4 to receive Nebraska Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards

Entrepreneurs from Lincoln, Omaha and Sidney will be awarded Nebraska Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards by the Nebraska Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration.

Marvin Filsinger of Sidney, Thomas C. Smith of Lincoln and Dick C.E. Davis and Ronald K. Parks of Omaha will receive the awards at a March 24 banquet in conjunction with the NU Ventures World Business Plan Competition.

Filsinger owned and managed Filsinger Excavating and Emergency Services in Sidney until 1996. During his tenure at Filsinger Excavating, he grew the business's net worth from $300,000 to more than $8 million, while employing 63 people in eight states. He said, "Being part of a community not only entails employment and adding to the tax base, but also being willing to give back through community service." He is an active promoter of youth and family activities in the community and served on the Sidney City Council.

Smith, chairman and CEO of Smith Hayes Financial Services, began his career in the investment and financial services industry in 1968 with First Mid America Inc., a Lincoln-based financial services company. First Mid America was merged into Paine Webber in 1983. Smith was a senior vice president with Paine Webber until December 1985. In December 1985, he and Tom Hayes started Smith Hayes Financial Services Inc, where he now works with a team that manages assets in excess of $100 million as well as overseeing the strategic direction of Smith Hayes Financial Services. During Smith's business career in Lincoln, he has held various civic and professional affiliations, including the University of Nebraska Foundation, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, the Nebraska Independent College Foundation, Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation, Foundation for Educational Services Inc., and the Nebraska chapter of the Nature Conservancy. He is a member of the board of directors of several private companies.

Davis is chairman and CEO of the Davis Insurance Agency Inc., Bonding and Technical Services Inc., a consulting firm, and Commercial Finance and Investment Inc., a financing company. These firms operate on a multi-state basis and represent a multi-million dollar operation under the umbrella of The Davis Cos. Davis has increased revenues from these companies 10 times in the 10 years since his involvement began. Davis was the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year in 2000 and The Davis Cos. was recognized as the 10th fastest growing company in Omaha in 2002.

Parks is owner and chief executive officer of Millard Manufacturing Corp., a stainless-steel fabricating business that specializes in custom food processing equipment for national companies. Among its products is continuous poultry processing systems, canning industry machinery, and red meat and pork equipment. He uses down time at the plant to create steel sculptures. He combines his creativity with 50 years of knowledge of fabricating metals. The employee stock ownership company provides an ideal structure for the 50 owner/employees to keep abreast of the newest trends in their industry.

For information on the Nebraska Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards or the banquet, telephone (402) 472-3353.

CONTACTS: Elaine Warren, Coordinator, Center for Entrepreneurship, (402) 472-3353;
Glenn Friendt, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship, (4020 472-3353