About LIBA

Our History

In late 1979, a few Lincoln business leaders met at Alice’s restaurant to begin an organization that would focus on citywide business-related issues. Their philosophy was based on the idea that the prosperity of small businesses was essential to the free enterprise system. They passionately believed that the way to achieve prosperity and preserve it was to actively use the rules and rights of our democratic system to promote business interests. The outgrowth of their efforts was forming the Lincoln Independent Business Association, an association now consisting of 950 member businesses, with a history that provides inspiration for all new enterprises in Lincoln. LIBA continues to focus on advocacy throughout the community, with a special focus on the needs of small businesses. Their early motto to generate membership was, “Why Join LIBA? Because It’s YOUR Business.”

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

Robert Panzer

Board Chair

Exchange Bank

Dave Chapin<br />

Dave Chapin

Board Vice Chair

Willmar Electric

Phil Young

Phil Young

Board Secretary

Member

Lincoln Zehr<br />

Lincoln Zehr

Board Treasurer

Stonebrook Exteriors

Bruce Bailey

Bruce Bailey

Design Associates
Debby Brehm

Debby Brehm

Brehm Enterprises
Robert Bryant

Robert Bryant

Cada, Cada, & Jewson
Wanda Caffrey

Wanda Caffrey

InSource Financial Advisors
Mark Whitehead

Mark Whitehead

Whitehead Oil

Carla Ericksen<br />

Carla Ericksen

Beyond Vision LNK
Connie Hilligoss<br />

Connie Hilligoss

Sign Pro
Cory Hoagstrom<br />

Cory Hoagstrom

Midwest Choice Financial
Tom Klein<br />

Tom Klein

First National Bank of Omaha
Scott Lockard<br />

Scott Lockard

Hampton Enterprises
Nancy Loftis<br />

Nancy Loftis

Nancy L. Loftis Law Office
Brayden McLaughlin<br />

Brayden McLaughlin

Bridgewater Consulting
Richard Meginnis<br />

Richard Meginnis

NAI FMA Realty
David Pauley<br />

David Pauley

Heartland Urgent Care
Ann Post<br />

Ann Post

Rembolt Ludtke LLP
Ryan Theil<br />

Ryan Theil

Kidwell, Inc.
John Wurdeman<br />

John Wurdeman

Wurdeman Appraisal Services

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

Membership & Events
John Baylor

Perry Pirsch & John Baylor

Community Access
Colton Zamrzla

Colten Zamrzla

GenLNK
Ann Post

Ann Post

Government Affairs
Phil Young

Phil Young

Public Relations & Branding
Debby Brehm

Debby Brehm

Membership & Events

Our Partners

We partner with affiliate organizations to maximize our impact on the community. Focused on public policy and giving back, LIBA touches many parts of our community.
PAC

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

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

Join LIBA Today!

Let us help you focus on the things that really matter.