Lincoln, NE – Berry Law CEO John S. Berry Jr. commemorated small business ownership in an opening speech during Lincoln Independent Business Association’s (LIBA) Free Enterprise event, which was held yesterday evening at Pinnacle Bank Arena. The speech celebrated small business owners’ perseverance despite the odds and encouraged Lincoln business owners and professionals to join LIBA and participate in events.
The Free Enterprise Celebration, hosted by LIBA, draws over 500 Lincoln business owners annually and the proceeds fund LIBA’s diverse programs designed to educate business owners and connect them to the community.
Berry Law CEO John S. Berry presented after the awards ceremony and before the live auction.
His speech drew from personal experience and highlighted how his relationships with LIBA members helped him overcome the difficulties unique to business ownership, particularly when he came back from deployment and needed to take the helm from his father at Berry Law.
“When I came back [from Iraq] I didn’t know what to do. A man named Marty Miller invited me to lunch. And Marty told me about LIBA,” Berry said. “And [Marty] said, ‘You know, this isn’t something you need to do alone. There are other business owners out there who want to help you—who can help you.’”
Berry discussed how finding community as a business owner is imperative to success, and how LIBA provides that community to business owners throughout Lincoln.
“What I learned from all the LIBA events I’ve been to and being on the board for a few years was that if I have a problem, there are at least 30 other LIBA members right now who have that exact problem. And more importantly, there are hundreds of other LIBA members who have solved that problem and are willing to help,” Berry said.
Berry addressed the 500 in attendance by empathizing with their struggles as business owners and encouraging them to continue in leadership for the sake of their families, their communities, and their dreams.
“We are the backbone of the community. And being a business owner can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Because we have support in great organizations like LIBA,” Berry concluded.
The event recognized the achievements of several Lincoln business leaders who excelled in key areas.
The 2024 award winners are:
Community Impact: Toni Rupe with Junior Achievement
LIBA Champion: DP & Rebecca Pearson with The Ticket
Enterprising Gambler: Chris Krueger with Club Pilates
Young Professional: Cecilia Striler with Western National Bank and Carter Thiele with LIBA
Business Owner of the Year: Ron Romero with Schaefer’s TV
LIBA will be hosting the Free Enterprise Celebration again next year and encourages any business leader or young professional to attend any of their monthly meetings and events in the meantime.
To learn more about LIBA or attend a group, visit www.liba.org or call their office at (402) 466-3419.
Or, if you are in need of a local personal injury, criminal defense, or Veterans affairs attorney, call Berry Law at (402) 466-8444.