Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.Have a favorite restaurant or store you'd like to see at Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion? Is there a band you'd love to see play at the shopping center's summer concert series? Or do you just have some fun, creative ideas that could lure shoppers to Shadow Lake?
If so, this could be the perfect volunteer gig for you.
Shadow Lake Towne Center is seeking men and women to volunteer as part of its consumer advisory group. Now in its third year, members of the group meet each quarter to share their ideas, opinions and observations about the shopping center with the management in a relaxed, discussion-style meeting.
For 23-year-old Samantha Cutler of Bellevue it's been one of the most enjoyable volunteer positions she's ever had. This will be her second year with the group.
"We meet about four or five times a year, and the management asks for your input on a variety of things," she said. "The meetings are laid back, and they always make them fun for us and bring food."
Cutler said she's helped stuff goody bags for Black Friday shoppers, plan mall activities and help with bell ringing.
She's even served as a secret shopper. Cutler and other members of the advisory group were given gift cards to different stores and restaurants and were asked to rate them on customer service and other categories.
She said it's neat to be part of the behind-the-scenes effort of the mall operation. "I really enjoy it."
Applications are due March 15, and applicants selected for membership will be notified before April 2. For a link to the application, go to shadowlakeshopping.com.
Dressed for work
The dressbarn, a discount women's apparel chain, and the nonprofit organization, Dress for Success, are working together to gather more than 60,000 articles of clothing to help women in need get back into the workforce.
The campaign, which is dubbed the S.O.S. — Send One Suit — donation drive, will be held March 1-4. All 825 dressbarn stores across the country, including 18 in Nebraska and Iowa, will serve as drop-off sites for new or gently used professional attire including suits, dress shirts, blazers, pants, dresses and shoes.
This year's drive marks the 10th consecutive year for the effort. More than 51,000 items of professional clothing were collected in last year's donation drive and more than 125,000 women have been helped since the campaign's start 10 years ago. Donors get a 15 percent discount for their generosity.
Valentino's franchises
Valentino's, a regional Italian restaurant chain based in Lincoln, has franchising opportunities available in eastern Nebraska, western Iowa and northwest Missouri. Franchising opportunities now extend beyond a traditional buffet-style restaurant, simplifying the operation and requiring a lower capital investment. For more information go to Omaha.com for a link.
The write stuff
RSVP, a stationery store that offers personalized stationery, invitations and gifts, has moved.
The retailer, which was located inside Regency Court, moved to 2821 S. 108th Street, Suite A, across from Rockbrook Village. Owner Nanci Kavich said she's pleased with the move and finds it a more accessible location for her customers.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1336, leia.mendoza@owh.com
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