About LIBA
Our History
These visionary leaders forged a path for an organization willing to stand up for business and taxpayers. A group of courageous business owners were willing to stand tall and fight for the betterment of Lincoln.
In the early stages of LIBA, the Lincoln Journal Star stated, “…despite the lack of pressure, local elected officials did a fair job this year of holding the line on spending. Some credit for that is due the Lincoln Independent Business Association. The organization paid attention. Its members studied the budgets. They showed up at meetings. They offered comment and suggestions. They performed a valuable public service, especially considering the absence of participation from other citizen organizations and individuals.”
Thanks to a group of community leaders standing up to create an organization focused on small and large businesses alike, LIBA holds true to those founding principles, and continues to be the voice of the business community in Lincoln.
We believe in creating a thriving community by empowering business leaders and working with elected officials.
Our Mission
To provide leadership and educational opportunities to the business community. To educate the public concerning the vital role of business in creation of meaningful jobs, and in meeting the payrolls that allow our citizens to enjoy quality of life.
To communicate the concerns of the business community to elected and appointed officials at all levels of local government; and to support political candidates who understand and promote the free enterprise system.
Meet The Staff
Office Number: (402) 466-3419
Travis Filing
President, CEO
Travis takes over as LIBA’s President, CEO with a background in business, politics, and community service. Alongside his wife, Shannon, Travis owns Transformation Marketing, a marketing and real estate business and two other small businesses within Lancaster County. His entrepreneurial spirit is a testament to his commitment to the local business community. Travis also features experience in the political area, having served as the village chairman and mayor of Panama, NE. Travis’s roles as a public servant and business owner, along with his personal ties to the community, illustrate his deep investment to Lincoln. He looks to grow the organization with a service-oriented approach by discovering the needs of local business owners and delivering them results.
Bob Sawdon
Sales Associate
Laurie
Sales Associate
Carter Thiele
Policy & Research Coordinator
Brit Kurtzer
Billing Rep
Our Board
Robert Panzer
Board Chair
Exchange Bank
Dave Chapin
Board Vice Chair
Willmar Electric
Phil Young
Board Secretary
Member
Lincoln Zehr
Board Treasurer
Stonebrook Exteriors
Bruce Bailey
Debby Brehm
Robert Bryant
Wanda Caffrey
Mark Whitehead
Whitehead Oil
Carla Ericksen
Connie Hilligoss
Cory Hoagstrom
Tom Klein
Scott Lockard
Nancy Loftis
Brayden McLaughlin
Richard Meginnis
David Pauley
Ann Post
Ryan Theil
John Wurdeman
Past Chairs
Larry Anderson
Bruce Bailey
Jim Ballard
Russ Bayer
Joe Bolubasz
Steve Bowen
Debby Brehm
Bob Bryant
Hank Buis
Wanda Caffrey
Doug Carey
Tim Cox
Fred Duven
Ron Ecklund
Darlene Fletcher
Hub Hall
Joe Hampton
Randy Harre
Connie Hilligoss
Dean Hoag
John Hoppe Jr.
Steve Hughes
Mark Hunzeker
Connie Jensen
Pat Kahm
Peter Katt
Tom Klein
Bill Lien
Ron Lockard
Jack Lorenzen
Richard Meginnis
Marty Miller
David Pauley
Dan Roth
Bob Sikyta
Arlene Sorensen
Scott Stewart
Ken Svoboda
Todd Watson
Ken Wentz
Jeff White
Lincoln Zehr
Joe Frey
Mark Whitehead
A Collaborative Approach
At the core of LIBA is our committees. Many decisions are made at the committee level that impact public policy priorities, event planning, issue awareness, and community service. This offers direct input from the LIBA members that is unique to our organization.
Each committee meets on a structured, monthly basis and elects a chair who is in charge of committee activities.
Are you a LIBA member interested in learning more about a committee? Reach out to a committee chair below.
Our Committee Chairs
Perry Pirsch & John Baylor
Colten Zamrzla
Ann Post
Phil Young
Debby Brehm
Our Partners
LIBA PAC
The LIBA PAC works to elect business-minded candidates to local office. Without regard to party affiliation, the LIBA PAC supports candidates who actively supports the free enterprise system.
LIBA PAC Trustees Chair: Phil Young
LIBA Foundation
The LIBA Foundation was established in 1996 to provide a means by which funds could be collected to support LIBA and the Lincoln business community, while providing tax advantages to donors. The LIBA Foundation works to promote its mission through a number of projects.
LIBA Foundation
Board President: Bruce Bailey