Mike Henke has been selected for the Nebraska State Chamber Leadership Class, which will begin this month and conclude with a graduation ceremony in November.

Henke, general manager of Associated Staffing, is one of 23 people from across the state who were selected.

Each of the class's educational sessions will be conducted in a different community and address key subjects and critical issues facing Nebraska.

Eventually, a statewide network of Leadership Nebraska alumni will target areas of involvement and actively engage in finding solutions that will enhance Nebraska's future growth and prosperity.

Harder receives NIFA Outstanding Real Estate Professional Award

Mary Harder of the Real Estate Group of Grand Island has received the Outstanding Real Estate Professional Award for the rural area.

The award was given by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Harder was part of a three-way tie for the rural category.

The Outstanding Real Estate Professional Award is given to the real estate professional who is involved in the most transactions that include a NIFA loan in either urban or rural areas.

Harder was involved in 10 transactions that involved a NIFA loan.

NIFA is an internally funded, quasi-governmental instrumentality of the state. Its mission is to provide a broad range of financial resources for home ownership, rental housing, agriculture, manufacturing, medical and community endeavors.

Lacy Construction sends three to seminars

Lacy Construction Co. of Grand Island sent three representatives to the World of Concrete training seminars and exhibition in Las Vegas.

Melvin Griess, general superintendent; Luis Rivera, concrete technician; and Jared Tweten, concrete technician, made the trip.

Each of the three attended four, four-hour seminars and one 90-minute seminar.

Griess participated in classes on removable concrete forms for above-grade homes; insulating concrete forms installation; polished concrete; preventing and handling efflorescence; and six questions contractors frequently ask.

Tweten went to classes on ordering, placing and finishing concrete; handling hot- and cold-weather concreting; the do's and don'ts of concrete durability; keeping the floor flat; and handling tolerances.

Rivera attended seminars on repair and maintenance of industrial floors; polished concrete; basics of floor flatness numbers; keeping the floor flat; and troubleshooting low-compressive-strength concrete.

World of Concrete is one week of education that provides comprehensive, practical training and certification. It is the one place attendees can gather the latest information on concrete materials, methods and equipment to offer clients.

Warner new Tastefully Simple consultant

AURORA Crystal Warner of Aurora has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple, a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products.

As a consultant, Warner offers the company's gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or business opportunities, call Warner at (402) 694-3831.