We have been actively opposing this federal legislation which should more accurately be titled the Employee Forced Choice Act as it would effectively eliminate the secret ballot for employees in the decision to unionize a workplace. Nebraska is a key state in this national battle primarily due to Senator Ben Nelson being one of the few Democrats in the Senate who is not a sponsor of the bill. Senator Nelson opposes the legislation but has not committed to vote against cloture which is key to defeating the effort.

Past Legislative Successes

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE FEES FOR STORM WATER – We have consistently and successfully opposed this effort for years because it is an attempt to create a storm water utility fee based on “impervious surface”. Anyone with a roof and parking lot would pay a significant fee. Traditionally, storm water control has been funded by property tax and we believe property tax is the most efficient method. When calculated, the “impervious surface” fee to businesses could be more than double the potential addition to their property tax. The 2009 session is the first in several that has not had an “impervious surface” bill introduced. We feel this is due at least in part to our successful opposition efforts in past sessions. We are on the lookout for this legislation in the 2010 session.

DRAM SHOP – This continues to be an ongoing issue. The term “dram shop” refers to legislation that holds sellers of alcohol liable for injury, death or damage resulting from selling to an intoxicated person or a minor. In past sessions there have been attempts at enacting dram shop legislation in Nebraska invoking potential liability for selling to intoxicated persons and minors. We were successful in removing the “intoxicated person” language by insisting that it was an arbitrary term that cannot be specifically defined. As a result, present law only applies to those who sell to minors. There remains a desire among some senators to enact mandatory training of all sellers. While mandatory training is a significant step back from dram shop, it would be an added responsibility to our members. Neither a dram shop bill or a mandatory training bill was introduced in the 2009 session. We understand a dram shop bill will be introduced in the 2020 session.

The 2010 session of the Nebraska Unicameral is now underway. We have already been influential on two significant issues that impact Nebraska retailers.

Drivers License Scan – Presently Nebraska is the only state in the Union that does not allow retailers to scan the bar code of a driver’s license to determine eligibility for age related sales and to populate credit applications and retain the information. LB 261 was introduced to change that. Multiple Senators had unwarranted concerns about this bill and its potential to increase opportunities for identity theft. We were able to mitigate those concerns and get the bill advanced from General File to Select File (round 1) with the understanding we will address the concerns of various members prior to Select File consideration (round 2).

Forced Rebate Checks – Senator Avery introduced LB 720. If passed, it would force businesses to issue rebate checks upon customer request instead of rebate gift certificates or gift cards.
We have been in communication with Senator Avery and his staff over the last several weeks concerning this. As we understand it he received a rebate on a purchase (we believe it was a cell phone) in the form of a prepaid Visa debit card and was frustrated in his attempt to use the entire amount of the card when it got down to a small amount. He originally was thinking the bill needed to apply to ALL GIFT CARDS given as incentives or rebates. We explained that gift cards issued by retail stores are not the problem as retailers apply the remaining small amount to larger purchases. In fact, one of the primary advantages to retailers is that the card gets customers in the store and people usually spend more than the value of the card. The last thing the retailer would want to do is not honor the entire value of a store issued card. We also explained that the cards he wanted to impact were already defined in Nebraska law as “general use prepaid cards” and we got that definition to his office prior to the bill being drafted. The result is that the bill he introduced applies only to “general use prepaid cards” which are defined in Nebraska law as: “a plastic card or other electronic payment device usable with multiple, unaffiliated sellers of goods or services” and does not impact store gift cards at all. In short, we solved the problem before the bill was introduced.

We were also effective in the 2009 Session:

Sales Tax Holiday – We were successful in stopping a “faux sales tax holiday” effort that had the sales tax still due but the retailer paying it instead of the customer. Our efforts to pass a true sales tax holiday were not successful due to the very tight budget.

Limits on Spray Paint Sales – We were successful in stopping legislation that would have prohibited spray paint and “industrial marker” sales to minors.

Changes to Workers Compensation – We were successful in stopping changes to workers compensation that could have resulted in higher work comp rates for business owners.

Electronic Recycling – A bill requiring manufacturers to be responsible for recycling costs of computers and televisions was introduced but did not pass. We do not oppose this effort as long as the responsibility is on the manufacturer and does not require the retailer to collect a point of sale recycling fee.

Sales Tax Collection Allowance – In these very tight budget times, we were not successful in getting an increase in the amount paid to Nebraska Retailers for collecting sales tax. We will continue this effort until we are successful.

Assistance for Rural Retailers – We thank Senator Deb Fischer for introducing legislation recognizing that retailers are vital to rural communities. Although it did not pass, hopefully the discussion will result in favorable action over time.

Immigration – The body passed an immigration bill that requires state agencies and most state contractors to use E- Verify in their hiring practices. We worked to insure that it has no negative impact on Nebraska Retailers.

Paid Leave Restrictions – Legislation was introduced that would restrict employers on how they allocate paid leave. We opposed the broad reach of this bill and were successful in limiting it so it does not impact Nebraska Retailers.

Employee Termination – We were successful in stopping legislation that required an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination. We opposed this effort as it could have impacted both employers and employees negatively.

Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) - We have been actively opposing this federal legislation which should more accurately be titled the Employee Forced Choice Act as it would effectively eliminate the secret ballot for employees in the decision to unionize a workplace. Nebraska is a key state in this national battle primarily due to Senator Ben Nelson being one of the few Democrats in the Senate who is not a sponsor of the bill. Senator Nelson opposes the legislation but has not committed to vote against cloture which is key to defeating the effort.

Past Legislative Successes

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE FEES FOR STORM WATER – We have consistently and successfully opposed this effort for years because it is an attempt to create a storm water utility fee based on “impervious surface”. Anyone with a roof and parking lot would pay a significant fee. Traditionally, storm water control has been funded by property tax and we believe property tax is the most efficient method. When calculated, the “impervious surface” fee to businesses could be more than double the potential addition to their property tax. The 2009 session is the first in several that has not had an “impervious surface” bill introduced. We feel this is due at least in part to our successful opposition efforts in past sessions. We are on the lookout for this legislation in the 2010 session.

DRAM SHOP – This continues to be an ongoing issue. The term “dram shop” refers to legislation that holds sellers of alcohol liable for injury, death or damage resulting from selling to an intoxicated person or a minor. In past sessions there have been attempts at enacting dram shop legislation in Nebraska invoking potential liability for selling to intoxicated persons and minors. We were successful in removing the “intoxicated person” language by insisting that it was an arbitrary term that cannot be specifically defined. As a result, present law only applies to those who sell to minors. There remains a desire among some senators to enact mandatory training of all sellers. While mandatory training is a significant step back from dram shop, it would be an added responsibility to our members. Neither a dram shop bill or a mandatory training bill was introduced in the 2009 session. We understand a dram shop bill will be introduced in the 2020 session.

Sales Tax Holiday – We were successful in stopping a “faux sales tax holiday” effort that had the sales tax still due but the retailer paying it instead of the customer. Our efforts to pass a true sales tax holiday were not successful due to the very tight budget.

Limits on Spray Paint Sales – We were successful in stopping legislation that would have prohibited spray paint and “industrial marker” sales to minors.

Changes to Workers Compensation – We were successful in stopping changes to workers compensation that could have resulted in higher work comp rates for business owners.

Electronic Recycling – A bill requiring manufacturers to be responsible for recycling costs of computers and televisions was introduced but did not pass. We do not oppose this effort as long as the responsibility is on the manufacturer and does not require the retailer to collect a point of sale recycling fee.

Sales Tax Collection Allowance – In these very tight budget times, we were not successful in getting an increase in the amount paid to Nebraska Retailers for collecting sales tax. We will continue this effort until we are successful.

Assistance for Rural Retailers – We thank Senator Deb Fischer for introducing legislation recognizing that retailers are vital to rural communities. Although it did not pass, hopefully the discussion will result in favorable action over time.

Immigration – The body passed an immigration bill that requires state agencies and most state contractors to use E- Verify in their hiring practices. We worked to insure that it has no negative impact on Nebraska Retailers.

Paid Leave Restrictions - Legislation was introduced that would restrict employers on how they allocate paid leave. We opposed the broad reach of this bill and were successful in limiting it so it does not impact Nebraska Retailers.

Employee Termination – We were successful in stopping legislation that required an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination. We opposed this effort as it could have impacted both employers and employees negatively.
________________________________
Important Federal Issue

Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) – We have been actively opposing this federal legislation which should more accurately be titled the Employee Forced Choice Act as it would effectively eliminate the secret ballot for employees in the decision to unionize a workplace. Nebraska is a key state in this national battle primarily due to Senator Ben Nelson being one of the few Democrats in the Senate who is not a sponsor of the bill. Senator Nelson opposes the legislation but has not committed to vote against cloture which is key to defeating the effort.

Past Legislative Successes

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE FEES FOR STORM WATER – We have consistently and successfully opposed this effort for years because it is an attempt to create a storm water utility fee based on “impervious surface”. Anyone with a roof and parking lot would pay a significant fee. Traditionally, storm water control has been funded by property tax and we believe property tax is the most efficient method. When calculated, the “impervious surface” fee to businesses could be more than double the potential addition to their property tax. The 2009 session is the first in several that has not had an “impervious surface” bill introduced. We feel this is due at least in part to our successful opposition efforts in past sessions.

DRAM SHOP – This continues to be an ongoing issue. The term “dram shop” refers to legislation that holds sellers of alcohol liable for injury, death or damage resulting from selling to an intoxicated person or a minor. In past sessions there have been attempts at enacting dram shop legislation in Nebraska invoking potential liability for selling to intoxicated persons and minors. We were successful in removing the “intoxicated person” language by insisting that it was an arbitrary term that cannot be specifically defined. As a result, present law only applies to those who sell to minors. There remains a desire among some senators to enact mandatory training of all sellers. While mandatory training is a significant step back from dram shop, it would be an added responsibility to our members. Neither a dram shop bill or a mandatory training bill was introduced in the 2009 session.
May Retail Sales Up From April -
Down From Last Year

Washington - Without stimulus checks from Uncle Sam, consumers had less money in their pockets to spend last month. According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry sales for May (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) increased 0.2 percent seasonally adjusted from April but dropped 4.7 percent unadjusted over last year.
May retail sales released by the U.S. Commerce Department show total retail sales (which include non-general merchandise categories such as autos, gasoline stations and restaurants) increased 0.5 percent seasonally adjusted over April and decreased 11.1 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
“With no direct stimulus for consumers this year, retailers were left with tougher comparisons, making May retail sales appear weak,” said economist Rosalind Wells. “However, a slight sales increase from April provides hope that the economic turnaround may not be that far off.”
Sales at building material, garden equipment and supplies dealers increased a solid 1.3 percent seasonally adjusted from April but decreased 12.8 percent unadjusted year-over-year. Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores sales dipped 0.8 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and decreased 2.6 percent unadjusted over April. Sales at clothing and clothing accessories stores jumped 0.4 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month, but decreased 8.9 percent unadjusted year-over-year.
With or without rebate checks, consumers were still spending freely on necessities: sales at health and personal care stores increased 0.7 percent seasonally adjusted month-to-month and 3.3 percent unadjusted year-over-year.

The Nebraska Retailer of the Year Award has been a tradition of the Nebraska Retail Federation for over 20 years. Candidates are nominated by their customers and peers. Winners are chosen on the basis of contributions made to the retailing industry; outstanding customer service; leadership involvement in business and community activities; and how the candidate is regarded by employees, customers, and business colleagues. Other awards are also given highlighting retailers contributions.

Retailer of the Year - Deterdings
Kearney and Grand Island
http://www.deterdings.com/index.php

Customer Service - Shrock Innovations
http://www.schrockinnovations.com/

Community Gem Awards

Handy Man Home Remodeling Center
http://www.handymanhome.com/

Sugar Plum Oak
http://www.sugarplumoak.com/

Design Wear, Inc.
http://www.shirts101.com/

The 2009 session of the Nebraska Unicameral is well underway. Here is an update on the issues that should have a direct effect on your bottom line:

INCREASE SALES TAX COLLECTION ALLOWANCE Retailers do the State of Nebraska a significant service by collecting and remitting sales tax. In 2002 the sales tax collection allowance that businesses are allowed was severely cut back. This is an especially sore subject for retailers because on credit card purchases, they actually remit more sales tax than they
collect after they pay the credit card processing fee on the sales tax amount. This year, two bills to address this have been introduced at the request of your Nebraska Retail Federation. LB 186 would reimburse the business for the credit card processing portion of the sales tax amount. LB 249 would restore the sales tax collection allowance to the level it was prior to 2002. In these challenging times, any decrease in revenue to the state meets significant opposition but we will do our best to make this case.

SALES TAX HOLIDAY - There are two bills in the 2009 session concerning a sales tax holiday. LB 127 proposes is a true sales tax holiday on back to school items the first weekend in August each year. LB 161 claims to be a sales tax holiday for the same dates but actually has the retailer paying the tax for the customer. We are supportive of LB 127 and in opposition of LB 161.

PROHIBIT SPRAY PAINT AND INDUSTRIAL MARKER SALES TO MINORS – In an effort to curb graffiti, an Omaha Senator has introduced LB 277 which would prohibit spray paint and industrial marker sales to minors. We are aggressively opposed this legislation as it is another attempt shift law enforcement to retailers and would most likely result in those minors crossing the bridge to Iowa to buy the product. The bill died in committee.

ELECTRONIC RECYCLING – The disposal of outdated computers, monitors, and televisions is a significant national problem. Since the federal government has not taken action, some states are choosing to address the problem. In 2008 there were two electronic recycling bills introduced in the Nebraska Legislature. One required that retailers collect an Advanced Recovery Fee (ARF) at the point of sale and remit it to the State of Nebraska. The other put no obligation on retailers but required manufacturers to pay a registration fee to the State of Nebraska to be able to sell their electronic products in the state. NRF opposed the ARF bill and it died in committee. NRF supported the manufacturer responsibility bill and it passed the legislature but was vetoed by the Governor. The result is positive for retailers, as they as of now they have no added requirements. There is an electronic recycling bill in the 2009 session with the responsibility on manufacturers. We are working to make sure it does not impact retailers negatively.

PAID LEAVE RESTRICTIONS - LB 554 would restrict employers on how they allocate paid leave. Your Nebraska Retail Federation testified in opposition to the broad reach of this bill as it was introduced to address a specific concern of railroad employees. We are confident that the bill will be amended to only apply to railroads.

ASSISTANCE FOR RURAL RETAILERS – Senator Deb Fischer is dedicated to assisting vital businesses in small rural communities, including retailers. To address this, she introduced LB 117, which would provide a tax incentive to businesses in communities of less than 2,500 in population if those businesses collect and remit sales tax. While the chances of passing this specific legislation are slim, we commend Senator Fischer for recognizing the importance of these businesses to the economies of rural communities and initiating an important discussion on the subject. Hopefully this discussion will result in favorable
legislation over time.

CHANGES TO WORKER’S COMPENSATION – There are several bills in the 2009 session that would slightly alter worker’s compensation rules. Some are favorable to business owners and some could be a concern to business owners. We are working closely with the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry to insure business owner’s rights are protected.

CHANGE EMPLOYER REQUIREMENTS IN TERMINATION CASES – LB 107 would require an employer to provide an employee a reason for termination. We are opposed to this effort as it could impact both employers and employees negatively. We will work to alter or kill this bill.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE FEES FOR STORM WATER – We have consistently and successfully opposed this effort for years because it is an attempt to create a storm water utility fee based on “impervious surface”. Anyone with a roof and parking lot would pay a significant fee. Traditionally, storm water control has been funded by property tax and we believe property tax is the most efficient method. When calculated, the “impervious surface” fee to businesses could be more than double the potential addition to their property tax. The 2009 session is the first in several that has not had an “impervious surface” bill introduced. We feel this is due at least in part to our successful opposition efforts in past sessions.

DRAM SHOP – This continues to be an ongoing issue. The term “dram shop” refers to legislation that holds sellers of alcohol liable for injury, death or damage resulting from selling to an intoxicated person or a minor. In past sessions there have been attempts at enacting dram shop legislation in Nebraska invoking potential liability for selling to intoxicated persons and minors. We were successful in removing the “intoxicated person” language by insisting that it was an arbitrary term that cannot be
specifically defined. As a result, present law only applies to those who sell to minors. There remains a desire among some senators to enact mandatory training of all sellers. While mandatory training is a significant step back from dram shop, it would be an added responsibility to our members. Neither a dram shop bill or a mandatory training bill was introduced in the 2009 session.

Retail Pioneer - Young’s Western Wear
http://www.discountwesternwear.com/

Community Gem Awards

Barbara Jeans
http://barbarajeansfashions.com/index.php

Stagecoach
http://www.stagecoachgifts.biz/

Bridal Details
http://www.bridaldetails.net/about.asp

The Kloset
http://www.fashionisourpassion.com/index.php

The Nebraska Retailer of the Year Award has been a tradition of the Nebraska Retail Federation for over 20 years. Candidates are nominated by their customers and peers. Winners are chosen on the basis of contributions made to the retailing industry; outstanding customer service; leadership involvement in business and community activities; and how the candidate is regarded by employees, customers, and business colleagues. Previous recipients include Bob and Vicki Rokeby, Gary Michaels, Merle Honerman, Robert Allen, Dick Campbell, and Rose Blumkin. If you would like to nominate someone for Nebraska Retailer of the Year for 2008, click here.

Congratulations to the 2007 winners!

This year the Nebraska Retail Federation focused on saluting smaller businesses that have found a niche and provide services not found everywhere. In their own words, the winners share the secrets of their success.

Nebraska Retailer of the Year – Oak Creek Plants and Flowers located in Lincoln. Owned by John Christensen and Leland Broroysky. John Christensen acceping the award.

Oak Creek Plants and Flowers was established in 1976 by current owners John Christensen and Leland Broroysky with $3,000 start up money. Their original plan was to simply expand their mutual gardening hobby into a produce and foliage booth at Lincoln’s original Farmers’ Market. That developed into their first residential south Lincoln storefront in 1977. They dropped garden produce and focused on potted plants and supplies. To save costs, they transported product back and forth from Dade County (Miami) Florida with their own trucks, trailers, U-Hauls, and vans etc. for 8 years.

In 1973 they added wholesaling of potted plants to regional florists, greenhouses, and other plant stores. In 1980 Oak Creek moved to 10th and Van Dorn in Lincoln into an existing but abandoned floral and greenhouse facility. They expanded wholesale distribution and in 1983 added full service floral to the business. Also in 1983 came an expansion into interior commercial plant care and design.

In 1989, the construction by the Nebraska Department of Roads of Lincoln’s west bypass forced a move from the 10th and Van Dorn street location. They then purchased the land upon which their current facility sits. The currehttp://qydo.com/noe/wp-admin/post.php?post=57&action=edit&message=10nt store at 3845 South 13th in Lincoln opened in September of 1990.

Oak Creek Plants and Flowers now has over 20 employees in 3 divisions: retail floral and gift; wholesale distribution of potted plants to retail florists in a 200 mile radius of Lincoln; and interiorscaping to over 100 business locations throughout Lincoln.

Owners Christensen and Broroysky state that their business philosophy is:

1. Work hard and do personally whatever needs to be done to make the business successful.
2. Be conservative financially but willing to take risks when necessary.
3. Be honest and fair with customers and employees in order to retain both.
4. Search to reduce cost of goods continually in order to offer the highest quality product at a fair price.
5. Create a shopping and work atmosphere that is friendly and casual as well as efficient and profitable.

Customer Service, Paper Panache located in Lincoln. Nicole Van Hook, Elizabeth Hilsabeck – Owners

Paper Panache believes that fine stationery and the written note is truly a gift. We are more than a store, we are a feeling. For us our success is defined by every wedding, every party and every written note. These events remind us of the human spirit and its need to celebrate and be thankful.

The secret to our success and longevity is our love of the product and our customers. We are excited to show products to our customers to meet both their needs and their budgets. Our goal is to create a lasting relationship with our customers. To be a part of Lincoln’s small business family has been a wonderful experience. We have been blessed to have made so many friends of our colleagues.

We enjoy helping a bride from her bridal showers, first Christmas cards, baby showers through the birth of her children. In many respects our customers have made us feel lucky to be the first to know about their milestones, successes and even their losses.

Our days are never ordinary. We can welcome a new baby, unite a bride and groom, celebrate a birthday, launch a new company, recognize an anniversary, develop stationery and bid a fond farewell to a dear friend who has passed away—all in a day’s work.

We are the only store of our kind in the entire state. We have enjoyed this position as it has brought us business statewide, nationally and internationally.

Community Gems are highly regarded retailers who provide goods and services unique to the area, and who are deeply committed to community betterment through their involvement with social programs and economic development.

Community Gem: A Novel Idea Bookstore located in Brownville & Lincoln. Cinnamon Dokken & Katherine Bergstrom – Owners

We do what we love in ways we feel good about. We focus on sustainability, creating lasting relationships and offering value, not only a good product at a good price but positive interactions and community betterment.

We use our advertising budget to support community radio, social programs and the arts. We host readings and book signings and are involved in community events like the Nebraska Book Festival. Through our Thank You Tuesday program, we offer 3% of gross sales every Tuesday to a charitable organization that changes each season. We work to foster awareness of the organizations doing good work in our community and offer customers a way to contribute to those organizations through shopping at our store.

We recently opened a bookshop in the small town of Brownville, Nebraska, becoming a part of that community and attempting to help revitalize the rural economy. We’ve met great people and have had lots of fun.

Community Gem: beyourself a boutique located in Omaha – Owner Jennifer O’Dell accepting the award.

beyourself boutique focuses on making every woman feel beautiful in her own skin. We feature unique fashion forward clothing and accessories at reasonable prices. beyourself only orders six of one item and we receive new shipments every day. With our wide range of sizes, price points and clothing styles there is something for everyone.

We have a unique sizing policy. We have decided to label the fit of our clothes by color instead of numbers. We feel it is more important to buy a garment by the way it makes you feel, instead of the number on the tag.

As a fashion designer and merchandiser, Jennifer, the owner, has become acutely aware of the negative impact this industry can have on the fragile self-image of women, particularly young women. Therefore. when she decided to open her own boutique, she had several guiding principles:

• Prompt an atmosphere that is and upbeat and encourages women to feel good about themselves; hence the name: beyourself. If you come in to see the store and the signs on the waIls etc. you will feel that atmosphere.
• Have sizes that fit all women. Jennie, who does all her own buying, has worked hard to find stylish clothes that fit all women.
• Use colors for sizes instead of numbers. Women do obsess over “not fitting into that size 6 today” etc. Our sizing policy is meant to get around that—it is not so bad to be a blue dot instead of an orange dot. The other important problem our sizing policy prevents is the issue that some brands have created a size creep—their size 8s would really be a size 10 or 12 in another brand. All of our brands are tried on and sized in our store and then color coded so they are all always consistent. If you are a black dot in one brand, you will be a black dot in all the other brands we carry, thus focusing on the way you feel in our clothing and the fit of the clothing, rather than the size number on the tag.
• Provide the latest in fashion at prices that are as affordable as possible.
  beyourself Inc. is a small business locally owned and operated that just celebrated its second anniversary. It has provided employment for a dozen, young diverse woman of our community. Despite all the problems that small businesses face, and despite struggling to make a profit, Jennifer has felt it was important right from the beginning to be a positive contributor to our community and our nation. Immediately following the hurricane, the company donated over $11,000 to Katrina relief efforts through the Red Cross and Oprah’s Angel Network. On multiple occasions, beyourself has donated thousands of dollars of clothing to local charities (Dress for Success) and our local high schools.

Community Gem: Divine Truth Christian Store – La Vista Donald Zimbelman, President

Donald Zimbelman accepting the award.

Divine Truth Christian Store opened its doors for business twenty-four years ago. The name was chosen from the Bible—God’s word: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” – John 8:32

Our success is following the guidelines in His word. The first priority is to fulfill the needs of our customers. The creed that we follow is service, service, and more service. Serve our customers the way you want to be treated. Not only do we meet the needs of our customers through the products we provide, we partner with local churches.

Our customers are like family members. We rejoice with them in good times and offer comfort and prayer in difficult times. It is our goal to always consider the customer first.

www.divinetruthchristian.com

Community Gem: Sonata Decor and Gifts, Lincoln, Melissa Noonan – Owner

Melissa Noonan accepting the award.

At Sonata Decor and Gifts, we believe that the success of the business lies in the satisfaction of the customer. Our goal is to create a shopping experience which is defined by discovery, value, uniqueness, and an overall sense of fun in creating a personal and comfortable home environment.

Our services include bridal registry, accessory calls, home decor workshops, trunk shows, free gift wrap as well as personal attention when browsing and shopping our many displays throughout the store. The shopping experience at Sonata is designed to be a fun discovery to be shared with friends and family.

An ever changing inventory and constantly evolving displays help to create a sense of discovery. From multi-layered tablescapes to old fashioned storefront window displays filled with holiday trees and decor, we seek to inspire our customers with imagination and creativity. Nothing thrills us more than to see a picture brought in by a customer that displays their newly purchased item.

Much like the clothes we wear reflect our personal style, our home’s decor also reflects our style and personality. Sonata continually strives to give our customers the opportunity to reflect their own unique style at home.

www.sonatahome.com

Legislative Leadership – Senator Carroll Burling